Here's a video clip:

http://media.drive.com.au/?rid=17571&sy=dr...ate=213&flash=1

It's got a Turbo 4.0L inline 6
330hp
350 ft-lbs
DOHC and VVT

Plus 19" wheels, and "Big Brakes"

Granted, it's an El Camino, but take the front clip and make it a sedan. Take a look at the Mitsu Evo's, Subaru WRX, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Charger, Nissan Maxima and Altima. There is definately a market for powerful RWD or AWD sedans. Both those cars sent the power to the rear wheels. That's where a market is. Heck, even Cadillac has realized it, and the CTS's send power out back again. I know it has 'boy racer' styling, but it's far more attractive than any other 4 door Ford currently offers. If they offered this car in America for ~$30,000 I'd buy it.

And why do cars built outside of America always get the good stuff? The Europeans get the power. The Japanese keep the Skyline to themselves, and Australia looks to be getting better stuff as well?

 

I believe Australia has more relaxed emissions laws as compared to the united states, that's what causes a major HP drop.

 

And more lax safety laws as well. Most cars could never get imported here without complete redos. Some models are only sold there, they aren't even available in Europe.

 

I'd be interested in seeing Australia's accident/pedestrian safety records to see if theyre really all that worse than our own. Of course there are other variables, but I think we need more stringent (driver) licensing requirements before we need any more Ralph Naders.

 

Well you have to consider the topography and lack of tons of major cities and sububias. There's a lot of people that drive and barely see another car in a day in some regions.

Its also the home of the road-train(this is a dinky one):



http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/james_oconnor.htm

 

The problem is the US has strict emissions and we also get crappy gas here. Most of the good Japanese cars require atleast 95 oct and as you know most top grade gas in US is 91,92 or 93...i think some might have 94 but still don't know of any that have 95 or higher unless its gas gas.

The US laws ruin the party over here.

 

I don't know what people always complain that Australian's Fords have better engines than USA Fords. Sure, they have Falcon, but that's pretty much it. I mean, we have Mustang, GT, Lightning. Would you rather have Falcon instead of Mustang & GT?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Knight @ February 14, 2006, 3:25 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
The problem is the US has strict emissions and we also get crappy gas here. Most of the good Japanese cars require atleast 95 oct and as you know most top grade gas in US is 91,92 or 93...i think some might have 94 but still don't know of any that have 95 or higher unless its gas gas.

The US laws ruin the party over here.
[/b][/quote]

most of the gas stations near my house you can get up to 100 oct... of course it cost $4 a gallon...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mobster @ February 14, 2006, 4:08 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
most of the gas stations near my house you can get up to 100 oct... of course it cost $4 a gallon...
[/b][/quote]
yeah thats what i'm talking about...100 is availble but its race gas and not regular pump gas.

 

You can all thank our liberal congressmen for this lack of engine here. Would be a nice addition to the fusion if we could get it, huh.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Knight @ February 14, 2006, 3:25 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
The problem is the US has strict emissions and we also get crappy gas here. Most of the good Japanese cars require atleast 95 oct and as you know most top grade gas in US is 91,92 or 93...i think some might have 94 but still don't know of any that have 95 or higher unless its gas gas.

The US laws ruin the party over here.
[/b][/quote]
Japanese octane is measured differently than US. The US formula is RON+MON/2. I think Japan ignores MON and uses only the RON value. I don't know how the comparison works, but I think Japan's 95 octane is pretty much comparable to our regular unleaded.

 

I really wish that whole "environment" thing wasn't so important, because life would be a whole lot more fun if we could thrash it.