HSV Maloo News

For the past decade, the event has run from Darwin to Adelaide as a solar car race every second year, but in 2009 the organisers added a production-car ‘Eco Challenge’ category which won a lot of support from car brands - with entries from Mini, Hyundai, Holden, Ford, Suzuki and others - but sparked controversy over the judging and procedures.Competing vehicles were assessed by how much better their crews could drive them in comparison to their official fuel-economy ratings.  Since the Green Challenge runs down the Stuart Highway, one of Australia's straightest and flattest roads, the advantage fell instantly to cars with relatively-poor showroom rankings.The road conditions made it much easier to get a percentage improvement on a poor overall rating than a good rating, since running at a constant, low average speed boosts the relative efficiency of big engines.The run down the Red Centre was won by an HSV Maloo R8 ute, which used 7.74litres/100km to fuel its 6.2-litre V8 engine over the entire 3000km route, notching up a 48.76 per cent reduction on its official figure of 15.1litres/100km.However, the Maloo’s consumption was still double that of some of the smaller cars, with the Suzuki Alto, Ford Fiesta Econetic and diesel Mini all coming in under 4litres/100km.  So the South Australian Motorsport Board, that oversaw the event, is meeting at the end of next month to analyse and review the event to set the rules and regulations for the next running of the Global Green Challenge in 2011.“Obviously this was the first event of its type, and the board is looking to improve it in every possible way. The event was a success, with plenty of interest – but there is room for improvement,”  Challenge spokesman Mike Drewer says.“They will consider whether there need to be changes in procedure, route and even the types of car that enter.  There has been a reasonable amount of criticism from the manufacturers who participated, and the board is going to discuss that and make decisions for the future.”Apart from the method of judging, Drewer says the board will also discuss the route and types of competing vehicles – which last year included large car and medium SUV categories.“There was considerable criticism about whether some of the cars were of the types that should be in the Eco Challenge,” Drewer says.“There will be an analysis of whether they are really what the public perceives as ‘eco’ cars – and whether the format should be changed to encourage other kinds of vehicles, such as hybrids.  The board wants to improve the event both for participants and for public perception of eco-friendly cars."

Driving Hyundai's new Santa Fe diesel we had a spectacularly good run on the leg from Port Augusta to Adelaide thanks to a handy tail wind, a distance of just over 300km.   A figure of 4.9 litres per 100km is an impressive achievement for a wagon that weighs almost two tonnes, but still not as good as the one achieved by Mitsubishi rally great Ed Ordynski who brought his vehicle home with just 4.8 on the trip computer.  Bugger.Hyundai entered two, 2.2-litre diesel Santa Fe CRDi's in the Eco Challenge section of the event that caters to production cars.  It's run in tandem with the famous World Solar Challenge out of which the event grew a couple of years ago.It took the two Hyundais six days to drive from Darwin to Adelaide, with the longest leg between Alice Springs and Coober Pedy 685km.  It might not sound that far, but at a speed of around 75km/h the journey starts to take on epic proportions, especially with no air conditioning and an ambient temperature nudging 40 degrees.It turned that particular leg into 9.25 hours of living hell.  You can't use air conditioning because it eats into the fuel consumption.  Now, no one in their right mind is going to drive that far in those conditions without air, but it shows what can be achieved if you try hard enough.The two Santa Fe's were neck and neck for most of the way, averaging between 4.8 and 5.4 litres/100km each day, with only a tenth of a point separating them.  It led to some good natured rivalry as the teams vied to see who would record the greatest improvement in fuel consumption (the Santa Fe is rated at 6.7 litres/100km).While the the rally driver may have won the day, it's the journalist that gets to have the last word.  "We was robbed,'' springs to mind.  Ordynski had had some practice conserving fuel on the transport stages of rallies, where he'd managed to achieve 8.5 litres/100km instead of the outrageous 100 litres/100km that the car consumed in competition.Records tumbled and the rules evolved as the Green Challenge unfolded.  Japan's Tokai University team took out the Solar Challenge while the Tesla sports car set a new record of 501km for the greatest distance travelled by an electric car between charges.Incredibly, it was HSV's Maloo ute that was declared the winner of the Eco Challenge with a figure of 7.74 litres/100km, while Ford's Fiesta EcoNETIC recorded the lowest fuel consumption slipping below 3.0 litres/100km.The winner was the entry that recorded the most improvement and while the Maloo may have done that, it also used the most fuel and produced the most carbon emissions.  Hyundai was elated to claim the crown as the most economical SUV after Ordynski's car finished a fraction ahead of the Kia Sorento at 5.1 litres versus 5.17 litres/100km _ a 24 per cent improvement.The other car piloted by myself and other Carsguide journos finished with 5.35 litres/100km.  The Kia and the Hyundai share the same 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine and transmissions, but the Kia is lighter and has a better wind drag co-efficient.The event concluded with a three hour urban leg around the streets of Adelaide.Make One Degree of difference today by calculating your carbon footprint and finding out what you can do to reduce it.

