HSV have today unveiled their latest range of high-performance vehicles, dubbed Gen-F. The launch is one of the most exciting Australian vehicle launches in some time, and is being touted as the company’s most significant model range in its 25 year history.

Based on the new Holden Commodore VF platform, the lineup is all new, rather than just a facelift of outgoing models. Highlights of the Gen-F range include a significant exterior styling makeover including new front and rear fascia’s, tail-lamps, wheels and spoilers.

The new premium interior encompasses new seats, fabrics, instrument panels, gauges, centre console, trims and finishes. Four different engine power options are available, with the most significant one being the 430kW, 740NM option in the range-topping HSV GTS – the most powerful engine to ever be offered in an Australian production car.

A new “SV” option on the three “R8” derivatives – ClubSport, R8, ClubSport R8 Tourer and Maloo R8 offers a power upgrade to 340kW / 570Nm, unique 20-inch SV Performance forged alloy wheels (finished in Satin Graphite), a lo-line spoiler, and distinctive “pitch black” accents on the fender vents and exterior mirrors.

A new range of technological advancements have been added to the vehicles, including Bi-Modal Air Intake, 3rd Generation Magnetic Ride Control, Torque Vectoring and a Driver Preference Dial which controls a range of electronic vehicle performance systems. 

The vehicles also wear new forged brake calipers and larger rotors that offer significant improvements in pedal feel, stopping power and a reduction in unsprung weight.

All models of the out-going HSV E3 range line-up including the recently introduced ClubSport and Maloo models will be available in Gen-F.

The GTS, which is the highlight of the range makes its 430kW thanks to a 6.3-Litre supercharged LSA engine. Other highlights include improved braking performance, an upgraded 9.9-inch diff and stronger axles, as well as brake-torque vectoring, a first for the HSV lineup.

Located conveniently behind the gear shifter, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts the vehicle’s ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission), Torque Vectoring, Electric Power Steering (another new addition to the GEN-F range), MRC and Bi-Modal Exhaust, according to four distinct pre-set modes – Touring, Sport, Performance and Track. In doing so, the vehicle’s handling characteristics instantly change.

The GTS’s new Forward Collision Alert is another first for the manufacturer and makes the cars amongst the safest in the world! A camera, located above the rear view mirror, scans the road ahead up to 14 times per second. When a crash is predicted, the driver is alerted with an audible tone and a visible alert in the Head Up Display. Anticipating hard braking, the system applies sufficient brake pressure to close the space between the brake pads and rotors, thus delivering a quicker brake response time.

HSV’s Managing Director, Phil Harding says “It’s a really proud moment for the team at Clayton”. “The GEN-F range is the culmination of over 4 years of design, development and testing and we’re really confident that we’ve developed the best HSVs ever”.

While pricing for is yet to be announced, Harding confirmed that HSV remains committed to offering the best value high performance vehicles available in Australia. “Value for money has always been, and will continue to be, a key pillar of our success. While we’re not in a position to announce pricing just yet, I can assure our fans that they won’t be disappointed”, said Harding.

Production of the new HSV range will start in two weeks’ time with vehicles due to arrive in local HSV showrooms in early July, with the GTS arrive in late September.

Look out for more info over the next few days, and we’ll bring you news on the pricing as it becomes available.

Australia’s performance car leader, HSV, today announced that its hotly anticipated new model range will be dubbed GEN-F.

Breaking with recent tradition of naming their vehicles using a series nomenclature (E Series 1, E Series 2, E Series 3), HSV needed to look further afield to overcome legal and marketing clashes.

“It was obvious, from the beginning, that we were going to have to adjust our approach, because F Series or F1 wasn’t going to work” said HSV Director of Sales & Marketing Tim Jackson.

“We had three basic objectives. Firstly, we needed to ensure we referenced our vehicle’s relationship with Holden’s VF. Secondly, we have a new generation vehicle so we wanted to use language that people would find easily relatable. And finally, we wanted it to be simple.”

“GEN-F almost picked itself”, added Jackson.

