Autoblog

Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Alex Nunez — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST

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

The HSV E Series 2 lineup - Click above for a high-res image gallery

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.

Gallery: HSV E Series 2 Lineup

[Source: HSV]

Continue reading Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 GXP spotted wearing HSV duds in Cali

Alex Nunez — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Pontiac, Design/Style

Pontiac G8 GXP wears an HSV costume --Click above for an image gallery

Thanks to a tipster who shall remain anonymous, we have a set of photos showing what kind of fun you can have if you're the lucky owner of a Pontiac G8 GXP. This California car has been fitted the Aussie-market HSV front fascia, rear spoiler, hood, and wheels, but the vanity plate lets other motorists in on the Arrowhead-shaped secret. Any way you cut it, it looks good -- better even than the way the G8 GXP looks rolling out of your soon-to-be-defunct local Poncho store. So, hit the gallery to see the rest of it, and thanks to our tipster for the pics.

Gallery: Pontiac G8 GXP sporting HSV bodywork

Pontiac G8 GXP spotted wearing HSV duds in Cali originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Top Gear flogs the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Videos, GM, Holden, Vauxhall, Australia, UK, Specialty

Top Gear gets busy with some Aussie muscle -- Follow the jump to watch

Let's just say that Richard Hammond rightfully digs the blown, delightfully obscene Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst (above, bottom), which costs a not-insignificant £45,000 in Blighty. For that not-insignificant sum, he says, "you get almost limitless vulgarity." Trust us, he's paying it a compliment, based on the s**t-eating grin he wears throughout his stint behind the wheel. Then he drives the HSV Maloo R8 (above, top) - Holden's factory-tuned super-ute, which really is one of the coolest cars we'll never get here. As you'll see, it doesn't haul hay bales particularly well, but it can suck the windshield out of a new Audi S4. Finally, the Stig uses his right foot like a cattle prod with both cars in some split-screen action. It's all good.

After watching this clip, you'll probably want to send some thoughtfully-worded feedback to GM's "Tell Fritz" web thingamajig. You all know Fritz. He's that guy who spiked the return of the Holdens to the U.S. because he doesn't believe in rebadging. Yeah, we're beating a dead horse. We don't care. Watch the video and you won't either. Thanks to Bradley Wint for the heads-up.

Gallery: Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S

Gallery: HSV Maloo R8

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear flogs the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo

VIDEO: Top Gear flogs the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Melbourne 2009: Limited edition HSV Senator unveiled

Alex Nunez — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:28:00 EST

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

Click above for a high-res gallery of the HSV Senator

In conjunction with the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show, HSV has announced the release of a special-edition Senator super-sedan. A less-expensive ( $69,990 AU - about $44,600 USD) alternative to the pricier, more lavishly-equipped Senator Signatur e ($80,500 AU - about $51,300 USD) that launched in 2006, the Senator will be limited to a total of just 89 cars. Thirty of these cars get manual transmissions; the rest will have automatics.

While the new Senator makes do without features such as the Magnetic Ride Control suspension found on the Senator Signature, the important part - the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 lump underhood - remains. It's good for 317 kilowatts (425 horsepower) and 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) of torque, which should be more than enough juice to generate a cloud of tire smoke visible from the moon.

Gallery: HSV Senator

[Source: HSV]

Melbourne 2009: Limited edition HSV Senator unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:28:00 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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Oz-some: HSV W427 launches Down Under

Alex Nunez — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, GM, Holden, Australia, HSV

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the HSV W427

"She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts." That's what Han Solo says about the Millenium Falcon. You could apply the same saying to the HSV W427 super-duper sedan just launched by Holden's in-house performance division. I mean, that front end has some serious issues, but the Corvette Z06's LS7 V8 lurks behind it, and it's no joke, giving the four-door 500 horses and 471 lb-ft of torque. Production is limited to 427 units total, 90 of which will be produced this year. All of those have already been spoken for at a heady $154,500 Australian dollars, including luxury tax. Buyers also get the opportunity to tour the cars' production facility, and get a letter from Tom Walkinshaw, who started HSV some 20 years ago. The "W" in the car's name is also a tribute to him. HSV says that the W427's angry fascia emphasizes the cooling needs of the 7.0L V8. We think it mostly tells drivers who catch it racing up in their rearview to simply move out of the way...or be swallowed whole. We hear the car runs best when fed a steady diet of FPVs.

