(usually abbreviated to '''HSV''') is the officially designated performance vehicle division of
Australia n motor
Car manufacturer
Holden . Based in
Clayton, Victoria and established in
1987 , HSV modifies
Holden products such as the
Commodore , giving them unique body-work and alloy wheels, up-spec interiors, and improved all-round performance thanks to upgraded engines, brakes, transmissions and suspension.
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
SS Group A SV in 1988 (based on the
VL Commodore and not to be confused with the HDT's similarly named VL 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 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
Chevrolet sourced
V8 s. Notable HSV models include the
SS Group A (both the 1988 VL and 1990 VN
Commodore versions), the
SV 5000 ,
Clubsport ,
Senator ,
GTS ,
GTS-R ,
XU6 and the
Grange . The 2006 HSV GTS is the most powerful production vehicle in Australia, producing 307 kW from its 6.0-litre
Chevrolet V8, and can produce claimed 0-100 km/h times of 4.9 seconds, and l3.2 second 0-400 metre sprints.
{Link without Title}
Since the year 2000, HSV's products have progressively found their way into export markets in limited numbers, most notably to the
United Kingdom .
The VL Group A SS SV (or simply Group A SS) was HSV's first production model and was released in March 1988. Modifications were made to the standard Holden 5.0 litre V8 to produce 180 kW @ 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.
- Calais SV88
- Commodore F20 SV
- Commodore Group A SS SV
A number of HSV models based on the VN Holden Commodore were released. The most potent of these was the VN Group A SS which featured an extensively modified version of Holden's 5.0 litre V8 to produce 215 kW @ 5200 rpm and 411 Nm @ 4000 rpm coupled to a six-speed . 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 VQ
Holden Statesman were released soon after. The SV90 and SV93 were treated with reworked suspension, wider front track and the 180 kW V8. The Statesman 5000i (in both series I and II form) featured 200 kW.
- Clubsport
- Commodore Group A SS
- Maloo (Ute)
- Statesman 5000i
- Statesman SV90
- Statesman SV93
- SV3800
- SV89
- SV5000
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 V8, the high-performance GTS came standard with the 200 kW version and HSV's premium brake package.
LSD s were standard across the range.
- Clubsport
- GTS
- Maloo
- Senator
- SV91
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, while the GTS included a 5.7 litre stroked version producing 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
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. 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.
{Link without Title} In 1997, a new Statesman-based model known as the Grange replaced previous HSV Statesman models.
- Clubsport
- GTS
- Maloo
- Manta
- Senator
- Statesman
- Grange (From 1997 Series II)
This series was based on the all-new Holden VT Commodore bodyshell. This was the last series with the Australian-built 5.0 litre V8 and the 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 XU8 technically contained Holden/HSV's last Australian produced V8, just prior to the introduction of the more powerful Chevrolet LS1 engine.
- Clubsport
- Grange
- GTS
- Maloo
- Manta
- Senator Signature
- Senator Signature Wagon
- XU8
A major update from the VT series, the VT II introduced the new 250 kW 5.7 litre GENIII tuned 300 kW 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 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. 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.
- Clubsport
- Clubsport R8
- Grange
- GTS
- Maloo
- Senator Signature
- XU6
Acting on feedback from owners, HSV strived 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 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 V8 and suspension modifications from the GTS.
- Clubsport
- Clubsport R8
- Grange
- GTS
- Maloo
- Senator Signature
- Senator 300
- XU6
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 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
Microdot s across the range in order to reduce theft, a feature HSV refers to as
- Clubsport
- Clubsport R8
- Coupé GTO
- Coupé GTS
- Grange
- Maloo
- Maloo R8
- Senator Signature
- SV300
- XU6
Coninciding 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. 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.
- Clubsport
- Clubsport R8
- Coupé GTO
- Coupé GTS
- Grange
- GTS
- Maloo
- Maloo R8
- Senator
- Senator Signature
A larger power upgrade to 285 kW 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 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.