Jackson also indicated some of the rumours surrounding GEN-F were on the mark, but was holding confirmation back until the official release date. “There has been plenty of speculation so you can expect that some of it is accurate. I am just not going to reveal what’s accurate today. We will reveal all on May 15, which will be approximately a month before customers will be able to see the vehicles in the showroom”.

We can’t wait to see them, and will bring you more news as it breaks!

That’s mental”, “Check out the size of the turbo”, “That’d be a handful”, “Wonder what it’ll run down the strip” are just a few of the comments heard at the unveiling of Robert Morrow’s HSV Clubsport R8 at the recent Jenners Hall of Fame (held at the 4&Rotary Nationals) where it rightfully took out an award for best driveline.

While from the outside the car looks pretty much as per any other first-generation VE R8 out there, it’s what sits under the hood that makes this car something special. And by special, we mean it’s most likely sitting within the top 10 most powerful street cars in the country — ever.

Do the maths on that for a second. It’s not old enough to have lost that new car smell yet, has never been on a drag strip, hell, it doesn’t even have a (more…)

There are three types of people in this world. Those who like late-model cars, those who like old-school cars, and those who really couldn’t give a shit either way. Auckland car audio Installer Cam Wong falls firmly into the category that loves late-model stuff — the newer the better. Sure, he appreciates the character that comes with old cars, but the chances of ever (more…)

After HSV announced their new special 25th Anniversary edition line up a few months back, we suspected they may be holding out on releasing the GTS till the upcoming Sydney Motor Show. And we were right. The 25th Anniversary GTS is well worth the wait though, building on an already impressive list of standard features, including a 325kW, 6.2L engine.

The cars feature a new design light-weight, 20-inch forged wheel in a satin graphite finish, which reduces overall weight by 22kg over the stock GTS wheel package. The vehicles “Vector” hood scoops and side vents, also receive the satin graphite treatment. The previous option only 6-piston brake package will now come as stock, as does the side blind zone alert.

Just 15 of the vehicles will find their way to New Zealand, and they should land around the end of October all going to plan. Each will be equipped with a personalized build plate, along with 25th anniversary ornamentation including seat embroidery, exterior badging, sill plates, and EDI “start-up” screen. With the $7600 worth of upgrades, plus the vehicles collectable appeal, the price is an impressively low $104,900, just $3000 more than the regular GTS. Not bad at all if you ask us!

To begin HSV’s 25^th Anniversary celebrations, they’ve released an updated model range, dubbed model year 12.5. The changes to the range see most vehicles coming up in specs, but also down in price, making them an even more attractive offering. Ad to this two new models to the lineup, and you’ve got the most comprehensive and price competitive HSV lineup ever seen.

The first of the new models to be (re)introduced is the Clubsport. The Clubsport has all the same features as the current R8, with the exception of EDI (available as a $1520 option). At $86,990 (manual) it’s a great new affordable entry into the HSV range.

The MY12.5 R8 sees an upgrade to 325kw and will come stock with the previously option only Bi-modal exhaust as well as leather interior. Gloss black forged wheels are available as a no cost option also. RRP for the R8 has been dropped down to $92,990.

 

The second new model is the Maloo, previously available as Maloo R8 only. The base spec Maloo is comparable to the Clubsport, and thanks to the hard tonneau and sailplane being removed comes in at a very competitive $80,990 (manual). The Maloo R8 maintains the tonneau and sailplane, and receives a bump in power up to 325kW, again with Bi-modal exhaust and full leather interior.

The R8 Tourer, (now $93,990) also receives 325kW, and the no-cost gloss black wheel option, while the Senator Signature receives side blind zone alert as standard, and the increase in power also.
All MY12.5 HSV’s will feature a special 25^th anniversary startup screen, unique build plate, anniversary sill plates (sedan and tourer only) and unique decals to help identify them.

 

While at this stage there’s been no mention of any changes to the GTS model, we’re expecting that HSV must have something in the works, and if so, we’d be guessing to hear something before the end of the year. If the above is anything to go by, whatever HSV come up with next it’s going to be something special!

