Hummer News

Hummer caused a sensation when it was debuted at the Brisbane International Motor Show last year and it's back for 2008.After some delays in launch owing to minor compliance issues such as mudflaps, the “baby” Hummer H3 hit the showrooms and in the first three months sold 272 with about 600 orders still outstanding.GM Premium Brands communications manager Emily Perry said more than one in three Hummers have been sold to Queenslanders."It's a suitable vehicle for the outdoors lifestyle of the Sunshine State” she said.The GM Premium Brands stand will feature the H3 Luxury and Adventure models and the new hero "Torch" orange colour for the first time.Sharing the stand is the Swedish Saab range, which will continue its environmental theme with economical diesel and renewable ethanol vehicles.The Saab stand also highlights the tri-fuel offering with the 9-3 range of vehicles available in petrol, diesel and ethanol models.Saab BioPower is Australia's first ethanol production car and it will be on show in a white Convertible and a black Sport Sedan.

Only 550 of the Brooklands model Bentleys are available worldwide."They are tailor-made to the exact specifications of each customer,” said Sue Young, the spokeswoman for Queensland Bentley.Ms Young said the Brisbane buyer wanted to remain anonymous, as did two other Queenslanders who have expressed an interest in getting one of the luxury coupes.She said all three currently own a Bentley Arnage T, worth about $545,000.Maserati's latest GranTurismo will be seen in Australia for the first time at the show, which opens at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre at noon on 1, February 2008.The sports car's appeal seems to have outweighed its $293,000 price tag, because 150 Australian orders have already been taken for the new model, including 20 from Queensland, according the company's Australian general manager, Edward Butler.No other Maserati has sold as quickly and the waiting list for the 2008 GranTurismo is greater than the firm's Australian and New Zealand sales last year, Mr Butler said.Luxury-car sellers say their models have become increasingly popular with younger professionals."The 20 to 35-year age group is taking a much bigger slice of the market share,” said Audi Centre Brisbane dealer principal Greg Willims. “There is no doubt the prosperity in Queensland is growing.”Adam O'Brien, of Brisbane Prestige Cars in Fortitude Valley, said manufacturers were working harder to attract young customers in a bid to keep them for life.Danny Singh, 31, of Brendale in Brisbane's northwest, recently bought a luxury H3 Hummer from Brisbane Prestige Cars for $70,000 then spent a further $15,000 on modifications.Also making their Australian debuts at the show will be new-look versions of cult street machines the Subaru WRX STi, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — known as the Evo X to fans because it is the 10th in the series.Both are expected to be in the $60,000 bracket.Australia will be represented in the go-fast stakes by a Ford Performance Vehicles version of the Territory SUV, the yet-to-be-released F6 X all-wheel-drive wagon.Brisbane International Motor Show, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank, runs from Friday to February 10; Monday to Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. Adults $17.50, children $10.

