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By EWAN
KENNEDY
28 September 2009
Performance
car owners are a restless and demanding mob; always on the lookout
for more power, sharper vehicle response and the very latest in
hot automotive styling.
Fortunately, engineers and designers in this field are just as
enthusiastic about their machinery. So it comes as no surprise
that almost as soon as the new E Series HSV models had been
launched in August 2006 these guys started work on improved
models. The result is that the HSV E Series 2, generally
abbreviated to simply HSV E2, has just been introduced. The
motoring press were invited to drive the latest range, both on the
road and during excellent track sessions at Winton Raceway in
Victoria.
To many hot Holden lovers, the biggest news is the revamping of
the HSV GTS. This famous badge still carries strong memories for
the baby boomers, who have years ago dreamt of Monaro GTS cars
prowling the streets and howling around that special section of
mountain road out back of Bathurst. The latest HSV GTS E2 uses a
325 kW version of the company's respected Chev-based V8. This
engine has been fitted with an interesting high-flow intermediate
exhaust system with active bi-modal mufflers. More about the
bi-modal in a moment.
Suspension sees the use of recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control (MRC)
with stiffer springs to further enhance the GTs thanks to the
virtually instant reactions of the shocks to changing road
conditions.
Driver enhancements in the new E2 range include what HSV calls Competition
Mode ESC. This allows
hard driving, while still providing a good level of support from
ABS, Traction Control and Stability Control systems. Intelligent
Launch Control is
installed as standard in all manual transmission HSVs and provides
the ability to accelerate from a standstill to the car’s maximum
without the driver needing to juggle revs and clutch. Thus the car
achieves maximum acceleration while minimising wear on the
transmission.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are being installed on a number of
upmarket European marques and it's interesting to see HSV adopting
them.
On the revised shape of the E2, HSV designer Julian Quincey said,
“We needed a new identity that would both excite the passionate
HSV buyer ... this meant that our overall front and rear graphics
had to be substantially changed from the original E series and
ideally also look lower, wider and more sporty. This made the
performance hood a desirable addition to the ClubSport and GTs.
“The twin bonnet intakes also work well with our signature twin
nostril grille and the feature lines are very dynamic with a
strongly angled taper to the front of the car.”
Expanding on the use of the ‘shockwave’ graphic on the E2
range, Quincey explained, “This consistent design theme runs
across the front and rear graphics, design of the meshes, wheels
and exhaust tips. The GTS wheel repeats the Shockwave graphic
which is heavily emphasised with the use of a polished front face.
Similarly the ClubSport R8 picks up the dynamic angled spoke shape
inspired by the graphic.”
The
HSV E2 range allows significant customisation, with a number of
options available for every model, under the umbrella of ‘SV
Enhanced’. For example ClubSport
R8 customers
can choose a new ‘Performance’ suspension, bi-modal exhaust,
20-inch wheels and leather interior trim. ClubSport
R8, Tourer R8 and Maloo R8 buyers
have the option of bi-modal exhaust, leather trim and 20-inch
wheels. Those buying the GTS can have six-piston front brake
callipers with larger discs. These are finished in SV Enhanced
yellow. This option includes a unique accent finish for the
20-inch wheel design. GTS is the only model in the E Series 2
range that includes bi-modal exhaust as standard.
Senator
Signature and
Grange
customers
can also chose to have the bi-modal exhaust and 20 inch wheels
installed as part of their option package.
HSV will launch E2 with no price increases for ClubSport R8, Maloo
R8 and Tourer R8, while GTS and Senator Signature price increases
have been kept to less than one per cent.
The complete HSV E2 range, with prices (excluding government and
dealer charges) is:
Maloo R8: $62,990
ClubSport R8: $65,990
ClubSport R8 Tourer: $66,990
GTS: $80,990
Senator Signature: $82,990
Grange: $87,990
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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