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> 5 GM Models You Wish Were Available in America<

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Old 02-23-2015, 09:53 AM
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Question > 5 GM Models You Wish Were Available in America<

5 GM Models You Wish Were Available in America

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Unbeknownst to many Americans, General Motors (NYSE:GM) is the proprietor of several brands other than Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac that sell cars, trucks, and SUVs to the masses across the globe. Brands like Australia’s Holden and Europe’s Vauxhall and Opel all distribute GM-made vehicles to drivers all around the world, and most of its models are completely foreign in name and concept to American car buffs. With these brands and several others, GM has been able to explore different designs and test marketing ideas, all while preserving its American brands and model lineups back home.
There are a variety of reasons the models listed on this list have not made it to American audiences, ranging from differing international safety or efficiency standards to simple customer demand. While you may have seen a model or two driving around in America, it was almost certainly sold in a foreign market.
Here are five of GM’s most noteworthy releases in foreign markets that many Americans can only hope to see make it to dealer’s lots in the United States.


1. Chevy Trax — Canada

Canadian Chevrolet fans are fortunate, as they are the only ones with a chance to purchase the Trax, Chevy’s smallest crossover SUV. The Trax is the first Chevrolet SUV on our list, and also the most compact in all of the Chevrolet lineup worldwide. It’s compact stature help achieve excellent fuel economy whilst kick out plenty of horsepower thanks to an available turbocharged engine. GM struck a nerve with Canadian drivers, who flocked to the nimbleness and efficiency of the Trax when it first hit the streets last year.
The perfect vehicle for the urban SUV lover, the Trax is perfect for city streets thanks to precise steering, a compact exterior, and an array of sensor technology. Drivers still get all the best perks of an SUV, with seating for up to five, unrivaled versatility, and sporty off-road capabilities. But good news — American drivers will be able to snag the Trax in the United States later this year, as the crossover has been a hit after only a year on the other side of the 49th parallel.


2. Holden Ute — Australia

A model that might conjure up visions of yesteryear in many driver’s minds, the Holden Ute is truly one-of-a-kind in the world, and available to Australian GM fans. Under GM’s Australian Holden brand, the Ute looks similar to the Subaru Baja or the old Chevrolet El Camino, however, it is a true performer built for the open road. The Ute essentially takes the guts of a sports car, the spirit of a muscle car, and blends them together into a sleek roadster that also happens to have a bed in the back for cargo.
The Ute also comes loaded with features, like parallel park assist, a rear view camera, and a heads up display. Somehow, GM managed to fit the bells and whistles of a luxury vehicle into the Ute in addition to the sports car features. While only Australians currently have the privilege of trying it out for themselves, the cars have been known to show up in unlikely places. For now, American drivers need to plan a trip down under to get a crack at the Ute for themselves.


3. Chevy Orlando — Canada

A second entry that is only available to our friends in the great white north, the Chevy Orlando is the perfect fit for Canadian families. The Orlando seamlessly blends the best attributes of a minivan with the capabilities of an SUV. With enough room to fit half of the hockey team, this SUV was built to accommodate. Add on a powerful engine to plow through the tricky weather Canada can throw at drivers, and the Orlando is a viable selection for many drivers.
The Orlando’s other strength besides cargo and passenger space is its versatile design. An aerodynamic chassis helps drivers get the most from every tank of gas, all the while hauling a full passenger load. The Orlando can easily traverse wet or snowy terrain, even with a larger stance than other crossovers. In all, the Orlando presents a formidable hybridization of a van and an SUV that American drivers should be champing at the bit to get a chance to take out on the road.


4. Vauxhall ADAM — UK

Classically European by design, the Vauxhall ADAM looks similar to many makes available in America, but brings its own advantages to drivers in the UK. Similar to models made popular by Fiat (FIATY.PK) and Mini, the ADAM is a small car built for city living. Vauxhall makes it available in two dozen variations, allowing for drivers to add their own flair and to personalize their own brand. The ADAM also comes with a very reasonable price tag, making it an excellent choice for UK drivers.
With physical features like three doors, 12 available body colors, and numerous light settings, the ADAM truly presents a blank slate for customers to create their ideal vehicle. Loaded with technology, Vauxhall also outfitted its compact car with a customizable stereo setup and fully-equipped infotainment system. The ADAM is truly the perfect vehicle for European drivers. Americans will have to settle for Vauxhall counterparts — unless a trip to London is on tap.


