You know what to expect from Holden Special Vehicles now; Australian production is
ceasing from 2017
and so it appears they're intent on churning out as many V8 saloons before then. Which is fine by us.
Australia's idea of a crossover
They're not at all relevant to the UK and probably not that important to Australian customers but if you can't see the appeal of six V8 models in a line up then you're on the wrong site. The 'Gen-F2' HSV cars comprise the Clubsport R8 LSA, Clubsport R8 Tourer LSA, Maloo R8 LSA, GTS, Senator Signature and Grange. Fans will notice a few key points in that sentence: the first is 'LSA', denoting the supercharged Chevrolet 6.2 V8 under the bonnet, and the second 'Maloo', Holden's
eponymous ute
. So there's now a 544hp pick up available from dealerships in Australia. Superb news!
In fact the only model not using the supercharged V8 and making do with just a 462hp 6.2 LS3 is the Grange, 'Australia's ultimate performance limousine.' Just with 'HSV Shockwave exhaust outlets', 'HSV Luxury body design' and a, er, head-up display. They can't help themselves! Yes, it's a little ungainly and the least powerful here but with a wheelbase that long the drifting possibilities must be limitless.
That wheelbase and 460hp? Yes!
The rest of the range includes three saloon that are quite hard to tell apart - the Senator appears to be the most subdued - with the Tourer estate also. That and the Clubsport R8 will be most familiar to the UK as the
VXR8 Tourer
saloon
that Vauxhall sold a few of here. Naturally you will have spotted the new bonnets, wheels, side skirts and rear diffuser so they're probably not worth mentioning. The Driver Preference Dial, magnetic dampers, AP brakes and Competition Mode for the ESC continue as before. Marvellous.
The new HSV range is available to order in Australia now with first deliveries towards the end of next month. You can even have one of those manual things if so desired. Grab them while you can Australia!
here
. It has V8s and wheelspin, worth a look.