- Clubsport
- Clubsport R8
- Clubsport SE
- Maloo
- Maloo R8
- GTS
- Senator
- Coupé GTS
- Coupé GTO
- Coupé LE
- Grange
- Senator
- Senator Signature
- Coupé4 AWD
- Avalanche AWD
- XUV AWD
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 GTS, sparking rumors of that the new
LS7 V8 was going to be used in the next series. 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.
- Clubsport
- Clubsport R8
- Coupé GTO
- Grange
- Maloo
- Maloo R8
- Senator
- Coupé4 AWD
- Avalanche AWD
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 increase in power (see below) for the was released featuring the same V8 and MRC suspension as the Senator Signature and GTS, albeit with its own unique settings. The Z series Maloo continues to be sold as of November 2006.
In June 2007,
Wheels Magazine reported that in October 2007 HSV will possibly re-launch the GTS-R name with an upgraded
HSV GTS carrying a 7.0 L
LS7 V8 engine from the
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 . The car is reported to have 385 kW @ 6400 rpm & 640 Nm @ 4800 rpm.
- ---The power and torque measurements have changed from the stricter ECE method in the Z series to the DIN method for the E series. The use of 98 RON fuel is also now recommended over 95 RON. Thus the actual power increase is likely to be less than 10 kW, however the exact amount cannot be determined without testing data.
The possibility still stands that HSV will use the LS3 motor with the next generation of models. The LS3 packs 325 kW/580 nm of power compared to its closest rivals 290 kW/520 nm.
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.
- The Astra SV1800 was released in 1988, and were based on the Holden Astra of the time (which was based on a Nissan Pulsar N13 series). They shared the same 1.8L engine as the standard Astras, however, and only ~65 were made in both sedan and hatchback form.
- The HSV VXR is a rebadged Vauxhall Astra VXR and is being imported from the UK as of 2006. It has a 2.0 litre Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 176 kW/320 Nm, coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. Additionally it is equipped with the adaptive IDS (Interactive Driving System) suspension system along with ESC , Traction Control , ABS and BA .
- Based on the Holden Jackaroo of the time, the HSV Jackaroo was released in 1993 and came equipped with the same 130 kW 3.2L SOHC V6 as the standard Holden Jackaroo.
See also
HSV Avalanche SUV .
- GTS-R
- SV99
- GTS300
- SV3800
- SV1800
- SV5000
- SV6000
- Yellow Thunder Maloo
- GTO LE
- Signature Coupé
- Bahrain One-Make Racing Series Clubsport
- Clubsport Dealer Team Spec
- Clubsport-R
- Holden Racing Team Edition Clubsport
- Toll HSV Dealer Team Clubsport
- Mark Skaife Signature Edition Senator
- - Based on the VX HSV Maloo, it was fitted with a new bodykit featuring significantly flared wheel arches to accommodate wider track and 20-inch wheels. The roof was lowered and modifications made to the suspension to produce a "ground hugging" stance. The ute was powered by a LS6 V8 stroked to 6.2 litres (producing 350 kW) with exhaust exiting from the side. {Link without Title}
- - Unveiled at the 2002 Sydney Motor Show, the HRT ( GT2, the idea was abandoned due to an unworkable business case based on the original production targets. It was to be the quickest ever (up to that time) HSV with a reported top speed of 299 km/h. Only 2 were ever built with a reported 420 kW of power and 780 Nm of torque. {Link without Title}
- - Alternatively written as '''GTSR''' or '''GTS/R''', this concept was unveiled in 2004 and based on the Monaro bodyshell. Similarities could be drawn with the HRT 427, however this model was never intended for road-use and instead was under consideration to create a one-make racing series. A more aggressive appearance was achieved through the use of a large front airdam, Xenon Headlights , LED rear lights, active Carbon Fiber rear spoiler and rear diffuser. The GTS-R was powered by a modified version of the LS2 producing 335 kW. Other features included carbon ceramic disc brakes, rollcage, side-exiting exhausts and 19-inch ROH alloy wheels. {Link without Title}
- : 297 kW @ 6000 rpm(Z series), 307 kW(E series)
- : 530 N•m @ 4400 rpm(Z series), 550N•m(E series)
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.