The aggressive double-scoop bonnet originally designed to cut through traffic in the USA has been transplanted to the second-generation VE models from HSV, pointing directly to a stonking 325kW V8 engine in the front-line GTS.It is part of a massive $500,000 model change that is almost the reverse of the low-key change for the regular VE Commodore, which has zero body changes but lots of engineering upgrades. HSV has also done a lot of tweaking, but designer Julian Quincey has gone wild with a range of changes and a lot more body jewellery to turn heads.Every E Series 2 manual also comes with full-on, race-style 'launch control' and there are a range of other technical upgrades across the line-up that runs from a competition mode on the stability control to 19-inch E2 alloy wheels on the ClubSport and beyond.But it's the bonnet that cuts through for E2 and HSV chief Phil Harding is happy to defend the donation from the Pontiac program. "We call it our performance bonnet. It's an HSV bonnet now," Harding says. "Actually, we asked for this opportunity over a year ago and at that stage no-one knew the fate of the G8 or Pontiac. We wanted Julian to have it for the facelift."We like the look of it. We think that makes our car look horny, or sporty, or whatever word you want to use."It helps give a tougher look to the E2 line-up but Harding, an engineer, is more focussed on the mechanical changes for the latest HSV line-up. "When we launched E Series we called that our $1 billion baby. This E2 is our half-billion baby. This is the biggest facelift we've ever done," Harding says. "We spent a huge amount on E Series and our sales went up 25 per cent in the first year. That approach worked and we decided to let the engineers loose to entice our customers three years later. "I'm guessing the appearance changes are around 20 per cent of the total bill. The rest is in technology and that stuff is going down pretty well."He targets the 325kW version of the LS3 V8 and the launch control system as the highlights for 2009. "Why do 325? Because we can, and because our customers want it. And they will probably tell us that it still isn't enough. "But, in parallel, we've done the responsible thing and worked on fuel economy. Every E Series II is more efficient than a VY II manual Clubsport, which had 5.7 litres and was 100kg lighter."The extra kiloWatts in the GTS have come from a re-calibration and a new lower-loss exhaust system, which points to a trickle-down to other models in future. Not that Harding is saying anything. "As for launch control, I think this is a kinder way of treating the clutch. It's a repeatable thing and easy to use. And we're putting the 7-litre clutch into the manual models."Apart from the model-by-model tweaking, the E2 models are also available with a new line-up of SV Enhanced options. They vary by model by generally include larger wheels, different exhausts and some cosmetic upgrades.The latest HSV cars hit showrooms this month but Harding is not making any big predictions because of the economic situation. "We'll more than double our daily output with this range. We'll still be down at the end of the year and I'm not sure how it will go. The market needs a kick," Harding says. "We have starved the market. I wanted the cleanest changeover and it's been the most successful since I've been here. At the moment we're trying to make one fewer car than is necessary, unlike the years when we've made one too many."VariantsThe 2009 lineup from Holden Special Vehicles has more visual differentiation than before and a bunch of technical changes. This is the basics, model-by-model:ClubSport R8 - from $65,990:Visual upgrade, 317kW V8, manual launch control, new seat trim, 4- piston brakes, 19" alloysMaloo R8 - from $62,990:Clubsport package, front-side-curtain airbags, 8" subwoofersR8 Tourer - from $66,990:Clubsport packageGTS - from $80,990:325kW engine, extended launch control, 20" alloys, performance leather seatsSenator Signature - from $82,990:Manual launch control, extended cruise controlWM Grange - from $87,990:Extended cruise control, competition mode ESP, new 19" alloys 

