Bold frontal styling is a major feature of the new range of all HSV models
HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) has released full details of its exciting new Gen-F range of vehicles. Production of the vehicle will start towards the end of May, with the exception of the ultra-hot GTS that won’t commence build until late August.
With the obvious exception of the GTS the new high-performance Commodores are scheduled to arrive in HSV showrooms Australia-wide midway through June.
First a word on the change in naming strategy. The current range of HSV vehicles, based on the VE Commodore took the usual naming convention of E-Series in respect to the E in the Commodore name. However this time around F-Series couldn’t be used as it clashes with the long time F Series pickup range. Nor was it possible to call the first iteration of the latest series the F1 as that name is trademarked by the Grand Prix promoters. Hence the use of the Gen-F tag for the next edition of Aussie designed and built HSVs.
Based on the upcoming VF Commodore range, the new HSV vehicles have the biggest exterior styling makeover since the introduction of the E-Series.
HSV Gen-F Clubsport
Visual changes to the front and rear fascias, the taillights, spoilers, as well as a new range of alloy wheels significantly differentiate it from the donor vehicles.
Inside, HSV has gone for a premium look and feel, with new seats and trims, a totally different design of instrument panel and gauges and a larger centre console.
The biggest talking point in any new HSV is obviously the V8 engines. Four engine outputs will be available, including the introduction of the most powerful engine ever fitted to an Australian manufactured vehicle – a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 producing a huge 430kW / 740Nm in the company’s flagship GTS.
That’s a whopping 575 horsepower in muscle car terms – and the new HSV GTS is most certainly a muscle car.
HSV Maloo R8
HSV will make available an SV option on the three R8 models; ClubSport R8, ClubSport R8 Tourer wagon and the Maloo R8 ute. This gives a major power upgrade to 340kW / 570Nm. The package sees the fitment of 20-inch SV Performance forged alloy wheel finished in Satin Graphite; a low-line spoiler, again in Satin Graphite, on the ClubSport R8 and distinctive ‘pitch black’ coloured accents on the fender vents and exterior mirror housings.
Technological enhancements include Bi-Modal Air Intake; the third generation of the clever Magnetic Ride Control system; Torque Vectoring and a Driver Preference Dial that controls a range of electronic vehicle performance systems.
All-new forged brake calipers and larger rotors will provide not only significant improvements to stopping power, but also a reduction in unsprung mass. HSV assures us there will be a better pedal feel.
High performance Continental 5P tyres are aimed at delivering improvements in dynamic performance, together with better ride quality.
“It’s a really proud moment for the team at Clayton,” says HSV’s managing director, Phil Harding. “The Gen-F range is the culmination of over four years of design, development and testing and we’re really confident that we’ve developed the best HSVs ever.”
Pricing for the new Gen-F range by HSV is yet to be announced, however Harding has 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,” says Phil Harding, “I can assure our fans that they won’t be disappointed”.
Stay tuned for what seems sure to be the most exciting range of high-performance Australian designed and built vehicles ever to hit the street downunder.
