| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder(s) | Tom Walkinshaw |
| Headquarters | Clayton, Victoria, Australia |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Owner(s) | Holden Tom Walkinshaw |
| Parent | Holden |
| Website | www.hsv.com.au |
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.
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HSV was created in 1987 as a joint venture between Holden and TWR – an operation owned by Scottish racing car driver and entrepreneur Tom Walkinshaw. HSV effectively replaced the Holden Dealer Team (HDT) special vehicles operation run by Peter Brock, after Holden severed its ties with HDT in February 1987 following the "Energy Polarizer" and "HDT Director" controversies. With the more recent demise of TWR's global companies, HSV still remains a partnership between Holden and Walkinshaw, the joint ownership company being Premoso Pty Ltd.
The first car produced by HSV was the Holden VL Commodore SS Group A SV in 1988 (based on the VL Commodore and not to be confused with the HDT's similarly named Holden VL Commodore SS Group A). It had a distinctive body kit with a large rear wing (earning it the nicknames "The Batmobile" and the "Plastic Pig") and was powered by a modified version of the Holden 5.0 litre V8, which had dual throttle body electronic fuel injection and was rated at 245 PS (180 kW) in road car form. It was built as a touring car homologation package for Group A racing and in racing form, managed to win the 1990 Bathurst 1000 race in the hands of Allan Grice and Win Percy for HSV's racing arm, the Holden Racing Team.
Over the years HSV have built an array of modified vehicles, most of which have been based on the Commodore and powered by either Holden or GM sourced V8s. Notable models produced by Holden Special Vehicles include the Holden VL Commodore SS Group A SV and Holden VN Commodore SS Group A SV (both developed and produced for Holden), and the HSV badged SV 5000, Clubsport, Senator, GTS, GTS-R, XU6 and Grange models. Prior to the introduction of the FPV FG series, the 2006 HSV GTS was the most powerful production vehicle in Australia, producing 307 kW (417 PS; 412 bhp) from its 6.0-litre Chevrolet V8, and can produce claimed 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) times of 5.2 seconds, and 13.5 second 1/4 mile (0–400 metre) sprints.[1]
Since the year 2000, HSV's products have progressively found their way into export markets in limited numbers, most notably to the United Kingdom. In 2007, HSV celebrated its 20th anniversary with the release of the 20th Anniversary Clubsport R8, limited to a production run of 100 vehicles.[1] This anniversary edition was followed by the HSV move into the Middle Eastern market as Chevrolet Special Vehicles (CSV) with the CSV CR8
The Holden VL Commodore SS Group A SV was the first car produced by Holden Special Vehicles. Developed under contract to Holden, it was released in March 1988. Modifications were made to the standard Holden 5.0 litre V8 to produce 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) @ 5200 rpm and 380 Nm @ 4000 rpm. Best known for the polarising body kit and bluish-silver colour, the VL Group A SS was also the first model to feature a fuel-injected version of the Holden V8, with the first EFI VN Holden Commodore V8s not released until August 1988. The SV88 model was based on the VL Holden Calais and used a carburetored version of the V8 producing 136 kW (185 PS; 182 hp).
