hsv – ForceGT.com https://www.forcegt.com Car News, Car Reviews, Video Reviews, Tuning and much more. Fri, 16 Jul 2021 01:56:42 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.17 Mint 2014 HSV VF GTS manual with just 163km up for grabs https://www.forcegt.com/news/mint-2014-hsv-vf-gts-manual-with-just-163km-up-for-grabs/ Fri, 16 Jul 2021 01:56:42 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=101832 One of the greatest Australian performance cars ever made is going to auction with just 163km on the clock. This mint, never modified 2014 HSV VF GTS sedan in a rare six-speed manual form is quite possibly the lowest mileage VF GTS in the world. Museum-ready and highly sought after with a fire-breathing 430kW, this …

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One of the greatest Australian performance cars ever made is going to auction with just 163km on the clock. This mint, never modified 2014 HSV VF GTS sedan in a rare six-speed manual form is quite possibly the lowest mileage VF GTS in the world. Museum-ready and highly sought after with a fire-breathing 430kW, this HSV GTS presents in the ultimate black/black colour scheme.

Holden and Ford had been locked in a fierce war for the hearts and minds of Aussie performance car fans for decades, and this battle really heated up early in the 21st Century. With new, far more powerful models being released HSV tried a nuclear approach to winning with the 2014 GTS model.

The HSV GTS ran a 430kW/740Nm 6.2-litre supercharged V8, the same engine found under the bonnet of the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 and Cadillac CTS-V. Available only in a sedan body, the GTS returned for the first time in generations as a regular production model but at a near-$100,000 price tag.

HSV’s other models had also run variants of the LS engine family for nearly 15 years by 2014, but HSV still had quite a job to fit the supercharged late-model small-block V8 into the VF sedan shell. Extra fluid radiators and coolers were needed to keep operating temperatures within-spec, while the drivetrain presented more issues.

While other Holdens used the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual the GTS had to be equipped with the heavy-duty 9L90 six-speed auto or MG-9 manual, both of which had to be spaced down in the car as they didn’t quite fit in the standard transmission tunnel. The 9.9-inch super-heavy-duty rear-end and larger drive shafts were housed in the same cradle as the track-spec Camaro ZL-1, but HSV had to engineer their own solution to use the VF’s electric park brake as the Camaro used a cable system.

On top of this the big banger Holden used advanced Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) adjustable dampers, which were cycled through the dial on the centre console controlling the various driver modes. The interior featured plush, heavily-bolstered leather bucket seats and an advanced driver interface that included track maps for all race circuits in Australia, G-meter, and many other digital outputs.

GTS drivers also enjoyed all the normal luxury touches high-spec local cars of the time had. These include blind spot monitoring, dual-zone climate air conditioning, cruise control, bi-modal exhaust, nine-speaker Bose audio, and more.

This near-new 2014 HSV GTS 6-speed manual will go on auction next week at Chrome Temple Motors via online bidding.

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HSV unveils SportsCat RS – limited to 100 units only https://www.forcegt.com/news/hsv-unveils-sportscat-rs-limited-to-100-units-only/ Wed, 01 May 2019 11:36:17 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=90763 HSV has added yet another variant to its SportsCat range of modified dual-cab utes dubbed the SportsCat RS. Limited to just 100 units, the RS comes with a price tag of $63,990, or $2,000 less than the also limited run SportCat R introduced late last year. It also undercuts the flagship SportsCat+ by $2,800. Offered …

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HSV has added yet another variant to its SportsCat range of modified dual-cab utes dubbed the SportsCat RS.

Limited to just 100 units, the RS comes with a price tag of $63,990, or $2,000 less than the also limited run SportCat R introduced late last year. It also undercuts the flagship SportsCat+ by $2,800.

Offered solely in ‘Summit White’ paintjob with gloss-black lower inserts, splash tray and lower fascia, the SportsCat RS also features black and red decals on the bonnet, hard tonneau cover and door sills.

The only option is the $1,995 AP Racing premium brake package, which brings four-piston forged brake calipers grasping 362mm rotors for “class-leading” braking performance.

The SportCat RS comes with unique HSV tweaked ESC and damper tune that is designed to provide more “performance-based” handling.

As with all SportsCats, the RS features wider wheel tracks, increased front ride height and reduced overall rake compared to the regular Holden Colorado on which it is based.

