A fantastic 21st Century hot rod, looking like something from a Max Fleischer cartoon, and reincarnating Australia’s most famous car, the FJ Holden, was unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last Fall (Fall for us “up over,” and Spring for those “down under.”).
EFIJY is a radical pillarless custom coupe boasting V8 Supercar power under the hood, Chevrolet Corvette underbody and state-of-the-art automotive technology throughout.
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The ‘Soprano Purple’ paintwork highlights its curvaceous 5.2-meter body, reinterpreting the classic design cues of the iconic 1953 FJ Holden. It delivers retro, mumbo and gizmos in one glorious package.
Obviously not intended for production, EFIJY has been a passionate side project for some Holden Design team members otherwise dedicated to creating the all-new 2006 Commodore.
A long-term dream for Chief Designer Richard Ferlazzo, EFIJY brought together almost 20 suppliers to highlight the latest in mechanical, electronic and material products and ideas.
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Automotive excess pounds through a 480-kilowatt, supercharged six-liter V8 engine and air adjustable shock absorbers through to a touch control LCD screen and fan-cooled LED headlamps.
GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, today said the EFIJY project was a bold statement on the creative talent available within Holden’s design ranks.
Mr. Mooney said the project was developed as a collaboration with suppliers which reduced impact on the company’s heavy work schedule and ensured the highest possible quality result for the showcar.
"EFIJY is all about fun, emotion and imagination. It shows what a bunch of clever and talented design people can do when they are let loose to create something really wild," Mr. Mooney said.
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"This year was a fantastic opportunity for us to create something which highlights our designers’ ability and versatility."
"EFIJY is sure to evoke different memories for everyone who sees it. People might focus on the FJ links, the glorious custom coupes of the 1930s or the great design flair of the 1950s."
Design philosophies
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Holden Chief Designer and EFIJY project leader Richard Ferlazzo, who sketched the first EFIJY designs in 1989 and is a long-time custom car fanatic, said the car existed purely for automotive entertainment.
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"Invariably, people smile when they see it for the first time. EFIJY is our accolade to the talented designers who cut loose with some fantastically flamboyant styling in the post-war 1940s and 1950s," Ferlazzo said.
"Ask the question, ‘what would these people have created using all the skill sets and technology we have now’, and EFIJY might be the all-Australian answer to that question."
"EFIJY is also aimed at the legions of custom car and hot rod enthusiasts out there whose appetites aren’t generally met in the concept car arena."
"Most importantly, it sends the message that the same people who have sensible day jobs designing entirely practical cars have the passion and inspiration to create something as outrageous as EFIJY."
"We’re all car nuts together and the fact that EFIJY stands on our Sydney motorshow stand goes some way to legitimizing this form of automotive design in the mainstream."
Mechanical:
GM 6.0-liter, LS2 aluminum V8 with Roots-type supercharger 480 kW (645 bhp) @ 6400 rpm of power Custom designed stainless steel 2.5-inch dual exhaust GM four-speed electronic automatic transmission Limited Slip Differential Remote door release and proximity sensor systems
Exterior:
Two door pillarless coupe Glass fiber bodyshell High intensity LED head lamps Modified Chevrolet Corvette chassis Height adjustable airbag suspension units with electronic control Billet aluminum wheels - 20 x 9-inch front, 22 x 10-inch rear 381mm grooved and ventilated rotor brakes
Interior:
Electric tombstone-style bucket seats Leather trimmed headliner Billet aluminum and leather steering wheel Figured maple timber veneer flooring Drop-down touch control LCD screen Hard drive audio and video file system LED interior courtesy lamps
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