HSV Grange: Next GM Flagship sedan... please!
Click to enlarge
What choices does the dedicated GM "car guy" have when he wants to drive something that has all-around performance, is a rarity on the road and isn't a Corvette or Cadillac? Hopefully someone at The General has the insight to see that such a vehicle is already being produced and well within our reach.
Yesterday at the Sydney Auto Show, Holden's HSV group (Holden Special Vehicles) unveiled the HSV Grange saloon, yet another addition of its new E-Series family. Based on the new full-sized Caprice and aiming to join the ranks of the BMW's M, Mercedes' AMG, and Audi's S division offerings, the HSV Grange is designed to not just get into the fight, but to be the last one standing
The car looks great from any angle, can accommodate 5 adults comfortably, and should be able to hang with the best in straight-line acceleration and cornering. Power comes from a GM-sourced 6.0-liter LS2 V8 making 412 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque and all of it is channeled through GM's new 6-speed sequentially-shifted automatic transmission.
This is a car that could help provide GM entry into the exclusive club dominated by the German big boys. With the economy booming and demand for high-end products greater than ever, having this vehicle join the upcoming Pontiac Grand Prix (another Holden-sourced product) could help lure the luxury performance enthusiast back into GM showrooms.
Well, if the price is right, that is. You see, the cost for the new HSV Grange in Australia? Roughly $100,000 AUD, which works out to around $76,000 USD. That kind of number could be a tough sell here.
Thanks to Ben for the tip!
(Press release, add'l photos after the jump)
[Sources: drive.com.au, GM Holden, HSV]
HSV GRANGE:
Click images to enlarge
PRESS RELEASE:
Holden Special Vehicles Grange debuts at Sydney International Motor Show.
Combining an elegant, individual sense of style with traditional HSV hard edged performance cues, the WM Grange has debuted at the Sydney International Motor Show ahead of its wider Australian release in 2007.
Managing Director of Holden Special Vehicles Mr Phil Harding said the all new Grange provided the ultimate in Australian luxury with an engine and suspension package destined to make the WM a 'classic'.
"We are delighted to welcome the WM Grange to the HSV range, which combines all the luxury and performance of the E series in a roomy, completely new, long wheel based edition", Mr Harding said.
"The Grange is everything the Australian public have come to expect from a car wearing the Holden Special Vehicle badge, at a price that will make overseas 'competitors' blush".
Mr Harding said he expected strong demand for the Grange within Australia but were also confident of continuing the HSV push internationally.
"We are intending to build on the successful export of Grange into China, exploring new markets for this new Grange", Mr Harding said.
Styling and design
WM Grange continues the HSV mantra of 'Luxury and Performance'. The emphasis is on restrained elegance giving only a hint of the model's true performance potential.
Front facia and rear bib are totally unique – the front featuring an understated premium European-style chrome grille complemented by a thin chrome surround for the lower intake. The chrome theme continues on the window surrounds. Elegant 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheel add further sophistication to the side elevation.
At the rear there's a subtle lower diffuser, a set of four premium exhaust tips, a flush mounted rear spoiler and discreet Grange badging. Hi-tech LED rear lamps give a low, wide look to the rear of the car.
Interior styling is everything you would expect in HSV's top or the range luxury model. Colour combinations and quality trim materials have been carefully selected to reinforce the sophisticated individual character and unique seating offers excellent lateral support and sumptuous comfort.
Grange also offers a no-cost option of 'Light Urban' trim which is designed to contrast to the standard dark 'Onyx' trim throughout. By using classic horizontal colour elements set in relief against the dark lower and upper cabin trims, it creates a high class interior ambience that's very much typical of European flagship models. Other sporting highlights include a unique HSV instrument cluster and a chunky design steering wheel rim.
Engineering and technology
The Grange is designed to deliver the most comfortable and luxurious ride possible, while staying true to the famous HSV performance requirements.
Under the bonnet the unique-to-HSV 6.0 litre LS2 V8 now produces 307kW @ 6000 rpm (up from 297kW @ 6000rpm) and 550Nm @ 4400rpm (from 530Nm @ 4400rpm) thanks to a revised intake and exhaust system (including new smooth flowing 'four-into-two-into-one' tubular extractors) and a 24 month program to refine the engine calibrations, positioning Grange as one of the fastest luxury/sports limousines in the world.
As a complete performance package, brake performance is now also at the very top tier of world class. Developed in conjunction with AP Racing, the all new system consists of enormous (365mm front and 350mm rear) grooved and ventilated rotors complete with extremely rigid HSV specific four piston front callipers that reduce flexing and improve pedal feel and performance. It's backed up by the latest HSV-tuned Bosch ABS system and more linear friction levels from the new brake pad material.
Electronic driving aids have become a major HSV feature and the Grange receives the full arsenal, including ABS, Traction Control and Stability Control, which together form Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The ESC system has been developed, calibrated and tested specifically to HSV requirements to ensure it perfectly matches the Grange's new suspension technology and delivers improved overall safety levels without detracting from the traditional HSV driving experience.
