Articles by Stuart Martin

There's nothing quite like a V8 - I'm not sure who said it but they were on to something. There are sensational V8s in many of the European, Japanese and US product on the market here but when it comes to bent-eights, the Blue Oval or the Red Lion attract the most attention.In fact, the phrase was probably used a Ford or Holden ad campaign. Both sides of that fence maintain there's still demand for the V8-powered models and after spending some time in the latest from Elizabeth it's easy to see why. Ford is no longer making the XR8, leaving the fight to the XR6 Turbo or FPV's new $56,990 GS sedan - with the 315kW/545Nm supercharged five-litre 8.VALUEAs upgrades go, the VEII program was hardly earth-shattering. The bulk of the changes were minor in terms of aesthetics, but in the engine bay and the dashboard there's been enough done - particularly given the pricetag is unchanged. The highlight for the model change was within - the new iQ infotainment system is standard on the SS V, a set-up for which many brands would justify plenty extra pesos on the pricetag.TECHNOLOGYThe six-litre GenIV V8 (which retains the cylinder de-activation system) has been given the once-over to allow it to run on E85, there's some underbody aero-panels to smooth the airflow and some other tuning tweaks to the suspension. The standard iQ infotainment system offers colour satellite navigation, a hard drive, USB input and Bluetooth link for the phone and the 11-speaker sound system are among the features controlled by the touch screen.The satnav has several useful features but the best few are the speed camera and school zone warnings to remind drivers of what's around them, as well as displaying the speed limit of the current road being travelled. The luxo-hotrod also has dual zone climate control, a rear camera, parking sensors at the rear, alloy-faced pedals, 19in alloys (although there's only a goo kit and no spare, that's optional), a sports leather-wrapped steering wheel - one of the few feature upgrades above the SS, along with projector headlights.DESIGNThe new VEII SS V struts through traffic, with muscular bulges and stance largely inherited from the VE. The SS V has a rear diffuser set up with quad exhausts and, sitting on 19in wheels, doesn't need the retina-searing yellow paintwork to stand out.The cabin has leather sports seats (that could do with more support around the ribcage), the sports steering wheel and a leather-wrapped gearshifter. It's a comfortable cabin and forward vision is reasonable, sullied only by the thick A-pillar; rear vision isn't great before the put the big rear spoiler on, so the camera and sensors are must-have.SAFETYThe VEII SS V has a decent safety features list, with stability and traction control, a limited slip diff, anti-lock brakes, dual front, side and curtain airbags, front seatbelts with load-limiters and pretensioners. Anyone looking for serious braking power will want to consider the new Redline option pack, which  would worthwhile - the pack ups the stopping power with four-piston Brembo front brakes as well as the handling to the new FE3 level for an extra $2500.Brakes have not often been the strong point of a Commodore and while the latest example of the breed has certainly improved, the extra braking power would be welcome.DRIVINGThe hero colour of the new range is called Hazard, the biggest one being the attention such a hue can attract, even when you're being good. The auto SS V is 19kg heavier and down 10kW and 13Nm over the manual version, but you don't notice the loss of grunt, as 260kW and 517Nm is ample for most amusements.The cylinder dropout system is still short on smarts, taking an awfully long time to drop to four cylinders on a long downhill stretch and it still idles on all eight. Holden is claiming a 2.5 per cent drop in fuel use to 12.3 litres per 100km, but that's on PULP - we had plenty of E85 in the tank and the number on the trip computer was around 18, a legacy of the faster-burning ethanol fuel.The VEII SS V is an impressive machine through a twisty hills back road, although the steering could do with a bit more meat. It doesn't drive like a 1700kg sedan - except in tight corners at optimistic entry speeds - and feels as though it's not punishing its tyres as much, with minimal complaints from the rubber during moderately brisk cornering.The new centre display works well enough, although it sometimes has a bit too much thinking time when switching between functions, but the connectivity side - using Bluetooth - is easy to use. Certain angles of sunlight will bring on a reflection from silver strip below the instrumentation, which makes the instruments almost impossible to see.The rear spoiler ruins what is already average rear vision, making the camera and rear sensors compulsory if you've got kids that might be near the rear. The V8 is a smooth and purposeful powerplant, although it will be too quiet for some petrolhead owners - plenty of scope for aftermarket exhausts - but the six-speed auto is still not the smartest transmission around.VERDICTYou can't argue with the value-for-money equation given the features and the performance - the already-capable package has been refined and upgraded, without any extra on the asking price.