| Model | Number Built | Engine | Power | Torque | Tyres | 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) | Standing 400 m (1/4 mile) | Top Speed | RRP (A$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calais SV88 | 150 | 4987 cc V8 | 136 kW (185 PS; 182 hp) @ 4400 rpm | 355 N·m (262 lb·ft) @ 3200 rpm | 205/55 VR 16 – Bridgestone RE71 | 8.98 s [2] | 16.44 s | ||
| Holden Commodore SS Group A SV | 750, 500 initially, additional 250 | 4987 cc V8 | 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) @ 5200 rpm | 380 N·m (280 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm | 205/55 VR 16 – Bridgestone RE71 | 6.9 s | 14.8 s | 230 km/h (143 mph) | |
| F20 SV | 4 | 2962 cc I6 | 114 kW (155 PS; 153 hp) @ 5200 rpm | 247 N·m (182 lb·ft) @ 3200 rpm | 205/55 VR 16 – Bridgestone RE71 | ||||
| F20 SV Turbo Option | 4 | 2962 cc I6 with Turbo | 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) @ 5200 rpm | 296 N·m (218 lb·ft) @ 3200 rpm | 205/55 VR 16 – Bridgestone RE71 | 7.63 s [3] | 15.5 s | 223 km/h (139 mph) |
A number of models based on the VN Holden Commodore were developed by HSV the most potent of these being the Commodore SS Group A SV built for Holden. It featured an extensively modified version of Holden's 5.0 litre V8 to produce 215 kW (292 PS; 288 hp) @ 5200 rpm and 411 N·m @ 4000 rpm coupled to a six-speed ZF S6-40 manual transmission as used in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1. Upgrades were also made to the suspension, tyres and brakes. 500 cars was the original production target for homologation reasons, but only 302 were ultimately produced in non sequential order meaning build number 450 may exist while build number 100 may not. [4] Other models used either 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) or 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) versions of the same V8 except the SV3800, which had a 179 PS (132 kW) 3.8 litre V6. In 1990, the first HSV Maloo was released, based on the VG series Holden Ute of the time. The lighter Ute body provided a performance edge over the other HSV sedan counterparts. Models based on the long-wheelbase Holden VQ Caprice were released soon after. The SV90 and SV93 were treated with reworked suspension, wider front track and the 180 kW (245 PS; 241 bhp) V8. The Statesman 5000i (in both series I and II form) featured 200 kW (272 PS; 268 bhp).
There was also a less well known vehicle that was made by HSV for the Queensland Dealer Motor Group, the DMG 90. Only 50 were made and sold in QLD. This was built from a 1990 VN S pack and had the following: Alpine white paint, SV 3800 bodykit, VL calais 15 inch alloys, SS brakes, FE2 suspension, strengthened panhard rod, wider front track, strengthened boot, power windows front and rear, aircon, power steer, power mirrors, Momo steering wheel, 3.8L V6 with extractors and big bore exhaust system.
Holden VN Commodore SS Group A SV facts:
NUMBER BUILT: 302 (out of an intended 500.)
BODY: all steel, integrated body/chassis, four-door sedan
ENGINE: 4.9-litre V8 with overhead valves and twin throttle body fuel injection
POWER & TORQUE: 215 kW (288 hp) @ 5200rpm/411Nm @ 4000rpm
PERFORMANCE: 0–100 km/h – 6.5sec, 0–400 metres −14.5sec
TRANSMISSION: six-speed ZF manual
SUSPENSION: Front – independent with Macpherson struts, upper and lower control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar and telescopic shock absorbers. Rear – live axle with trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar and telescopic shock absorbers
BRAKES: disc front and rear, power assisted
WHEELS/TYRES: 17 x 8 alloy, 235/45/ZR17 radial
PRICE RANGE: $15,000–50,000
With the release of the VP series, HSV began introducing IRS to its models as well as introducing new model names, Senator and GTS which continue to be used to the present day. While the entry-level Clubsport and luxury Senator are equipped with the 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) V8, the high-performance GTS came standard with the 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) version and HSV's premium brake package. LSDs were standard across the range.
Following the appointment of award-winning designer Ian Callum as design chief for TWR, VR series HSV models benefited from a more cohesive and stylish body design. Upgrades were made to the 5.0 litre V8 to yield 185 kW (252 PS; 248 hp), while the GTS included a 5.7 litre stroked version producing 292 PS (215 kW) (also available as an option on the Senator) from May 1994 onwards. The VS series of 1995 introduced mild styling tweaks and a new three-spoke alloy wheel design. A value-oriented Manta was established as the base HSV model to broaden appeal. In 1996, a limited edition flagship GTS-R was created which came standard with the 5.7 litre V8, Tremec T56 six-speed transmission and Hydratrak LSD package. Available only in a polarising bright yellow colour (known as "XU-3 Yellah") with carbon fibre inserts and large rear wing, the GTS-R engine could be blueprinted for more power. 85 GTS-Rs were produced (ten exported to New Zealand). The VS series II of 1996 introduced HSV's ISS (Integrated Security System) as standard, which featured an immobiliser and different electronics configuration for each car produced in an effort to deter theft. [5] In 1996, a new Statesman-based model known as the Grange replaced previous HSV Statesman models.
