At first glance, this seems like a pretty easy question to answer. A Holden SS Ute (think of it as a modern Chevy El Camino, with an Australian accent) normally packs a 6.0-liter V-8, good for 362 horsepower, under it’s hood, but the Ute in the video has been tuned to produce 600 horsepower. A couch normally packs stale food and spare change between its cushions, and most only move when you smash into them with a vacuum cleaner.

The world’s fastest couch, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.4-liter Suzuki motorcycle engine, whose exact output is a closely guarded secret. Whatever it puts out, it’s enough to set a new speed record for upholstered household furniture. In fact, the couch (complete with coffee table for enhanced aerodynamics) just ran to 101 miles per hour, shattering the old furniture speed record of 91 miles per hour. Still think this is an easy kill for the Holden?

We won’t spoil the outcome, so check out the You Tube video below, found on BangShift.

One thing that I absolutely despise is finding out about newly released automobiles and then learning that they’re not coming to the United States. For example, we recently told you about a new diesel powered Mini that’s set to be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in March. It not only gets incredible fuel economy, but would be perfect for American consumers who are looking to do more with less. Then there is the case of Ford’s stellar 305-hp/325-lb-ft of torque turbocharged 2010 Ford Focus RS. This is a car that would likely set the hot-hatch import crowd on its ear and rack up all sorts of awards. Or what about the nut-ball sport pickup that resembles an old Chevrolet El Camino in the form of the Australian only, Holden Ute SS Redline. That sucker will not only satisfy your inner redneck, but it will do so above and beyond the 150 mph mark.

*Photo Credit: Motor Trend Magazine

Some say that the grass is always greener on the other side, and while I’d like to think it is, I suppose we really shouldn’t bitch. I mean in a day and age where we have 556 horsepower Cadillac’s and 412 hp sub-35K Mustang GT’s running around, maybe we should just be thankful for what we have. Who knows, maybe I’m jealous or maybe I just want to experience anything and everything automotive. All I know is that even though they’re not my cup of tea, I really want a 2010 Ford Focus RS sitting in my garage.

Well honk my hooter and call me Cletus! Someone has actually taken the time to create the ultimate in new age redneck transport. By mating a Holden Ute SSV with a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, a new breed of overland transport has been created. May I present to you the 2012 Camar-O-mino, and hot damn if this just don’t tickle the pickle. The Holden Ute SSV is basically the Australian version our beloved, and now defunct El Camino for those born after 1990. It’s also powered by the same 400 hp 6.0-liter V8 mill that found its way into the Pontiac GTO that was built from 2004-2006.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro on the other hand, is all home grown on American soil and looks to have donated its snout, front fascia, grill and hood to the project. Now, could Chevrolet be planning a new Camar-O-mino for 2012… well, who knows. One things for sure, if this thing gets out rednecks and white trash the world over will be doing diving headers off tapped kegs in trailer parks everywhere.

Enthusiasts with a penchant for full sized sport sedans bemoaned the day when GM pulled the plug on Pontiac. The Pontiac G8, a rebadged and Americanized Holden Commodore, was just what a power hungry public demanded to replace their Impala SS sedans, and Pontiac had worked out nearly all the bugs by the time GM killed the brand. Bankruptcy, a concern over tightening CAFE regulations and a focus away from performance cars precluded Chevy from rebadging the Commodore as a Caprice, at least for the civilian market. If you wanted to drive one on these shores, it looked like your only chance was to become a police officer in a department that was buying the new, Commodore-based, Chevy Caprice Police Interceptors.

If Motor Authority is correct, however, you may have a second chance to buy a Holden Commodore as a civilian, possibly branded as a Chevy Caprice. Apparently, high level discussions are ongoing within GM, and some sources even claim that it’s a done deal. The Commodore is already sold in certain markets, such as South Africa, branded as a Chevrolet Lumina. That brand doesn’t carry the weight of the Caprice on these shores, so if the project does move forward, I’d expect to see the Commodore branded as a Caprice (or possibly Impala) in the U.S. market. GM is looking to prove that they’re back, and a halo sedan for Chevrolet would be a step in the right direction. I say build it, brand the most powerful version as the Impala SS, and be sure to offer it in Black Cherry. I think I can line up at least two buyers for you off the top of my head.

A German fan shows her... love.

It’s a new day and time for four new World Cup matches. A few games look to be blow-outs, since neither Algeria nor Ghana is known as an automotive superpower. As the American team found out last week, anything can happen in a World Cup match, so no outcome is certain in advance.

Slovenia vs. England

Slovenia fields the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200, manufactured in Renault’s Novo Mesto plant. Featuring a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline four, the Clio Renaultsport 200 puts out 200 horsepower but weighs only 2,649 pounds. Zero to sixty comes up in about 6.7 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 141 miles per hour. If Slovenia were up against Serbia, the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 would be kicking ass and taking names.

