$128,500 Right-Hand Drive Chevy Camaro For Australia

Good news for all you Australians, if you've had a hankering for the new Chevy Camaro, they're going to be building a right hand drive version just for you, and all it will cost you is a paltry $128,500 U.S. Wait, what? Did I get that right? Damn, I did ... how much does a Porsche or a Ferrari or Lamborghini cost down under? Because if that's what a Camaro goes for, then its direct competitors might be those brands.

OK, for starters, this is not an official GM deal. The RHD Camaro is the product of a Queensland-based outfit called Performax International. They're an Australian importer and converter of new US-made passenger vehicles, and they have just announced the domestic market launch of what is supposedly the world's first RHD version of the muscle car. (Isn't GM bringing the Camaro to England? Guess that doesn't count ... )

The car that Performax International will be converting is the Camaro SS with the 426HP 6.2-liter V8, six-speed manual transmission and it will be priced from $139,000 Australian dollars, which works out to roughly $128,500 USD at the current exchange rates. That would be more than twice the cost of the HSV Clubsport R8, which is a high-performance version of the Holden Commodore / Pontiac G8 packed with a 425HP LS3 V8 that goes for $65,990 (Australian).

In case you're wondering, the current V8-powered Camaro SS in America costs around $33,745 U.S. which is about $36,500 Australian. So yeah, Performax International is either marking these things way up, or doing a lot of work, or going through a LOT of legal hassles. On way or the other, Performax says that they have already received half a dozen orders and are expecting more.

Performax General Manager Nicholas Vandenberg puts it like this: "For something that will be an absolute standout on Australian roads - and drive as good as it looks - it's great value for money."

"The Camaro SS drives just like it does it does from the factory, meaning it has the same outstanding handling, tactile steering and powerful V8 performance noted by American reviewers".

"The driving position, including the relationship between steering wheel, pedals and seat, is perfect. Thanks to our industry-leading computer-aided-design and plastic injection molding technology, we have been able to re-create the fascia, door panels, centre console, ventilation ducts, wiper cowl and other parts with total accuracy of fit and finish."

The Performax Camaro features an LS3 V8 engine mated to a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, high-performance Brembo brakes with four-piston aluminum calipers, heated leather seats with driver's six-way power adjustment, cruise control, Bluetooth, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Boston Acoustic 245 Watt stereo system with nine speakers and auxiliary/USB input jacks, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and front, side and head-curtain airbags.

Source: CarScoop