HSV News

A new three year, multimillion-dollar export program will deliver a left-hand-drive Chevrolet-badged version of the 307kW/550Nm, six-litre HSV ClubSport R8; to be known as the Chevrolet Special Vehicles CR8.The company has shipped 150 cars to the region and expects at least that many to be delivered in each of the following two years.They will sell for about $49,000; about $12,000 cheaper than in Australia.The Middle East has been Holden's biggest export market, having sold more than 200,000 vehicles in the region since 1998.The VE Commodore and WM Statesman/Caprice ranges are sold in the region as Chevrolet Lumina and as Caprice.GM Holden executive director sales and marketing Alan Batey said the expanding product range in the region illustrated the growing maturity of the Middle East market.“Holden has been able to partner its expertise in tailoring vehicles for the Middle East with the high-performance expertise of HSV to deliver a vehicle that will make a great driving experience,” he said.Holden's export sales for last year totalled 46,074, with more than 31,000 going to the Middle East; a record export year to the region for the company.New HSV managing director Scott Grant said the announcement added another HSV export market to the Vauxhall program in Britain.“HSV is already a well-known brand among car enthusiasts in the Middle East, many of whom are fans of the Aussie high-performance cars and our racing activities,” he said.“The initial response from dealers has been exceptional,” he said.The launch of the new export program is timed to coincide with the Desert 400 V8 Supercar round in Bahrain. 

There has been a rash of locally developed high-performance off-roaders such as the Ford Territory FPV F6 and Toyota's HiLux TRD. Now Holden Special Vehicles is looking to get in on the act.

There has been a rash of locally developed high-performance off-roaders such as the Ford Territory FPV F6 and Toyota's HiLux TRD. Now Holden Special Vehicles is looking to get in on the act.It is considering the idea of an HSV-inspired Captiva but HSV boss Scott Grant is wary of building an HSV Hummer, saying HSV had no plans to do so. However, the HSV Captiva could be a goer, he says.“We don't have any specific programs on that model,” he says. “But since I arrived at HSV, one of my big focuses is trying to expand the relevance and choice within the HSV brand. And the SUV 4WD, all-wheel drive category is too big to ignore.”Grant says HSV has been looking at Captiva but “we're not close to doing anything just yet.”He also believes the new Holden Sportswagon could form a solid base for a HSV-inspired wagon.“That's another opportunity for us,” he says. “But at the moment we've no plans there either.”Despite Ford and Toyota going in hard with their performance off-roaders, Grant says there is no urgency for HSV to get into the segment.“We'd only enter it if it made sense for our core credentials and brand,” he says. “It's obvious the other local players have strategies to expand into performance off-roaders.”However, he says HSV has to consider whether the brand is elastic enough to work with AWDs.The last HSV AWD was the $73,900 Avalanche launched in late 2003.The Avalanche was based on the Holden Adventra AWD which failed to reach sales targets locally despite a price cut and hard-sell by the company.HSV also built a performance XUV ute based on the Crewman.The company spent $4.5 million developing the 270kW 5.7-litre V8 Avalanche, which used Holden's Cross-Trac 4WD system. 