Not to be outdone by France, England fields the tired and true McLaren F1. A timeless Gordon Murray design, the McLaren F1 looks as good today as it did when it was introduced in 1992. There are faster cars today, but the McLaren F1 remains the fastest normally aspirated car ever built. The BMW sourced 6.1 liter V12 is good for 627 horsepower, enough to propel the 2,513 pound car to sixty in 3.2 seconds. The top speed of the F1, with the rev limiter on, is 231 miles per hour.

The victory goes to England, in a bloodbath against Slovenia. With a deficit of 427 horsepower and a higher curb weight, the valiant Slovenian built Renault never stood a chance.

USA vs. Algeria

The USA fields the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, with its 6.2 liter, supercharged V8 good for 638 horsepower. The Corvette, despite it’s track day aspirations, is no light weight at 3,340 pounds. Like most of its countrymen, it could stand to lose a few pounds; despite this, the ZR1 can kick off a 0 to 60 sprint in 3.3 seconds on the way to a top speed of 205 miles per hour. Top Gear, who traditionally hates all things Corvette, even awarded the ZR1 the 2009 Performance Car of the Year award.

Algerian fans, upset over the forfeiture, riot in the streets.

Algeria, sadly, had no car to field. As of this writing, there are no cars manufactured in the North African country, although globalization of the automotive industry may soon change that. Not in time for this year’s World Cup, but certainly in time for 2014.

The USA wins by forfeit, despite being given a penalty that the referee refused to clarify.

Ghana vs. Germany

The Kantanks Ombrempon I. Photo: Jonathan Kasumba

Ghana is a poor but proud country, and can field an SUV of their own design and construction: the Kantanka Obrempon I. Not quite ready for international competition, the Obrempon I is the brainchild of inventor Apostle Kwadwo Safo, a welder turned inventor turned preacher known for his philanthropy. I’d like to tell you what’s under the hood of the Obrempon, but virtually no information is available on it. Let’s call it a V6 and give it 150 horsepower. Since I don’t know the weight of the Obrempon, I can’t even begin to estimate performance, but let’s be realistic: it isn’t going to be faster than the best that Germany has to offer, is it?

Germany, as expected, fields the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. With a water cooled, twin-turbo boxer six motor that puts out 620 horsepower to the rear wheels, the 911 GT2 is not a car for inexperienced drivers. It will hit sixty miles per hour in 3.3 seconds and tops out at 206 miles per hour. It’s time around the Nürburgring is a mind-blowing 7:18, faster than a Ferrari Enzo, a Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and a Chevy Corvette ZR1.

While we salute Ghana for their valiant effort, this match was over before it even began. Victory, Germany, who faces much stiffer competition in the coming rounds.

Australia vs. Serbia

The Holden Specialty Vehicles HSV W427. Photo: thomasrdotorg

Australia fields the HSV W427, a four door sedan (based on the Holden Commodore) that shoehorns in the 7.0 liter V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The motor puts out 503 horsepower, enough to get the rear-drive sedan to sixty miles per hour in about 4.5 seconds, making it the fastest Australian production car. Other technology borrowed from the Corvette includes Magnetic Ride Control, so the HSV 427 can take a corner almost as well as it goes in a straight line.

Zastava / Fiat Punto. Photo: Rudolf Stricker

Serbia fields the Zastava 10, now called the Fiat Punto Mark 2b. Not exactly a performance car, the Punto 2b features a 1.2 liter, inline four motor good for 59 horsepower. Zero to sixty eventually occurs, but it takes about 14 seconds to get there. Top speed, if you could find someone brave enough to drop the hammer and keep it there, is 96 miles per hour. On the plus side, it’s low weight (1,895 pounds) and small motor give it good fuel mileage.

Once again, we have a disappointing matchup. Serbia never stood a chance fielding a twelve year old Fiat design with an anemic four-banger against the Australian entry from Holden Specialty Vehicles. Australia faces some tough future matches, as the HSV W427 doesn’t stand a chance against the best from Germany, France, the U.K., or the U.S.

Check back tomorrow, when we pair Paraguay vs. New Zealand, Slovakia vs. Italy, Cameroon vs. Netherlands and Denmark vs. Japan.

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”.

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?

Mercedes Benz C63 AMG

Its’ got loads and loads of tire smoke… nuff said.

Steve McQueen and the 2005 Ford Mustang

Here we see the King of Automotive Cool – Steve McQueen, ripping up the same corn field that Ray Liotta played ball on.

Ford GT – The One

I remember seeing this during the Super Bowl a few years back and thinking that this was one BAD ASS mofo…

1990 Nissan 300 ZX

In YO’ FACE KEN!!!

VW – TIME TO UNPIMP ZA’ AUTO!

These are probably some of the most brilliant ads I’ve seen in a while. Very well done VW…

Ford Sport KA – Evil little bastard…

God… wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if this could really happen.

Ferrari Shell Commercial

This is without a doubt one of the BEST commercials ever made and it’s not even a car commercial. The editing on this is just spectacular.

