It's official, HSV is headed to the Gulf

When the Dubai Motor Show opens on November 14, GM will have a new exhibit there. Under the banner of 'Chevrolet Special Vehicles', the company will display HSV's ClubSport R8, badged as the 'CR8'.

Specification for the CR8 will be as for the 'Clubbie', notwithstanding the steering wheel on the left of the cabin. That means 307kW of power, 550Nm of torque from the 6.0-litre LS2 V8.

Sales of the CR8 will incrementally boost Holden's exports to the Middle East. The company exported 46,074 units to the Gulf States last year and has shipped over 200,000 units since exports to the region began with the VT-based Lumina in 1998.

For HSV, the Middle East is virginal export sales territory. As Scott Grant, HSV's MD, said: "This announcement adds another important export market to the HSV portfolio, on top of our successful program with Vauxhall in the UK and long standing presence in New Zealand.

"HSV is already a well known brand among car enthusiasts in the Middle East, many of whom are fans of the Aussie high performance cars and our racing activities.

"We have also been involved in the region through supply and preparation of 20 Clubsport R VZ models for the Lumina CSV Championship which is run by the Bahrain International Race Circuit and sponsored by Chevrolet."

The announcement was made last night, ahead of the 'Desert 400' V8 Supercars round in Bahrain this weekend.