November Holden & HSV eMag's: Police Caprice, G8 Specials, Green Challenge & More!

[SCCA1995]

Originally Posted by Wagon of Fury

Considering it would probably be impounded right after it rolled off the boat (and then crushed) eleventy million dollars, give or take.

If you managed to bribe Customs or whatever, good luck getting it registered and insured.

Having avoided all manner of federal and local prosecution, 5-7 years later when you're done with it, good luck selling it.

Smarter people than you and I have already analyzed all the angles. For a price you could probably bring a body shell over and swap all the G8 bits onto it, but then you'll have a $100,000 station wagon.

I could imagine $100K for an imported Sportwagon, but it won't instantly be destroyed. The different departments involved with vehicle importation have specific requirements that aren't impossible. The import company (they have to be registered with the EPA) will be responsible for most of the big stuff (emissions compliance, crash worthiness, etc.), but they pass the costs onto the customer. The wagon's front crash worthiness would be the same as it would be for the G8. Your importer would probably have to swap a true US G8 front fascia onto the car because the Commodore bumpers aren't 5-MPH compliant. The cars that would be imported do have VIN #s. All of those Aussie cars that have been imported by Pontiac had US style VIN #s. They would be registered properly with the Feds. Making the car left hand drive isn't required. That will save time & cost right there.

[caddycruiser]

Originally Posted by KingElvis

I love the Holden and think it's great. One thing kind of puzzles me though - everyone complains about not getting to buy a $35,000 Pontiac shipped literally from the other side of the globe - but the Cadillac CTS starts right around that price. Sure, it doesn't have a V8 but... I guess that's what's holding us all back.

Seems like Cadillac could make a mint, just from GMI readers, by offering a small SIDI V8 (an aluminum 293cid comes to mind) that pumps out 360 or so horsies, and offering it as a no cost or low cost optional engine - should actually cost GM LESS to make the OHV SIDI than a DOHC SIDI.

The CTS is great, but as noted a considerably tighter, smaller car and, more importantly, is always thousands higher in MSRP and real transaction price. While a G8 GT max'd at $35k at the end and was selling closer to $30k, a base 3.0L CTS is in the high $30k's to start with nothing additional, then over $50k with options.

So, nice car, but smaller, more expensive, and V6 only in the non-V models, all of which are factors. Though, too, the CTS still sells circles around the G8 could or did, in the US.

[djo165]

Originally Posted by KingElvis

I love the Holden and think it's great. One thing kind of puzzles me though - everyone complains about not getting to buy a $35,000 Pontiac shipped literally from the other side of the globe - but the Cadillac CTS starts right around that price. Sure, it doesn't have a V8 but... I guess that's what's holding us all back.

Seems like Cadillac could make a mint, just from GMI readers, by offering a small SIDI V8 (an aluminum 293cid comes to mind) that pumps out 360 or so horsies, and offering it as a no cost or low cost optional engine - should actually cost GM LESS to make the OHV SIDI than a DOHC SIDI.

I've thought that as well. Seems like Cadillac has a big hole in the CTS line up with a 304hp CTS and a 556hp CTS-V. Why not offer a "regular" V8 of around 350-375hp as well?

As for the statement about the CTS starting at 35k, yeah that's true. But emphasis on the "starting" part. A loaded G8 GT stickered for about $34k.