Behind the extended wheel arches, it rolls on 18-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber.

Inside, the cabin comes fitted with a pair of premium SV Sports bucket seats, leather and suede trimmed instrument panel, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Power from the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel remains unchanged at 147kW and 500Nm. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission carry over from the Colorado.

Of the 100 units produced at the Clayton plant in Melbourne, 94 units will be allocated to Australia, while the remaining six will be shipped across the ditch to New Zealand.

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Right-hand drive Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 added to HSV range https://www.forcegt.com/news/right-hand-drive-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-added-to-hsv-range/ Tue, 05 Mar 2019 04:53:31 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=89332 HSV has confirmed that Chevrolet’s most powerful production Camaro – the ZL1 – would be added to its 2019 model line-up and on sale in showrooms across Australia from April priced at $159,990 plus on-road costs. Joining the Camaro 2SS, the right-hand drive ZL1 ups the ante with a 6.2-litre LT4 superchaged V8 which in …

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HSV has confirmed that Chevrolet’s most powerful production Camaro – the ZL1 – would be added to its 2019 model line-up and on sale in showrooms across Australia from April priced at $159,990 plus on-road costs.

Joining the Camaro 2SS, the right-hand drive ZL1 ups the ante with a 6.2-litre LT4 superchaged V8 which in US-spec develops an eye-watering 485kW of power and 868Nm of torque.

While power and torque figures of the HSV-converted Camaro are still subject to local certification, the company is expecting the right-hook ZL1 to produce similar outputs to its US counterpart, around the 480kW/860Nm mark.

Gear changes on the ZL1 are executed either through a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters. The 6-speed manual transmission features automatic rev matching which anticipates down-shifts with throttle blips for smoother shifting. The Line-Lock feature in the automatic model lets you lock the front wheels to enable the rear wheels to spin (and heat), warming the tyres for maximum grip. HSV says this feature is intended for use during closed-course track events only.

The ZL1 boasts a more aggressive body kit with massive upper and lower grille openings for maximum cooling while aerodynamic enhancements like the unique bonnet with carbon-fibre composite air extractor and rear spoiler help reduce lift and increase downforce to keep the ZL1 glued to the tarmac.

The aggressive front splitter and rocker mouldings complete the aero package. The muscle car rolls on 20-inch, 10 split-spoke forged alloy wheels in Dark Graphite.

The ZL1’s track-focused interior sports heated, ventilated and power adjustable leather bucket seats, complimented by a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Entertainment in the ZL1 is delivered by Chevrolet’s next generation Infotainment 3 system which includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual zone automatic climate control, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio and 24 colour Interior Spectrum Lighting enhance interior ambience.

2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 specification

  • 6.2L LT4 supercharged V8 with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing
  • 6-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching and Launch Control functionality or a 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission with Custom Launch Control, Line-Lock and Lift-Foot Gear Hold technology
  • Magnetic Ride Control dampers
  • Electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential
  • Brembo performance brakes with 6-piston monobloc front calipers and 390mm two-piece front rotors
  • Bi-modal performance exhaust system
  • 20” 10 split-spoke forged alloy wheels
  • Recaro performance seats
  • Sueded flat-bottom sports profile steering wheel and gear shifter
  • Sport alloy pedals

Recommended Retail Pricing

  • MY19 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (6-speed manual transmission): $159,990

Optional

  • 10-speed automatic transmission: $2,200
  • Metallic Paint (Crush/Garnet Red Tintcoat): $850

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Limited edition HSV Colorado SportsCat R unveiled https://www.forcegt.com/news/hsv-colorado-sportscat-r-unveiled/ Fri, 09 Nov 2018 09:11:12 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=86561 HSV has announced a new limited-run variant of the pumped-up Colorado SportsCat – the SportsCat R – that sports a host of cosmetic changes to set it apart from the standard model. Priced from $65,990, Holden’s performance arm claims the R model will “take the vehicle’s distinctive street presence to another level” with a stealthy …

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HSV has announced a new limited-run variant of the pumped-up Colorado SportsCat – the SportsCat R – that sports a host of cosmetic changes to set it apart from the standard model.

