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  The Hulme CanAm is an amazing machine... although it looks great in pictures it is truly remarkable up close.

The Hulme CanAm supercar will be one of the star attractions...

... at next month's Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) where it will make its local debut.

The radical two-seater is hand-built in New Zealand and is powered by a 7.0-litre Chevrolet V8 engine which generates 447kW of power and 600Nm of torque.

Named after late New Zealand racing driver and 1967 Formula 1 World Champion, Denny Hulme, the mid-engined car is designed to be driven on both race tracks and public roads.

Hulme Supercars managing director and project coordinator Jock Freemantle believes the CanAm's appearance will excite car lovers and motorsport fans alike.

"All the members of the Hulme CanAm project are really excited that our car will be on display at the Australian International Motor Show," Mr Freemantle said. "This car has been developed to not only honour the memory of Denny Hulme, but also to provide owners with something that offers pure driving enjoyment.

"It is beautifully engineered, remarkably powerful and is a real testament to the people who have poured so much time into making this car a reality. It is also a great way to show all the Aussies just what us Kiwis can do!"

The Hulme CanAm is a true reflection of Denny Hulme's successful career and also of New Zealand's rich racing history. The CanAm nameplate was chosen to honour Hulme's two Canadian-American Challenge Cup (CanAm) championships in 1968 and 1970.

Hulme's distinctive orange CanAm race cars were prepared by fellow Kiwi ace Bruce McLaren. The modern day Hulme is painted a similar colour called ‘Hulme Orange' in deference to these championship-winning cars.

AIMS show director Russ Tyrie is delighted the show secured the car for its Australian debut.

"The Hulme CanAm is an amazing machine, built by a dedicated team of highly-experienced engineers," Mr Tyrie said. "I urge everyone to come along and see the Hulme first-hand, because although it looks great in pictures it is truly remarkable up close."

The Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour. The show opens at 5pm on Friday, 15 October and runs until 6pm on Sunday, 24 October.

More on the Australian International Motor Show 2010