The cars will arrive in New Zealand around late September, depending on shipping.

Holden Special Vehicles has released details of a new, 20” forged option wheel to be available on its E3 range.

The new SV Performance Forged wheel comes in a “dark stainless” finish and features the premium “SV” logo etched into the wheel spoke.

Keen HSV enthusiasts may recognise the wheel from the recently launched SV Black Edition models, where the wheel was standard fitment but in a gloss black finish.

The new SV Performance Forged wheel comes in an 8.5” front and 9.5” rear sizing and has been designed to be available as an option on all HSV models (excluding the SV Black Edition). It will also be compatible with the 6-piston brake package available on the GTS. (more…)

After having the keys to the latest HSV GTS for a week, we were reluctant to give them back… Yes, it is that good.

It doesn’t lumber like you expect a car of its size should. Instead it feels nimble, refined and smooth. It’s an unexpected combination but a pleasant surprise. And that is merely the first thing that strikes you when driving the HSV E-Series 2 GTS.

It’s a big car and, with 325kW on tap, it’s certainly no slouch. But we knew that before we were handed the keys.

What’s surprising is how smooth the car is on the road, even with the massive 20-inch wheels.

It’s easy to see that millions of dollars have gone into the development of this vehicle, and we suspect many European cars were scrutinised for ideas before it went into production. There’s a level of sophistication and refinement you wouldn’t necessarily expect in a big Aussie muscle car. (more…)

Holden Special Vehicles has released details and announced pricing of its new SV Black Edition.

Based on the E Series 3 range, the SV Black Edition will be available in ClubSport R8 and Maloo R8 guise. The package will see cosmetic upgrades and cost a few thousand dollars over the regular prices.

The “darkness” of this Black Edition starts with the exterior, where matte black paintouts on the front and sides combine with the “Vector” bonnet scoops. The Clubsport R8 also receives a bootlid spoiler.

All SV Black Edition vehicles will be dressed up with, twenty inch forged and staggered SV Performance alloy wheel finished in gloss black. The limited edition Clubsport R8 also get HSV’s performance suspension, as well as HSV’s Bi-Modal exhaust. Under the bonnet it’s business as usual with HSV’s 317 kilowatt, 6.2 litre, LS3, Generation 4 V8 engine.

The interior features a unique finish on the console, instrument panel and steering wheel while special edition sill plates, Onyx leather trim, matte black badging and a subtle lip spoiler on the ClubSport R8 complete the package. A unique build plate is also fitted to every vehicle. (more…)

Speedtech Motorsport are hosting a Holden Owner’s Evening on Wednesday 25th May at 7:30pm in Lower Hutt. The crew at Speedtech have extended the invitation to all Holden and HSV owners who want to learn more about their machines and how to get the most from them. Maintaining and modifying your Holden can be confusing even for the total petrol heads amongst us so the boys at STM are trying to educate the masses. Attendance is free.

Topics covered in the session include hot to increase the power, torque and economy on your Holden, maintain it well and retain resale value.

Here’s a snapshot of how the evening is organised:

• Holden Tech Talk – Learn more about your car, including how to modify it
• Dyno demonstration – See and hear a VE SS Commodore running on a dyno
• Check out parts available for modifying your car
• Check out first-hand the brand new HSV E3 GTS and Clubsport on display
• See an over the radiator intake shoot out
• Enjoy free drinks and nibbles and chat with like-minded enthusiasts (more…)

Holden’s high-performance division HSV has just announced that is has struck up a relationship with V8 Supercars, and will become the Official Safety and Course Car Supplier to V8 Supercars for the 2011 season.

General Manager of Marketing at HSV, Tim Jackson, said HSV is thrilled to be increasing its presence at V8 Supercar rounds by supplying the safety and course cars for the 2011 Championship.

“We have been in discussions for some time with V8 Supercars, and it is great that we have been able to strike this type of relationship.”

“In addition to the safety and course cars, our association includes some exclusive on-track initiatives for HSV, and provides us a great opportunity to integrate our entire race relations program which incorporates the Holden Racing Team, Bundaberg Racing, Garth Tander, Greg Murphy, Fabian Coulthard and Cameron McConville.”