Priced from $65,990, Holden’s performance arm claims the R model will “take the vehicle’s distinctive street presence to another level” with a stealthy new look, sporting Mineral Black paint exclusively, a gloss black grille and lower front fascia, and gloss black 18-inch six-spoke forged alloy wheels – the same design as those on the standard SportsCat, and similarly clad in Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro Sports tyres.

Standing out on the blacked-out body are a number of red highlights on the bonnet, lower grille, tonneau cover, and doors, along with some HSV decals on the side of the tray.

Additionally, the R model picks up the SportsCat+’s bulged bonnet and optional sail pane as standard equipment, while it’s AP Racing big brake kit will be available as a $1,995 option.

Otherwise, the SportsCat R’s standard equipment mirrors that of the standard model, and it sports the same engine as the rest of the SportsCat and wider Colorado range – a 2.8-litre Duramax turbo diesel producing 147kW and 500Nm, which is paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic in the R.

Just 100 SportsCat R models will be produced in total, with 98 destined for Australia and just two destined for New Zealand.

HSV Colorado SportsCat pricing

HSV Colorado SportsCat manual $60,790
HSV Colorado SportsCat automatic $62,990
HSV Colorado SportsCat R automatic $65,990
HSV Colorado SportsCat+ manual $66,790
HSV Colorado SportsCat+ automatic $68,990

HSV Colorado SportsCat R options

AP Racing premium brake package $1,995
Tub liner $300

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HSV launches Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD super heavy-duty ute https://www.forcegt.com/news/hsv-launches-chevrolet-silverado-3500hd-super-heavy-duty-ute/ Tue, 16 Oct 2018 05:29:28 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=85882 Finalising its new Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty pick-up truck range which includes the recently launched 2500HD, HSV has confirmed full pricing and specifications for the new range topping Silverado 3500HD LTZ model. The 3500HD LTZ model completes HSV’s five tier Silverado line-up – its first foray into the burgeoning heavy-duty truck market. The new top-of-the-range model …

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Finalising its new Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty pick-up truck range which includes the recently launched 2500HD, HSV has confirmed full pricing and specifications for the new range topping Silverado 3500HD LTZ model.

The 3500HD LTZ model completes HSV’s five tier Silverado line-up – its first foray into the burgeoning heavy-duty truck market.

The new top-of-the-range model will share the same impressive heavy-duty performance attributes of the four-model 2500HD range including:

  • Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 engine
  • 332kW of power
  • 1,234Nm of torque
  • Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission
  • 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
  • Heavy duty locking rear differential

But the real difference lies in its towing and load capabilities. For those who need to perform the heaviest of duties, the 3500HD LTZ has upgraded suspension with dual rear wheels, which increase its maximum payload capacity to 2.2 tonnes while towing capability stretches to a stunning 9 tonnes. In comparison, the lesser 2500HD’s payload and towing capacity is rated at 975kg payload and 5890kg respectively.

Complementing the 3500’s impressive load and towing capabilities are a host of appointments that, like its 2500HD counterpart, justify its premium positioning.

From an interior perspective, perforated leather-appointed bucket seats offer personalized comfort for the driver and front passenger and feature heated and ventilated seat cushions and seatbacks, 10-way power seat adjusters, 2-way power lumbar control and 2-position driver memory. Dual zone automatic climate control enhances cabin comfort.

Power-adjustable pedals allow the driver to set at the most comfortable position, while the vehicle’s remote start also includes a theft-deterrent functionality.

A heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls and steering wheel rake and reach adjustment add to driver comfort and convenience as does the Chevrolet MyLink audio system which includes an 8-inch touch-screen. This infotainment system includes:

  • 7-speaker BOSE sound system
  • USB ports
  • Auxiliary jack
  • Bluetooth audio streaming for music and select phones
  • Voice-activated technology for radio and phone
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability for compatible phones

A suite of driver-focused technologies enhance the safety credentials of the 3500HD LTZ. The vehicle’s StabiliTrak stability control system features Proactive Roll Avoidance and Traction Control with Electronic Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist. Front, side and curtain airbags provide occupant protection with proactive safety features including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Front and Rear Park Assist and Rear-view Camera.

Exterior styling wise, the 3500 features front fog lamps, recovery hooks and 17” chrome alloys with dual rear wheels, with the chrome theme extending to the grille surround, bumpers, body side mouldings, door handles and exterior mirrors.

Conversion of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD LTZ range to right-hand-drive will commence at HSV’s new production facility in Clayton South, Victoria, this month.

