Test Drive: HSV ClubSport R8, GTS, Maloo R8, Senator Signature & Grange LS3 Range

[JoeT]

HSV E-Series LS3 ClubSport R8, GTS, Maloo R8, Senator Signature & Grange

Joe Kenwright
26 May 2008
www.carpoint.com.au

The latest E-Series range has generated record sales for HSV in every model.

Although the new model range made less sense when launched in 2006 incomplete, it has since proved exactly what was required to achieve sales dominance, following running changes and additions. These have all come together in the latest LS3 upgrade to deliver HSV's most cohesive range ever.

If you are in the market for a new HSV, it is worth reflecting on what prompted these critical changes to the HSV model range and how they have impacted the hotties' value for money.

HSV insiders have acknowledged that Holden effectively grabbed the entry niches that HSV once owned with the base ClubSport and Maloo via the VE SS-V sedan and ute. At the top end, Holden also eliminated HSV's base Senator level with its Calais V.

Unlike the current FG Ford and FPV ranges which don't offer a V8-powered Calais V rival or a Senator Signature-rival powered by FPV's F6 powertrain to avoid conflict, HSV chose to lift the complete E-Series range up a niche while containing prices.

It was not as if HSV had any choice. For buyers wanting a seriously competent entry-level sports sedan or ute, both Ford and Holden now offer models that are at least as quick and better-equipped than previous HSV and FPV models at massive savings.

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[GMusa]

... cant wait to drive a G8 GXP!!

[eaton53]

The original MRC suspension on GTS, Senator Signature and Grange reacted too quickly for the early suspension bushes and loaded them up for a rattly, harsh ride under certain conditions. This had been tuned-out and rectified across the range by the time the Grange reached showrooms.

Magnetic Ride Control on the G8 GXP?

[Slick_Holden]

Originally Posted by eaton53

Magnetic Ride Control on the G8 GXP?

Not unless they import the HSV versions.

[eaton53]

Are there non-HSV Commodores with the LS3?
I googled "Commodore LS3" and got nothing but HSV's.

I thought these cars were nothing but a clip and emblem swap... if they delete MRC only for G8's that would be unfortunate. They should at least offer it as an option as MRC is an outstanding system.

[BBDOS CV8]

One of the ways HSV differentiates itself from Holden is by use of exlusive engines, exhaust and things like MRC. Holden uses the standard fuel L98, HSV the premium performance LS3. Holden sells the turbo Astra, HSV the Opel Performance Centre Version with more power, bigger wheels etc.

That's how they justify the cost. HSVs get unique interiors, wheels, brakes, suspensions and now body and trim. HSV even has it's own windtunnel, full-soak emissions lab as it does it's own engine calibrations, different trans and diff ratios and is located at a large factory in another state to Holden, with several thousand employees. Cars come off the line at Holden with steel wheels and fully running - they have to by law - then are taken to HSV at Clayton in Victoria and the changes are made.

You won't get most of that in a GXP because Americans would be unlikely to be willing to pay $US60K which is the starting price for a HSV sedan. I'd suspect the difference in power ratings is that HSV uses tubular exhaust headers and the LS3 in the GXP uses the factory cast headers. HSV did make a statement last year, after it was known the G8 was coming, that they would be going anywhere Holden did, so maybe there is a chance for a limited US model. But at present they are flat out meeting demand in Australasia, Middle east (Chevrolet Special Vehicles) England (Vauxhall VXR8) .

When you go to order HSV bits, they won't sell them to you unless you have a VIN number for the model you're buying for.

[eaton53]

I hope they at least offer the HSV wheels that are on that Ute.
Those may be the most awesome wheels I've ever seen on a production car.

[FunkyPig]

Originally Posted by eaton53

Are there non-HSV Commodores with the LS3?

L98 6.0L Gen IV in Holden branded vehicles, and 6.2L LS3 Gen IV in HSV. It creates added differentiation, but not sure why beyond that. The LS1 was used in both brands though.

[rsbaker]

Question: What does Gasoline...oh excuse me, Petrol cost in Austrailia?

[mmciau]

Originally Posted by rsbaker

Question: What does Gasoline...oh excuse me, Petrol cost in Austrailia?

$1.51 per litre AUD

$5.78 per US Gallon (AUD)

[rsbaker]

Originally Posted by mmciau

$1.51 per litre AUD

$5.78 per US Gallon (AUD)

Next Question: Does Holde really sell a lot of the V8 powered sedans or is a small niche market selling high priced specialty vehicle. I ask because we hear today that GM is Killing Plans for a RWD Chevrolet Impala as well as a RWD as yet un-named Buick in North America. I'm wondering how Austrailia maintains vast array of V8 powered Sedans, Coupes and Utes from Ford and Holden? Ar autrailians not driving as many mils as most American? Please elaborate if anyone knows the answer to this perplexing question in a country with even higher gas prices.

[BBDOS CV8]

Holden is currently selling above 20% V8s across the sedan range which is a record rate - all of them 6.0 litre L98s. Last year they sold 11,000 V8s out of about 55,000 sedans. At present sales are down because they haven't had a wagon to sell all this year - last made in Sept. 07 and new one not out yet. Wagons are usually worth about 10-15% of sales.

In Utes it's running about 40% which is about double the rate of say ten years ago. HSV had a record last year with the E-series based on the VE/G8 and this year looks like being bigger in Australia plus they're selling more in England and also the Middle East as CSV.

Why? Because they're bloody good cars. They not only go hard in a straight line but handle, brake, are comfortable to drive all day or night in and reliable as all get out. And to get a V8 made somewhere else you will pay double or more for something that probbly goes no harder, gets similar consumption, is smaller and less roomy.

[mikmak]

Don't forget the CUBs (Cashed Up Bogans) that are raking in buku dolleros from working in the mines or building industry. A current resources boom means that the extra income being generated is going in the pockets of HSV and Holdens target markets (including the ones they don't want to admit too).

[Slick_Holden]

Hasn't it been record sales on V8's for many years??.
Probably as many new car private buyers buy V8's as they do V6's.

[BBDOS CV8]

It probably is around 1:1, although many people like me novate-leased or even fully-leased their private V8 through sal-sac arrangements.