“We look forward to providing consumers a very exclusive on-track HSV Drive Experience with our race drivers at selected events, as well as expanding on the ‘Speed Trap’ at Bathurst by incorporating it into more events, and utilising more data for fans to enjoy.”

V8 Supercars CEO Martin Whitaker said it’s great to have HSV on board leading the 2011 V8 Supercar field. (more…)

The March 2011 issue of NZV8 has just hit the shelves, so don’t forget to grab your copy today.

In this month’s issue we have a wicked big block Plymouth Barracuda cover car, this 1968 fastback is flawlessly finished and comes packing a 600hp 496ci powerplant. Other feature cars include a ’66 Chevy Malibu street car and a VK Commodore ‘Blue Meanie’ replica (except better). There’s also a supercharged 1963 Ford Fairlane and we see who comes out top between FPV’s new GT-P and HSV’s GTS with an old fashioned showdown. We have full event reports from the Kumeu Car Show, the Jalopy Dust Up at Waihi Beach and round two of the Central Muscle Cars. Our awesome sheds section takes us to the expansive garage of Robyn and John Dellamura who show us an amazing collection of American metal and memorabilia. (more…)

Name: Frank Williams
Car: 2005 HSV Avalanche

Hey Frank, different-looking car you’ve got. What exactly is it?
It’s a Holden Avalanche V8. When I bought it, it was 255kW, but now with the work that Eastern Automotive have done, it’s 430kW. It’s 4WD so we can’t run it on the dyno, but flywheel power is 430-plus. I’ve fitted BMW mirrors, a Monaro bonnet, twin exhausts, 19-inch rims, new clear LED tail lights, and DVD screens in the back headrests for the grandkids. There’s more I’d like to do to it but I’ll do them over a period of time now that the engine is all done.

That’s some serious power; what has been done to it?
Sean and Paul at Eastern Automotive have done a mafless tune, fitted the air intake, new exhaust, cam, ported and polished the heads, fitted new valve springs and a PowerPlus intake manifold, and tuned it. They did a great job of it. Plenty of power and torque. It’s loud but not obnoxious, just enough so you know it’s got some power.

What made you choose an Avalanche in the first place?
It was for work, as I do a lot of driving. Before this I had an Adventra [non-HSV 4WD V8 wagon] and before that I had an Acclaim. I’ve always needed a station wagon for work, but I’ve always believed that station wagons are underestimated. People think if you are going to get a fast car, get a sedan. But there are a lot of wagons which look smart and can go. This can do both and it’s different, and it goes very quick.

What do the folks in the HSV club think of it?
I’ve only been to one meeting, in Taupo. At the race track on the Sunday there were a lot of people looking at it. They wanted me to race it, but I watched a mate of mine go round and blow his engine. If I had all the heavy-duty parts in the transmission I might look at doing it, but the transmission is very expensive, so I wouldn’t do it without changing that first. I’d go for a six-speed auto and that way I’d be more comfortable pushing it harder, not that you can’t push it now.

I really just enjoy showing it; it’s a show vehicle to me. Twenty years ago I might have looked at giving some of these guys a go. A lot of the young guys smile and wave at me. They can hear the exhaust note and know it’s a true V8.

(more…)

Jacqui Madelin takes the new VEII Holden GTS for a spin around the skid pad at Holden’s Lang Lang testing facility and can’t get the grin off her face.

We’re sideways at Lang Lang test track with Greg Murphy at the wheel. So far so usual ” except we’re sideways with the stability control (ESC) on, and it’s working as it’s meant to.

This sport-orientated HSV ESC package ” with its clever launch control ” is the most important part of an otherwise minor facelift. For as Murph himself says, it “gives you the potential to have a bit of fun on the track, yet still drive it home that night.”
He’s impressed, but he would be ” he’s paid to be positive to his white-knuckled passengers. But lap times confirm the benefits aren’t just media bullshit. Garth Tander was 1.1 seconds per lap quicker at Winton with ESC in competition mode than with it off, clocking 1.39.59, and 1.1g of lateral load under braking.