Pricing (excluding on-roads)

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD WT (automatic): $114,990
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ (automatic): $134,990
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ “Midnight Edition” (automatic): $139,990
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ “Custom Sport” (automatic): $139,990
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD LTZ (automatic): $147,990

Major Personalisation Options

Spray-on bed liner (2500HD WT / 2500HD LTZ / 3500HD LTZ): $1,500
Prestige Paint (Cajun Red Tintcoat / Deep Ocean Blue Metallic): $1,100

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HSV confirms 2018 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS pricing https://www.forcegt.com/news/hsv-confirms-chevrolet-camaro-pricing/ Mon, 10 Sep 2018 09:51:21 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=84666 Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has announced pricing and specifications for the right-hand drive converted Chevrolet Camaro, which is set to hit Aussie roads by the end of this year.  Available in 2SS specification only upon launch, local pricing for the Camaro will kick off from $85,990 before on-road costs. Coming with relatively strong levels of …

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Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has announced pricing and specifications for the right-hand drive converted Chevrolet Camaro, which is set to hit Aussie roads by the end of this year. 

Available in 2SS specification only upon launch, local pricing for the Camaro will kick off from $85,990 before on-road costs.

Coming with relatively strong levels of standard equipment, the only way to add to that cost will be by having it finished in one of three $850 premium hues – Bright Yellow, Garnet Red, or Hyper Blue Metallic.

With a 6.2-litre V8 under the bonnet, it produces 339kW and 617Nm, with that power sent to the rear wheels alone through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Although there won’t be a six-speed manual option for the first 550 units of the right-hook Chevy, HSV has expressed interest in offering the Camaro with a DIY shifter at a later date if the nuts and bolts of it can be worked out.

Underpinning the Camaro is fully independent suspension and Brembo brakes all round, while its 20-inch wheels come clad with Goodyear Eagle rubber – 245/40 front, 275/35 rear.

On the inside, you’ll find luxuries such as heated and ventilated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, a Bose stereo with nine speakers, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, a universal garage door opener, and a sunroof.

Naturally, the Camaro shapes up as a natural rival to the Ford Mustang GT, although there is a larger gulf in pricing here than in their home market of the United States. As the Mustang comes from the factory with right-hand drive, it’ll cost you $19,731 less than the converted Camaro for an automatic GT.

The Camaro does beat the pony car’s 5.0-litre V8 on grunt – both make the same 339kW of power, but the Mustang’s 556Nm trails the Camaro by 61Nm. It does, however, offer a ten-speed self-shifter compared to the eight ratios of the Camaro’s auto box.

HSV claims that of the first batch of 550 vehicles, around 30 per cent have already been accounted for, so you’ll want to get in quick if you’ve been holding out for one.

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HSV-converted RHD Chevrolet Camaro arriving August priced circa $80k https://www.forcegt.com/news/hsv-converted-rhd-chevrolet-camaro-arriving-august-priced-circa-80k/ Thu, 12 Jul 2018 11:17:08 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=82753 The wait is almost over for muscle car enthusiasts in Australia, as production of the right-hand-drive Chevrolet Camaro is set to hit full swing in August at Holden Special Vehicles’ new factory in Clayton South, outer Melbourne. Arriving a month later than expected, the Camaro will be imported from America in standard left-hand-drive form and …

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The wait is almost over for muscle car enthusiasts in Australia, as production of the right-hand-drive Chevrolet Camaro is set to hit full swing in August at Holden Special Vehicles’ new factory in Clayton South, outer Melbourne.

Arriving a month later than expected, the Camaro will be imported from America in standard left-hand-drive form and converted to right-hand-drive. The muscle car will be sold under Chevrolet’s bow tie badge through HSV dealerships across the country along with the Silverado full-size pick-up.

A couple of pre-production Camaros are already making their rounds in promotional and marketing events in Sydney and Melbourne, but the first production RHD Camaro will only roll out of the production line at Walkinshaw Park in late August or early September. The same plant is already turning out the Silverado and Holden Colorado SportsCat.

Pricing for the RHD Camaro is still being kept under wraps, though some pundits are suggesting around the $80k mark. If true, the Camaro will be more expensive than its direct rival, the recently updated Ford Mustang GT which is priced at $66,259 plus on-road costs.