Brock used the Shelby Mustang operation in the US and AMG in Germany as models for his HDT Special Vehicles, which in turn provided the model for Holden Special Vehicles and Ford Performance Vehicles. The first special was the VC HDT Commodore, released in 1980. It's now a classic and appreciating in value.The car Brock modified was the top-of-the-range VC Commodore SL/E, already loaded with plenty of fruit. It came with Holden's 5.0-litre V8, but Brock and his team fitted large valves for better performance. It put out 160kW at 4500 revs and 450Nm at 2800 revs, enough to have it racing to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.Brock offered the choice of Holden's four-speed manual gearbox or the three-speed auto. A limited-slip differential was standard. Brock fitted uprated springs and Bilstein gas shock absorbers, which improved handling.A fibreglass bodykit; wheel-arch flares, front bib spoiler and a rear wing; gave the car a sporting image. Colours were limited to white, black or red. Brock built 500 VC HDT Commodores. Models of the Brock cars are generally sold outside the trade.If you could believe the published values for a VC HDT, you'd expect to pay about $20,000 for one in good condition, but try double that now.Check the hard-to-find special Brock components are there; signed steering wheel, Irmscher alloys, high-flow air cleaner. The bodykits were made of fibreglass, which didn't withstand a knock. Check the various bodykit components for cracking around the attachment points and distortion between mounting points.Len Kennedy says he was impressed with the VC HDT, but debated spending the extra $6000 or so over a standard SL/E before eventually succumbing to the Brock ride and handling. Kennedy says his car has done 130,000km with little trouble. The Brock Commodore memory is kept alive today through Brock's former company, HDT Special Vehicles, now at Revesby.Co-owner Len Pennisi says values are increasing. “Unfortunately with Peter Brock's demise last year, cars quadrupled in value ... everybody wants a piece of that era,” he says. “Collectors are buying them, not selling them again; and they're not getting driven."“A lot of people are buying them to make money, like buying a house.” HDT Brock Commodore VCYear: 1980Price: If you could believe the published values for a VC HDT, you'd expect to pay about $20,000 for one in good condition, but try double that and expect it to keep going up.Engine: 5.0L/V8 160kW/450NmPerformance: 0-100kmh 8.4 secsRating: 75/100Verdict: Attractive Australian sports sedan that has the potential to increase in value. Rivals Falcon S XR6Years: 1992-1993Price: $8000-$9000 Nissan Skyline SilhouetteYears: 1986-1990Price: $5800-$6500 XB Falcon GTYears: 1973-1976Price: $15,000-$25,000 Features High fuel consumptionPotential to increase in valueSolid performanceCheck to ensure it is the real dealRumbling V8 exhaust noteReassuring handlingComfortable ridePresence of special Brock parts Have you driven this classic Aussie performance car? Do you have one stored away, quietly increasing in value? Let us know below... 

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

Four million bucks worth of gee-whiz suspension gear might well be the star of the current HSV range but to quote Shania Twain, that don't impress me much. While the Magnetic Ride Control does tame the ride of the VE/WM-based HSV models, it is also just another thing to go wrong.HSV owners have had problems with the cutting-edge suspension system, but in the “entry-level” HSV Clubsport R8 you don't have to worry about that.All you have to worry about is keeping your licence. The ride-quality is good enough for a powerful V8 sedan, with the HSV engineers working from a good VE donor platform for structural strength. The ride comfort is not quite to the GTS's standard but you also don't get the noise that sometimes accompanies the MRC.Although the capacity hasn't changed, the outputs have. The 6.0-litre LS2 V8 produces 307kW at 6000rpm; a 6kW increase and it has 550Nm of torque peaking at 4400rpm, up by 20Nm. It delivers it with lungfuls of enthusiasm, not quite bellowing like a V8 of ye olde times but certainly proving aural inspiration.The soundtrack benefits from the four rear exhausts, two either side of the under-bumper diffuser, giving the rear end a purposeful look.HSV went to the trouble of changing the rear lights to further differentiate its sedan from the VE range.The V8's low-end torque helps during the mundane driving duties around town, enabling the driver to short-shift in the city and make full use of the top two ratios on the open road.With more than 400Nm on offer from just above idle and 500Nm twisting the driveshaft from 3000rpm through until 5500rpm, clever use of the six-speed manual has real benefits at the pump. The fuel use was reasonable for a high-performance V8 showing in the 13-14 litres per 100km range, down on the ADR figure of around 15 litres per 100km. 

Check out the our feature story on the VE Ute launch, including great images and video.

