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Bitter Vero: One Very Expensive Pontiac G8

Erich Bitter, founder of Bitter Cars, doesn't just tune GM cars, he transforms

Australia's latest import gets the German treatment from Bitter. (Photo: Bitter)

them. From everyday Opels and now Holdens emerge unusual, powerful and luxurious coupes and sedans that cater to a select few. Most remember Bitter for his work on the CD and the SC, the very vehicles that put the German brand on the luxury map.

His latest vehicle is called the Vero, a large and luxurious four-door sedan that is slated to compete with the A8, 7-Series and S-Class. Traditionally, Opels were used as a base for Bitter's cars, but the Vero is based around the Australian Holden Caprice, a longer version of what will eventually become the Pontiac G8. It may seem odd for a German boutique carmaker to opt for this particular car, but it makes sense in the context that Opel currently does not sell any Zeta vehicles (related to the Caprice) in Europe, which makes the Vero an intriguing proposition for those who don't want to purchase the standard high-end German luxury vehicle.

No replacement for displacement, even in the land of the turbodiesel. (Photo: Bitter)

Also unique, the Vero is powered by American muscle. Under the reworked hood is the 6.0-liter V8 engine as used in the Chevy Corvette, and it makes 362 horsepower, which might be less than the Vette but nevertheless more than enough to put it on par with the competition's V8 engines. The Vero is currently available with one gearbox, a 5-speed automatic. Both the exterior and interior are modified slightly to give the car a different and more luxurious look and feel, though its roots are not at all hidden as they were in the SC or CD, which were separated much more from their parents.

The Vero's package is a definite twist from what the usual German executive buyer might purchase. Most of the segment's buyers won't like the fact that there isn't a diesel option offered.

Nice materials and good attention to detail, but is this enough for Bitter's clients? (Photo: Bitter)

The Vero also lacks some of the features that buyers might expect to have, such as radar-based cruise control, proximity sensing keyless ignition and other technological gadgets. The car does have dual-zone climate control, a Bose sound system and navigation, but at this price every vehicle in the segment does. Nevertheless, it's the combination of low volume and brute force that will help the Vero stand out, not to mention its nonconformity.

Then there's always the issue of production and price. Bitter has had a tough time getting back off the ground since production of the SC model ended in the early '90s. Although many attempts have been made with various concept cars, such as the CD II, a modern day CD, they've just failed to capture the eye of the public. Perhaps one of the reasons for this has to do with Bitter's lofty entry price. Having a unique car is cool, but is it more than $90,000 better than what a Pontiac G8 is expected to cost?

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