Aiwa Car Stereo

So it’s not a car commercial, so what. Its got cars in it and it’s freakin’ hilarious, therefore it qualifies.

Honda

This ad is neither funny, nor exciting, but man if doesn’t keep your interest…

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.

Source: GM

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).

2. Fiat 500 Abarth

The Fiat 500 Abarth has a turbocharged and intercooled 1.4L four cylinder that puts out 150-horsepower, which is laughable for a full-sized sedan but translates to a real white-knuckle experience under the hood of a 139.8 inch long, 65.0 inch wide, 58.2 inch tall, 2282 pound compact. It can break the 0-62 mph mark in 7.9 seconds while still averaging 44 mpg, and even when it’s optioned out its $23k price tag won’t break the bank. Basically, the Fiat 500 Abarth gives you all the benefits of a MINI Cooper without making you look like you’re big into dudes.

3. Audi RS6 Avant

In 1990, Volvo introduced the 960 turbo wagon with the slogan, “Until Ferrari makes a wagon, this is it.” When the 960 was discontinued in the late 90′s, nothing stepped up to take its place. To this day there isn’t anything in the U.S. that rivals the turbo brick,and blatant Volvo bias forces us to maintain that there isn’t anything that rivals it overseas either, but if it was possible to replace the 960, the RS6 Avant would be our number one pick.

4. GTbyCITROEN

Ok we admit, it’s a media whore, and for that we loathe it, but c’mon, look at it! Tearing up the asphalt around Piccadilly Circus while playing Gran Turismo Prolouge5 is one thing, but actually doing it behind the wheel of a full-scale, real-life model? That’ll earn you so much street cred, the ladies won’t even care that you live in your mother’s basement. Or that you’re 40 years old. And balding. And a little chubby.

5. Ford RS200 Evolution

An unfortunate crash during WRC Portugal lead to the sudden cancellation of the RS200 in 1986, but not before Ford had already introduced the RS200 Evolution. Designed by F1 engineers for Ford of Great Britain to blow the window nets off other rally racers, the RS200 Evo was basically an STi with extreme ‘roid rage. A beefed-up version of the already-chunky Cosworth BDA sat longitudinally mounted in the rear of the Evo and, depending on who you’re talking to and which factory upgrade they had, put out anywhere from 550 horsepower to an almost unbelievable 815-horsepower. What’s more, the most powerful RS200 Evos were able to sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.07 seconds, earning the Ford RS200 Evo a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for 12 years as the fastest production car ever.

6. Renault Mégane R26.R

Three words: Six-point harness. A limited edition Mégane Sport model, the R26.R comes with a 6-point aviation-style restraint system and a 4-point roll cage that looks as badass as it sounds. To cut down on drag, the tail lights and rear window are made out of polycarbonate tinted just dark enough to pass for glass. The 2-liter inline 4 cranks out 230-horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, which wouldn’t usually be particularly noteworthy were it not for the fact that the RS6.2 managed to lap the Nürburgring in 8m 17s. To achieve this, Renault dispensed with any frivolous accoutrements like the radio, the rear seats, and the airbags.

7. Audi A5 Sportback

There’s only one reason we covet the A5 Sportback: aesthetics. The average age of car buyers is apparently on a steady decline, and to appeal to the new emerging market both BMW and Audi have created this new, thing. It’s not the Avant your PTA president drives, but it could still haul just as many crappy cupcakes to the bake sale, and it’s not the coupe the douche in finance who lives next door drives, but it could still weave in and out of traffic with the same finesse.

8. Vauxhall VXR8

It’s the Pontiac G8. ‘Nuff said.

9. Alfa Romeo MiTo

Its engines only produce a range from 99 to 150-horsepower, the DNA drive switch that has critics salivating has been done countless times before in some form or another, and the car itself is just a rebadged Fiat Punto. It’s not much to speak of on the track, but gas mileage is great and the whole shebang can be had for under $22k, which means you can put a brand new Alfa Romeo in your garage for a fraction of the price of its predecessor, the 8C Competizione. So yeah, the performance might be mediocre, but it’s an Alfa Romeo for crying out loud…

10. Holden VE Ute

El Camino, anyone? Had Pontiac not been on such a treacherous road to ruin, we might have seen this stateside in the form of the Pontiac G8 Sport truck. Unfortunately, it was cancelled before it ever hit production and the Holden VE Ute is the only remaining evidence it ever existed.

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.

The G8 is sold in Middle East markets as the Chevrolet Caprice, a nameplate last used in North America in 1996 on a bloated full-size behemoth. Now, the Middle East version has a longer wheelbase than the North American G8, but we can’t image it’s too hard to graft a Chevy bowtie in place of the Pontiac arrow, so we doubt GM is going to import the longer version. This is good news for fans of the hot LS3-powered sedan, and hoons who need backseats everywhere.

[Source: Autoblog]