HSV Commodore Range gets Minor Updates and 20th Anniversary Maloo R8 Ute

Holden Special Vehicles has taken the wraps off an updated version of its Commodore derived performance range along with a special edition of the Malooo R8 ute. HSV is the performance arm of Australian automaker Holden, known in the States through the now defunct Pontiac G8 and the Chevy Caprice police car that was revealed earlier this year.

Dubbed the E3 series, this minor facelift introduces two new options and a redesigned dashboard / instrument cluster to the HSV range which includes the , Maloo R8 ute, ClubSport R8 sedan, ClubSport R8 Tourer (SW), GTS, Senator Signature, and Grange.

An in-dash touch screen can be used to display real-time performance data, satellite navigation and radio controls, while rear park assist with reversing camera and iPod connectivity will also come standard.

Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) can be optioned for the first time on all models except for the Clubsport R8 Tourer, while Side Blind Zone Alert is optionally available across the range.

HSV's Managing Director, Phil Harding states:"Our E3 range is an example of HSV's passion for innovation, and determination to bring world leading technology to [its] vehicles."

In addition, HSV introduced a new limited edition "20 Years of Maloo" performance ute to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Maloo nameplate. Holden has raided its parts bin to give the Maloo hood scoops, 20-inch wheels from the GTS and a bi-modal exhaust system. Prices for the 20 Years of Maloo R8 will begin at AU$67,900 (about US$63,300) for the manual, with production limited to 100 units.

The HSV E3 series will go on sale in September, with the "20 Years of Maloo" performance ute following in October.

By Tristan Hankins

HSV Commodore Range gets Minor Updates and 20th Anniversary Maloo R8 Ute

Holden Special Vehicles has taken the wraps off an updated version of its Commodore derived performance range along with a special edition of the Malooo R8 ute. HSV is the performance arm of Australian automaker Holden, known in the States through the now defunct Pontiac G8 and the Chevy Caprice police car that was revealed earlier this year.

Dubbed the E3 series, this minor facelift introduces two new options and a redesigned dashboard / instrument cluster to the HSV range which includes the , Maloo R8 ute, ClubSport R8 sedan, ClubSport R8 Tourer (SW), GTS, Senator Signature, and Grange.

An in-dash touch screen can be used to display real-time performance data, satellite navigation and radio controls, while rear park assist with reversing camera and iPod connectivity will also come standard.

Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) can be optioned for the first time on all models except for the Clubsport R8 Tourer, while Side Blind Zone Alert is optionally available across the range.

HSV's Managing Director, Phil Harding states:"Our E3 range is an example of HSV's passion for innovation, and determination to bring world leading technology to [its] vehicles."

In addition, HSV introduced a new limited edition "20 Years of Maloo" performance ute to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Maloo nameplate. Holden has raided its parts bin to give the Maloo hood scoops, 20-inch wheels from the GTS and a bi-modal exhaust system. Prices for the 20 Years of Maloo R8 will begin at AU$67,900 (about US$63,300) for the manual, with production limited to 100 units.

The HSV E3 series will go on sale in September, with the "20 Years of Maloo" performance ute following in October.

By Tristan Hankins

Holden Specialty Vehicles Releases new Caprice-Based Grange flagship with 436-hp V8

Holden just announced that its high-performance Special Vehicles division, otherwise known as HSV, is about to release an updated version of its Grange flagship. The car is based on the Commodore's long-wheelbase platform, which can be found under the Statesman/Caprice and upcoming Chevrolet Caprice police car. Being an HSV vehicle, the Grange is tasked with being something like Holden's version of the S-Class AMG (in theory); it's a large, fast tanker on four wheels.

When it goes on sale later this month, the new Holden Caprice-based WM3 Grange will do its part to meet the standards set back when the nameplate first debuted in 1997: be big, luxurious, fast, and Australian.

HSV's managing director Phil Harding says, "The Grange buyer traditionally wants the most luxurious, and technologically advanced Australian-made performance car there is. Grange has always fitted that description well, but the new styling, increased power and extra technology makes WM3 a compelling proposition for a luxury car buyer that is passionate about driving."

