Australian International Motor Show

Several models made their Australian debut, while other cars were flown in especially for our viewing pleasure.
A number of cool, super performance cars topped the show with highlights (in no particular order) being the Hulme CanAm pure bred supercar, which accelerates from 0-100km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, thanks to its 7.0-litre Chevy V8 engine. The Renault Megane Trophy headed a variety of racecars on display, with the mid engined machine's sleek lines developed using aerodynamics lessons learnt in Formula 1.
Also in full racing livery was Peugeots 24 Hours of Le Mans winning 908 racecar. This is the car that took David Brabham to his first outright victory in the La Sarthe race in France. The 908 HDi FAP of Brabham and co-drivers Alex Wurz and Mark Gene covered 382 laps of the 13.6km long circuit in 24 hours, averaging 216km/h. Central to the 908s Le Mans success was the car's V12 diesel engine which produces more than 515kW of power and more than 1200Nm of torque.
Possibly the most beautiful car on show was the stunning Mercedes-Benz one off SLS AMG Gullwing. Benz had more than $4 million worth of precious metal on show, and if the SLS wasn't enough, they also introduced the C 63 AMG Concept 358 - both cars built by AMG exclusively for the Australian show. The C 63 is the only AMG in the world painted orange, but also boasts a sensational 358kW of power as part of the AMG performance package. The unique SLS is currently the only SLS AMG in the world painted in black, which partly contributes to its 'blackbird' name. A title it also attributes to the stealth technology used by the Lockheed SR-71 in the cold war era.
Other potent luxury performers included the Jaguar XJ Supersport and the Maserati Quattroporte GT S. The XJ is the quickest Jaguar yet, powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged engine, producing 375kW of power, 625Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The Maserati is no slouch either, powered by a 4.7-litre V8 engine, which produces 323kW of power and 490Nm of torque.
Another Italian stallion saw Lamborghini fans get their first close up look at the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. This range-topping model is 70kg lighter than the Gallardo LP 560-4 making it the lightest car in the Lamborghini line up. Powered by a 5.2-litre V10 engine, the Superleggera generates 419kW of power and 540Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds and on to 200km/h in just 10.2 seconds. The vehicles all-wheel drive system helps it reach a top speed of 325km/h.
Also vying for show bragging rights was Toyota's stunning FT-86G concept and the V10 powered LFA from stablemate Lexus. Toyota is serious about establishing its performance credentials and these cars certainly go a long way in achieving it.
The FT-86G Sports Concept is a rear-wheel drive sports coupe, and follows in the footsteps of Toyota's sports car heritage that features such names as Supra and MR2. Its sharp looks come from a totally redesigned front end that incorporates a larger air intake with visible intercooler, as well as a vented bonnet. At the rear, a large carbon fibre wing, diffuser and oversized twin exhausts contribute to the edgier styling. The FT-86G sits on low-profile Bridgestone 19-inch rubber - 245/40 at the front and 275/35 at the rear, while Recaro sports seats complete the "G" conversion of the dynamic four-seater. The concept retains classic sports car underpinnings with a front-mounted 2.0-litre engine - now boosted with a turbo - driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Toyota's plan to return to the sports car market is in response to the edict by global president Akio Toyoda for the company to re-connect with younger buyers by producing fun-to-drive models. Toyota said expect to see the FT-86G on our roads post 2012.
The Lexus LFA features a sculptured carbon fibre body, with just 35 percent of the body crafted from aluminium. Overall weight has been substantially reduced, translating into performance and efficiency improvements. Only 500 of the LFA cars will be built, with each largely handcrafted and customised to each customer's specifications. It is powered by a 4.8-litre V10 that delivers 412kW power and peak torque of 480Nm at 6800rpm. The LFA has a claimed top speed of 325km/h with 0-100km/h reached in just 3.6 seconds.
Porsche also specially imported a 911 GT2 RS - a street legal, red hot machine that is the most powerful Porsche yet built. Its 3.6-litre twin turbocharged engine produces 462kW, 67kW more than its predecessor. Just 500 examples of this exclusive model will be built.
On the home front Ford Performance Vehicles came to the power party with the new Falcon based GT and availability of the Boss 5.0-litre supercharged V8. HSV were not to be outdone and displayed their updated 6.2-litre V8 E-Series 3.
Holden's hot engine tuner, Walkinshaw Performance unveiled a new vehicle, dubbed Walkinshaw Performance Supercar Mk2, with a limited production run of just 23 units.
The small production run celebrates the 23rd anniversary of the unveiling of the original Walkinshaw at the 1987 Sydney Motor Show. Each Supercar Mk2 has a specially created WP build number and certificate of authenticity. The new model also features various performance enhancements, including 460kW V8 engine, suspension upgrade, brake and wheel package and various interior improvements. The car is retailing at around $117,000 +ORCs. While not in the supercar class, other cars that deserve a notable mention included the Hyundai Blue-Will concept - a stunning electric/hybrid car, Land Rover's down sized Range Rover Sport - the Evoque, Lexus IS 350 and Subaru's twin turbo show assault, in the form of the new WRX and WRX STI Imprezas.
Undoubtedly this was a great motor show - roll on 2011 when the next Australian motor show will be staged mid-year in Melbourne.
Brian Tanner