However, the Holden Commodore was the top-selling model and now holds more than half the large-car market.  The 3787 new Commodores sold last month was nearly 10 per cent up on October last year while Australian-made large car rivals Ford Falcon (2258 sales) was more than 20 per cent down and Toyota Aurion (just 785 sales) a whopping 45 per cent down from October last year.Vfacts figures issued yesterday by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show that Holden Commodore is the only one of the three leading Australian-made cars to do better in year-to-date sales compared with last year.It meant Commodore accounted for just over half (51 per cent) of the large-car market, Holden's sales and marketing executive director John Elsworth said yesterday.  The company's Cruze currently is an imported model and again figured in the top-10 selling cars in Australia las month."Next year will be an exciting time for Holden," Mr Elsworth said. "Our Australian-made line-up will grow next year to include the Cruze sedan and hatchback, making Cruze the only Australian-built small car when its starts to roll off the production line along side Commodore in 2011."The FCAI said total October new-vehicle sales were 80,925, on par with the same month last year, a drop in passenger car sales offset by a rise in demand for SUVs. The year-to-date total of 861,645 new vehicles is 13 per cent up on the first 10 months last year and heading for a one-million tally for this calendar year.Toyota easily remains most popular brand, its 16,329 sales last month 60 per cent greater than any other brand, helped by HiLux and Corolla being second and third to Commodore."Toyota is now positioned to finish the year with more than 200,000 sales a level never achieved by any other car company in Australia," Toyota sales and marketing executive director David Buttner said.Top 10 selling models last month(with year-to-date in brackets)1. Holden Commodore 3787 (38,407)2. Toyota HiLux 3001 (33,128)3. Toyota Corolla 2803 (32,144)4. Mazda3 2556 (32,604)5. Ford Falcon 2258 (25,209)6. Hyundai i30 2165 (26,014)7. Holden Cruze 2135 (23,532)8. Toyota Camry 1924 (19,456)9. Mitsubishi Lancer 1752 (20,062)10. Hyundai Getz 1575 (18,388)Source: Vfacts, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

The French car maker has released some pricing and specification information ahead of the new light car's showroom debut later this month, with Citroen making the somewhat odd boast that the top-spec model has "the largest windscreen ever seen on a small car," the panoramic Zenith windscreen, 35 per cent larger than a normal windscreen. Prices will start from $19,990 for the C3 VT manual-only, the VTR+ will retail from $23,490 for the petrol/auto or $23,990 for the turbodiesel/manual.  The C3 Exclusive flagship in petrol/auto will be priced from $25,990 or the turbodiesel/manual model will retail from $26,490. The incoming C3 will go up against the Peugeot 207 and Renault's Clio, as well as the Polo from Volkswagen and Ford's inbound Thai-built Fiesta.  Citroen says the C3 will be more refined than its predecessor, with three times as much sound-absorbent material than the outgoing vehicle. The new car measures 3940mm long, 1730mm wide and 1520mm tall and will offer 300 litres of bootspace despite being shorter than much of its competition. The little hatchback sat fourth - behind the C4, C5 and Berlingo - in terms of sales at the end of last year and instead of where perhaps it should be - in 2008 it sat second behind the C4, a position to which Citroen believes it can return with the new model. Citroen Australia general manager Miles Williams says the C3 has been an integral part of the company's Australian line-up and the outgoing model's supply dried up in May. "We have a considerable pent-up demand for the new model ... we have, therefore, released details of the prices and specifications ahead of the arrival of the new model so that customers can start selecting and ordering their new C3," he says. The new car has been built with the brief of lower weight, better aerodynamics and lower emissions.  