Power is sourced from HSV's 325 kW / 436 hp 6.2-liter LS3 V8, which also does motivational duties in the HSV GTS. Like some push? The Grange pounds ground with 550 Nm / 406 lb-ft of torque. Other than that, we might as well mention that a "'hi-flow' intermediate exhaust with bi-modal rear mufflers" is plugged into the engine, too. Guess that's just fancy Holden-speak for an active exhaust system.

Outside, unlike Ford's new Falcon GT, the new model will get refreshed front and rear fascias, bumper-mounted daytime running lights, and "shockwave" exhaust outlets all in the name of showing that it means business.

Inside, we (we being my Australian brethren) get the option of premium leather in Onyx Black or Light Urban. Unfortunately, the bland dash is still there; within that bland dash, though, is some neat new technology.

For the crazy touchscreen tech talk, I'll let Tim Jackson (HSV marketing general manager) take it away: "EDI [Enhanced Driver Interface] 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. For the real enthusiast they can even download their data to a USB memory stick and analyse it on their laptop."

Other news is that the engine will be able to run on liquid propane or gasoline, giving future Holden consumers even more fuel options (after the new Commodore's growing FlexFuel capability). HSV has yet to release fuel economy stats for the bigger car, but you can expect them to be similar to the GTS if running on good ol' gasoline.

By Phil Alex

Holden Specialty Vehicles Releases new Caprice-Based Grange flagship with 436-hp V8

Holden just announced that its high-performance Special Vehicles division, otherwise known as HSV, is about to release an updated version of its Grange flagship. The car is based on the Commodore's long-wheelbase platform, which can be found under the Statesman/Caprice and upcoming Chevrolet Caprice police car. Being an HSV vehicle, the Grange is tasked with being something like Holden's version of the S-Class AMG (in theory); it's a large, fast tanker on four wheels.

When it goes on sale later this month, the new Holden Caprice-based WM3 Grange will do its part to meet the standards set back when the nameplate first debuted in 1997: be big, luxurious, fast, and Australian.

HSV's managing director Phil Harding says, "The Grange buyer traditionally wants the most luxurious, and technologically advanced Australian-made performance car there is. Grange has always fitted that description well, but the new styling, increased power and extra technology makes WM3 a compelling proposition for a luxury car buyer that is passionate about driving."

Power is sourced from HSV's 325 kW / 436 hp 6.2-liter LS3 V8, which also does motivational duties in the HSV GTS. Like some push? The Grange pounds ground with 550 Nm / 406 lb-ft of torque. Other than that, we might as well mention that a "'hi-flow' intermediate exhaust with bi-modal rear mufflers" is plugged into the engine, too. Guess that's just fancy Holden-speak for an active exhaust system.

Outside, unlike Ford's new Falcon GT, the new model will get refreshed front and rear fascias, bumper-mounted daytime running lights, and "shockwave" exhaust outlets all in the name of showing that it means business.

Inside, we (we being my Australian brethren) get the option of premium leather in Onyx Black or Light Urban. Unfortunately, the bland dash is still there; within that bland dash, though, is some neat new technology.

For the crazy touchscreen tech talk, I'll let Tim Jackson (HSV marketing general manager) take it away: "EDI [Enhanced Driver Interface] 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. For the real enthusiast they can even download their data to a USB memory stick and analyse it on their laptop."

Other news is that the engine will be able to run on liquid propane or gasoline, giving future Holden consumers even more fuel options (after the new Commodore's growing FlexFuel capability). HSV has yet to release fuel economy stats for the bigger car, but you can expect them to be similar to the GTS if running on good ol' gasoline.

By Phil Alex

Holden's 2011 Commodore Series II updated; Where's Bob Lutz to reassure us that America is getting this?

The Zeta-based Holden Commodore lineup is getting a "Series II" refresh to keep up with the times. Highlights include a new "iQ" touchscreen interface for the usual suspects (Bluetooth, USB, iPod, backup camera, etc.), improved fuel economy/reduced emissions, and 3.0-liter and 6.0-liter engines that are E85-compatible. This "[allows] them to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between."