| Model | Number Built | Engine | Power | Torque | Tyres | 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) | Standing 400 m (1/4 mile) | Top Speed | RRP (A$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maloo (Ute) | 97 to December 1995 | 4987 cc V8 | 185 kW (252 PS; 248 bhp) @ 4800 rpm | 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 3600 rpm | 205/55 ZR16 – Bridgestone Expedia S-01 | ||||
| Manta (Sedan) | 230 to June 1996 | 4987 cc V8 | 185 kW (252 PS; 248 bhp) @ 4800 rpm | 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 3600 rpm | 225/50 ZR16 – Bridgestone Expedia S-01 | $45,360 (Man), $46,675 (Auto) | |||
| Manta (Station Wagon) | 4987 cc V8 | 185 kW (252 PS; 248 bhp) @ 4800 rpm | 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 3600 rpm | 225/50 ZR16 – Bridgestone Expedia S-01 | $48,640 (Man), $49,990 (Auto) | ||||
| Clubsport | 593 December 1995 | 4987 cc V8 | 185 kW (252 PS; 248 bhp) @ 4800 rpm | 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 3600 rpm | 235/45 ZR17 – Bridgestone Expedia S-01 | $49,790 (Man), $51,150 (Auto) | |||
| Senator (5.0 L 185i Model) | 416 to Dec 95 | 4987 cc V8 | 185 kW (252 PS; 248 bhp) @ 4800 rpm | 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 3600 rpm | 235/45 ZR17 – Bridgestone Expedia S-01 | $59,785 (Man & Auto) | |||
| Senator (5.7 L 215i Model) | 5737 cc V8 | 215 kW (292 PS; 288 bhp) @ 4800 rpm | 475 N·m (350 lb·ft) @ 3600 rpm | 235/45 ZR17 – Bridgestone Expedia S-01 | $72,740 (Man & Auto) | ||||
| GTS | 158 December 1995 | 5737 cc V8 | 215 kW (292 PS; 288 bhp) @ 4800 rpm | 475 N·m (350 lb·ft) @ 3600 rpm | 235/45 ZR17 – Bridgestone Expedia S-01 | 6.20 s [6] | 14.60 s | 246 km/h (153 mph) | $65,975 (Man & Auto) |
This series was based on the all-new Holden VT Commodore bodyshell. This was the last series with the Australian-built 265 PS (195 kW) 5.0 litre V8 (cast iron block) and the 300 PS (220 kW) 5.7 litre stroker in the GTS. A Senator Signature wagon was introduced and was mechanically identical to the sedan counterpart. The VS ute body was maintained for the Maloo. There were only 180 HSV VT Mantas produced, after which the Manta was dropped from production.
The VT Series 1, literally was Holden/HSV's last Australian produced V8, just prior to the introduction of the more powerful Chevrolet LS1 engine.
A major update from the VT series, the VT II introduced the new 340 PS (250 kW) 5.7 litre GENIII LS1 V8, Claimed as the fastest ever Australian sedan by WHEELS magazine. Several models were removed from the line-up in the transition through to the VTII: Manta, Senator Signature wagon and XU8. The flagship GTS presented many unique features such as a Callaway tuned 300 kW (408 PS; 402 bhp) version of the LS1, a 3.91 final drive ratio and the addition of toe-control links to the IRS suspension, among others. The recent release of the new WH series Holden Statesman and Caprice in 2001 allowed the Grange to gain its new look. This series also saw the introduction of a supercharged V6 model named the XU6, which will prove to be a long forgotten model in the future. Additionally, a more performance-oriented Clubsport R8 model was added to complement the existing Clubsport. The R8 came standard with HSV's 'Performance' suspension and braking package, which were offered as optional extras on the Clubsport. Again, the VS ute body was maintained for the Maloo just as it was in the VTI range.