Most of the news from last week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit was about alternative fuels, green power and the poor state of the US economy. But if you looked hard enough, there were some cool cars to be found — as well as the wild concepts for which the Detroit show is famous. Even though makers spoke of being kind to the environment, 4WDs and SUVs were prolific, including innovative concepts by the big three: Jeep, Land Rover and Hummer.   Jeep Renegade Even the 4WD concepts were green-tinged. Jeep's Renegade buggy features a hybrid power train with a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, turbo diesel engine and a pair of 200kW electric motors, one at each end. Touring range on electric power only is a claimed 64km from the 16kWh Li-ion battery, with a total range of 640km when used with fuel. It wasn't just the Jeep's power train that was designed to give show-goers a warm and fuzzy, saving-the-world kind of feeling. Much of its structure was created from recycled or recyclable materials. The Renegade's Palm Green metallic colour is moulded into its plastic body so as not to require paint (and the pollutants associated with paint). The seats were made using soy-bean foam and, where possible, parts were made from a single piece to avoid the use of toxic resins. The Renegade can be configured with a range of tops and rear sections to accommodate the various cargo requirements of an outdoor sportsperson. At the show, it was topless — and in the rear was a pair of water scooters ready for a scuba trip. If your idea of sport is limited to off-road driving, the Renegade won't disappoint. Its full-time 4WD system includes front and rear differential locks and low-range gearing. A combination of steep approach and departure angles, good ground clearance and low weight enhance the Renegade's off-road ability.   Hummer HX This was undoubtedly one of the stars of the Detroit show. The two-door, four-seater is smaller than the Hummer H3 and, although not built on an existing platform, could be a clue to the much-rumoured H4 said to be in development. Power comes from a direct-injection petrol V6 engine that gains its green credentials by being ethanol-compatible. Ethanol is GM's immediate answer to reducing vehicle emissions, and the company is investing heavily in technology to better produce the fuel. Like the Renegade, the HX is a versatile machine with removable tops and slant, square or no back sections. Its doors and wheel-arch flares are easily removable. Steep approach, departure and ramp-over angles, 35-inch tyres, long-travel, coil-over suspension, front and rear diff locks and a front-mounted winch are there for serious off-roading. Unlike the minimalist Jeep, the HX is loaded with tricks and gimmicks. In its many nooks and crannies were iPod/iPhone holders, a shovel, a fire extinguisher, satnav and LCD displays. A forward-facing camera in the rear-view mirror allows you to record your off-road driving adventures, which can be downloaded to the iPod. Lightweight folding seats, inspired by aircraft seating, have storage space underneath them. The HX was designed by a team of youthful designers whose input will appeal to younger Hummer buyers who want a no-compromise vehicle. If GM can create a production version of the HX that is anywhere near as wild and versatile as the concept, it's sure to be a hit and could heavily infringe on Jeep Wrangler sales.   Land Rover LRX Whereas the two American concepts are wild off-roaders, the LRX is a prestige compact SUV better suited tothe urban jungle. It's Gerry McGovern's first offering since he became Land Rover's chief of design, and is predicted to point closely to a fifth nameplate from the British marque, which celebrates its 60th year in 2008. If you think back to the Range Stormer concept and its relationship to the Range Rover Sport, hopes are high that we'll see something like the LRX in the near future. The LRX is a two-door SUV smaller than the Freelander 2, the smallest vehicle in Land Rover's current model line-up. Power comes from a two-litre turbo diesel/electric hybrid drive train with an electric motor integrated into the rear axle in what Land Rover calls Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD). Like most hybrids, the LRX runs on its electric motor only at low speeds, switching to a combination of electric and internal-combustion power under hard acceleration, then to diesel only for cruising. ERAD can supply additional torque to all wheels during off-road use or when more traction is called for. Like the Freelander 2, the LRX is more road-oriented than other vehicles in the Land Rover range. Its version of the acclaimed Terrain Response adds two new settings — “Sports” and “Eco” — to the dial. As their tags suggest, these settings optimise the mechanical systems in the vehicle for either enthusiastic or economical driving. The other Terrain Response modes are “Normal” for everyday use; “Grass, Gravel, Snow” for low-grip surfaces; and “Sand” for beach work. Any production version of the LRX would be pitched at upwardly mobile young executives who are looking for a premium sports SUV but don't want, or need, the ability and size of the Range Rover Sport.  