The range will be offered with two petrol power-plants and one turbodiesel - the 1.6-litre 16-valve unit producing 66kW and 215Nm while claiming a combined fuel use figure of 4.3 litres per 100km will be teamed with a five-speed manual for the Exclusive model. The two petrol engines on offer will be a 54kW/118Nm 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol engine in the VT, teamed only with a five speed manual.  The VTR will be offered with the turbodiesel or the PSA/BMW joint-venture powerplant, the 1.6-litre turbocharged 16-valve engine producing 88kW and 160Nm - offer refined and economical performance. The new C3 range will have a six-speaker sound system - with the option of an upgraded eight-speaker set-up; Bluetooth phone/audio link and a USB port are available on the options list for all models bar the Exclusive. The new C3 safety features list will include stability control, anti-lock brakes and up to six airbags.  The entry-level VT model has 15in steel wheels, an MP3-compatible sound system with wheel-mounted controls,  air conditioning, power-adjustable mirrors, front power windows and a trip computer. The VTR+ adds curtain airbags, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cooled glove box and cruise control with speed limiter; the Exclusive adds climate control, power windows front and rear, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, folding and heated door mirrors and 16in alloy wheels.

No more so than in Australia, where some of the best breaks in the land require a vehicle that can eat up the miles and take some bumps and knocks in order to reach the spots where the waves are rolling in.Holden SandmanOne of the vehicles that immediately springs to mind is the Holden Sandman. Famous, or perhaps infamous, for its cavernous rear load space, the Sandman was devised to take advantage of the expanding "recreational" market and had room for boards, gear and sleeping bags in the back.First seen in the early 1970s, the genuine Sandman was on offer in two V8 models but it was the often lurid paintwork that caught people's attention.Holden resurrected the idea of the Sandman with a Ute-based concept car done by Reg Mombassa (and Mambo) for the 2000 Sydney motor show. It also made a trip to the North American motor show circuit but had the nude artwork on its flanks tamed before getting its U.S. visa.Price (when new): from $4156-$9554.Sold: 1974-1979Engines: 4.2-litre and five-litre V8sGearbox: four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive.Ford Escort SundownerFor those who couldn't stretch to the full-size models, Ford's Escort panel van, the Sundowner, had potential as a surf trip machine.Ford did its own Australian version of the Escort van with 1.6-litre and two-litre engines as well as full stripe kits and side "bubble" windows, as well as things like a full headlining, carpet, not to mention better fuel economy as the supercar and fuel crisis scares sent shockwaves through the industry.Ford improved the rear sleeping space by allowing the front seats to tilt forward for more rear space for the drive-in or beach.Price (when new): from $5712-$7891.Sold: 1978-1982Engines: 1.6-litre and two-litre four-cylinderGearbox: four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.Volkswagen KombiVolkswagen's Kombi, or Type 2 as it was supposed to be known, was an icon of the anti-war movement but had fans beyond those just putting flowers in their hair and giving peace a chance.Early T1 versions had split front windscreens and barn-style side doors (and are worth a pretty penny now if you have one sitting under a sheet in the shed) but it was the T2 that built the legend in Australia.Also known as the Kombi - a name also used in Brazil, where it was also built - the VW Kombinationskraftwagen (or combined-use vehicle) lent itself to carrying boards and crew, with the campervan versions also becoming popular as surf safari vehicles.Volkswagen also tried to resurrect the Kombi surf machine with a sharp-looking Microbus concept car in 2001 and more recently a Kombi Beach model that went on sale for two years from 2006.Price (when new): from $2440-$9995.Sold: 1965-1980Engines: 1.4-litre, 1.5-litre, 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre and two-litre four-cylinderGearbox: four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.Bedford vanWave-chasers have also been known to go large by means of a 1970s Bedford Van, some of which had 173cu in (2.8-litre) Holden engines in them. Perhaps most famously used by