MODEL WATCH
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday September 26, 2009
HOLDEN Special Vehicles has never been backward in coming forward with distinctive exterior designs for its Commodore-based performance-car range but has outdone itself with the latest update, dubbed E Series 2.Enthusiast forums have gone into meltdown with heated debate about the car's controversial new styling, with the overwhelming majority of fans, owners and enthusiasts on Drive's blog focusing on the overt bonnet nostrils, front grille, Ferrari-like rear-diffuser treatment and addition of daytime running lights.However, the E Series 2 upgrade is more than a facelift. Performance (on the GTS model), driver aids and fuel economy have been improved, with no price increase to most models in the range.But the head-turner is the exterior styling penned by HSV chief designer Julian Quincey, which he says was a response to customer demand. "We needed a new identity that would both excite the passionate HSV buyer and equally one that could be picked out by the non-car enthusiast," he says.HSV started by dipping into the parts bin of the Pontiac G8, the now-defunct Commodore-based car that was built in Australia for export to the US. The ex-G8's bonnet, with its flared nostrils, frames an aggressive but busy design that includes a restyled nose featuring Audi-esque daytime running lights, a rear diffuser and new wheels.However, HSV has kept true performance enthusiasts happy by firing another salvo in its power war with arch rival Ford Performance Vehicles, lifting the power output on its hero GTS model by 8kW to a mighty 325kW €” 10kW more than FPV's V8 warrior, the GT. All other models in the HSV range retain the standard 317kW V8 engine. The move hasn't sacrificed fuel economy, HSV says, adding it has made improvements of up to 4.5 per cent in the automatic version of its sedan, the Clubsport R8 (13.9 litres per 100 kilometres).HSV has also added a launch-control function across the manual cars in its range to allow for race-style launches from a standing start, while a "competition mode" can be selected to significantly lower the threshold of intervention from the stability and traction control.The tricky suspension set-up on the GTS, dubbed Magnetic Ride Control, has been recalibrated for greater stability and response, HSV says.Prices for the GTS and Senator Signature models have been beefed up by $700 to $80,990 and $82,990, respectively (plus on-road and dealer charges). Other models in the range remain unchanged, at $62,990 for the Maloo R8 ute and $65,990 for the Clubsport R8 sedan.STEVE COLQUHOUNFor more on the new HSV range,go to drive.com.au/hsv
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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