Basic specifications for the Camaro were already confirmed in May. Packing 339kW of power and 617Nm of torque from its atmospheric LT1 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, the Camaro will, coincidentally, have exactly the same power as the 339kW 5.0-litre V8 in the Ford Mustang GT. The Camaro will, however, pack 61Nm more torque than the Mustang’s 556Nm.

While the Mustang GT is rated to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, the Camaro is expected to best that figure by a tenth of a second, though official times have yet to be released.

HSV is expected to announce full pricing and specification next month closer to the Camaro’s local launch.

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UK-delivered 533kW HSV VXR8 up for sale https://www.forcegt.com/tuning/uk-delivered-533kw-hsv-vxr8-sale/ Tue, 22 May 2018 10:37:35 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=81208 A fire-breathing Walkinshaw-tuned HSV VXR8 complete with attention grabbing ‘psychedelic’ wrap is up for sale in the UK. Owned by the administrator of a Facebook paged called ‘HSV Holden UK Community’, the 2007 E Series HSV VXR8 – the equivalent of a HSV GTS in Australia – comes with a ‘W705’ Walkinshaw kit that pump …

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A fire-breathing Walkinshaw-tuned HSV VXR8 complete with attention grabbing ‘psychedelic’ wrap is up for sale in the UK.

Owned by the administrator of a Facebook paged called ‘HSV Holden UK Community’, the 2007 E Series HSV VXR8 – the equivalent of a HSV GTS in Australia – comes with a ‘W705’ Walkinshaw kit that pump out 522kW and 813Nm from the 6.2-litre LS2 V8.

The owner claims the car will hit 100km/h from a standstill in just over 4.0 seconds en route to a top end of around 322km/h, thanks to over $A100k worth of modifications performed by Walkinshaw in the UK.

“The modifications that I have carried out have transformed the car, managing to combined breath-taking performance with supreme comfort and reliability,” his writes on his eBay listing.

“I cannot being to describe the passion that has gone into this car – and selling it has been a difficult decision.

“However, a new project is on the horizon – and if I don’t sell it now, I may change my mind.”

With 133,500km on the clock, the HSV has been listed on eBay for £30,000, or $A53,000. And if the performance or psychedelic wrap aren’t enough to tempt you, the sound it makes might change your mind.

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HSV confirms Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado and Colorado Sportscat https://www.forcegt.com/news/hsv-confirms-chevrolet-camaro-silverado-colorado-sportscat/ Fri, 08 Dec 2017 01:17:32 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=77483 In a joint announcement, GM Holden and HSV today released details of a new agreement struck between the two companies. The new partnership marks a pivotal moment in HSV’s 30-year history in Australia and begins a new chapter in bringing a whole new breed of vehicles to customers. The focus of the new agreement is …

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In a joint announcement, GM Holden and HSV today released details of a new agreement struck between the two companies.

The new partnership marks a pivotal moment in HSV’s 30-year history in Australia and begins a new chapter in bringing a whole new breed of vehicles to customers.

The focus of the new agreement is to utilise HSV’s design, engineering, manufacturing and marketing expertise across a broader range of product, giving customers access to high performance models from across the GM empire.

Tim Jackson, HSV Managing Director, said it was fantastic to see the new partnership cemented between the two brands.

“This marks a new era for HSV and Holden and I hope our customers are as excited as we are. HSV is moving beyond simply ‘hotting up’ existing models, and customers will see two product streams from HSV over the next few years. This is ‘Game-On’ in a very big way.”

Holden’s Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Bernhard, said the new agreement was a pivotal step forward for both companies.

“For a number of years, we’ve been talking about bringing customers the best vehicles from around the GM world, and today we’re proud to announce the next step in that strategy. Our partnership with HSV, utilising their world-class engineering and design capabilities, means we’re able to work together to bring the iconic Chevrolet Camaro muscle-car and the best-selling Chevrolet Silverado pick-up to customers in Australia and New Zealand. Not to mention the imminent launch of the red-hot Colorado SportsCat, today is a great day for customers”.

In terms of vehicle branding, Bernhard also confirmed that the two Chevrolet vehicle lines will be introduced as just that: Chevrolets.