That was in the GTS, which benefits most from the upgrades and now sits firmly atop the HSV tree.

Like the rest of the line-up, its new look is less understated, with the Pontiac bonnet underscored by low-mounted LED running lights that automatically fire when the headlights go off.

They bracket the ‘shockwave’ detail of the front grille and alterations to the air intakes and front bumper that accentuate the car’s width.

Meanwhile, cruise control developments reduce speed over-run on downhills, further engine tuning has improved fuel economy, and all the cars are data-dotted to discourage theft.

(more…)

Holden Special Vehicles has just announced that its new touch screen performance data interface, available on current HSV models, will incorporate seven of New Zealand’s main race circuits.

HSV’s Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI), which is standard across the new E3 range, is a feature designed specifically to appeal to the enthusiast driver. It constantly streams real-time vehicle dynamics and performance data to a touch screen located in the centre upper console of the car. It’s a handy system for those who want to get their HSV out on the track regularly and give it a good work out.

The EDI system also includes a data logging and download capability via USB, which allows drivers to analyse their data using the software provided with each new vehicle. As part of this system, HSV have preloaded all seven of New Zealand’s permanent motor racing tracks to make the data logging process simple for owners.

The New Zealand tracks include:

• Pukekohe Park, Pukekohe
• Hampton Downs, North Waikato
• Taupo Motorsport Park, Taupo
• Manfeild Autocourse, Feilding
• Ruapuna Park, Christchurch
• Timaru International Motor Raceway, Timaru
• Teretonga Park, Invercargill

HSV’s Managing Director, Phil Harding says the EDI system is designed for the driving enthusiast.

“Our customers are passionate about driving, and this system is about delivering race bred technology in a new engaging way that is relevant to a road car,” he said. “We are confident our customers are going to love the way they can access data, and interact with their car.”

In addition to the EDI, other new HSV technologies are available on the new E series 3 range and include a new Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA), will be available as an option on every model in the E3 range — and is standard on Grange. There’s also a Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system which is available as an option on all models, except for the ClubSport R8 Tourer

(more…)

Speedtech Motorsport are hosting a Holden Owner’s Evening next Wednesday (15th Dec) at 7:30pm in Lower Hutt. The crew at Speedtech have extended the invitation to all Holden and HSV owners who want to learn more about their machines and how to get the most from them. It’s an awesome idea because maintaining and modifying your Holden can be confusing even for the total petrol heads amongst us. Best part is that the evening is totally free.

If you want to find out how to increase the power, torque and economy on your Holden, maintain it well and retain resale value, then head along.

Here’s a snapshot of how the evening will go down:

¢    Holden Tech Talk – Learn more about your car, including how best to modify it
¢    Dyno demonstration – See and hear a VE SS Commodore running on a dyno
¢    Check out the best parts available for modifying your car
¢    Listen to 3 x National Rally Champion Joe McAndrew discuss his motorsport highlights
¢    Check out first-hand the brand new HSV E3 GTS and Clubsport on display
¢    Enjoy free drinks and nibbles and chat with like-minded enthusiasts

Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us, if you’re keen to head along you can find out more info and register online at http://www.speedtechnz.com/holden

Holden Special Vehicles has just announced that it will begin exporting into the Singapore market through Harvest Automobiles of Singapore.

Harvest Automobiles will retail HSV vehicles in the Singaporean market, and the launch has been 18 months in the planning. In announcing the export opportunity HSV’s Managing Director, Phil Harding says, “This is really exciting for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it shows that we are beginning to overcome the export challenges that came about as a result of the GFC — people are becoming more confident around starting new business ventures. Secondly, it shows that a home grown performance vehicle can find niche markets in a variety of international settings.”

Phil Harding added that he believes the new E3 range has reached a new level of specification that makes it attractive in international markets,“The request from Harvest is for the highest specification possible. With the recent launch of E3 we are pleased that our exceptional list of features are now able to meet the demands of this new customer base. In addition, all the vehicles heading for Singapore will all be fully optioned with our SV enhancements,” he said.