That being said, how is it that the Commodore has been Australia's best-seller for 14 years IN A ROW and America's one true taste came - and very quickly went - in the form of Pontiac's G8? Is there a real reason, other than conventional wisdom (which is a poor excuse), that these bigger, RWD cars wouldn't work Stateside?

Hell, the tooling is ALREADY THERE. On with the Caprice and big Caddy, already! According to GM, the available 3.0-liter V6 petrol returns almost 26 mpg. The more potent 3.6-liter V6s and 6.0-liter V8s get slightly revised to provide a 2.8% and 6% boost in economy, respectively. There's also a drop in emissions, but no final numbers are available yet.

These improvements come thanks to low-resistance tires (Omega/Berlina) and improved aerodynamics as well as a "clutched" A/C compressor that does not run when it isn't on (which should have been though up years ago); all V6 models get a reduced idle speed as well as 4 stars from the Aussie Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide.

Interested in all the extensive and minute detail changes? Scroll down for the full shebang.

By Phil Alex

2011MY Holden Commodore Series II interior and exterior design enhancements across the range include:

Omega

· Entirely new front fascia with a bolder, squarer appearance and new lower outboard inserts
· New larger grille, with a bright chrome detail surround and new hexagonal mesh inner
· Revised headlamp shape with new lens and bright bezel
· Decklid with integrated aero lip detailing
· New IP centre stack with 6.5-inch full colour touch screen
· New centre console surround
· New full width decorative appliqué
· New HVAC controls

Berlina
Builds on Omega features with –
· New grille with prominent bright chrome crossbar
· New unique fog lamp surrounds
· New 17-inch, ten-spoke machine-faced alloy wheels
· New interior trim with woven fabric seat inserts and Sportec bolsters

Calais
Builds on Berlina features with –
· New front fascia and unique grille with prominent chrome header (attached to engine hood)
· New larger grille has full chrome surround, hexagonal mesh inner
· Lower fascia has full width bright detail
· Revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel
· Full length bright chrome moulding on lower doors
· New 18-inch ten-spoke machined alloy wheels

Calais V-Series
Builds on Calais features with –
· New bigger 19-inch twin five spoke machined alloy wheels

Commodore SV6 and SS
· Exclusive sports front fascia, set apart by a new, larger grille
· Bolder, more muscular look accentuated by aggressive lower air intake
· Revised headlamp shape with new black bezel detail
· Integrated aero decklid lip detailing complements sports rear spoiler
· New 18-inch twin five-spoke machined alloy wheels
· New SS-style sports front seats for SV6 with deep bolsters and body-hugging contours
· High-mounted circular interior air vents.
· New sports centre stack with 6.5-inch full colour touch screen
· New sports IP decorative appliqué
· New 'white on Razor Grey' instrument cluster illumination for improved readability on SV6
· New 'white on red' instrument cluster illumination for improved readability on SS
· Gloss black instrument cluster surround
· Razor grey finish 'wrap-around' linear treatment on lower IP. Extends from IP into the door handle surround and through the console

Commodore SS V-Series
Builds on SV6 and SS features with –
· Revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel (same as Calais)
· New twin five-spoke 19-inch machined alloy wheels
· Red finish 'wrap-around' linear treatment on lower IP. Extends from the IP into door handle surround and through the console.

The VE Series II colour palette features 12 choices, including four new colours. The new colours are:
· Alto Grey –
new mid-toned grey with silver highlights
· Hazard –
head turning bright solid yellow
· Mirage Glow –
a light, soft and luxurious beige
· Sizzle
– bright metallic red

Carryover colors include:
· Heron – solid white
· Karma – an architectural blue with metallic highlights
· Nitrate – a classic silver metallic
· Phantom – metallic black with silver highlights
· Poison Ivy – a sports green metallic with blue highlights
· Red Hot – highly chromatic solid red
· Voodoo – solid electric sports blue
· Wildfire – metallic sports orange

More equipment, more features

Bluetooth and iPod integration is standard in all Series II vehicles, controlled through the Holden-iQ system.

Across the range each Series II model also receives dual-zone climate control and an outside temperature readout.