“We’re excited to re-introduce the Chevrolet brand to the Australian market as part of an expanded GM presence in Australia, in partnership with HSV. As far as dealership branding is concerned, the existing HSV dealer network will be progressively updated to carry the Chevrolet ‘bowtie’ logo and branding, as part of our new dealership of the future program. The DNA of both of these vehicles is pure Chevrolet and we’re going to honour that.

Tim Jackson continued: “HSV engineering involvement starts and stops with the conversion of the vehicles from left to right-hand drive. These are iconic Chevys to the core and we’ll let the famed bow-tie speak for itself”.

The first new HSV product stream will be what customers have traditionally expected from the company, centred around vehicle enhancement and extending vehicle capabilities to become a true HSV.

“It is important that we continue to play a key role in enhancing Holden’s image in the market place, and potential customers can expect to see us going to work on enhanced products which are a natural extension of the Holden range – the SportsCat is a great example of this approach”, said Jackson.

“Some of our traditional customers will expect more power, and if the opportunities present themselves, we will look at powertrain enhancements where it makes sense. However, we see an opportunity to appeal to customers by investing in enhanced vehicle specification and capability that really delivers a great driving experience and a competitive advantage in various segments. SportsCat is a great example of how we can deliver improved on-road and off-road driving dynamics, and combine a great new look with improved vehicle capability and versatility. The segment is about much more than drag-strip times,” said Jackson.

The second stream of product to be offered by HSV will be the introduction of new vehicles from across the GM global range that would not have otherwise been available through Australia and New Zealand.

The company was, however, quick to emphasise that their overall goal remains unchanged: to create exciting products for niche customers looking for unique vehicles.

HSV also revealed its intention to introduce a freshened logo concurrent with the introduction of its 2018 range.

The company said the new visual identity offers a more contemporary interpretation of the ‘Lion & Helmet’ that has adorned HSV vehicles, and represented the company, since its inception in 1987.

“The current logo has served us well over many years, but as the business transitions to encompass a far broader array of product offerings, this new logo represents a new and expanded brand promise,” said Jackson.

“The Australian market is shifting and, like Holden, we’re shifting with it. This subtle logo change helps signify a new era of vehicle availability from HSV”, he said. “But make no mistake, while it’s a new logo, our customers can expect the same uncompromising attitude to introducing exciting vehicles that Australian’s love to drive”.

In respect of Holden vehicles that have been enhanced for new segments like the 4×4 space, those products will be designated ‘by HSV’ and wear the ‘Lion & Helmet’ in selected environments like on the front grille. “If we then take some vehicles further up the food chain, and both Holden and HSV believe the best branding approach for the vehicle is to receive the full HSV designation, then we will make that call at the time”, said Jackson.

Chevrolet Colorado SportsCat

Playing to HSV’s niche design and engineering capabilities, the Colorado SportsCat features a raft of styling and chassis enhancements.

To be available in two variants – SportsCat and SportsCat+ – the styling enhancements begin with radically modified exteriors featuring all-new fascias and grilles that, with the addition of LED fog lamps and functional tow hooks, combine to deliver two distinctive and sporty front-end appearances.

The interior also comes in for a substantial make-over to deliver more premium levels of comfort and style. Highlights include sports seats – the front heated – and leather and suede upholstery.

From a performance perspective, both SportsCat models are powered by a 2.8 litre double overhead cam Duramax Turbo Diesel engine that offers 147kW of power and up to 500Nm of torque when specified with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard fare.

Braked towing capacity of 3,500kg and a maximum payload of approximately 1 tonne promise impressive workhorse capabilities.

Both SportsCat models feature HSV Sports Suspension with the front spring rate stiffened to 110 Newtons/mm. Its MTV dampers have been tuned around the revised spring rate, with both modifications contributing to a more performance-based handling characteristic.

In addition to the increased spring rate, front ride height has been lifted by 25mm. This modification further improves the approach angle of the vehicle, increases ground clearance to the body and reduces the vehicle’s overall rake, delivering a more natural on-road stance.

Chevrolet Silverado

HSV has committed to bringing Chevrolet’s largest pick up – the Silverado – to Australia and New Zealand.