Acting on feedback from owners, HSV strove to distinguish their vehicles from normal Holden Commodores. To achieve this, HSV designed greater changes to body kits and interior features to better differentiate their products. This series also saw the addition of 5 kW (7 PS; 7 hp) to the LS1. The introduction of the new VU Holden Ute allowed HSV to produce an all-new Maloo variant. A limited edition Senator 300 model also became available, equipped with the 300 kW (408 PS; 402 hp) V8 and suspension modifications from the GTS.
This model saw the introduction of HSVs first Coupé models based on the new Holden Monaro. The GTS sedan in this series was replaced by the Coupé GTS, with a less powerful 255 kW (347 PS; 342 hp) GTO Coupe available also. A Maloo R8 model was added with similar specification to the Clubsport R8. A special edition, the SV300 was also introduced to the VXII series to replace the Senator 300. Toe-control links for the rear suspension was included across the range in line with the VX update to the Commodore for improved handling. The VXII update also brought with it the addition of Microdots across the range in order to reduce theft, a feature HSV refers to as HSV DNA.
Coinciding with the release of the VY Commodore, HSV produced the Y Series models, sporting redesigned bodykit styling. The use of the "Y Series" name instead of VY communicated HSV's intention to further distance their models from the Holden counterparts. The GTS returned in sedan form in this series with more aggressive styling. Recalibration of the ECU saw another power bump up to 260 kW (354 PS; 349 hp). This saw the end of the supercharged XU6 due to lack of demand and perceived lack of power increase over Holden's supercharged V6 models. Meanwhile, the Senator range was split into entry-level grand tourer Senator and high-end luxury Senator Signature models.
A larger power upgrade to 285 kW (387 PS; 382 hp) saw a big performance gain. This also sparked rumors that a new engine was due to be used, with the development of GM's new LS2 nearly complete. This power upgrade closed the performance gap between HSV's mainstream models and the 300 kW (408 PS; 402 hp) flagship GTS, which prompted speculation that the GTS was set for a power increase as well. An updated WK Statesman/Caprice from Holden also formed the basis for the new Grange. The GTO Coupé returned, and the forays of parent company Holden into AWD saw the introduction of the Avalanche (based on the Holden Adventra), the XUV (based on the Holden Crewman), and the Coupé4 (based on the Holden Monaro). The latter was particularly significant, as it was the first time that Holden's AWD system had been used in such a low-riding application. These new additions to the range made the Y Series II the biggest HSV range in history, with 16 variants.
This series of HSVs (released in October 2004) were known as the "Z" Series, reflecting on the VZ Holden Commodore they were based on. This saw the introduction of the new GM LS2 V8 into all the models, providing 297 kW (400 hp) across the board. The AWD models retained the LS1. The lack of GTS in the series can be attributed to a negligible power difference between the new LS2 models and a potential 300 kW (408 PS; 402 hp) GTS, sparking rumors of that the new LS7 V8 was going to be used in the next series.So to replace the gts a limited edition clubsport was released as the SV6000, the run was limited to 50. A new WL Statesman/Caprice model also saw the Grange get an upgrade. This was the last series of HSV to be based on the 1997–2006 VT Commodore V-body chassis. On 25 May 2006, a standard 2006 HSV Maloo R8 driven by Mark Skaife was clocked at an averaged speed of 271.44 km/h (168.7 mph) in the Wimmera, Victoria.[7] The speed was recognised by the Guinness World Records representative, Chris Sheedy, as the Fastest Production Pickup Truck recorded. The speed improved over the previous record held by a Dodge Ram SRT-10 at 248.784 km/h (154.587 mph).
An all-new Holden Commodore chassis, known as the VE was unveiled in July 2006. Following this, a new range of "E" Series HSV models were released in August 2006.