DETROIT: While they may or may not end up in driveways, there were plenty of vehicles turning heads at this week's North American International Auto Show, including Hyundai's new luxury sedan, a Cadillac coupe, Chrysler's green concept cars and a hybrid Toyota pickup.Slumping US car sales did not slow down the action at the grandaddy of the car show circuit, where car makers introduced more than 50 production and concept models in three media preview days. High fuel prices did not play much of a role, either. For every plug-in hybrid or fuel-cell concept, there was a 620 horsepower Chevrolet Corvette or a brand new full-sized sport utility vehicle from Kia. Chrysler promoted a tiny electric concept car as well as the full-sized Dodge Ram, which made a grand entrance alongside 120 longhorn cattle.“The overriding theme was that there was no theme,” says Jack Nerad, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, the car buyers' guide.Car makers put a head-spinning variety of fuel-efficient technologies in cars at every price range. There was the $US80,000 ($91,000) Fisker Karma, a plug-in electric hybrid sports car with Maserati good looks that can travel 80km on a single charge. BYD, one of four Chinese car makers at the show, unveiled a plug-in hybrid sedan that will go on sale in China for under $US30,000 this year. Ford introduced EcoBoost, a direct injection, turbocharged engine which it says will improve fuel economy by 20 per cent. Even Ferrari unveiled an ethanol-capable F430 Spider.Diesel engines, which are about 30 per cent more efficient than their petrol counterparts, made a big comeback now that cleaner diesel fuel allows them to meet emissions standards in all 50 US states. BMW unveiled its first diesel-powered vehicles for the US market, the 335d coupe and X5 xDrive35d sport utility vehicle. Audi showed a 500 horsepower diesel super car concept, the Audi R8 V12 TDI, which can go from zero to 90km/h in 4.2 seconds. Daimler offered a diesel option on its GLK compact sport utility vehicle, among others.But diesels were not limited to German car makers. Toyota announced it would soon offer a diesel V-8 in the Tundra pickup and the Sequoia SUV, while Honda said it would put a diesel engine in its Acura sedan in 2010. Chrysler put a diesel hybrid in its Jeep Renegade concept vehicle, while General Motors has a diesel engine in its Saturn Flextreme plug-in concept car.David Champion, the senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Centre, says diesel used to connote pollution and big trucks. He is eager to see if clean diesel has changed that perception, and if US consumers will choose diesel even though it is no cheaper than petrol.“Whether the marketplace is going to endorse diesels remains to be seen,” he says.Other car makers met demands for more fuel-efficient vehicles by downsizing. The Hummer HX concept, a Jeep-like offroad vehicle with a removable roof, would be the smallest Hummer ever if it is made. Toyota's A-BAT concept is the Prius version of a pickup, with a hybrid powertrain and a 1.3m bed. Land Rover unveiled the compact three-door LRX concept, while parent Ford showed the Ford Explorer America concept, a reworking of its phenomenally popular SUV that uses a unibody frame — rather than the traditional truck frame — to save fuel and give the vehicle a more car-like ride.“Explorer has been such an important model for them over the years. Taking that in an inventive direction that's still true to the Explorer name could be a big success for them,” Nerad says.Ford also got kudos for the eye-popping design of its Verve concept, which showed what Ford's subcompact may look like when it hits the US market in 2010.“Here's your proof that good design doesn't cost any more than bad design, but it makes all the difference in the world in terms of buzz,” Global Insight car analyst Aaron Bragman says of the Verve.Other cars generating serious buzz were the Cadillac CTS coupe, a sharp-looking, two-door concept that many analysts agreed was a highlight of the show, and the posh Hyundai Genesis sedan.Hyundai hopes Genesis will help it compete with other luxury makers when it goes on sale this year for just under $US40,000, but analysts aren't sure the bet will pay off, saying the Hyundai name means great value but not luxury. “You don't sell Mercedes-Benz and BMW because they're great value. You sell them because of the cachet and the image,” Bragman says. 

While the world's largest carmaker is convinced ethanol could finally save the world from its reliance on fossil fuels, General Motors has conceded that motoring beyond 2020 will be with electric vehicles that are either plug-in hybrids or run on hydrogen fuel cells.GM used the North American International Automotive Show in Detroit to reveal a new process for producing ethanol, which is far more efficient and removes any conflict with food crops.GM chairman Rick Wagoner said the carmaker believes the process could turn ethanol into the miracle fuel of the 21st century. Developed by Coskata Incorporated, the process allows ethanol to be created from almost any source material, including agricultural waste, municipal waste, discarded plastics and old car tyres.GM is convinced ethanol can provide a more-immediate solution for transportation and wean the world from its 96 per cent reliance on oil for automotive energy.Mr Wagoner was speaking on the opening day of the North American International Auto Show, the first major motoring event of 2008.He touted the potential for ethanol to overcome the world's short-term need for petroleum and stressed that the fuel plan is not just a knee-jerk reaction to soaring oil prices. He said it worked because it could be used in various combinations with gasoline or as pure fuel in existing engines.“Ethanol offers a cleaner alternative to petroleum. It's adaptable to our current refuelling infrastructure, it doesn't have to be imported and it requires little change in consumer behaviour,” Mr Wagoner said.“What's more, Coskata's process is expected to use less than one gallon of water per gallon of ethanol produced.“That's compared to three-to-four gallons of water to make a gallon of grain-based ethanol.“In a well-to-wheels comparison . . . the Coskata process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 84 per cent compared to gasoline.”GM unveiled two concept cars in Detroit: a compact Hummer and a Saab four-wheel drive that have flex-fuel engines, which are ethanol compatible. 

