160MPH “SUPER CARS” SOON. Minister Horrified by the Sun –Herald Motoring Editor EVAN GREEN Australia's Three Major Car M

160MPH “SUPER CARS” SOON. Minister Horrified By the Sun –Herald Motoring Editor EVAN GREEN Australia’s three major car makers are about to produce ‘super cars” with top speeds up to 160 miles an hour. But NSW transport minister Milton Morris said yesterday that he was appalled at “bullets on wheels” being sold to ordinary motorists. The automotive “big three” General Motors Holden, Ford and Chrysler are building the cars for a head on confrontation in Australia’s most important motor race, the Hardie Ferodo 500, at Bathurst on October 1. The cars will be available to the general public for use on the open road. Bitter Controversy. SUPER CARS HORRIFY TRANSPORT MINISTER The new models, developed from family saloons, are among the fastest and most powerful cars in the world. Their introduction is sure to arouse bitter controversy. The “super cars”are : A V8 Holden Torana, which will replace the 6 cylinder XU1 as GMH’s top competition car. With it’s light body and big engine, it is potentially the fastest car ever built in this country, with a theoretical top speed in excess of 160mph. Australia’s most powerful car, the 380 bhp Ford Falcon GTHO Phase 4, which is capable of sustaining a maximum speed of 152mph, but is expected to go faster on the down hill straight at Bathurst. An updated version of the Chrysler Valiant Charger, with a high performance 6 cylinder engine developing almost 300bhp, and a new 4 speed close ratio gearbox. The new Chrysler is already in production. Two of the 4 speed Chargers known as the E39 (incorrect this is E49) series will be racing at Oran Park today in the models competition debut. The latest Falcon GTHO and the new Torana V8 have yet to go into production. In fact no details have been released officially, for the cars are still under company security wraps. All three cars owe their existence to a modern phenomenon in the cars sales world, the immense prestige of a win at Bathurst. The 500 mile race is for standard production saloons. There is no other race like it in the world. And it has now bred three cars unlike any others produced anywhere, family cars that have been developed into sporting saloons with the performance of a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Under the rules of the Hardie Ferodo 500, at least 200 basically identical units must be sold in Australia before a locally made car can qualify for the race. Therein lies the problem. “I don’t mind expert racing drivers handling such machines on enclosed racing circuits,” Mr Morris told me.”But the thought that ordinary motorist of varying degrees of skill will be able to purchase these bullets on wheels and drive them on public roads is alarming.” “I am horrified at the prospect of young and inexperienced drivers getting behind the wheel of such machines”. “This is specially the case when the cars reach the second hand market And their braking and suspension systems have deteriorated.” “Safest on the road” “If manufacturer’s are making these super cars available to the general public, because this is a condition of eligibility for the Bathurst 500, then I think it is imperative that the organizers closely examine their rules.” While the new cars appear certain to draw salvoes of criticism because of there ultra high top speeds, they are soundly engineered cars with a strong emphasis on safety features. They will introduce new standards of handling and control among the ranks of locally made high performance cars. The Torana will use the five litre plus Holden 308 V8 engine. This engine, is one litre bigger than the motor fitted to a Jaguar XJ6, develops 240 bhp in standard trim. Weight of the V8 Torana is believed to be only 65 lb greater than the 6 cylinder xu1, although power has received a 50% boost. The engine has been fitted further back in the body shell, and handling is reputed to be superior to that of the xu1. The car has a close ratio gearbox (with 120mph possible in third) and wide alloy wheels. The Torana V8 heralds a “boots and all” approach by GMH to end the recent domination of the Bathurst race by Ford. It is believed that GMH may use the new car to spearhead an intense export campaign. After Bathurst the Torana V8 could compete in races and rallies in Asia, Africa and even Europe. Harry Firth, who managers the Holden Dealer Team is deeply involved in the development of the machine, would give no details of the car or it’s program when questioned during the week. “All I can say is that it will be the best handling, safest car on the road.” He said. The new Falcon is a refinement of the GTHO models that have won the past two Bathurst 500 mile races. Easier Driving. The engine, infact, maybe slightly less powerful because the compression ratio has been dropped on the 351(5.7 litre) V8. This, however, will give the motor a broader power band, and make it easier to drive. The car will be faster because the XA Falcon body is better streamlined than the previous model. A wider track and longer wheelbase also give it a natural advantage in road holding. 15 inch alloy wheels overcome two major problems with GTHO Falcons , the allow the fitment of wider, low profile racing tyres and give much improved brake ventilation. Thanks to the Qld and NSW library service. .

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