Changes to the exhaust system yielded a 10 kW (14 PS; 13 hp) increase in power (see below) for the LS2 to 307 kW (417 PS; 412 hp). Extensive modifications to the base VE Commodore sheetmetal and interior were introduced, most notably the unique LED taillights and distinctive side vents. The new GM 6L80-E 6 speed automatic transmission from the VE Commodore is offered, and Electronic Stability Control is standard on all models.
The GTS and Senator Signature additionally feature switchable Magnetic Ride Control to improve ride and handling. As such, the E series represents HSV's most expensive model developments in its history [8], with the MRC suspension system alone costing A$4.5 million. [9] In October, a new Grange model based on the Holden WM Caprice was released featuring the same V8 and MRC suspension as the Senator Signature and GTS, albeit with its own unique settings.
Hsv also released a Hsv Senator Signature SV08 which is released in a limited run of 20 manual and 30 automatic units.
The HSV Senator Signature SV08 comes with lower paint-outs, sill plates and extra chrome accents on the side mirrors and door handles. The HSV Senator Signature SV08 on 20" Pentagon wheels as standard and features a Magnetic Ride Control suspension with Sport mode and a front and rear Park Assist system.
The HSV Senator Signature SV08 is powered by a V8 engine developing 317 kW coupled with a new Tremec TR6060 gearbox.
In August 2008, HSV launched its new flagship model, the W427. This car is based on the GTS, but carries a 7.0 L LS7 V8 engine along with larger brakes, strengthened gearbox, revised suspension and unique MRC settings. The W427 is the most powerful car ever made in Australia with power outputs of 510 PS (375 kW; 503 bhp) @ 7000 rpm and 640 N·m (470 lb·ft) @ 5000 rpm. It is also the most expensive, at $155 500.
On 28 March 2008, HSV announced that the LS3 6.2 litre engine would be fitted to all E-Series models (with the exception of the LS7 W427) from April 2008. The LS3 power output is 317 kW (431 PS; 425 hp), whilst peak torque has not increased over the LS2. 12 May 2008 saw the announcement of a new HSV E Series model; the HSV "Tourer". This new model, based on the VE Holden Sportwagon was later officially released in September 2008.
• HSV SV08 Senator
The HSV E Series 2 range was released late 2009 and was the most major update since the release of E Series HSV's. Prices started at $65,990 for the Clubsport R8. The range received many cosmetic changes with new front and rear bumpers, twin-nostriled bonnet (from the Pontiac G8) and a new range of wheel designs. The Series 2 has a very distinctive look set of daytime running lights standard across the E2 range.[2] On 9 September 2010, Holden Special Vehicles released the E Series 3.
The new engines is the range are the 325 kW 6.2 litre LS3 V8 used exclusively by the HSV GTS, with the rest of the E2 range being powered by an LS3 in 317 kW trim. The new engines have also improved fuel economy by 4.2 per cent on the LS3 V8. New is the intelligent launch controls, Competition mode ESC and Extended cruise control systems which are all standard for E2 models excluding intelligent launch control which is only available with a manual transmission.
E series 3 vehicles were released on 21 September 2010. The noticeable changes between E Series II and 3 include the GTS power has been increased to 325 kW (442 PS), making it once again the top of the HSV list, The GTS E Series II price has been increased to $80,990, the HSV Enhanced Driver Interface. (Racing version of Holden IQ), the new LPI system, LPG and Unleaded fuel for all models as a $5,990 options on all models except the R8 Tourer, updated Holden VE II Commodore interior and new rear exhaust and rear spoilers.
