Holden to Produce Corvette Z06-Powered W427 Concept

At this year's New York International Auto Show, Pontiac rolled out the upgraded

performance version of their new rear-wheel drive G8 sedan. The GXP model packs a 402-horsepower, 6.3-liter, Corvette-sourced V8 and a six-speed manual transmission to boot. Combined with suspension upgrades and an even more menacing look, this is looking to be the G8 to beat - that is, until you turn your eyes to what's happening in the G8's spiritual home, Australia.

Holden, GM's Australian division responsible for the vehicle on which the G8 is based, has produced a high-performance version celebrating the 20th Anniversary of its performance division HSV, featuring a 7.0-liter V8 from the Corvette Z06. It turns out that the concept, called the W427, is actually headed for production in limited quantities and will pack an astonishing 570 horsepower, which is more than enough to hassle BMW's M5, Audi's RS6 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. And while nothing numerical has been confirmed,

4.5-second 0-60 mph dashes are definitely not out of the question.

What's produced won't just be a big engine shoehorned into the engine bay, but a comprehensive upgrade that includes plenty of carbon fiber bodywork, 20-inch wheels, and beefed up components in the gearbox, clutch, and limited-slip differential.

Now, there's no word on whether or not Pontiac will be selling a version of this high-performance monster in North America, and although the chances of its sale here are slim to nil, it would certainly make the ultimate G8.