Holden Previews The Unique All-Wheel-Drive Cross8

Melbourne International Motor Show: Holden today gave buyers a glimpse into the future when it took the wraps off a unique, all wheel drive production prototype called the Cross8. This V8-powered sports/recreational machine fits the increasingly popular 'crossover' category and is based on a new model that Holden will release in 2003.

Fully engineered and roadgoing, the all-wheel-drive Cross8 breaks new ground for Holden and signposts one of several new directions the company intends to take with related vehicles next year.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Peter Hanenberger, says the versatile Cross8 demonstrates Holden's continuing commitment to the introduction of exciting new cars that satisfy the market's appetite for change and variety.

"Like the Monaro, the Cross8 is built from the same flexible platform as our top-selling V-car series - and it is an equally well packaged vehicle. As the name implies, this is a crossover car - a four door, all-wheel drive which can accommodate five people in sedan comfort, carry a light duty load and deliver trademark V8 performance.

"With its all-wheel driveability, the Cross8 will also handle a wide range of surface and off-road conditions with ease. It previews a new model range that Holden will be releasing early next year - and I can tell you that the all-wheel drive factor is a forerunner of more good things to come," he continued.

"The Cross8 provides further proof of Holden's ability to anticipate trends and transform concept cars into production vehicles much faster and more cost-effectively than ever before," Peter Hanenberger concluded.

While Holden will not release feature and specification details until production versions of the Cross8 make their debut later in 2003, the company says the prototype's styling does indicate directional design themes.

The elongated, four-door Cross8 passenger compartment is based on the long-wheelbase Holden Statesman and seats up to five people in leather-trimmed comfort. Load-carrying capacity is comparable to that of a Holden Ute SS.

Tailor-made for a sports/recreational lifestyle, the Cross8 advertises its performance credentials and all-wheel-driveability with a wide track stance, fender flares over 18-inch AWD sports wheels, hood and fender vents, integrated sports bar and streamlined, remote release decklid.

The exterior finish, in Turbine Grey metallic with accent details in satin black, is complemented by an equally classy interior treatment, highlighted by sports seats trimmed in ochre leather over an Anthracite base; sports instrument cluster with Titan Silver accents and Piano Black surround; perforated, brushed alloy brake/accelerator pedals and footrest; leather-wrapped steering wheel with piano black inserts, leather-wrapped handbrake and gearshift knob; Titan Silver detailing on handbrake and door handles.

The Holden Cross 8 is powered by a 5.7 litre Generation III V8 engine matched to four-speed automatic transmission.

The Cross 8 made the transition from computer screen to reality with the aid of advanced, simultaneous math-based process technology which validates key design and development phases 'virtually', giving substantial reductions in turn-around times.

CROSS8 FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Mechanical

5.7 litre GEN III V8 engine, producing 225 kW of power @ 5,200 rpm

4L60 automatic transmission

All-wheel drive

Front, rear and centre open differentials

High-performance Harrop brakes with unique Cross8 caliper graphics

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Traction control

Power steering

Safety/Security

Driver and passenger airbags

Console-mounted passenger grab handle

Remote decklid lock and release

Anti-submarining seat ramps

Automatic collision engine shut down

Encoded remote key

Engine immobiliser

Dual stage unlocking

Remote deadlocking

Comfort/Convenience

Power side and rear windows

Steering wheel with height and reach adjust

Electric driver's seat height and tilt function

Air conditioning

Cruise control

Headlamps auto off function

Rear window demister

Roof-mounted storage compartment with integrated spot lamps

Seat storage pockets

Exterior

Turbine Grey finish, satin black detailing

18" five-spoke, satin silver alloy wheels

235/50 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres

Fender flares, wheel arch extension mouldings

Exclusive grille and projector headlamp treatment

Projector foglamps

Hood vents

Front fender vents

Integrated sports bar with stop lamp

Aero design decklid

Cross8 badging

High-mounted rear antenna

Pressed aluminium skidplate

Full width rear bumper

Interior

Ochre leather sports seats and door inserts; Anthracite base trim

Sports instrument cluster with Titan Silver accents and Piano Black surround

Leather-wrapped steering wheel with piano black inserts

Black headlining

Remote-controlled, roof-mounted rear AutoVision DVD unit with infrared operation headphones

Titan silver detailing on handbrake, instrument cluster and door handles

Perforated brushed alloy brake/accelerator pedals and footrest

SOURCE: Holden