HSV Evaluating Greener Drivetrain Technology - Diesels & Hybrids Possible

[JoeT]

A Green Tint Is Creeping Up On HSV As Reality Bites

Toby Hagon
17 May 2008
www.smh.com.au

Australia's biggest V8 brand could soon go green.

Holden Special Vehicles is evaluating cleaner engine technologies to reduce fuel consumption and prepare for more environmentally aware buyers.

Future HSVs could use diesel engines or petrol-electric hybrid powertrains, among other fuel-saving options.

"We're evaluating our options [regarding greener cars]," says HSV managing director Scott Grant. "We've got to consider changes in the market conditions, and certainly diesel is becoming an important part of our future."

HSV believes it is immune to consumer backlash against larger, thirstier cars but admits the company must evolve, especially for the younger generation, which is generally more environmentally conscious than those over 30.

Most HSVs use about 15 litres of fuel per 100km - 50 per cent more than an average family car. The Holden-based HSV V8 range includes some of the thirstiest cars on the market.

Grant says HSV is conducting feasibility studies on a range of alternative engines.

"We're still in the feasibility stage, so we're nowhere near confirming what direction we'll go [diesel, hybrid, etc]," he says.

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Confirmed: Holden Commodore Turbo-Diesel To Be Released By Mid-2009
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HSV To Follow Holden With Hybrid Performance Vehicles?

[RedVee8]

I would expect and hope every manufacturer would investigating these options.

[Generation IV]

This sounds suspisciously like HSV will adopt the 4.5L Duramax diesel. Why not? Fuel economic to a point, very powerful and its a diesel, its almost as if its calling HSV.

[commodorecoops]

I can't see how the numbers will add up. Aren't hybrids and diesels mega expensive to engineer? I can't really see how they could build enough to make a profit.

[Rick_VT]

Well Holden have said they will have a Turbo-Diesel on the market by mid 2009 and the latest Motor magazine here has pics of what they believe the SS V will look like, the front spoiler looks like the one on the Coupe 60, Motor says the VF will be on sale mid 2009, so i would say HSV will be getting a version of the 2.9 V6 diesel, but wonder if they will give it more power to make it different to the Holden version, the 4.5Ltr V8 Diesel would be amazing in a HSV though.

Are there any plans to make the BAS system for the larger motors?

[mmciau]

I think Holden will be 12 months too late in introducing the Diesel.

Should have been out and about in 2008 year. The "green lobby" would have been far quieter if it was in use today and Holden would be able to better defend the "big car- too much emissions" publicity and campaigns that is gathering pace.

Mike

Mike

[Col Klink]

Originally Posted by commodorecoops

I can't see how the numbers will add up. Aren't hybrids and diesels mega expensive to engineer? I can't really see how they could build enough to make a profit.

All in scale I surpose - the more you make the cheaper it is, if the 4.5 goes into ever large rear drive & SUV/Truck for GM it spreads the development costs pretty wide. Prefect for Holden & HSV. Bring back the 4x4 wagons - if the system can handle the 4.5 if not then just with the 2.9.

[jbernie]

The good thing for HSV is that they can afford to put more expensive power trains into their vehicles and not worry so much about the price point. Obviously they can't just add $20k to the price of any vehicle, but the dual mode hybrid system won't break the bank on a $60-80k HSV as opposed to a $30k Commodore.

Still strongly believe that the Grange & Senator are prime for dual mode, gives the executive ranks a fast car with much better gas mileage.

[Slick_Holden]

I giggle, Holden tries to keep it under the blanket, And GM tells the world or there secrets.