A slew of new photos have dropped in conjunction with the car's production launch, all of which can be seen in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2008 HSV W427

[Source: HSV]

Oz-some: HSV W427 launches Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Melbourne '08 Preview: Holden to unveil Z06-powered super HSV sedan

John Neff — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows, Holden, Australia

Today at the Melbourne Auto Show in Australia, GM's Holden subsidiary is rumored to debut a new super sedan based on the Commodore and developed by its highly capable Holden Special Vehicles division. The exact nomenclature to be affixed to the sedan's flanks is unknown, but we expect a suitably sporty one like HSV GTSR, or something to that effect. It will powered by the 7.0L LS7 V8 from the Chevy Corvette Z06, which makes 505 hp in the Vette but will likely be detuned a smidge to just under 500 hp in the Holden, and could cost upwards of $150,000 in Aussie money. Reports suggest it will also have a cache of accompanying hardware to back up the monster motor like the largest brakes ever used on a Holden and lots of trickle down technology from Australia's V8 Supercar racing series. It will be built by hand away from the common Commodores, but still be covered by Holden's 3-year, 100,000 kilometer warranty. This will be fastest and most expensive (by far) vehicle that Holden has ever produced, and despite increasing concerns over the cost of gas in Oz, the brand believes it will have no trouble securing buyers for its limited allotment. We'll bring you more pics of the car after it debuts to what will surely be an astonished Australian market, but until then you can wrap your mind around the idea that what fits underneath the hood of this car should also fit in the engine bay of the Pontiac G8 and Chevy Camaro.

[Source: The Sydney Morning Herald]

Melbourne '08 Preview: Holden to unveil Z06-powered super HSV sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Special Vehicles debuts in Middle East with the CR8

Alex Nunez — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 07:58:00 EST

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

Click image for a gallery of the CSV CR8

The Middle East is a key export market for GM's Holden division, as LHD versions of the Commodore, Caprice, and Statesman sedans are sold there under the Chevrolet Lumina and Caprice nameplates. Until now, the highest-performance vehicle exported to the region was the Lumina SS, a rebadged Commodore SS. Holden's performance arm, HSV, remained exclusive to Australia/New Zealand and the UK market, where the HSV Clubsport R8 is sold as the slightly more powerful Vauxhall VXR8.

That's now changed, with Holden and HSV getting together to send the heavy performance artillery to the Middle East. HSV essentially spins off CSV, Chevrolet Special Vehicles, which will market HSV exports in the region. The first vehicle is the CSV CR8, again a rebadged version of the HSV Clubsport R8, but this time sporting left-hand-drive. The placement of the steering wheel and the Bowtie badging are essentially the extent of the changes. The car, like its HSV and VXR counterparts, has a 6.0L LS2 underhood. In this guise, it's dishing out 411 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque.

So, why do we care about this? Well, until now, HSV cars were only sold in RHD markets. The appearance of the high-performance HSV Clubsport R8 / CSV CR8 in a LHD configuration is most welcome, as we feel that it's the clearest signal yet that the widely-expected Pontiac G8 GXP is another step closer to reality. That's reason to be excited, don't you think?

[Source: GM]

Gallery: CSV CR8

Continue reading Chevrolet Special Vehicles debuts in Middle East with the CR8

Chevrolet Special Vehicles debuts in Middle East with the CR8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sydney 2007: Holden Commodore Sportwagon and HSV Maloo break cover again

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Holden, Australia

Automakers go to great lengths preventing images and details of new cars being released prior to their official debut, but sometimes, well... often, they still fail. Holden is the latest automaker to suffer this fate, with images of its new VE Commodore wagon and high-performance HSV Maloo ute being leaked for the second time ahead of their debut at next week's Sydney Auto Show.

