American invasion: From Cadillac Escalade to GMC Hummer EV, these are the five new cars that should be at the top of GMSV's hit list for Australia

With news finally breaking this week that HSV would be replaced by a new GM import business, called GMSV, in Australia, it's high time we take a closer look at the vehicles the new General Motors Specialty Vehicles business should be bringing to our market.

GMSV will be live from the fourth quarter of this year, with a number of existing Holden and HSV dealerships to rebrand for a new future. The Chevrolet Silverado and Corvette Stingray will be the halo models for the new brand, but its portfolio will expand in time, with other vehicles imported from the USA for left- to right-hand-drive conversion by the Walkinshaw Group.

And with one of the most exciting American lineups to choose from, that could be very good news for Australia. So what do we think the GMSV should put at the top of its strike list? Read on.

1. The Chevrolet Suburban

As Australia's taste for big trucks gets more and more insatiable, it stands to reason that SUVs will be next to get the size-up treatment. And look no further than the Chevrolet Suburban, the biggest bopper in that brand's lineup.

It's a behemoth, more the size of a suburb than something that fits into a suburban landscape, with the big seven-seater stretching 5.7m long, 1.9m tall and 2.0m wide, which is a lot of metal to move.

Happily, Chev's got you covered there, because under the bonnet is a choice of 5.3-litre V8 or 6.2-litre V8, both of which pair with a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

With wheel sizes that stretch from 17- to 22-inches, this is no shrinking violet. But nor should it be. One drawback; it starts at US$56,000, so it ain't cheap.

2. GMC Hummer EV

Anyone who still thinks EVs are boring needs to take a look at GM's new electric Hummer.

GM has thus far only teased the first of its upcoming Hummer models – a 745kW, 15,592Nm mega-truck, along with an identically-specced SUV, both of which promise clip 96km/h in just 3.0 seconds.

The Hummer will also be fitted with a new Ultium battery pack, delivering a maximum range north of 600 kilometres, as well as unlocking 350kW fast charging.

It's a massive about-turn for a brand known more for driving over environments, not saving them, and we're excited to see what Hummer delivers when the vehicles are officially unveiled later this year.

3. GMC Canyon

The Canyon is a small truck... by America's standards. Which means it stretches 5.3m in length. No Subaru Brumby, then, but by bringing it in, GMSV would have tough-looking American rival to cars like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

It's powered by a 2.8-litre diesel that pumps out 134kW and 500Nm, which is near enough on the money in Australia. Whats more, it looks the business - tough and American, and like a shrunken jumbo truck.

It starts at around $28,000 in 2WD, but as is often the case with these things, you can spend as much as you'd like to.

4. Cadillac Escalade

The Escalade is a genuine icon in the Sates, featuring in more songs and movies than you can shake a Grammy at.

But the big SUV could work in Australia, too, where it would arrive powered by a choice of 3.0-litre diesel or thumping 6.2-litre V8.

At around US$77k, it's not cheap - and that's before you add the shipping and conversion costs that would have to be applied in Australia. But the flagship Cadillac does get a A LOT of stuff, And what's more, fitted with the optional 22-inch alloys, it looks the business, too.

5. Chevrolet Camaro 1LS

True, the Camaro wasn't a huge success in Australia, but at least part of that was likely down to the cost of entry.

Enter, then, the 1LS, which gets the Camaro's muscle-car look combined with a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that lowers the sticker price to US$25,995.

The Camaro's 2.0-litre makes around 205kW and 399Nm, which is a little under the power on offer from the Ford Mustang High Performance (236kW and 448Nm), but for those who prefer the Chev's style, it would be a new and tempting entry point to the range.