So ingrained is the Australian love of somewhat over-exuberant driving that they've even invented a word for it - hooning. And, we are happy to note, the cars to do it in.
From the Australian equivalent of Lockheed's Skunk Works, Holden Special Vehicles, comes their sixth generation of hooligan tools, colloquially known as HSV GEN-F.
Based on GM Australia's flagship, the Holden Commodore (Chev Lumina to South Africans), the autonomous HSV range starts with the Clubsport, which has a 6.2-litre LS3 V8 rated at 317kW and 550Nm, an HSV body kit, a low-line boot-lid spoiler, AP ventilated discs with forged four-piston callipers and 20” alloys.
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
The Clubsport R8 and R8 SV are tweaked to 325kW and 340kW respectively, and feature a driver preference dial that allows you to choose between a range of throttle, suspension and transmission settings, as well as a stability control module programmed to allow a certain amount of anti-social behaviour before it steps in.
The R8 versions are also available in a station-wagon body style that invites comparison with the M5 Touring. Forget it; the Holdens are nowhere near as sophisticated as BMW's Express Estate, but they have a lot more character.
BAKKIE VERSION
That applies especially to the bakkie version, badged as the Maloo (don't ask, Cyril, it's probably something unsavoury in Strine), which is also available in uprated 325kW R8 and 340kW SV trim.
For those who want to drive like a hoon without looking like a hoon there are the luxurious Senator Signature and long-wheelbase Grange versions, each with 340kW and 570Nm, Bose premium sound system, magnetic control adaptive suspension, head-up display and less overstated body kit - by Australian standards anyway.
ULTIMATE BAD-ASS
But the ultimate bad-ass of the Gen-F stable is the GTS, due for release in September 2013, with a 6.2-litre LSA supercharged V8 borrowed from the Chev Camaro ZL1 that's good for 430kW and 740Nm.
Standard kit includes AP cross-drilled two-piece discs with forged six-piston front callipers, special double-spoked 'Blade' 20” forged-alloy wheels, an even more extreme body kit and a taller bootlid spoiler.
Since these cars are by definition right-hand drive there is nothing to stop General Motors SA putting bowtie badges on the GTS and bringing it in as the new Lumina SS, except possibly cost and reluctance to be seen as contributing to the delinquency of South African drivers.
C'mon guys, pretty please?
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