The pictures were published by local magazine Motor, the latest edition of which wasn't meant to go on sale until the official embargo date of the 11th of October. Subscribers of the magazine, however, received their new copies today in with full details of the two Holden show cars. These same cars were subject to another leak back in August.

The wagon Holden is presenting is being called a concept but it's an almost exact copy of the production model set to go on sale early next year. Previous versions of the car were normally sold to company fleets and accordingly were lacking in the style department. The new model is being touted as a more affordable alternative to sporty European estate models from the likes of Audi and BMW.

Holden's other model is the new Maloo ute, a hotted up version of the regular Holden VE Ute prepped by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). It features a 411-hp 6.0L LS2 V8 and an equally powerful bodykit to match.

[Source: Drive]

Sydney 2007: Holden Commodore Sportwagon and HSV Maloo break cover again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall VXR8 to prowl UK roads

Alex Nunez — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe

click above image for hi-res photo gallery of the VXR8

This is the UK's new Vauxhall VXR8, which also happens to be Australia's HSV Clubsport R8 (ignore that "based-on" nonsense....this is as straight a rebadge as you'll ever see). Both are the spawn of the Holden VE Commodore as presented after the speed freaks at HSV have had their way with it.

In this case, "having their way" means 420 horsepower, 400+ lbs of torque, and a sub-5-second run to 60mph. The source of the enhanced juice is GM's muscled-up 6.0L V8, which is mated to a six-speed manual as standard equipment. A 6-speed automatic is available on the option sheet as well.

Big brakes, a new bodykit with unique front and rear fascias, and new 20" wheels help maximize the badassedness. All in favor of this car as the Pontiac G8 GXP say, "Aye!"

Let the General know in the comments.

[Source: Vauxhall]

Gallery: Vauxhall VXR8

Continue reading Vauxhall VXR8 to prowl UK roads

Vauxhall VXR8 to prowl UK roads originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brisbane Motor Show: Aussie Utes

Dane Muldoon — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, GM

Click on the image for a gallery of high-res images of Ford and GM Holden Utes.

At the Brisbane Motor Show, which started on Friday, Ford and GM Holden, plus their tuning groups Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), had plenty of top Aussie utes on display, ranging from the workman Ford Falcon XR6 Cab Chassis, through the higher performance Ford Falcon XR8 and Holden SS Crewman and up into the fully-blown FPV Super Pursuit Ute and the HSV Thunder.

As a ute driver myself, it was great to see the totally Oz vehicles proudly flying the flag as fast, fun, rear-wheel drive sports cars with big boots.

On the side: our friends over at the Jalop uncovered a story in CarPoint that reports that the launch date for the new Holden Commodore Ute has been bumped forward and that a left-hand drive version is in the cards. Could this mean that GM is considering a El Camino comeback? An even better question is: would you buy one? - Ed.

Related:

Gallery: Brisbane Motor Show: Aussie Utes

Brisbane Motor Show: Aussie Utes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brisbane Motor Show: Aussie muscle

Dane Muldoon — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford, GM

Click on the image for a gallery of high-res images of Ford and GM Holden muscle cars.

At the Brisbane Motor Show, which started on Friday, Ford and GM Holden had plenty of muscle on display at their booths courtesy of their tuning groups, Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) respectively. Highlights included the HSV GTS, Clubsport R8, Senator Signature and Grange, while over at FPV, the Force 8, F6 Typhoon and others were proudly displayed.

Aggressive styling, fat alloys, huge red brake calipers, gills, rear wings, fog lamps, dramatic chrome badges, extra centre console-mounted dials and loud colours all seemed to be common elements across both ranges. Some of the highlights included the FPV Force 8 with its evil-looking black paint job, and the fully kitted out HSV Senator Signature with its circular, LED tail lights.