TV's The A-team, the Bedford could be made into a muscle car or an all-rounder to cart boards and entourage.Price (when new): from $3635-$11,283.Sold: 1970-1981Engines: two-litre four-cylinder and 2.8-litre Holden six-cylinderGearbox: four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.Suzuki SierraSuzuki is well-known for its motorcycles and little cars, but for many the icon of the brand is its little Sierra off-roaders, which many saw as a good machine to get to surf breaks limited by access.The lightweight Sierra - available with a hard-top or a removable soft-top - weren't the ideal vehicle for an overnight stop (swags or tents a must) but if you needed cheap, economical transport to a great (but remote and inaccessible) surf break, then the little Suzuki was a good bet.The company has even recently resurrected the Sierra nameplate, albeit on a model within the Jimny range.Price (when new): from $6429-$16,990.Sold: 1981-1999Engines: one-litre, 1.3-litre four-cylinderGearbox: four-speed and five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive.

Back in the dim dark past, the BMW 528i was a top-end model - as a car nut kid I always thought the number sequence had a nice ring to it. So when the key fob to the entry-level petrol model were handed over, it was something of a step back in time.Dressed in "Imperial Blue" metallic paint with what BMW describes as "Dakota Oyster" leather interior trim, the new-look Five has emerged from the styling wastelands and is a nice looker again.VALUE: For a tickle under one hundred thousand before you get plates and hit the road, the features list needs to be good - cruise control with brake function, bi-xenon headlights (adaptive and high-beam assist systems are both optional), fog lights, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, electro-chromatic interior mirror, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights are among the standard fare.The driver gets head-up display (which polarising glasses don't like), plus there's also ambient lighting, climate control, Bluetooth phone link, satnav and sound system (with the larger screen that's part of the Navigation System Professional for an extra $1600) with CD and USB port (which won't charge an iPhone when hooked up for music), a multi-function sports leather steering wheel and electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger.There's some powered seat adjustment but the bulk of the test car's adjustment was manual - which is poor given the pricetag.For a tickle under $100,000, the 528i features list was padded with options putting the as-tested pricetag up over $112,000 - among them is an extra $500 for the Sports Automatic Transmission with gear shift paddles, upgraded climate control for $800, a $3200 glass sunroof and the Park Assist system for $1600.There's a no-cost option for 17in wheels, which ups the profile from 45 to 55 and narrows slightly.TECHNOLOGYSome will like the high-tech one-up-manship feel of having eight ratios on offer from the (optional) sports automatic transmission with paddles on the steering wheel, but the sport mode on offer does a good enough job to make the paddles an indulgence.The electrics of the 5 are fed by brake energy regeneration, which reduces power supply loads on the engine.Some of the other clever stuff - which adds more than $2000 to the price - on the 5 includes the parking cameras and sensors, which offer a view of the car's surrounds, making close-quarter work in carparks a doddle.The Dynamic Damper Control system ups the ask by $2650 but is probably one of the more worthwhile options on the list, giving the driver some handling bias when required - normal mode is a good all-round set-up, which has given back some ride quality to the BMW mid-sizer.That said, the runflats still pick-up and transfer more than they should from small bumps in the road, something that dropping back to the smaller-diameter alloys might reduce a little.DESIGNCertainly more handsome than it's predecessor, the new 5-Series looks less startled and more cohesive.The interior space is not as good as the exterior suggests, calling it snug is being generous. Four average-sized adults might be comfortable but sitting behind my own 190cm driving position, the leg room in particular was tight.SAFETYActive safety features