Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Just as wounds from the Pontiac G8 being ripped from us are beginning to scar over, HSV has torn them open anew by revealing version 2.0 of its Commodore-based E Series lineup. It's facelifts all around for the gang of Aussie stoplight brawlers, four of which – The GTS, Maloo R8, ClubSport R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer – even get the erstwhile Poncho's twin-scoop hood. The more luxurious Senator Signature and long-wheelbase Grange models have smooth hoods and less overall ornamentation. Either one would have made a sublime performance Buick, but oh well...

The most extreme looker of the bunch is the range-topping HSV GTS (front and center), which rocks a vicious Fu-Manchu blackout treatment on its new front fascia. All of the cars get new wheels, LED running lights, and new treatments out back as well. Every HSV machine also has an LS3 V8 pumping out 317 kW (425 hp), except the GTS – its LS3 makes 325 kW (435 hp). To further drive home the point, 317 or 325 badging is prominently displayed on the back of the GTS, Maloo, and the two ClubSports so that other drivers have a better understanding of why their doors just got blown off. The Corvette's new launch control system is on every manual gearbox-equipped car, and a manual is standard equipment on all of them but the Grange, which is only sold with a six-speed auto. Finally, new "SV Enhanced" options such as upgraded wheels, bi-modal exhaust, and, in the case of the GTS, 6-pot front brakes let drivers trick things out even further.

It's basically a massive laundry list of good stuff we'll probably never ever see in the U.S. now that GM leadership has put a bullet into the whole North American Zeta sedan idea once and for all. Obviously, this rots. Follow the jump for the official HSV press release and have a gander at the new cars in the gallery below. The photos are all labeled so you know which car is which. That way you'll know precisely what it is that we're missing out on.

[Source: HSV]

PRESS RELEASE

Holden Special vehicles E Series 2 Lineup

GTS to top 325kW, new SV Enhanced options and stunning design
theme across the range

The new HSV E Series 2 range, unveiled for the first time today, represents the best
in Australian luxury and performance motoring.
As part of the unveil, each model receives its own unique character and points of
difference, which will be readily identifiable to the HSV owner.
A range of options are also available under the 'SV Enhanced' banner, to further
customise the HSV E2 Series.

SV Enhanced optioned vehicles receive a new 'Race Relations' inspired rear
designator in red, courtesy of the HSV design team. GTS owners who purchase the
new six piston brake calliper option receive their SV Enhanced and GTS badges in
yellow.


ClubSport R8

• All new front and rear design encompassing performance bonnet scoops and 'shockwave' inspired theme.
• 317kW LS3 V8 engine.
• Competition Mode ESC
• Extended Cruise Control
• Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
• Four piston front and rear brakes.
• All new E2 Sports 19 inch wheels
• Sports cloth seating as standard.
• SV Enhanced options include Performance suspension, bi-modal exhaust,
• Sports leather seats and 20 inch wheels.
• Retails from $65,990
• Maximum Recommended Retail Price only, subject to state taxes and dealer delivery charges.

Maloo R8

• All new front appearance encompassing performance bonnet scoops and 'shockwave' inspired theme.
• 317kW LS3 V8 engine.
• Competition Mode ESC.
• Extended Cruise Control.
• Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
• All new E2 Sports 19 inch wheels.
• Sports cloth seats as standard.
• Driver & passenger front airbags now include front, seat side & curtain side airbags.
• Addition of dual 8" subwoofers located in the rear cabin quarter trims. Audio output 170W.
• SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust, Sports leather seats and 20 inch wheels.
• Retails from $62,990

ClubSport R8 Tourer

• All new front appearance encompassing performance bonnet scoops and 'shockwave' inspired theme
• 317kW LS3 V8 engine
• Competition Mode ESC.
• Extended Cruise Control.
• Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
• Four piston front and rear brakes.
• All new E2 Sports 19 inch wheels.
• Sports cloth seats as standard.
• SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust, Sports leather seats and 20 inch wheels.
• Retails from $66,990

GTS

• All new front and rear appearance encompassing performance bonnet scoops and 'shockwave' inspired theme.
• Upgraded 325kW LS3 V8 engine.
• Hi-flow intermediate exhaust with bi-modal mufflers.
• Competition Mode ESC.
• Extended Cruise Control.
• Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
• Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Performance suspension, stiffer and recalibrated.
• Four piston front and rear brakes. All new E2 Performance 20 inch wheels
• Performance leather seats.
• SV Enhanced options include six-piston front brake callipers, finished in SV Enhance yellow with black HSV insignia and four-piston rears with unique wheel accenting.
• Retails from $80,990
• Maximum Recommended Retail Price only, subject to state taxes and dealer delivery charges.

Senator Signature

• All new sophisticated front and rear appearance incorporating subtle elements of the shockwave graphic theme.
• 317kW LS3 V8 engine.
• Competition Mode ESC.
• Extended Cruise Control.
• Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
• Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Premium suspension.
• Luxury Nappa leather seats.
• Four piston front and rear brakes
• All new E2 Luxury 19 inch wheels.
• SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust and 20 inch wheels.
• Retails from $82,990

WM Grange

• 317kW LS3 V8 engine.
• Competition Mode ESC.
• Extended Cruise Control.
• Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Premium suspension.
• Luxury Nappa leather seats.
• Four piston front and rear brakes
• All new E2 Luxury 19 inch wheels.
• SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust and 20 inch wheels.
• Retails from $87,990