Related:

Gallery: Brisbane Motor Show: Aussie muscle

Brisbane Motor Show: Aussie muscle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Feb 2007 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden Efijy concept appears Detroit-bound

Alex Nunez — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Classics, Coupe

Usually, the biggest splash at any given auto show is made by something new, exciting, and never seen before. This January in Detroit, that logic might fly right out the window, as it looks like the sublime 2005 Holden Efijy concept, an HSV-powered throwback hot rod lovingly built by Holden engineers, will be displayed at the Detroit Auto Show. Now, while we tend to prattle on here about other Holden products that many people may not be familiar with, the Efijy is a little different. It was featured in Hot Rod magazine and even won the publication's Hot Rod of the Year award. Hence, it's a known commodity -- albeit one most American fans were unlikely to ever lay eyes on. (Australia's not exactly a hop, skip and a jump away.)

If it comes to Detroit, what display it'll be a part of remains a mystery. We hope that the General gives it the big showcase it deserves, but regardless of where on the floor it resides, expect it to be one of the superstars of the show. As rumors go, this is one we sincerely hope has validity, because we sure as hell want to see the Efijy up close, too.

[Source: Glenn Butler, Sydney Morning Herald]

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Holden Efijy concept appears Detroit-bound originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HSV Grange: Next GM Flagship sedan... please!

Scott Davis — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 11:53:00 EST

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]

Continue reading HSV Grange: Next GM Flagship sedan... please!

HSV Grange: Next GM Flagship sedan... please! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden HSV E-Series lineup unveiled

Alex Nunez — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 07:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc.

The Holden HSV E-Series cars officially broke cover yesterday, courtesy of the Australian Drive.com website. This comes just a few days after shots of a ClubSport R8 were accidentally leaked onto the web.

The ClubSport R8 in the leaked photographs is joined by the the the similarly bespoilered GTS and the more staid Senator Signature. All three cars share the same powertrain: Chevy's 6.0L LS2 V8, which is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The combo is good for 411 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of asphalt-shredding torque. With the manual shifter, the E-Series cars run to 62 mph in 4.96 seconds. Cars equipped with the auto accomplish the feat in 5.04 sec. Either way you cut it, they're fast.

While they're based on the new VE Commodore, the HSV E-Series vehicles incorporate unique front and rear fascias and large vents aft of the front wheel wells to visually differentiate them from the standard-issue Commodores. In fact, the cars feature 301 elements that are unique to them.

(Continues after the jump)

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Continue reading Holden HSV E-Series lineup unveiled

Holden HSV E-Series lineup unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Aug 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden HSV unintentionally uncovered

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, GM

Embargos don't seem to be working the way they used to. Traditionally, buff-books would get pictures and details about a particular vehicle sometimes months ahead of it launch, ensuring that specific articles would find themselves printed in specific publications at specific times. The newest member to join the ranks of the outted is the new Holden Commodore HSV.

The HSV is the high-po sibling to the Commodore SS-V, available down under, and the revisions at this point may be limited to what you can gather from the photos, specifically the "look-at-me" body kit and the plus-one or plus-two wheel upgrades.

One substantial improvement may be the addition of the MagnaRide active suspension system found on the Ferrari 599 and various GM models, but that, along with engine displacement, transmission options and other details are all conjecture.

Since the embargo was only to last through this coming Monday, August 21st, expect to see more details next week.

Holden HSV unintentionally uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Aug 2006 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HSV Maloo R8 Ute breaks production pickup truck speed record

Eric Bryant — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 09:08:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, GM

If your slow-ass pickup truck is making you late for work, perhaps Holden's HSV tuner division can offer a solution in the form of the Maloo R8 Ute. With 400 HP courtesy of a General Motors GenIV LS2 small-block V8, the almost-a-truck ran a two-way average of 168.66 MPH on a 0.6-mile course, in compliance with guidelines established by the Guinness Book of World Records. This beats the 154.58 MPH record previously established by the Dodge Ram SRT10. Yes, it is fair to call into question the utility of either vehicle, but we wouldn't suggest challenging either vehicle to a race.

The record was set as part of Mobil's "Drive Around Australia" promotion, where a Maloo R8 Ute was driven for 25,000 miles without an oil change to demonstrate the company's Mobil1 synthetic product.

[Source: Car.co.nz]

HSV Maloo R8 Ute breaks production pickup truck speed record originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jun 2006 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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