Holden's performance arm is upgrading its engines this month, weeks before rival Ford Performance Vehicles releases its new range. HSV is updating the current 307kW LS2 to the LS3 V8, which pumps out 317kW.The upgrade should see HSV maintain its power advantage because FPV is reportedly set to offer a 315kW V8. HSV says the timing simply coincides with its supply of the LS2 running out.“Our customers want the latest and greatest technology in their cars,” HSV managing director Scott Grant says. “The General Motors LS3 engine continues the HSV tradition of scouring the world for technological advancements to enhance the driving experience.”At the unveiling of the new FPV range in February, company boss Rod Barrett said the Blue Oval performance brand would not engage in a power war with its Holden rival.FPV will rely on an upgraded version of the 5.4-litre Boss V8 for the short term, but promises more upgrades, including a reborn GT-HO.The new HSV engine comes at a price. The ClubSport R8 now starts at $64,550, up $1660, the Maloo R8 goes from $59,990 to $61,550, the GTS is up $1000 to $76,990 and the Senator Signature cops a $1200 increase to take it to $79,190.The Grange has been bumped up $1700 to start at $84,690. The LS3 unit is 6.2-litres and produces 550Nm of torque at 4600rpm, the same as the LS2. It is built in North America by General Motors Powertrains.Despite the size increase, HSV is reporting a slight drop in fuel economy for the new models.As well as the local line-up, the engine will feature in HSV's export models, the Vauxhall VXR8 sold in Britain and the Middle East-bound CSV R8. The same engine is fitted to the Chevrolet Corvette in the US.HSV says that automatic gearboxes will also get an oil cooler as standard. As an option for ClubSport, Senator and Grange buyers, new 20-inch alloy wheels will be available at $2500. 

In August 2006, a month after Holden released the new VE Commodore; HSV introduced its own new E-Series. It came with changes to the exhaust system and the LS2 engine gained an extra 10kW, powering it up to 307 kW.The latest E-Series engine upgrade means that the power output for the ClubSport R8, GTS, Senator Signature, Maloo R8 and VM Grange’s power output will increase to 317kW.Managing director Scott Grant believes the new engine, the LS3 is a welcome upgrade for Australia’s HSV models.“We know our customers want the latest and greatest technology in their cars” he said.“The general Motors LS3 engine continues the HSV tradition of sourcing the world for technological advancements to enhance the driving experience,” Scott Grant said.The LS3 engine built by General Motors Powertrain in North America will also be used in the new Pontiac GXP. The GXP will be built by Holden in Australia, which will export it to the United States at the end of 2008.The 6.2 litre LS3, produces 317 kW at 6000 rpm and 550 Nm of torque at 4600 rpm.Production of the LS3 will begin this month and should be available in April 2008. 

My friends can't believe it - I've fallen for a ute. They might have understood if this was a meaningless one-night stand with a HSV Maloo R8, born of short-term lust for the outrageous form of that beast, but they're assuming it's a case of 'beer goggles' because I've fallen for a bare-bones, steel wheeled, working Commodore VE ute.  Nobody was more surprised than me, but the moment I hopped in the VE, it began to impress.The high-output version of Holden's V6 is great, significantly perkier than the base V6, yet more pliable and controllable on wet Sydney streets than the V8. Enough of the right sort of noise to be sure you're not driving a diesel, and any quicker from the lights and you'd be leaving the contents of your tray on the car behind you. The six-speed box pulls away acceptably in second without a load, though with a load on and from an uphill start, you'll need first. On the highway, fifth and sixth cruise comfortably and quietly.The cabin had more storage than I expected and a higher trim level than I expected, especially the wheel, gear shift, electric seat and reach-adjustable wheel. In fact, I was surprised how much of the interior I recognised from the Commodore SS-V I'd been driving a few weeks before. Sure, the bright orange leather trim was missing (not at all sorry about that) but the lower-spec audio system was more than adequate, and having no trip computer on the central electronic gauge meant I was no longer wincing at my mileage after heading out in a hurry.The load bay has literally loads of room - not the biggest available, but adequate for anything other than a 2m spirit level or a big ladder. Trade that space off against dynamics and I'll take the dynamics any day. While the VE ute was a little light and springy in the rear when I'd offloaded my 2m of mulch, it was nowhere near as bouncy as a heavier-sprung Hilux, and the traction control nicely managed the standard tires on wet, greasy sydney roads.I found it easy to sweep out the dog hair and mulchy bits from the rear when I'd finished my errands, and the gate took a pounding without complaint from two 20kg six-year-olds determined to use the ute's tray as a temporary driveway playhouse.You'd never pick it from a line-up of glamour-pusses, but the VE ute could find a place in my garage.

