Holden's HSV Considering 286 hp Twin-Turbo Cruze to Compete With Focus RS

When Holden axed its Opel-sourced Astra small car in Australia in 2009, it also dealt a death blow to Holden Special Vehicle's wicked 177kw (237 hp) / 320Nm VRX hot hatch. Now the high performance brand is searching for a replacement for its entry level model, setting its sights on the Daewoo / Chevrolet-sourced Cruze.

In the event that Opel does come to Australia as a stand-alone brand, HSV is looking for its own hot hatch to go up against the likes of the Focus RS and Subaru WRX, and the Australian developed Cruze 5dr hatchback is on the cards.

In a recent interview with news site GoAuto, HSV Managing Director Phil Harding confirmed that HSV was investigating a performance version of the Cruze:

"I am not saying we are doing it, but we are looking at it. We would be silly if we didn't."

Mr. Harding also stated that the proposed model would have to fit in with HSV's brand image, delivering performance, driving pleasure and style.

"I am not going to screw with the brand by getting it wrong," he added.

The Cruze may use the same 213kw (286 hp), 2.0 L twin-scroll turbo-four destined for the upcoming Opel Astra OPC / Vauxhall Astra VRX in late 2011. As both the new Astra and the Cruze are based on GM's Delta II platform, it would be a comparatively simple job to transplant the engine from one to the other. When asked about this, Mr. Harding was dismissive:

"We are looking at a couple of options."

The Cruze may also need suspension upgrades and front end modifications to handle the expected FWD torque steer, as its torsion beam rear suspension is not as sophisticated as the independent rear setup on competitors like the Focus RS.

The Cruze hatch will follow its sedan sibling into production at Holden's Elizabeth plant in the second half of 2011, with a wagon variant possible in the future.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Go-Auto

Opening photo: Carscoop Artist's Impression of a Holden Badged Cruze Hatchback

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Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Show Car

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