This month GM released the Hummer H3 and now Gympie-based right-hand-drive conversion company Performax International is unleashing two massive Yank utes.The first fully complianced 2008 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra utes have arrived with 4.5 tonne towing capacity.Performax International recently achieved Australian Design Rule compliance for the United States-built Silverado after completing design, engineering and conversion work in-house at its Gympie factory.The main model offered will be the Silverado 2500HD crew-cab four-wheel drive, priced at $123,000 plus on-road costs with a four-year/120,000km warranty and four-year roadside assistance. Other models from the extensive Silverado and sister GMC Sierra range are available on order.The 2500HD features crew-cab pick-up bodywork, GM Duramax 6.6 litre V8 turbodiesel power, Allison six-speed automatic transmission with high and low ranges and dashboard-selected four-wheel-drive engagement.Peak engine outputs are 272kW at 3200rpm and 895Nm of torque at 1600rpm.The Allison Adaptive Shift Control gearbox with manual over-ride includes a tow/haul mode, which alters shift patterns to maximise engine efficiency in pulling and braking. Tow/Haul mode also engages grade braking, which selects a lower gear to assist hill descents even when cruise control is operating.Performax International general manager Nick Vandenberg says the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is the answer for many heavy-duty and long-distance haulers in Australia.“The 2008 Silverado is a big step forward in performance, refinement, styling and comfort for this type of ute,” Vandenberg said. “With towing capacity at 4.5 tonnes, it's the big ute many people have been waiting for."“We had orders for almost 20 even before the ADR compliance process was completed and now we expect many more from both recreational and business buyers.“There is no other new vehicle like it on the Australian market, especially at a price within the range of many less capable 4WD wagons."“The new exterior and interior styling looks great and the cabin provides real comfort, with a spacious rear bench for three large adults, leather upholstery and the comfort and safety items usually found on passenger cars.”Performax International, formerly Corvette Queensland, has been importing and converting American cars for almost 20 years, developing an unequalled reputation for the quality of its engineering work and customer service.It employs more than 40 people and produces about 200 vehicles a year for Australian roads. 

Customers will have to wait for the South African-built 4WD, the Hummer H3 has been pushed back to October. The US-designed, South African-built four-wheel-drive was to arrive next month, but delays in Australian-spec production have slowed the big unit's progress.GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish says the delays are due to Australian Design Rules changes.“We've had some issues with ADR things — mudflaps, wiring looms, the towbar. We've had to get the right cars in Australia but it's led to a slight delay,” Batish says.“We'll launch in October. We're hoping to get cars to customers sooner. We'll keep in touch with them. We've even got a computer desktop icon that, once uploaded, will tell them when there's more news.”The change in the factory from other right-hand-drive markets to Australian-spec vehicles has taken a little longer than expected.At present GM Premium Brands is holding 300 orders for the brash, squared-off 4WD with military heritage. The $2000 free accessory deal, which ended in May, helped to drive interest.“We've got more than 300 orders now, which is fantastic given that no one has seen a right-hand-drive car,” Batish says.“We took a lot of orders at the motor shows. They generated a lot of traffic.”Batish says the sub-$60,000 price for the top-end model means the initial orders have been a high percentage of the flagship.“The model mix is high-end. The Luxury spec is about 70 per cent, with the Adventurer representing about 20 per cent and 10 per cent for the base model. I think it's because it's good value,” he says.News on the V8 and the rumored a turbodiesel is limited, but the Australian arm appears keener to get hold of a diesel model, given the market demands Down Under.“There is a lot on the horizon for the brand,” Batish says.“We'll try to expand what we have and see what comes up. We'd like to have the diesel. It's a little way off.“The V8 and the diesel look like late 2008 for right-hand-drive or early 2009. We have to evaluate the engine as well. We'll have to make a decision as to what we'll take.”

