Autoblog

HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, Videos, GM, Holden, Australia

Here it is, folks. Right on schedule, Holden has revealed full details on its reborn range of HSV Gen-F models. The bulk of the new HSV machinery will go on sale next month, though the baddest of them all, the supercharged HSV GTS, will reportedly be delayed until September.

The GTS may well be worth the wait, however, as its 430kW supercharged V8 engine (known as the LSA, the engine makes 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque in the US-market Chevy Camaro ZL1) will make this the fastest Holden ever produced. Lower-level ClubSport models will come equipped with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with 317kW of power. A ClubSport R8 sedan with a 325kW version of the engine and a ClubSport SV with a 340kW engine will also be available.

Bodystyle choices range from a sedan to a wagon and, of course, ~~an El Camino~~ a Ute called the Maloo, since this is Australia after all. Long-wheelbase Grange model and an upscale Senator model will be offered with slightly more toned-down exterior looks for those who'd rather blend in to the crowd. Pricing has yet to be announced, but you're welcome to scroll down below to watch a video before checking out all the details from Holden here.

Continue reading HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video]

HSV unholsters Holden Gen-F lineup [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HSV celebrates quarter-century of smoking tires with 25th Anniversary GTS

George Kennedy — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, GM, Holden, Australia

When it comes to rear-drive, V8 performance sedans, few do it like HSV. Australia's Holden Special Vehicles makes a high-horsepower hoon-happy saloon called GTS (known elsewhere as the Vauxhall VXR8) based on the Holden Commodore. With General Motors LS V8 power under the bonnet, the GTS makes us pine for the days of the Pontiac G8 GXP and hopeful for the outlook of the forthcoming Chevrolet SS.

Despite tough economic times, HSV is thriving, and to commemorate 25 years of this official Holden tuning partner, it has released this new 25th Anniversary GTS. The special edition comes equipped with the same 435-horsepower LS3 found in the standard GTS, but adds 20-inch forged alloy wheels with Satin Graphite finish. The 25th Anniversary GTS also receives unique 'Vector' hood scoops and side vents for better breathing and a bit more visual intimidation.

The anniversary model also comes with all of the standard kit found in the GTS, including magnetic ride control suspension, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, blind-spot monitoring, and a bi-mode exhaust. The GTS also comes with an Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) system. Much like that found in the Nissan GT-R, EDI is an advanced performance data recorder that provides the driver with information on lap times, G-forces, power and torque.

Interestingly enough, this GTS is also available with optional Liquid Propane Injection to curb running costs. As the name suggests, this system injects liquid propane under certain driving situations. The ECU can switch seamlessly between propane and conventional gasoline, going to full-gas under hard acceleration.

No word on pricing, but production numbers have been limited to 140 vehicles; 125 in Australia, and 15 in New Zealand.

Continue reading HSV celebrates quarter-century of smoking tires with 25th Anniversary GTS

HSV celebrates quarter-century of smoking tires with 25th Anniversary GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HSV unveils 40th Anniversary GTS, SV08 in Sydney

Alex Nunez — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Holden, Australia, HSV, Specialty

Click above for hi-res gallery of the HSV SV08

It's anniversary time in Oz for HSV, Holden's high-performance division. That means stripes, stickers, commemorative badges and a pair of new unveilings at the Sydney Motor Show. In HSV's case, at least, the extra pieces of flair go on fire-breathing, tire-shredding LS3-powered monsters, so the usual lameness attached to these sorts of things goes right out the window. The 40th anniversary of the GTS nameplate's first appearance (on the '68 Monaro) means we get a special HSV GTS 40th Anniversary model. And since 20 years have passed since the original SV88 appeared, a special edition HSV Senator Signature dubbed SV08 has also been unveiled. HSV will build 100 of the Anniversary GTS models and just 50 SV08s. And yes, we'd happily take one of each, thank you.

Gallery: HSV SV08

Gallery: HSV GTS 40th Anniversary

[Source: HSV]

HSV unveils 40th Anniversary GTS, SV08 in Sydney originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Duel: HSV GTS and FPV GT-P face off Down Under

Alex Nunez — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:48:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Ford, GM, Holden, Australia, FPV, HSV

FPV vs. HSV is basically Australian for "Ford vs. Chevy," but on steroids. The two performance divisions have elevated the production of the muscle sedan to an art form, with audacious looks and big power ruling the day. It's as if the original American muscle car era never ended, but got a passport and moved Down Under. Granted, we in the States don't have much to complain about lately, with Aussie muscle now available in a Pontiac wrapper, as well as the 21st century editions of Camaro, Challenger and Mustang waiting to wreak havoc at stoplights.

Still, the sweetest fruit is that which is forbidden, so you might be interested in the Motoring Channel's super acronym showdown: FPV GT-P vs. HSV GTS. The FPV is based on the new Ford FG Falcon, which arrived earlier this year, while the HSV's Holden Zeta platform underpinnings are now a couple years old. Both have V8s, both look evil, and tires break into cold sweats at the mere thought of being mounted on either machine's rear axle. With these two rides, the differences are such that picking a winner is akin to choosing between porterhouse and prime rib. It's not as if you're going to be disappointed either way, but deep down, you do have a preference. Click here to read which menu item the Motoring Channel likes best. Thanks for the tip, Torrent!

Gallery: HSV GTS

Gallery: 2008 FPV GT-P

[Source: Web Wombat/Motoring Channel]

Duel: HSV GTS and FPV GT-P face off Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Melbourne: Hot Wheels dresses up its booth with HSV GTS

Alex Nunez — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., GM, Misc. Auto Shows

Click for one additional photo

Anyone who's been to an auto show knows that even the displays belonging to non-manufacturers usually have some kind of flashy car featured as the centerpiece. After all, a sweet ride is an easy way to get foot traffic into your booth, and really, that's the name of the game. You want to get as many eyeballs on your goods as possible. This week at the Melbourne International Motor Show, Hot Wheels has turned to one of the locals -- in this case, HSV -- to deliver the desired traffic magnet.

The recipe looks pretty simple: take one HSV GTS, add a Hot Wheels wrap treatment to the bodywork, and presto: instant big boy toy to complement the rest of the playthings on display.

[Source: Hot Wheels]

Gallery: Hot Wheels HSV GTS display car

Continue reading Melbourne: Hot Wheels dresses up its booth with HSV GTS

Melbourne: Hot Wheels dresses up its booth with HSV GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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