Harvest Automobiles’ new HSV showroom is located at 3 Leng Kee Rd., the established heart of Singapore’s premium automotive trade. In targeting HSV, Managing Director of Harvest Automobiles, Daniel Au says, “I have long been familiar with Holden Special Vehicles, and when we were looking at expanding our line-up of brands I felt it was a great opportunity. I am very confident that the car culture of Singapore will be very excited about this niche offering, and I have already sold my first allocation of vehicles.”

(more…)

Holden Special Vehicles over in Aussie has confirmed that it will be adding a 4-cylinder turbocharged model to sit along side the beefy V8s in its range.

After discontinuing the Astra-based VXR, HSV currently has no models smaller than the Commodore and has decided to develop the Holden Cruze platform for much increased performance.

HSV’s big cheese Phil Harding confirmed that the company was investigating adding a performance-tuned Cruze to its line-up, but he wouldn’t offer any solid technical details on the forthcoming model.

Rumours are that HSV’s Cruze will be based on the locally-built model that’s set to enter production at Holden’s South Australian plant in 2010.

What isn’t known is if HSV’s small car offering will be based on the sedan or hatchback version of the Cruze (both of which will be built in Australia), but the sedan’s greater structural rigidity may see it go ahead. The hatchback (pictured in Chevrolet form), however, may look sharper and be more direct replacement for the now-discontinued Astra VXR.

In terms of engine and power there’s no official word yet but HSV is likely to draw from one of GM’s new breed of small-displacement direct-injection turbocharged engines, ranging from a 104kW 1.4-litre to a 200kW 2.0-litre. The Delta-platformed Astra VXR utilises a turbocharged 2.0 litre inline four developing 177kW, so there’s plenty of potential for decent power.

Suspension will be modified to improve handling, but HSV could stay with the Cruze’s rear beam axle set-up or shift to the Euro-market Astra’s independent rear suspension.

Styling will naturally be injected with more excitement for HSV’s Cruze, with new bumpers, larger wheels and body kits making it stand out.

A launch date hasn’t been announced, but with Australian production of the Holden Cruze scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2010, HSV’s small car may make an appearance mid to late next year.

Click here to read a Car and SUV review of the HSV VXR.

Click here to read a Car and SUV review of the Holden Cruze Sedan.

Holden Special Vehicles has announced a special Limited Edition 20 Years of Maloo R8 to celebrate the 20th birthday of the iconic Aussie ute.

Since its launch at the Sydney Motor Show in October 1990 the HSV Maloo nameplate has proved popular for ute enthusiasts on both sides of the ditch.

Recently the Maloo received modern features like launch control, competition mode ESC, and Daytime Running Lamps when HSV’s E2 Maloo R8 was released.

HSV is looking to continue this tradition of pushing the boundaries for utility vehicles with the 20 Years of Maloo R8.

The special edition Maloo will be available in only 100 units and will have such features as Vector E-vents and bonnet scoops, 20 inch black alloys, and a bi-modal exhaust system. It will also showcase the brand’s latest technical developments, including the new Enhanced Driver Interface system, Side Blind Zone Alert, a rear park assist with reverse camera and satellite navigation.

Prices for the 20 Years of Maloo R8 will begin at $67,900 AUD for the manual.

The 20 Years of Maloo R8 is due to make its first public showing at the Deni Ute Muster in Australia this October, and will begin arriving in showrooms around the same time. Expect a few to make it across to NZ so if you’re interested get in touch with your local HSV/Holden dealer.

Just a few days after the launch of the new 2011 Grange, Holden Special Vehicles has gone a step further and announced details of its entire 2011 HSV E-Series 3 range.

The HSV range received styling upgrades last year with the arrival of the E-Series 2 vehicles, the new E-Series 3 range focuses more on technical and interior upgrades.

The new line-up consists of the ClubSport R8, ClubSport R8 Tourer, Maloo R8, Senator Signature, Grange and GTS. There is no longer a place for the entry-level GXP vehicle and there’s no plans for a new entry-level model in the future.