5. Opel Astra OPC – South Africa

A true compact sports car, the Opel Astra OPC is a vehicle GM makes available to its South African customers. The Astra OPC’s strength lies in its design; a blend of muscularity and intuitiveness not found in many other models around the world. Opel poured some serious engineering prowess when crafting the Opel Astra OPC, rigging the car with the FlexRide Chassis Control System, a strengthened suspension, and advanced braking system. Opel has made this model the perfect vehicle for hitting the urban environs of South Africa and beyond.
Available in a variety of model variations and colors, South African Opel fans can truly get exactly what they want from this car. Each variation comes with an impressive list of standard equipment and features, matching anything available on American soil. American drivers should be salivating at the thought of taking the Astra OPC for a spin, but for now, its only available an ocean away.
 
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Old 02-23-2015, 09:59 AM
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To Protect and Swerve: the World’s 10 Fastest Police Cars

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Source: Flickr – Createordie https://www.flickr.com/photos/25055486@N04/

Here in America, we’re all well-aware that police departments are constantly upgrading their hardware, getting the newest, biggest and baddest technology available. It’s not terribly uncommon to see local and state authorities putting powerful muscle cars to use patrolling the highways, like Dodge Chargers, Ford Mustangs or even the occasional Chevy Corvette.
While most police cruisers stick to classic models like the Crown Victoria or Ford Taurus, some departments around the world look to be gearing up for a street race rather than fighting crime. In certain places around the world, like in Dubai for example, money has completely changed the cultural landscape. Supercars are fixtures on every street, and residents feel perfectly okay with hitting insane speeds. You might remember a recent episode in which Justin Bieber was speeding and driving recklessly through the city. Well, that behavior is all too common in cities like Dubai, and as a result, police departments have stacked their arsenal to combat it.
Here are the ten fastest police cars in the world, specially-created to serve the needs of the boys in blue in specific areas all over the world. Some are used as actual patrol vehicles, others merely for show. One thing is for sure: the police aren’t cutting any corners in their battle to keep dangerous driving at bay. Read on to see the world’s ten fastest police cars.
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Source: Flickr – Lexus2D https://www.flickr.com/photos/lexus-is200/

10. Lexus IS-F – (UK) – 4.7 seconds; 168 mph

A Lexus (NYSE:TM) IS-F was built to help policemen in the UK tackle citizen’s speeding habits, and with a top speed of 168 miles per hour, it’s capable of keeping up with most other cars. Used in northern England by the Humberside Police, this 416 horsepower beast is mostly used as a deterrent, but is also used to run down criminals and speeders in super high-speed sports cars. The next time you find yourself resisting the urge to hit the gas in northern England, trust your instincts.


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Source: Flickr – Paul Townsend https://www.flickr.com/photos/brizzlebornandbred/

9. Ariel Atom (UK) – 2.5 seconds; 168 mph

In what is probably the most unique police car in the world, authorities in the UK are the proud safekeepers of a specially-outfitted Ariel Atom, which can hit a top speed of 168 miles per hour, and get to 60 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds. The Atom actually ties with one other model on the list for the quickest police car in the world, and probably sends an incredible message to speeders with its Formula 1 styling. It’s hard to think there’s a cooler police car out there, but as you’ll see, other countries have mounted quite a supercar cache to deter lawbreakers.
8. Spyker C8 Spyder (Netherlands) – 4.5 seconds; 186 mph

Police in the Netherlands have one of the more unique cop cars in the world, with a Spyker C8 Spyder. While the standard version is pictured above, the police have the province of Flevoland welcomed the C8 Spyder to the force in 2008. Now armed with a car that can hit 186 miles per hour and soar to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, speeders all over the Netherlands have something to fear. Spyker is a Dutch-based car maker, so it’s fitting to keep one of their impressive supercars right at home.
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Source: ABT/Facebook

7. Audi R8 GTR (Germany) – 3.2 seconds; 202 mph

German police are the proud owners of an Audi (VLKAY.PK) R8 GTR, a fine-tuned supercar capable of hitting 202 miles per hour and screaming to 60 miles per hour in only 3.2 seconds. German company ABT Sportsline outfitted the R8 GTR specifically for the police department, and even suped-up the 5.2-liter V10 engine to be able to make 620 horsepower, above the standard 518. The car, however, has not been put on patrol or used to deter crime. It is used only for show, but still makes an attractive component to the police’s armory.
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Source: Flickr – Createordie https://www.flickr.com/photos/25055486@N04/

6. Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (Italy) – 3.7 seconds; 203 mph

Police in Italy were the happy recipients of a brand new Lamborghni, donated by the Lamborghini company itself as an anniversary gift, celebrating 152 years for the department in 2004. Four years later, the company donated a new Gallardo LP560-4, which was put to use patrolling Italy’s highways. It’s capable of keeping pace with most other cars out there, with a top speed of 203 miles per hour, and a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds. It uses a 5.2-liter V10 engine to produce 560 horsepower, giving some bite to the Italian police’s road presence. Since then, the Italian Polizia have also taken shipment of a new Lamborghini Hurácan, Lambo’s replacement for the aging Gallardo.


