Ram continues to add special editions and extra models to its pickup range in the States.

In 2012 the popular Power Wagon line will be expanded with the addition of ST and Laramie trim levels. ST guise is a no frills specification designed for companies and government agencies that need a rugged truck without too many luxuries.

The Laramie trim rolls includes leather seats, a premium audio system and plenty of wood-grain in the cabin. The exterior of the truck is treated to body-color fender flairs and chrome mirrors and bumpers.

Ram also plans to roll out a 1500 Mossy Oak Edition (pictured). Those readers into hunting may recognise the Mossy Oak brand name as one of the leading companies in the camouflage industry. This new addition will will boast a tub liner and a tail gate wrapped in the Mossy Oak Breakup Infinity camo pattern. In the cabin the treatment continues with door panels finished in camo, and the Mossy Oak logo embroidered on the seat headrests. With all that camo trim the only risk is that your truck will get shot by accident. The Ram 1500 Mossy Oak Edition will cost USD $39,910 ($49,800 NZ). (more…)

Those lucky devils over in the UK will, from next year, be able to walk into a Chevrolet dealership and drive out in a brand spankers Camaro. To let everyone in the old country know, Chevrolet had a exhibition at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Camaro took centre stage. Pricing and exact specification was announced and while GM hasn’t built any Camaros in right-hand-drive for the UK market, enthusiasts in the area are still excited.

From early 2012 the Camaro will be available in the UK with the V8 engine . Pricing starts at £34,995 (NZ$68,039) for the coupe and from £39,995 (NZ$77,760) for the convertible. Both models will have a manual transmission as standard, the automatic box will be optional. By comparison in the U.S. market the V8 Camaro starts from the equivalent of £19,400 (NZ$37,790).

The UK-spec Camaro is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 which produces 432-horsepower and will sit on a suspension that Chevrolet claims has been specifically tuned for European roads. (more…)

Holden Special Vehicles has released details and announced pricing of its new SV Black Edition.

Based on the E Series 3 range, the SV Black Edition will be available in ClubSport R8 and Maloo R8 guise. The package will see cosmetic upgrades and cost a few thousand dollars over the regular prices.

The “darkness” of this Black Edition starts with the exterior, where matte black paintouts on the front and sides combine with the “Vector” bonnet scoops. The Clubsport R8 also receives a bootlid spoiler.

All SV Black Edition vehicles will be dressed up with, twenty inch forged and staggered SV Performance alloy wheel finished in gloss black. The limited edition Clubsport R8 also get HSV’s performance suspension, as well as HSV’s Bi-Modal exhaust. Under the bonnet it’s business as usual with HSV’s 317 kilowatt, 6.2 litre, LS3, Generation 4 V8 engine.

The interior features a unique finish on the console, instrument panel and steering wheel while special edition sill plates, Onyx leather trim, matte black badging and a subtle lip spoiler on the ClubSport R8 complete the package. A unique build plate is also fitted to every vehicle. (more…)

Shelby American has just dropped the specs and power figures on its 2011 Shelby GT350 for the fans out there. Shelby starts with a 2011 Ford Mustang GT, using the standard 5.0-litre V8 engine but it pumps it up heavily. The base GT350 is rated at 430 horsepower which is only a marginal improvement over the Mustang GT’s 412 hp. But even on the base GT350, a Whipple supercharger can be added to boost power output to a whopping 525 hp — enough to take the modified Mustang to 100kph in just 3.7 seconds. If you’re hell-bent on doing some reckless stuff and 525hp still isn’t enough then the R tune version produces a crazy 624 horses.

All of the 2011 Shelby GT350s are fitted with a long list of high-performance parts which include upgrades to the brakes, suspension and new tyres. As you can see in the pictures, they also wear unique Shelby body kit parts and trim, a GT350 45th anniversary badge and, of course, a numbered Shelby GT350 dash plate.

Pricing isn’t cheap for this treatment with the naturally-aspirated base Shelby GT350 conversion set at $26,995 USD and the base supercharged car at $33,995 USD. Due to the large step up of the R tune GT350, that package should cost a lot more, but it doesn’t. Strangely, it’s just $750USD over the price of the standard supercharged kit. None of these prices include the cost of the donor Mustang GT, add that on and it’s expensive motoring. Worth it? Check out the gallery below and decide for yourself. (more…)

Holden Australia has just released details of the new Commodore VE Series II vehicle range which comes with various improvements, including an added E85 bio-fuel capability. It’s the first major update to the fourth-generation VE Commodore since its launch back in 2006.

The VE Series II introduces a new flex-fuel capability on its 3.0-litre V6 engine and  6.0-litre V8 mill which allows both to run on E85 bio-ethanol. Aside from the flex-fuel capability the mechanical package remains mostly unchanged. However, the Series II promises to offer improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions across the range.

There are a range of interior and exterior styling updates and a new 6.5-inch full colour touch-screen infotainment system called Holden-iQ. This new control system will be standard in all Commodore models (except Ute) and will include Bluetooth connectivity.

In terms of exterior design, it’s a subtle facelift with all models featuring various new front fascias, grilles and headlamps. There’s also an integrated aerodynamic lip and new wheel options.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said that the Series II VE Commodore reflects Holden’s focus on ongoing improvements for the top-selling model.

“Our customers have been telling us they want to see our models refreshed with greater functionality from Omega to Caprice,” Devereux said. “We have listened and responded in a way that continues to position Commodore as the smart choice for Australian motorists.”

Holden will reveal full pricing and availability for the 2011 VE Series Holden Commodore on September 10, when the model officially launches.

For more information on the Commodore Series II range, check out the detailed official press release below, and more images in the gallery.  (more…)