The advanced technology of the all new Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) system instantly gives the Grange a significant edge over every locally manufactured vehicle and all but a precious few European models. Developed over 3 ½ years at a cost of $4.5 million, this electronically controlled damper system offers Grange drivers two modes – 'Luxury' or 'Performance' – that transform their vehicle from a luxury ride bias to race track inspired chassis at the press of a dash mounted button. Metal particles suspended in the magneto–rheological fluid within each damper respond to changes in an internal magnetic field to provide continuously variable damping force without any mechanical delays.
To further exploit the rear grip of the new chassis, the front and rear wheel sizes now differ in width – 8-inch front and 9.5-inch rears. 19-inch wheels remain standard and they're joined by new tyres specifically developed in conjunction with Bridgestone and featuring unique construction, belt angle and tread compound tuned to the hi-tech suspension system.
Grange highlights
LS2 6 Litre V8 (307KW and 550Nm)
6L80 E six-speed automatic transmission
HSV Premium Four-Piston Brake System
Exclusive 'Luxury Performance' body styling
19-inch alloy wheels
Unique Grange leather seats and interior
Optional 'Light Urban' trim (no-cost)
ESC – Electronic Stability Control
MRC – Magnetic Ride Control
Unique HSV instrument cluster and steering wheel
Curtain air bags – six air bags in total
Rain sensing wipers
Rear, headrest mounted, DVD Player
Tyre pressure monitor
Tri-zone electronic climate control
Bi-Xenon headlights (self levelling)
LED tail lamps, with 10 way electric fronts and three memory settings
Heated exterior mirrors
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
nist 12:17PM (10/29/2006)
$76,000 for a 400+hp high performance luxury sedan? Wow, that's one heck of a deal! Wow, that'll get the German attention! YEAH!
oh wait.....
You can buy a Cadillac CTS-V, with similar performance (400HP LS2), luxury and better looks for $20,000 less.
OR you can buy the STS-V for the same money and get a 470HP supercharged Northstar.
GM has already been winning the fight against RS4s/E55AMGs/M5s/etc. for the past couple of years. Looks like Holden is stepping into the ring as well but with that kind of price-tag it won't be competitive.
Reply
Ray 12:22PM (10/29/2006)
76 grand OMG. How about 20 grand at the top. GM is crazy. I know I know everyone will say you can't have that much hp for only 20 grand. ONLY 20 grand , Paaalease.... you all are crazy.
Reply
Jordan 12:43PM (10/29/2006)
This car could sell well as a Chevy SS or a Pontiac GXP. The front looks amazing, however, the back is really boring (aomething that could be found on a current Chevy or Toyota). If this car would to make it in the US, the General would have to:
1)Redesign the rear end, make it more exciting and sporty looking
2)Add a 6 spd. Manual Transmission
3)Drop the price $30,000, compared to a similar Caddy STS-v this car is crap, it doesn't look as good, perform as well, and doesn't offer the same ammount of features. If this was to sell as a Chevy or Pontiac, people wouldn't pay $75,000 for one, even $50,000 is a bit high but is more in reason.
Reply
gg 12:54PM (10/29/2006)
i rather buy a CHRYSLER 300 SRT-8,, and its way better looking.......
Reply
Steve2 1:04PM (10/29/2006)
This price isn't that outrageous.
The HSV Coupé 4 (AWD GTO) is AU$90,000. So this is only 11% more.
I guess the "S" in HSV means the vehicles really are special. Either that, or Australia has some big taxes in there and they add up quickly.
But either way, if the HSV Coupé 4 can be AU$90K and the US GTO can be $35K, then perhaps this vehicle can come in below $40K if brought here.
Of course, just like the US GTO is a de-specced verson of the Holden HSV Monaro, the US version of this car would have to be de-specced a little. No custom 4-pot brakes at that price.
Reply
Misaniovent 1:07PM (10/29/2006)
Where would this fit in GM's American brand portfolio? Nobody would ever pay this much for a Pontiac or Chevrolet sedan; I doubt most people would even pay 40,000 for such a branded car. The price is more inline with Cadillac, but Cadillac already has the CTS-V and STS-V.
Give it to Buick and drop the price 30,000 dollars.
Reply
Bret 1:09PM (10/29/2006)
Do not put any value on car pricing based on exchange rates. The numbers do not directly translate and are misleading.
For example, the BMW M5 sold in Australia goes for $230,500AUD. Using the exchange percentage above, an M5 would sell for $174,800 in US Dollars, about double what they really sell for in the USA.
A base VW Jetta in Australia lists for $25,300 USD when dollars are converted. The same car sold in the US can be bought for about $17,000 USD, a 50% price difference.
Besides, if they ever sell this car in the US, it'll have to be called the "La Grange" instead of just "Grange". At least GM could create a marketing opportunity with ZZ Top. Imagine how well it would sell in Texas?
Reply
speed cars 1:17PM (10/29/2006)
In my oppionon the price is a little too big, but the car looks very cool.
http://www.auto-power-girl.com/
Reply
Mike 1:37PM (10/29/2006)
Chrysler 300 way better looking? Well thats just an opinion, cause I think that behemoth is the ugliest idea of a car I've ever seen. But thats just my opinion.