| Model | MSRP (Cost AUD) |
Horsepower, engine |
|---|---|---|
| Maloo R8 | $64,990 | 431 PS (317 kW; 425 hp) @ 6000 rpm, 6.2 L |
| Clubsport R8 | $67,990 | 431 PS (317 kW; 425 hp) @ 6000 rpm, 6.2 L |
| Clubsport R8 Tourer | $68,990 | 431 PS (317 kW; 425 hp) @ 6000 rpm, 6.2 L |
| Maloo R8 SV Black Edition (105 made) | $67,990 | 431 PS (317 kW; 425 hp) @ 6000 rpm, 6.2 L |
| Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition (115 made) | $71,990 | 431 PS (317 kW; 425 hp) @ 6000 rpm, 6.2 L |
| Clubsport R8 Tourer SV Black Edition (25 made) | $72,990 | 431 PS (317 kW; 425 hp) @ 6000 rpm, 6.2 L |
| Senator Signature | $83,990 | 431 PS (317 kW; 425 hp) @ 6000 rpm, 6.2 L |
| GTS | $82,990 | 442 PS (325 kW; 436 hp) @ 6000 rpm, 6.2 L |
| Grange | $88,990 | 442 PS (325 kW; 436 hp) @ 6000 rpm, 6.2 L |
Although the majority of HSV models are based on variants of the Holden Commodore, HSV has also produced a few cars based on other models part of the Holden lineup.
Based on the Holden Jackaroo of the time, the HSV Jackaroo was released in 1993 and came equipped with the same 130 kW (177 hp) 3.2L SOHC V6 as the standard Holden Jackaroo.
This engine was originally used in the Corvette Z06 that was then shipped over for usage in the W427. It made its first appearance in Australia in 2008. The W427 was designed and built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of HSV.
This engine debuted in the E series. It is a GM built LS3 V8 customized for HSV's usage. The transition from LS2 to LS3 was primarily to meet impending Euro IV emissions requirements being introduced in Australia on 1 January 2009 and to compete against 2008's 315 kW (428 PS; 422 hp) FPV GT.
This engine debuted in the Z series. It is a GM built LS2 V8 customized for HSV's usage. One of the main reasons that this engine was used is that the LS1 V8 does not meet ADR 79/01 (Euro III) emissions regulations. This new engine also has connections to the L76 6.0 Litre used in the VZ and VE Holden Commodores.
This motor started its debut in the VTII series of HSV sedans. It produced 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp) of power – 30 kW (41 PS; 40 hp) more than HSV's previous "Stroker" 5.7 V8 used in the VT. It was a slightly de-tuned version, with 7 kW (10 PS; 9 hp) less than when it was in the two-door sports body of the Corvette. Continuous modifications were made to the LS1 engine throughout its lifetime, reaching 285 kW (387 PS; 382 hp) in the YII series, just 15 kW (20 PS; 20 hp) under the 300 kW (408 PS; 402 hp) GTS. AWD models such as the Coupé4 retained a similar configuration to other YII series models but were fitted with a more restrictive exhaust system, reducing power to 270 kW (367 PS; 362 hp). The LS1 was phased out for the new 6.0 litre LS2 in the Z Series. However, it was still used in the AWD models of the Z series.
This engine for HSV was available in 2 guises. The twin throttle bodied versions designed for racing use were available in the VL and VN Group A cars from 1988 and 1990 respectively. For the majority of HSV sedans using this capacity motor, the engines were modified versions of the standard EFI Holden V8. Note that there was also a VP equipped Clubsport 5000i that used the remaining 4 bolt main Group A blocks with SV5000 red motor ancillaries. The LS1 replaced it in the VTII series.
1. A non-EFI version was fitted to the VL Calais SV88, producing 136 kW (185 PS; 182 hp) @ 4400 rpm and 355 N·m (262 lb·ft) @ 3200 rpm.
2. The VL SS Group A SV Commodore was the first Holden V8 to feature Electronic Fuel Injection.
HSV threw their sponsorship behind the team formerly known as the Kmart Racing Team. The team adopted HSV Dealer Team as their new name. With Garth Tander and Rick Kelly driving the two cars, the newly renamed team struggled in its first few outings in 2005, they found form later in the season, and from round 1 led the 2006 Championship to victory. Rick Kelly won the 2006 series.. In 2007, Tander and Kelly won 17 races between them out of a possible 37, with Tander winning 15 of them and four round wins, winning the championship along the way. HSVDT also won their second Teams Championship in succession. The team has since been disbanded. HSV's remaining sponsorship is with the Holden Racing Team.
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