Wow, just wow. Couldn’t pass up sharing this video from our friends at Hooniverse. Enjoy the gratuitous semi-nudity at the 21 second mark. Knowing Australians, it seems to me that they left out “beer”.

Now, before ya’ll get all twitchy on me because your favorite car commercial isn’t on this list, listen up! THIS ISN’T YOUR LIST – it’s my list. HOWEVER – if you know of some funny or awesome stuff out there then let us know and we’ll post it up. Hell, we can just make one big bulldog database of the best automotive commercials ever made… I’ll even put it together, just make sure you get me your recommendations.

Citroen C4 – TRANSFORM!!

Ok fine, it’s a bit hokey, but I grew up in the 1980’s and I dig these guys. Plus how often do you get to see a car really let loose and boogie down?

Further illustrating how we in America are often short changed thanks to grossly inaccurate market demographic assessments, GM has announced the introduction of two special editions of the Holden Commodore (or the Pontiac G8/Vauxhall VXR8 for all you unfamiliar with Oz’s autos) to the Australian market. The first will be the SS V-Series Special Edition Sedan, Sportwagen, and Ute, which as the name suggests will be offered in three different body styles (but counts as only one special edition) and will be by far the sportier of the two. Like the equally as menacing G8, the SS V-Series edition will feature massive flaring nostrils, deck lid spoiler, and the obligatory chrome accessories.

The second limited edition vehicle (or the fourth, depending on how confusing you want to make this process) will be the Special Edition International Sedan and Sportwagon, which is considerably more sedate than the SS V-Series and designed primarily as a family-friendly vehicle. As such, the Commodore International will boast all the 5 star safety features of the base model Omega as well as 18″ alloy wheels, a Berlina front grille, leather appointed interior accessories, Rear Park Assist, Bluetooth, custom International badging, and chrome decklid and eyebrow molding.

Pricing for both editions will be typical for the brand with the SS V-Series ranging from $47,490 to $57,290 and the International from $35,990 to $37,990. Sales will begin in late November for Aussies, and approximately never for us poor American saps.

Importing a grey market vehicle is a long, arduous, expensive task, which is generally why only those people employed by government-bankrolled investment firms or the Columbian cartel can afford to do it. Plebes like us are forced to make do with whatever the dealer has in stock or, more likely, whatever we can find on Craigslist for under 5 grand. If you have an “in” with the U.S. Department of Commerce and unlimited funds, however, there are 10 cars that are totally worth trying to smuggle through customs.

1. Ford Focus RS

This is not the same Focus that you see parked 10 abreast and 30 deep at the community college, this is the Ford Focus RS. Tagged a Lancer Evo-fighter without a trace of facetiousness, the Focus RS is a mean little machine thanks entirely to the low-pressure turbo genius of Volvo. Equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged inline 5, the Focus RS churns out a staggering 305-horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Ordinarily, that much power coupled with a FWD layout is a recipe for one ugly, habitual understeer, but amazingly the Focus RS cuts corners on the track with razor-edge precision. The real deal-clincher? All of this can be had for around £25k (not including any relevant bribes, of course).

You can always count on “Colonel” Bob Lutz, fighter jet pilot and GM demagogue, to keep us on our toes. Today’s bombshell? The on again, off again Pontiac G8 shall have another day in the sun … as a Chevy Caprice! GM head honcho Fritz had nixed the idea of rebadging the burly sedan, but good old Lutz realized he couldn’t just let the sedan totter off into the woods to die alone. Said Lutz to Automobile Magazine, “The last time we looked at [the G8], we decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet. It is kind of too good to waste.” We agree heartily.

Holden is in the news again, this time allegedly cooking up a hatchback version of the Chevy Cruze. The handsome (yes, legitimately handsome … especially next to a Cobalt!) product of a union between Suzuki and GM, the Cruze looks to be a hit in Europe, where it has already debuted. Destined to replace the Cobalt, the Holden hatch version has a slim chance of sales here, where hatchbacks generally do poorly. Of course, with a turbocharged Ecotec motor and some tuned suspension, it could be a Mazdaspeed 3 or GTI killer. Are you listening, GM?

In case you don’t follow the goings on in Paul Hogan’s homeland, Holden is GM’s Australian division. There aren’t many similarities between Detroit GMs and their Australian cousins (maybe a good thing), save the old Pontiac GTO (Holden Monaro) and the new Pontiac G8 (Holden Commodore). Another difference to add to that list is that while GM is bankrupt, Holden is not. In fact, they’ve plenty of lolly in Oz.

Clearly Pontiac’s eminent demise will put a damper on sales in the division’s final months of existence.  This is even more unfortunate in light of the performance brands return in recent memory to, well….performance.  Still, for a certain segment of  consumers, buying a Pontiac now might be the perfect time.

What’s that you say? You don’t know about the Australian V8 Supercars Championship Series? And you call yourself a car guy.

When Chrysler came out with the 300C, automotive journalists everywhere could be heard celebrating the return of the full-size, rear-wheel-drive, V8 American sedan. “Finally!” they cried, “A return to our glory days of yore!” Many waxed poetic about its slightly retro lines, saying that it looked like a proper American car. The gangster lines, the narrow windows, the hard angles, all bold, American design characteristics.  

Then, last year, Pontiac released the G8 GT.