As for giving it to Buick. Are you joking? Buick is not branded for this type of car; sorry. GM is looking to reform certain brands to appeal to certain groups. Like This would appeal to the more well to do 30 somethings. Its not designed for the 50+ crowd.
As for the price. You guys... come on. Its not even for sale, let alone released as an official replacement or future GM concept in North America. How can you bicker about how much it costs when its not even sold over here? I bet this would price in the 50 grand region for the high end.
Plus, you've gotta realize theres more to a car than an engine. Its not all about what its got under the hood, and thats it. I mean come on, look at some of those features. Do you even know what magnetic ride control is?
Reply
jscro 2:09PM (10/29/2006)
"GM has already been winning the fight against RS4s/E55AMGs/M5s/etc. for the past couple of years. "
GM doesn't a make a single product to even compete in this class. The Cadillac is a great car, but an RS/M/AMG it ain't.
Reply
BOB 2:17PM (10/29/2006)
Maybe there will come a day when the Aussies want the same styling we
do. Meanwhile, this car is an old Acura in the front, an old Camry in
the rear, to American eyes. (Same rear, better done, on 2006 US
Impala) Aussies will take a generic looking vehicle with a big engine
and racer trim: if we would accept that, the GTO would have sold.The
Opels/Saturns are a generation ahead in styling, and are not for the
testosterone market.Let's see if GM can take the underpinnings and
make a HOT car or two, not a committee created pastiche like the
Malibu Maxx, etc. I remember when we GASPED at how cool and sexy and
beautiful each year's new Pontiacs were, 40 years ago. That is what
takes wallets out of pockets.
Reply
fabian 3:06PM (10/29/2006)
have any of you driven a cadi cts-v prob not. i have its not all its cracked up to be. i went to test drive a 06 cts-v, thinking the numbers are impressive on paper. well for one the cars interior in my opion does not compare to any of its competition. and sure didnt feel like 400 + ponys either. i dont care how impressive the numbers are. the real deal is when you get behind the wheel and floor it. take a few corners here and there. scaring the crap out of the car sales guy LOL.
bottom line this car was disappointing,
now again gm shoving yet another name plate in our faces this is what the impala ss should look like.
Reply
TriShield 3:10PM (10/29/2006)
I've been to Australia, HSV Granges are huge executive performance cars. The same type of car as an AMG S-class. It seems many of you don't realize that. They are really incredible cars in person, much better than the STS-V GM came up with here.
Keep in mind that car is designed for the Australian/New Zealand market and will never be brought over here. If it's exported it will almost certainly be to the Middle East as a Chevrolet or China as a Buick, both brands it will fit into quite well.
Also what Australian's pay for automobiles is not necessarily what we would pay for the same car if it was sold here. They pay around $30k USD for a Mazdaspeed 3, which we get for $22k USD. Huge difference in a market with 19 million people versus 300 million.
Holden is GM's best range of products globally, it doesn't get any better. I'm glad that we are at least getting one of their best products, the Commodore SS-V. I will be waiting at my Pontiac dealer with my checkbook ready when it arrives.
Reply
htra0497 4:18PM (10/29/2006)
A$100,000 in Australia will buy you a BMW 330. Luxury cars in Australia tends to be extremely overpriced compared with the US (which usually has the cheapest).
Reply
TalD 6:42PM (10/29/2006)
I'll have to take the word of Holden/GM relating to the stats printed. I guess you can say it is an impressive machine in those respects, ? if any more impressive than those autos mentioned above.
BUT,
The images shown her are not impressive , not to my untrained eye; ceratinly not for the mentioned price.
There are no distictive design traits. The tail lights( from what I can see) remind me of the most recent Impala.( I do agree with you#11).
GM/Holden, this will be a most forgettable automobile.
Go back to the drawing board.
Reply
GJA 11:14PM (10/30/2006)
Too bad the marketing geniuses at GM didn't tell anyone that HSV is medicalese for Herpes Simplex Virus.
Reply
Nathan 7:09PM (10/29/2006)
We have a smaller market and our Luxury car tax kicks in at $57,000. That threshold hasn't gone up significantly ina while, even with inflation.
Reply
Chris 10:29PM (10/29/2006)
nist, if you saw this car side by side with any Cadillac, you would realise how insane it is to say that Cadillac makes a better vehicle. It makes every Cadillac look so incredibly cheap by comparison that it isn't even funny.
The people that think a STS looks better than this must be the same people who think a 7 Series looks better than an A8...
Reply
GDB 7:49PM (10/29/2006)
Seeing that people still comment on the price despite previous posts explaining the situation, I feel obligated to make yet another post about the price.
Ignorant fools, read this first.
In Australia, AUD100k will buy you the following:
- Audi A6 3.2L FSI Quattro
- BMW 525i or BMW 330i
- Jaguar S-Type 3.0
- Lexus GS300
- Benz C350 or Benz E280
- Volvo S80 T6
I assume even ignorant people can still use the internet so look up the specs of the cars above yourself and compare them to the HSV Grange.
Reply
Richard Warren 10:26PM (10/29/2006)
Very nice, I like the color in photo 1
Reply