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November. 

Speaking at the New York motor show last week, Hummer general manager Martin Walsh said the company is looking at an "electric solution" for future products but not necessarily a conventional hybrid."I am not ruling them out, but we have looked at hybrids and what we found is that -- because we are serious about off-roading -- you need a lot of torque at all four wheels and we haven't found a hybrid that can deliver that," he says."There are other alternatives like the Chevrolet Volt concept electric vehicle. In association with fuel cell, gas or diesel -- whatever your choice is -- that system can drive a lot of torque to the wheels."The Volt, unveiled at the Detroit show in January, is a fully electric-driven system with a conventional on-board internal combustion engine driving the power regeneration generator for the batteries."We tend not to use the hybrid moniker for it but we are looking for an electric solution and that may be the one we want to move towards," Walsh says. While that development is the best part of a decade away, much closer is the often hinted-at H4, a compact Toyota RAV4 size model."Our growth will be downwards in terms of size," Walsh says."We currently have a strong presence in the larger size end of the market but our best opportunities for growth is in smaller and smaller segments."The two things we will maintain no matter where we go, because they have been the keys to our success, are the iconic design that makes a Hummer recognisable at first glance, and its unparalleled off-road ability. That is the real challenge. You can shrink any vehicle but as you do it becomes more difficult to package a genuine off-road ability."Walsh says the compact vehicle will be unveiled late in 2009 or, most likely, at the January 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit."I don't know that a smaller vehicle would be mean bigger sales than the H3 (56,000 in the US last year)," he says. "But I would expect that it would be responsible for additional sales." Available almost immediately is the 5.3-litre V8 option available in the H3 Alpha. Launched at the New York motor show last week, GM is playing coy on whether the engine will be offered in the Australian models."Of course we will consider it but at this stage there are no plans for the engine," General Motors Premium Channel spokeswoman Emily Perry says. "It is far too premature to suggest that the V8 will be confirmed for Australia."However, Steve Garrity, Hummer's international operations director, is more positive. "I would see that engine being available out of the South African plant around the middle of next year," he says.The Australian H3 models will be built in South Africa. Garrity also confirms development of a diesel program for the H3 is being driven by European, Australian and South African markets but doesn't expect the oil-burner to be available until well into 2009."It is definitely under way but the timing is still a bit back-and-forth at the moment," Garrity says. "There is no argument that the diesel program is to service Australia, Europe and South Africa ... without those three, there wouldn't be a great call for it."

In July, GM Holden will begin importing the small H3 version of the box-shaped SUV made famous in the first Gulf War and by proud owners such as Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. We will get the 3.7 litre in-line five-cylinder model, however, a 5.3-litre V8 H3 sport-ute is set for release in the US next year. GM spokesperson Emily Perry said they had no plans to bring the V8-powered Hummer to Australia and that they had nearly 150 orders for the H3 since announcing pricing and specification at the Brisbane Motor Show in February. The H3 five-cylinder petrol engine (180kW and 320Nm) will be married to either a five-speed manual or electronic four-speed automatic transmission. This compares with the US V8 Alpha version which delivers 220kW and 430Nm through a four-speed auto and 4WD. If you ache for something bigger and meaner, Performax International of Gympie converts left-hand-drive 5x2x2m H2 Hummers. The H2 boasts a six-litre Chev V8 which can be supercharged to deliver 242kW power and 495Nm torque. GM Holden will import three South African built H3 models. The base model ($51,990 manual, $53,990 auto) features stability control, traction control and ABS standard. The more off-road capable H3 Adventure ($57,990 manual, $59,990 auto) has fully locking electronic rear differential and rugged suspension. Top of the range is the Luxury with chrome trim exterior and leather interior ($59,990 auto only). GM expects to sell 750 Hummers this year and 1400-1500 in a full year.