Holden may be gone, but the Torana isn’t! New LX hatch in the works

An Australian company is planning to bring the Holden Torana back.

Drive South says it will begin reproducing the LX Torana hatch design from the 1970s utilising modern manufacturing techniques, powered using a similar 6.2-litre V8 fitted to late-model Holdens.

The vehicle will utilise fibreglass composite bodywork fitted to an aluminium chassis – inspired by V8 Supercars – fleshed out using CAD (computer-aided design), with 95 per cent of the components to be manufactured in Australia.

Andrew South, the man behind Drive South, estimates production of 100 vehicles annually – all road legal under Australia's Low-Volume Manufacturer rules – with plans to race the model to help with development and marketing.

Mr South has a background in the motorsport industry, while also having built his own original Torana SS hatch race car for the Targa Tasmania tarmac rally.

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The 6.2-litre 'LS3' V8 – sourced from GM Performance in the US – is expected to produce 325kW and 588Nm, mated to either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, driving the rear wheels through a nine-inch limited-slip differential.

A few modern amenities are being planned for the Drive South hatch, including air conditioning, power steering, power windows, and a push-button start.

It's understood the first prototype is scheduled to be built by the end of 2024.

While pricing hasn't been listed by Drive South, Street Machine magazine quotes a price of around $250,000 when it eventually goes on sale – complete with warranty.

For more information, you can visit the Drive South website by clicking here.