So what’s new for the HSV E Series 3?

Leading the highlight list are three brand new HSV technologies;

-      HSV’s new Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI), which streams vehicle performance data directly to the new touch screen display.
-      Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) is the first system of its kind on an Australian production car, and is available as an option on all models, except for the Clubsport R8 Tourer.
-      HSV’s new Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) will be available as an option on every model in the E3 range — and is standard on the Grange.

In addition to technological innovation, HSV has added a significant set of unique interior updates to the E Series 3, including;

-      New ‘Oracle’ dash
-      New model specific stainless steel ID plate on the centre console
-      New twin-stitch seat trims on GTS and Senator Signature, as well as a new leather colour in Turismo Rosso.
-      New binnacle gauges
-      Piano black trim on the centre console and steering wheel
(more…)

Holden Special Vehicles will launch a more powerful, re-styled new Grange (WM3) with a host of new technology as part of its MY11 range of model upgrades inspired by the company’s E-Series 2 line-up (read news).

The Grange was first included in HSV’s line-up in 1997, and has been the company’s luxury flagship ever since. It’s received a host of upgrades including more power, updated equipment and refreshed styling.

Visually, the updated Grange follows its HSV stablemates, with a new look both front and rear. Like the rest of the HSV line-up, the updated Grange also gets LED daytime running lights at each end of the front bumper.

Julian Quincey, HSV Chief of Design and Styling, believes the new-look Grange will appeal to more buyers. “We have made the Grange a more dynamic looking car, and the update delivers greater on-road presence,” he said. “It definitely still retains the classy appearance and proportions that you expect from a luxury performance car; however, we have added a few more masculine-looking details like the DRL’s and the shockwave inspired exhaust tips.”

Inside, the new Grange features the all-new Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI); an intuitive touch-screen display that provides info on vehicle dynamics, economy and performance. The 2011 Grange is the first HSV model to feature the new EDI system.

Tim Jackson, HSV’s General Manager of Marketing believes this feature will be perfect for the HSV customer.

“EDI is for the driving enthusiast. For the first time our customers will have real-time information including G force, power & torque, accelerator and brake position, and stability control data — all at the driver’s fingertips,” he said. “For the real enthusiast they can even download their data to a USB memory stick and analyse it on their laptop.”

Operated through a touch-screen display, HSV’s EDI system offers a total of 11 different functions, allowing drivers to tap into the car’s computer and monitor fuel consumption, stability, g-force and various vehicle dynamics.

Perhaps most appealing to track enthusiasts is the race screen, which utilises GPS technology to log and display a driver’s ability on the race track, including lap times, fastest laps, and lap gain and loss.

HSV has yet to reveal when the EDI system will make its way to the rest of its range, but it should be included in the rest of the range over the next year.

Under the bonnet on the 2011 Grange is HSV’s GM-provided 6.2 litre LS3 V8, now producing 325kW and 550Nm of torque. This high-spec powerplant is only fitted to the Grange and the GTS models.

The refreshed Grange will also be made available with HSV’s new optional LPI technology, which allows the engine to operate on both LPG and regular unleaded petrol.

HSV says its LPI system offers improvements in running costs and emissions outputs of up to 15 percent, while not lessening the LS3 engine’s power and torque figures.

Check out images of the new Grange and HSV’s EDI system in the gallery below. (more…)

Twin Turbo V8 Holden Ute whacks out 642kW on the dyno

A vid of a street driven HSV GTS Coupe going head to head against other Street Commodores weapons, including a 510rwhp VY Clubsport R8 race car with a V8 Supercar development category driver behind the wheel, an 800rwhp turbo 5.7 stroker Ute, VE R8, VE Senator, Supercharged VK, and whiteline test car.

A vid of a street driven HSV GTS Coupe going head to head against other Street Commodores weapons, including a 510rwhp VY Clubsport R8 race car with a V8 Supercar development category driver behind the wheel, an 800rwhp turbo 5.7 stroker Ute, VE R8, VE Senator, Supercharged VK, and whiteline test car.