HSV is always one to celebrate the milestones and after 20 years in Australia since the launch of its first Walkinshaw Commodore, HSV Managing Director Scott Grant today unveiled two models that evolve not just the heritage, but show the continued core of HSV’s business, performance V8s.With the covers lifted by HRT/HSV V8 Supercar drivers Todd and Rick Kelly, the new Maloo R8 Ute and 20th Anniversary Clubsport R8 continue the bloodline.“A two-door coupe with a really big boot,” is how Grant echoed HSV’s philosophy of the Maloo and as an integral part of the HSV line-up for 17 years, there is a strong following.Running the LS2 V8 engine producing 307kW, the Maloo is mechanically much the same as the VE Clubsport sedan.AP Racing four-piston callipers are fitted to the front, while a Walkinshaw-inspired sideskirt is part of the external package that includes a moulded composite tailgate with parking sensors and a hard tonneau with a new remote release on the keyfob.A $3750 performance pack is also available consisting of full leather GTS-style seats and 20-inch alloys.Grant added: “Maloo’s striking visual appearance, performance characteristics and range of luxury appointments will make this Ute just as comfortable and distinctive on a dirt track or cruising around the inner city streets.”HSV’s John Clark explained; “We began working on the all new Maloo Ute at about the same stage as the E series sedan, with the aim of building on the dynamics of the sedan.“The comprehensive testing program we undertook around Australia and in New Zealand and Sweden, has resulted in the complete driving package.”The Maloo R8 will retail from $59,990 with auto an extra $2000. Clubsport R8The second big release at the Australian International Motor Show is the very fitting for the 20th Anniversary Clubsport R8.Built as a limited edition, another proven HSV speciality over the years; the 20th anniversary edition “celebrates the heritage of the luxury and performance car company.” Taking elements from HSV’s range-topping GTS, the limited edition Clubbie is unique but restrained.Grant added; “The birth of HSV and the reveal of the very first VL Group A SS Commodore commonly referred to as the ‘Walkinshaw;’ took place at the 1987 Sydney Motor Show. From those humble beginnings, HSV has gone on to produce over 55,000 vehicles and dominate the world of Motorsport."“It is only fitting that today we unveil a limited edition model to commemorate the company’s 20th Anniversary,” he said. The 20th Anniversary Clubsport R8 is limited to a run of just 100, with a number of unique features including a unique sandstorm colour, though it could have also been called champagne.Special anniversary sill plates and black GTS accenting with leather performance seats and 20th anniversary logos.Chrome shadow wheels and black and gold finished brake callipers round out the bespoke changes.The HSV Clubsport R8 20th Anniversary; to give its full title; retains the 307kW LS2 V8 engine, performance brake package and aggressive HSV styling that has contributed to the company current sales success.The 20th Anniversary Clubsport R8 is priced from $65,990, a $3100 premium over the regular R8.Check out the Maloo R8 on video at the Australian International Motor Show

Something special is simmering at Holden Special Vehicles as the clock counts down to its 20th-birthday celebrations.

Mark Skaife has just taken the crown with a 271.44km/h blast down the deserted bitumen strip at the disused Woomera test range in South Australia.The V8 Supercar ace cranked out a maximum speed of 277.16km/h in the stock-standard Maloo, but his entry in the Guiness World Record books is a two-way average to eliminate any wind assistance.Still, it was easily better than the previous mark of 248.78km/h set by a Dodge Ram SR-T with an 8.3-litre V10 motor in 2004.Chris Sheedy from Guiness World Record was present to monitor and certify the record attempt, which was for the Fastest Production Pick- up/utility.Around 100 members of the local Woomera community also watched the runs. Skaife says there were no dramas with the Maloo or its speed and is happy to have a new trophy in his collection."Records are made to be broken, I think this one will stay for some time to come!", Skaife says.