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Source: Flickr – Abdullah AlBargan https://www.flickr.com/photos/albargan/

5. Ferrari FF (UAE) – 3.7 seconds; 208 mph

You’ll learn one thing very quickly while reading through this list: don’t mess with the Dubai Police Department. This Ferrari (FIATY.PK) FF was modified specifically for Dubai’s boys in blue (or green and beige, actually), and can hit searing speeds of 208 miles per hour, and jump to 60 in just 3.7 seconds. The FF is one of a handful of supercars used by the Dubai PD, but this is the only one driven exclusively by female officers. It was added to the Dubai PD’s fleet in the spring of 2013, and adds even more teeth to the police’s supercar supply.
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Source: Flickr – Abdullah AlBargan https://www.flickr.com/photos/albargan/

4. Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 (UAE) – 2.9 seconds; 217 mph

If you had to guess as to what city’s police department adopted a Lambroghini Aventador LP 700-4, who would it be? Of course, you should have guessed Dubai! Along with several other super cars, this Lamborghini joins the ranks of Dubai’s finest with its insane capabilities and fighter jet physique. The Aventador LP 700-4 can hit a top speed of 217 miles per hour, and jet to 60 mph from a standstill in 2.9 seconds. Beware if you think about speeding through the United Arab Emirates, as this impressive machine isn’t even the most formidable vehicle in the Dubai PD’s fleet.
3. Aston Martin One-77 (UAE) – 3.5 seconds; 220 mph

The Dubai PD is at it again, this time picking up one of the more rare cars in the world. The car itself is aptly-named, as only 77 were built, and now one has been modified into a crime-fighting machine. It’ll be hard for Justin Bieber to outrun the One-77, as it comes equipped with a 7.3-liter V12, that can go from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and tops out at 220 miles per hour. With all the money flying around Dubai, the police decided to up the ante with a few supercars of their own to combat the wild driving habits of the super wealthy. This One-77 is merely one part of their arsenal.
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Source: Flickr – createordie https://www.flickr.com/photos/25055486@N04/

2. Brabus Rocket (Germany) – 3.2 seconds; 225 mph

The Brabus Rocket is a suped-up Mercedes model, that can keep up with almost any other car out there. German police felt the need to add one to their fleet, so the 6.3-liter V12 powered car is now outfitted for the boys in blue. Capable of hitting 225 miles per hour and going from 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, this Brabus Rocket is actually not built for street patrols. The German Secretary of Transportation instead took it onboard to be the face of a program meant to inspire people to modify their cars responsibly, and drive safe.
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Source: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dubaipolicehq.en/photos_stream

1. Bugatti Veyron (UAE) – 2.5 seconds; 268 mph

The Dubai Police decided that what they already had in stock just wasn’t enough, so they decided to go and get themselves the second-fastest car in the world, the Bugatti Veyron. The Dubai police apparently need a car that can chase down anything else on the road, as the Veyron is, of course, the official world record holder for fastest car in the world. Capable of speeds up to 268 miles per hour and hitting 60 miles per hour from zero in just 2.5 seconds, there’s no way anything can get out of the Veyron’s grasp, unless a Hennessey Venom GT shows up. It only set the police department back a cool $1.6 million, but hey, it’s Dubai!
 
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Old 02-23-2015, 10:19 AM
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Only thing i want to see here is the holden ute.
 
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Old 02-23-2015, 10:21 AM
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Hi Keane, thanks for being the first to post...

My pick is below (Great beach/surfboard ride)
 
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Old 02-23-2015, 10:29 AM
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I think they're awesome, need a spec'ed out hsv maloo r8. If gm doesn't bring them over, maybe i'll try and import one in the future once they reach 25 years old. But i suppose by then there will be something else cooler.
 
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Old 02-23-2015, 11:00 AM
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I agree with Keane. Bring the Ute here. I was talking about the El Camino to my co-workers just the other day.
 
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Old 02-23-2015, 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by GTHSS
I agree with Keane. Bring the Ute here. I was talking about the El Camino to my co-workers just the other day.

Hi Tommy, I think there would be a market for them in the USA 4>$ure. I like'em

 
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Old 02-23-2015, 10:11 PM
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I'm sure it would do fine revived as the el camino, as a ute is true to the el caminos roots and is just a modern version.
 
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