To begin HSV’s 25^th Anniversary celebrations, they’ve released an updated model range, dubbed model year 12.5. The changes to the range see most vehicles coming up in specs, but also down in price, making them an even more attractive offering. Ad to this two new models to the lineup, and you’ve got the most comprehensive and price competitive HSV lineup ever seen.

The first of the new models to be (re)introduced is the Clubsport. The Clubsport has all the same features as the current R8, with the exception of EDI (available as a $1520 option). At $86,990 (manual) it’s a great new affordable entry into the HSV range.

The MY12.5 R8 sees an upgrade to 325kw and will come stock with the previously option only Bi-modal exhaust as well as leather interior. Gloss black forged wheels are available as a no cost option also. RRP for the R8 has been dropped down to $92,990.

The second new model is the Maloo, previously available as Maloo R8 only. The base spec Maloo is comparable to the Clubsport, and thanks to the hard tonneau and sailplane being removed comes in at a very competitive $80,990 (manual). The Maloo R8 maintains the tonneau and sailplane, and receives a bump in power up to 325kW, again with Bi-modal exhaust and full leather interior.

The R8 Tourer, (now $93,990) also receives 325kW, and the no-cost gloss black wheel option, while the Senator Signature receives side blind zone alert as standard, and the increase in power also.
All MY12.5 HSV’s will feature a special 25^th anniversary startup screen, unique build plate, anniversary sill plates (sedan and tourer only) and unique decals to help identify them.

While at this stage there’s been no mention of any changes to the GTS model, we’re expecting that HSV must have something in the works, and if so, we’d be guessing to hear something before the end of the year. If the above is anything to go by, whatever HSV come up with next it’s going to be something special!

The cars will arrive in New Zealand around late September, depending on shipping.

American tuners Hendrick Motorsports will be debuting its unique 25th Anniversary Camaro SS at the 2009 SEMA auto show in Las Vegas next week.

Only 25 of the exclusive cars will be built and each will sell for $76,181. The cars have been commissioned by NASCAR racing team Hendrick Motorsports from Callaway Cars, which will help out on the project.

Reeves Callaway, founder of Callaway Cars said “We’re flattered to have been selected by Rick Hendrick to build these special cars. We have the highest respect for his organization and the cars we will build under the Hendrick name will represent the best of our styling, engineering and manufacturing abilities. The whole Callaway organisation appreciates the opportunity to showcase Callaway Cars’ engineering skills.”

The 2010 Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Camaro SS will come packing 582 bhp and will make the sprint to 100kph in a whisker under 4 seconds. The additional horsepower coming by way of an Eaton TVS supercharger along with some engine management tuning as well as a new air filter and sport exhaust system.

Callaway Cars is also providing the anti-roll bars, wheels, shock absorbers, springs and an aerodynamic kit made of carbon fiber which includes a front splitter, rear diffuser and spoiler, and rocker panels.

Naturally there will be special badging including 25th Anniversary badges for the silver Camaro SS.

This week saw the release of the new SA-25 Sterling Edition Saleen Mustang to celebrate 25 years since Steve Saleen let the horse out of the bag (did that sound right…oh well! You know what I mean).

Not exactly the ‘quiet achievers’, Saleen has not been shy with its anniversary models – SA-5 Mustang in 1988, the SA-10 in ’93, SA-15 in ’98 and at the 20 year post, 2003 produced the SA-20; all limited editions of course.

Mustang from the Movie Transformers.

The SA-25 is based on the S302 Extreme…like the one that was in Transformers (The Movie!!!). It’s got the same 620 horse-power, 600 ft/lb of torque from the Supercharged V8.

25 of these machines will be built and you can grab one for $99,995.00US ($134,176.00NZ).

There are a few cosmetic, ‘limited-edition-esque’ differences like, unique (for now), 5 spoke alloy wheels, ‘smancy’ hand-painted go-faster stripes, and the obligatory anniversary ‘this costs heaps more than usual’ badging.

On the inside, over and above the usual Saleen improvements you get a push-button electric starter, Black Diamond seats with leather accents (I don’t speak leather), a navigation system (not sure if that’s an electronic gizmo or a map jammed in the sun-visor), and a serialized plaque in the middle of the cockpit.

Apparently, if you a discerned as a genuine buyer, you will be flown first-class to Detroit, chauffeured from the Airport in a limo, spend a wild evening having dinner with Saleen execs, cop a guided tour of the Saleen plant and you’ll get a custom leather jacket…and a few other show-bag goodies.