Holden Concepts Takes Centre Stage at Motorex

October 17, 2014 by Holden

Three of Holden's most historically significant concept cars, EFIJY, Hurricane and Coupe 60, will take centre stage this weekend at Meguiar's MotorEx Melbourne 2014.

The three show stoppers celebrate Holden's design excellence and rich 66-year history in producing iconic Australian vehicles.

Richard Ferlazzo, Holden's Design Director, said it was great to see such iconic vehicles on display together.

'We're incredibly proud of these vehicles as they truly represent the incredible talent we have within Holden,' Mr Ferlazzo said.

'Each of these vehicles have their own unique story and perfectly illustrate why Holden is recognised globally within General Motors as a centre of excellence for concept vehicle and show car development.

'Concept cars give designers a unique opportunity to showcase their creative abilities and I can't think of three more perfect examples that these.'

EFIJY

In 2005, Holden took the covers off the Holden EFIJY, a wild 21st Century hot rod reincarnating Australia's most famous car, the FJ Holden.

A radical pillarless custom coupe boasting V8 Supercar power under the bonnet, EFIJY utilises a Chevrolet Corvette underbody and state-of-the-art automotive technology throughout.

The 'Soprano Purple' paintwork highlights its curvaceous 5.2-metre body, reinterpreting the classic design cues of the iconic 1953 FJ Holden. It delivers retro, mumbo and gizmos in one glorious package.

Never intended for production, EFIJY was a passionate side project for some Holden Design team members and a long-term dream for Holden's Design Director, Richard Ferlazzo who said the car was all about fun, emotion and imagination.

Coupe 60

Unveiled in 2008 to celebrate Holden's 60th anniversary, the Coupe 60 is a stunning two-door performance thoroughbred which exemplifies sporting luxury.

A sophisticated pillarless concept car, Coupe 60 combines racing looks and technology into a road going sports car experience.

Featuring racing-derived enhancements including a V8 supercar inspired cockpit layout, side-exiting chambered exhaust system with billet alloy tips, a full flat under body, rear underbody air diffuser and functional rear deck-lid spoiler with unique designed LED tail lamps.

The interior also has several unique feature including a one piece carbon fibre bucket seats, featuring leather and suede pad design, and a sports-inspired flat bottomed steering wheel with integrated shift light display and LCD sports instrument cluster.

Under the bonnet Coupe 60 boasts a 6.0 litre V8 engine incorporating the technologies such as active fuel management and calibrated for E85 ethanol fuel.

Even the paint is a one-off. Called 'Diamond Silver' by Holden designers, it gives a liquid aluminium finish that almost slides off the bodywork.

Holden's Design Director, Richard Ferlazzo said at the reveal that the Coupe 60 was Holden's 60th anniversary gift to its fans worldwide.

Hurricane

Holden went back to the future when it restored Holden's very first concept car – the 1969 Holden Hurricane.

The futuristic research vehicle, once described as an experiment 'to study design trend, propulsion systems and other long range developments', was restored to its former glory in 2011 as a labour of love by a dedicated group of Holden designers and engineers.

Code named RD 001; the Hurricane is a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive, two-seater sports car which incorporates a remarkable array of innovative features and technology, much of it way ahead of its time.

Features such as electronic digital instrument displays, station-seeking radio, automatic temperature control air conditioning, rear vision camera and an automated route finder were all showcased in this ground-breaking vehicle 42 years ago. Many of these technologies have only recently made their way into mass production, demonstrating Holden's remarkable foresight into both design and engineering technology.

The Hurricane stole headlines and dropped jaws nationwide when it debuted at the 1969 Melbourne Motor Show and it continues to impress and build Holden's global reputation for envisioning and executing world-class concept vehicles.

Now in its 14th year, Meguiar's MotorEx is heralded as the largest and most prestigious motoring enthusiast event of its kind in Australia. The event, which is held on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July at Melbourne Showgrounds, will feature over 400 vehicles including custom, performance and collectable vehicles.

Photo credit: Holden
posted on conceptcarz.com