abound, ranging from active front headrestraints, stability and traction control, runflat tyres, anti-lock brakes and corner brake control.The cabin has dual front and side impact airbags for the front driver and passenger, as well as full-length curtain airbags.DRIVINGA prestige cruiser, the 528i has an almost calming influence for the driver - the optional adjustable suspension's normal mode is the best for most road conditions, with comfort being a little too soft - and almost wallowy - on some undulating road surfaces.At first glance, the six-cylinder engine's numbers don't suggest it will deal with the car's girth, but it is better than expected.The three-litre six sings when required - as most Beemer engines do - and teams well with the eight-speed transmission, although it seems a little excessive to have eight ratios, given the engine revolutions at cruise are similar to previous generations.The Sport and Sport Plus modes tighten the suspension up substantially and the 528i feels almost nimble, suggesting the more powerful Sport models will be entertaining machines with this feature.The 528i is an enjoyable drive, but at a more genteel level.It's a little tight for a tall driver - particularly if there's any need to accommodate a rear passenger comfortably - and the absence of full electric adjustment in a car wearing this sort of a pricetag is a bit rich, so to speak.VERDICTA well-crafted and handsome machine, the entry-level petrol 5-Series has plenty to like but falls a little short for space and some features on the options list that should be standard.BMW 528iPrice: from $99,900 (as tested $112,870)Engine: Three-litre 24-valve in-line six-cylinderTransmission: eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drivePower: 190kW at 6600rpmTorque: 310Nm at 2600-5000rpmPerformance: 0-100km/h 6.7 secondsTop speed: 250km/h (governed)Fuel consumption: 7.8 litres/100km combined, 10.7L/100km on testTank: 70 litresEmissions: 187g/kmBrakes: four-wheel ventilated discsDimensions: Length 4899mm, Width 1860mm, Height 1464mm, Wheelbase 2968mmTrack: fr/rr 1600/1627mmCargo Volume: 520 litresWeight: 1655kgWheels: 18in alloys

The sales peak was previously hit in 1963, when the company sold around 32,000 vehicles - mostly Beetles with some Kombis. Volkswagen Australia's spokesman Karl Gehling says the brand was on target for a tally of close to 40,000 well before the end of the year. "We are going to achieve a record for Australia, as of this month (October) we have overtaken our previous record of around 32,000 with a couple of months to go. "We'll wait and see, I won't put a number on it," he says. While the 2010 number will be looking good for the German brand, the 2011 calendar has nine new or refreshed models turning up in VW dealerships, including the new Amarok light-commercial, the Touareg SUV, Passat sedan and wagon, the updated Eos convertible and the new Jetta. The Golf range will grow to include the frugal BlueMotion model early next year, but the BlueMotion catalogue could be expanded if the company sees demand for the frugal Passat BlueMotion passenger sedan. The model recently set a world record for covering more than 2400km on one tank of fuel, but the Australian arm of the German car maker has no immediate plans for Passat BlueMotion in Australia. What is coming is a new version of the Passat CC – and don't discount another Passat R model. Hanno Greuner, part of technical section of Project Management Team, says the R line is not yet extinct … "there will be something" … and there are highlights in the pipeline. "We have an R for the Golf, Scirocco … and I think the R is a perfect match for Passat." "Increased engine size can sometimes make it difficult to satisfy exhaust emission standards, I think it will be possible to use a smaller and more powerful engine, and more fuel efficient," he says. The evolution of the Golf R, from a V6 to a higher-boost turbo four, points to a smaller-capacity R-Series Passat with higher outputs and better economy and emissions. "I suspect we will get more downsizing in capacity and upsizing in power output," he says. Herr Greuner says the next Passat CC will follow the new family DNA styling sequence. "There is a VW design language and the next CC will speak that same language," he says, refusing to elaborate further.