Power, payload and towing capability are what Silverado is famous for and all these attributes will be reflected in the five-model 4×4 Crew Cab line-up that HSV will offer:

  • 2500HD WT
  • 2500HD LTZ
  • 2500HD LTZ “Midnight” Edition
  • 2500HD LTZ “Custom Sport” Edition
  • 3500HD LTZ

All five vehicles share the same impressive heavy-duty equipment including:

  • Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 engine
  • 332kW of power / 1,234 Nm of torque
  • Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Towing capacity of 3.5 – 6.1 tonne (model dependent)
  • Payload capacity of 1,140kg – 1,848kg (model dependent)
  • 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
  • Automatic locking rear differential

Said HSV’s Managing Director, Tim Jackson, “The availability of the Chevrolet Silverado range opens up some wonderful new opportunities for our business in a market segment whose potential is relatively un-tapped, and we believe has high growth potential”.

“Whether it be the farming or mining sectors, those who need to pull a large caravan or horse float or simply those who want awesome towing and load carrying capability, Silverado is the pinnacle of the GM range”, he said.

Conversion of the Silverado range will commence at HSV’s new production facility in April 2018. The 3500HD LTZ model will be available late in Q2, 2018.

Recommended Retail Pricing is still to be confirmed.

Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro defines performance and this legendary nameplate, in the form of the Camaro 2SS Coupe, will also be imported and converted to right-hand-drive by HSV, and available in 2018.

The driving force behind the Camaro 2SS is Chevrolet’s 6.2L Generation V LT1 Direct Injection V8 engine mated to an 8-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission and generating up to 340kW of power and 615Nm of torque.

The vehicle’s Performance suspension provides a dynamic connection to the road with stopping power delivered by 4-piston Brembo front & rear performance brakes with fixed callipers.

Rolling stock is provided by 20”, 5-split-spoke alloys (8.5” front & 9.5” rear), wrapped in 245/40ZR20 (front) and 275/35ZR20 (rear) Goodyear Eagle tyres. A rear stanchion spoiler and dual-outlet exhaust with bright tips add aggression at the tail.

The interior of the Camaro 2SS features power-adjustable heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front sports bucket seats for optimum comfort and support, complemented by a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom sports-profile steering wheel for ultimate grip. Dual zone automatic climate control, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio and 24 colour interior spectrum lighting enhance interior ambience while the Head-up Display, Drive Mode Selector and Enhanced Driver Information Centre blend exhilaration with innovation.

Conversion of the Camaro 2SS is due to commence at HSV in July 2018 with Recommended Retail Pricing still to be confirmed.

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Chevrolet Camaro confirmed for Australia in 2018 https://www.forcegt.com/news/chevrolet-camaro-confirmed-australia-2018/ Mon, 23 Oct 2017 06:47:41 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=76190 With the last Commodore rolled out of Holden’s factory in South Australia last Friday, signalling the end of Australian car manufacturing, the lion brand is now without a V8-powered muscle car to reign in the hot-selling Mustang from rival Ford. That’s about to change. The age-old battle will continue in 2018 and well beyond with announcement …

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With the last Commodore rolled out of Holden’s factory in South Australia last Friday, signalling the end of Australian car manufacturing, the lion brand is now without a V8-powered muscle car to reign in the hot-selling Mustang from rival Ford.

That’s about to change. The age-old battle will continue in 2018 and well beyond with announcement that the Chevrolet Camaro will make entry Down Under as a factory-approved right-hand drive model.

Long time Holden performance partner, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has confirmed its plan to bring the iconic sports coupe to Australia by late next year, starting with the mid-spec 338kW V8-powered Camaro SS.

It is reported that parent company General Motors in Detroit have approved the Camaro deal with Australia but with the condition that the car retains the Chevrolet badge as opposed to Holden or HSV. This move suggests that GM is not letting anything slip in its all out assault on the Ford Mustang on Australian soil.

Ford’s much-raved pony car has enjoyed unprecedented sales success in Australia since its launch over 12 months ago, becoming one of the top selling sports cars in the local market. GM’s strategy is to offer a more powerful and faster alternative to the 306kW/530Nm Mustang, but it comes at a cost. Punters expect that the Camaro will be priced in the sub-$90,000 range, some $25k more than the Mustang GT.

To ease the conversion process, it is expected HSV will proceed with right-hand conversion for the 10-speed automatic-equipped Camaro only and avoid manual transmission variants.

There are no plans as yet to introduce the full blown Camaro ZL1 which packs a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 producing 458kW of power and 881Nm of torque, though should market demand increase, HSV will explore the possibility of bringing the circa $150k bruiser to Australia further down the track.

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