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

Audi was 123% more likely to be stolen than the average vehicle, followed by BMW (117%).However, the other German luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz was up only 19% on the average.The 2006 Suncorp statistics do not provide actual numbers, type or age of vehicle, only proportions stolen.Vehicles below the average were Volkswagen, Ford, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Kia, Peugeot, Daewoo, Nissan and the least likely to be stolen was Daihatsu.The research showed that the more expensive the vehicle, the more likely it was to be stolen.The most stolen vehicles were those in the $60,000 to $100,000 bracket, despite the fact that these have better theft protection.Suncorp also released claims information on crash frequency which shatters the theory that the better the car, the better the driver.Claims where the driver was at fault for the accident were 10 per cent more likely for cars that were worth $60,000- $100,000. Alfa drivers were 58% more likely to make an at-fault claim than the average driver.Suncorp motor insurance general manager Daniel Fogarty said the results could suggest that drivers of prestige motor vehicles may feel safer in their cars, which could lead to over-confident attitudes, resulting in more accidents occurring.“On the other hand, drivers of new prestige vehicles may feel slightly more nervous on the roads than if they were driving a mid-range car, which might potentially cause more accidents, as the financial implications of accidents are higher,” he said.One of the most common types of claims that Queensland drivers made was for a single-vehicle accident.Holden Special Vehicles drivers were 50% more likely to make a single-car accident claim, followed by Audi (49%) and Chrysler (44%).Least likely to make such a claim were Daihatsu drivers at 30% less than the average.The statistics also show that if you lend your new car to a friend or relative there is a 12% chance that they will scratch or damage it, but a 93% chance they will also own up to it. Frequency of thefts1. Audi 123%2. BMW 117%3. Jaguar 100%4. Alfa Romeo 89%5. Saab 74%Frequency of at-fault accidents1. Alfa Romeo 58%2. Proton 19%3. Mazda 13%Frequency of not at-fault accidents1. Audi 102%2. Alfa Romeo 94%3. Proton 75%Frequency of single-vehicle accidents1. HSV 50%2. Audi 49%3. Chrysler 44% Source: Suncorp claims statistics for 2006 

Craig Lowndes drove a near faultless race to take top spot on the podium, at the Hidden Valley raceway in Darwin yesterday.The 33-year-old Ford star, whose birthday was on the weekend, finished second in race one, before going back-to-back yesterday to hold off championship leader Rick Kelly, with the barnstorming Mark Skaife third.“It feels nice to finally win a round,” said Lowndes, after putting his birthday celebrations on hold.“Winning up here for the second year in a row, and especially for a new sponsor in Vodafone, is doubly special.“If I had it my way, I'd pick up the track up and have it trucked around the circuit.”The win took Lowndes to 213 points and sixth in the series standings, still 123 points in arrears of leader Rick Kelly in the Toll Holden.Holden drivers Garth Tander, Todd Kelly and Skaife also fill out three of the next top four placings.While Lowndes finished the weekend on a high, the ageless Skaife, who took the major points at Eastern Creek a fortnight ago, again took the honours in the opening race on Saturday. In a dramatic race, Will Davison, in the second of the Jim Beam Falcons, fell foul of the stewards.Davison was excluded from the results of race one and was fined $5000 (suspended) for his part in a dingle that took four cars out of the reckoning.But Lowndes, who started race three on pole, proved unstoppable yesterday, at one point opening up a 4.5-second gap, leaving a swag of Holden drivers to race for the minor placings.“The team mechanics deserve much of the credit for the improvement in the car,” Lowndes said. “I got them to make some minor adjustments to the suspension and on the rear of the car."“With 600 horsepower under the bonnet, I thought I may as well make use of it."“It certainly made the car a little bit more driveable.”Lowndes says the series is by no means over, with eight rounds still to race.“We've got a testing day organised at Willowbank to tweak the car, before we race there again in July,” he said.Kelly's podium finish in Darwin sees him open up a 39-point buffer on his Toll HSV dealer team-mate Tander, heading into the next round of the series, the Queensland 300 at Ipswich on July 22.The defending series champion has finished on the podium every round this year.