The long-running VW nameplate adds a new chapter to its 15-million sales story with the B7, and Australian buyers (and dealers) will rejoice at the long-awaited addition of the Bluetooth phone link as standard.Also on the standard features list is the fatigue detection system when it hits showrooms in the second quarter of 2011.VALUEThe Passat line-up will be unchanged for now, with the 118 TSI 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol, the 125 TDI two-litre turbodiesel and the outgoing R36's 3.6-litre petrol V6 topping the pricelist, which should have largely untouched price-tags."The pricing will be competitive, our intention will be to hold pricing at near current RRP, not run-out pricing," VW Australia's Karl Gehling says.TECHNOLOGYThe Passat in its home market will feature 19 new safety and assistance systems, some of which we are likely to get in Australia - fatigue detection - but Volkswagen Australia says it is looking at the other features for the options list, like front assist with city emergency braking function, the Easy Open bootlid, Park Assist mark two, lane change and lighting assistance systems, although the traffic sign detection system doesn't appear to be headed for Australia.The fatigue detection system, standard on Australia-bound Passats, monitors steering wheel angle, pedal use and transverse acceleration and decides if the driver needs a prod by comparing them to the data from early in the trip.There's no electric shock, joked one of the VW execs -  it puts out visual and audible warnings and repeats them 15 minutes later of the vehicle hasn't stopped.The Passat is also the first Volkswagen ever to have a City Emergency braking function, active below 30 km/h and able to automatically brake the car to avoid or reduce the damage of a front-end impact. The active cruise control's upgrade now gives Passat buyers a collision warning system that uses the radar to monitor conditions over 100m ahead and warns the driver and assists in stopping as soon as possible.One of the clever convenience systems on offer is the Easy Open boot, part of the keyless entry and go system - a driver with arms full of gear but key in pocket can "kick" their foot beneath the rear bumper to automatically pop the bootlid - expect it on the options list for both sedan and eventually the wagon. The new model will also feature the upgraded Park Assist system that “sees” parallel and now perpendicular parking spaces and can automatically steer the car into them.DESIGNThe nose has taken the incoming Jetta's snout and the rear has more than a little inspiration (for the sedan at least) from the Phaeton flagship, meaning it is a conservative but sharp-looking vehicle, with LEDs within the new lighting design front and rear.Interior design is familiar to those who have spent any time in the other new models from Volkswagen, with only minor changes to the fascia and buttons around the gearshifter and some minor aesthetic tweaks to the dashboard.The wagon is also equipped with a clever loading system and a rear lever system to drop the second row of seats for larger loads. The refinement and lower noise levels within the cabin are attributed to extra sound insulation throughout the passenger cell and particularly between the dashboard and the firewall.The Passat's windscreen is made from a composite safety glass, with an integrated acoustic film, something that - in Europe at least - can be optioned up for the front side windows.SAFETYBeyond the active systems, Passat has two-stage dual front and side airbags for the front row, full-length side curtain airbags and the availability of rear side airbags and a rear seatbelt indicator.Volkswagen says the body structure is 74 per cent high-strength steel and built using laser and spot welding in key areas for extra strength.DRIVEThe updated Passat has many similarities to the outgoing B6 vehicle - in fact the facelifted and upgraded B7 is perhaps more a B6.5, but that's not a bad thing. The refinement and revamping of a proven and trusted package is what's gone on, albeit with a new-look exterior to keep it looking like part of the family.The company's emphasis on smooth, quiet and refined is backed up by the first few minutes, with extra soundproofing resulting in a cabin devoid of road, engine and wind noise.On Spanish roads the adjustable suspension - which has undergone minor tuning changes only - delivers a well-controlled and comfortable ride, with minimal loss in ride quality when switched to sport mode - the Passat turbodiesel wagon impressed in the corners, rarely pushing the nose wide.The engineering spin that boasted a strong, more rigid bodyshell is backed by the drive, with the impression of a taut and strong body; there's also no "booming" noise from the open rear cargo area that sometimes sullies a wagon.The turbodiesel (teamed with the six-speed DSG) is an excellent powerplant - as seen in the new Golf GTD and current Passat - and the 59 per cent share currently held by this powerplant will - if anything - increase.The 118 TSI also driven during the short launch drive outside of Barcelona also proved to be a quiet drive, with the petrol turbo four also a flexible and useful powerplant, teamed with the newer seven-speed DSG (the torque of the turbodiesel is beyond the seven speed's tolerances).Both cars impressed with more intuitive DSG programming that reduces hesitation and the insulation from noise and unwanted road intrusions. The sedan has a good-sized boot it’s easy to see why the wagon is getting more than half of the Passat's sales and rising.VERDICTA well-sorted and equipped package that feels capable of carrying the family and eating up the miles with ease, the new Passat carries the company look a little easier than the incoming Jetta and should - if appropriately equipped and priced - contribute well to Volkswagen's increased volume aspirations.