- : 250 kW(VTII), 255 kW(VX), 260 kW(Y series), 270 kW(AWD models), 285 kW(YII series)
- : 473 N•m(VTII), 475 N•m(VX), 475 N•m(Y series), 510 N•m(YII series)
This motor started its debut in the VTII series of HSV sedans. It produced 250 kW of power - 30 kW more than HSV's previous "Stroker" 5.7 V8 used in the VT. It was a slightly de-tuned version, with 7 kW 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 in the YII series, just 15 kW under the 300 kW 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. 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.
- : 300 kW @ 6000 rpm
- : 510 N•m @ 4800 rpm
A modified version of the LS1 enhanced by . In HSV models, this engine was used with a higher than standard 3.91:1 final drive ratio.
- : 215 kW @ 4800 rpm(VR-VS), 220 kW(VT)
- : 475 N•m @ 3600 rpm
This motor had its debut in the VR series of HSV sedans. It was an expanded version of the 5.0 litre and was originally available on the flagship VR 215i Senator and GTS. A Tremec T-56 six-speed manual gearbox option exclusive to this engine was introduced as the then current Borg-Warner T-5 5-speed could not reliably handle the prodigious amounts of torque. The GTS-R had the Blueprint option to produce more power at around 230 kW. The 215i engine was also available on the Grange long wheel base model. Its last appearance was in the VT GTS(Series 1). The LS1 replaced it in the VTII series.
- : 180 kW @ 5200 rpm(VL), 215 kW(VN Group A SS), 200 kW (VN-VP), 180 kW @ 4800 rpm(VN-VP), 185 kW(VR-VS), 195 kW(VT)
- : 380 N•m @ 4000 rpm(VL), 411 N•m(VN Group A SS), 410 N•m @ 3600 rpm(VN-VP), 400 N•m @ 3600 rpm(VN-VS), 430 N•m @ 3600 rpm(VT)
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.
- Additionally:
1. A non-EFI version was fitted to the VL Calais SV88, producing 136 kW @ 4400 rpm and 355 Nm @ 3200 rpm.
2. The VL SS Group A SV Commodore was the first Holden V8 to feature Electronic Fuel Injection.
- : 180 kW @ 5000 rpm
- : 380 N•m @ 3200 rpm
Available on the VT and VX series HSV XU6, this engine is a modified version of Holden's supercharged V6 with upgraded air intake and exhaust to boost power from the standard 171 kW. Due to lack of popularity, this model was removed from the line-up after the VX series.
- : 177 kW @ 5600 rpm
- : 320 N•m @ 2400 rpm
This 4-cylinder engine is used in the HSV VXR, a model based on the Vauxhall Astra VXR/ Opel Astra OPC .
HSV threw their sponsorship behind the team formerly known as the Kmart Racing Team after the retail giant withdrew their sponsorship. The team adopted HSV Dealer Team (HSVDT) 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 followed by
Craig Lowndes . Tander who finished the season in 4th spot after having led the Championship until Round 7 after a driver swap program with HRT (The Toll HSVDT and the HRT are "grouped" due to sharing data and engineering services to each other via Walkinshaw Performance) during the endurance races resulted in Garth's DNF in both endurance races, destroying his championship hopes and dreams.
HSV also sponsor the
Holden Racing Team (HRT), although this operation is now formally owned by the team's lead driver and former
Australian Touring Car Champion ,
Mark Skaife .
Todd Kelly drives the second HRT Commodore.
HSV also sponsor Tasman Motorsport with
Jason Richards and
Greg Murphy . They also sponsor GMAC Racing of Tony D'Alberto in the Fujitsu V8 Series.
- The YII & Z series GTO Coupe were exported to the UK as the Vauxhall Monaro VXR. They used the 285 kW LS1 and 298 kW LS2 engines respectively. The Coupé's donor car, the Holden Monaro was exported to various markets, including the Middle East (as the Chevrolet Lumina) and the USA (as the Pontiac GTO)
- E-Series Clubsport R8's are to be exported to the UK as a Vauxhall VXR8. This car has 420 hp (313 kW) and an even amount of torque.
On representative, Chris Sheedy, as the Fasted Production Pickup Truck recorded. The speed improved on the previous record held by a
Dodge Ram SRT-10 by 22.66 km/h (14.08 mph).