Mr Devereux remains coy about offering up numbers on orders for its Caprice police car export model. "We have orders, I won't tell you how many, but the process of tendering - from smaller departments to the larger ones like LA - these are extremely large purchasing decisions, it's not a short process. It's a big deal to win a tender, our US team is happy with the reception the car has gotten - we're going to sell thousands of these cars," he said. "It will help with capacity utilisation, that's for sure," he said. The company preferred to talk about local small car manufacturing, showing off its first Cruze bodyshell ahead of full Cruze hatch and sedan manufacturing and local production early next year. The imported Cruze has already struck a chord with the Australian car-buying public, averaging more than 2000 sales a month in the largest and most-competitive small-car segment. Holden boss Mike Devereux said Cruze local production was the start of a new era for Holden. "We have the flexibility to build a large car and a small car in Australia, it's a fantastic signal of GM's commitment to manufacturing in Australia," he said. The main focus for Cruze was domestic supply but Mr Devereux did not rule out investigating export options. "Our focus is on getting this car launched with world-class quality, we have a long tradition of exporting as Minister Carr pointed out, it's something we will be looking at in the future," he said.

The general manager of the performance car maker doesn't want to be remembered as the bloke who ruined the GT-HO legend.  Speaking during the company's launch of the new supercharged V8 Falcon-based range - to go on sale in late October after its Australian International Motor Show appearance in Sydney - Barrett clearly wants to do something like a GT-HO.But understandably he has concerns about ruining the legend of the car and its legendary status.  "I will stand by my declaration that I have always wanted to build one but I'm up against a considerable weight of opinion that says we shouldn't," he says.A special project car still seems likely - with ample scope for running more boost pressure on the V8 but minus the famed badge - and Barrett is hoping to do something that will be looked back upon in 30 years time with similar fondness."GT-HO is not just a car, it's a legend and I don't want to be the one who stuffs it up," he says.  More forays into the SUV and small car segments have also been put on ice with the arrival of the Focus RS and customers can expect FPV to concentrate for now on its primary niche - faster Falcons."I firmly believe we will return to being the GT car company.  "We've gone away from that - we've built the brand but I think in the next 6 to 12 months we'll get people back," he says.While current sales figures are down on 2009, Barrett is confident the engine upgrade will put the FPV brand back on track.  "We haven't built any V8s since the end of May, there was no production at all in July… it's been geared around this launch."Next year we'll get back over 2000 units and close the gap on our main competitor - I'd like to see us surpass them toward the end of next year, in terms of Commodore versus Falcon sales," he says.Exports any further than the New Zealand market are unlikely but Prodrive Asia-Pacific managing director Bryan Mears believes the engine has a range of applications beyond FPV."In terms of development of the Coyote engine, and the way that we have developed it - I believe that is unique within the Ford and Prodrive world and I will certainly be looking to make that engine available globally to Ford."I'm not privy to what their plans are, so they may have other things in view," he says. The Australian business has produced a terrific Australian engine and we will be pushing every opportunity to maximise the production of that engine.”

The company's first supercharged V8 has put the GT range back at the top of the FPV food chain.