8th December 2009 - Holden Special Vehicles to launch two new models in Q1 2010

[Ryzz]

Holden Special Vehicles to launch two new models in Q1 2010

Holden Special Vehicles have confirmed the debut of two new models in the HSV line-up for 2010 based on the Pontiac G8 GXP program.

According to HSV Managing Director Phil Harding the HSV ClubSport GXP and HSVMaloo GXP represent an outstanding opportunity for HSV to complement its existing lineup with a limited edition entry level vehicle.

“We receive lots of enquiries about introducing a model to sit as an entry level to our brand and the GXP program provides us this opportunity.”

“I have always said that in order for a car to wear the HSV badge it needs to satisfy three criteria - Performance, Handling and Design.”

“Clearly these cars tick all three boxes.”

GM Holden and HSV shared engineering resources in the development and validation programs for the Pontiac G8 program, which co-incided with the development of the LS3 engine for the HSV range, which debuted in May 2008.

The ClubSport GXP and Maloo GXP receive key performance and styling treatments
HSV 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine delivering 317kW and 550Nm

Suspension;
o ClubSport GXP uses the unique GXP suspension tune,
o Maloo GXP has a unique HSV suspension tune,

Brembo brake package unique to the GXP program,

ClubSport GXP receives a unique rear fascia,

E Series 2 daylight running lamps,

E Series 2 front fascia and hood,

E series 2 fender vent,

E series 2 ClubSport R8 interior with sports cloth seats.

Tim Jackson, General Manager of Marketing for HSV, said the initial reaction from HSV Dealers has been extremely positive and that they expected demand for the new models to be strong from the outset.

“We have made the appropriate updates to ensure these vehicles are uniquely HSV, yet still deliver for a customer looking for that entry level price point.”

“The limited edition ClubSport GXP (400 units) and Maloo GXP (350 units) represent an opportunity for us to attract new buyers to the HSV brand.”

The ClubSport GXP has a recommended retail price of $59,990 (m), and the Maloo GXP has a recommended retail price of $53,990 (m)1. Auto variants attract a $2000 premium.

The ClubSport GXP and Maloo GXP will go into production in February 2010.
Customers who order a ClubSport GXP or Maloo GXP before December 31 may qualify for the Federal Government’s 50% investment allowance.

[Northy]

Cant wait for the 2 new HSV Surplus Parts GXP models. HSV must think we are all morons trying to palm off their export flops as "special"

[Smitty]

any pics Ryzz...???

[fastestls7]

$59k rrp for the clubby seems very cheap considering the RRp for the E2 normal clubby is around $75k driveaway.

be nice to see some pictures of the rear end and brake package

[Ryzz]

any pics Ryzz...???

Sorry for the delay, Blame Swingy as i had to get him to upload them (no upload access at work). Here is the only supplied pic from HSV.

http://www.excelerate.com.au/downloads/ls1/ryzz/GXP1.jpg

[SHANESVZSS]

im thinking this is a great move from HSV :goodjob: , also looking forward to seeing the new rear fascia..

[r00lerz]

Carsales also has a few more of the finer details.

[aedeau]

the clubby sounds alright. I like the E2 front but hate the rear. Perhaps this could be a comprimise? Price looks attractive as well.

[Djbarnstar]

New 'bang for your buck' winner right here folks. Brembos + LS3 = Win.

[andrewslr]

Funny how what is old becomes new again.

John Harvey came up with the Clubsport concept nearly 2 decades ago as a daily driver performance car which could capable do a weekend track day as was.

HSV retained the entry level clubbie and the premium R8 for those wanting a bit more "luxury". Today we get the entry level again.

Has the market spoken or just another cynical automotive marketing ploy??

[98Club]

I want to see the back too! Could be a nice option, shame they cheaped out on the rear tyres though (same size as fronts).

[SHANESVZSS]

also interesting that its the first time since the vy that the ss/v is dearer than a hsv , would this impact ss sales do you think?

[Ryzz]

I want to see the back too! Could be a nice option, shame they cheaped out on the rear tyres though (same size as fronts).

Where did you see that mentioned?

[98Club]

Here - http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2009/sports/hsv/cutprice-hsv-gets-pontiac-treatment-17635

5th para down. Hopefully they got it wrong.

[redvxr8clubby]

I just picked up a copy of Wheels magazine, haven't read it yet, but they have a test of a SSV versus a GS FPV, they are pretty close price wise, so I would say this is HSV's reply to the GS. I think the GS is nearer $55k, so at $59K, HSV is still about 4 grand dearer. I guess when you think about the E series Clubsport going R8 only has left a gap at the lower end from earlier series cars. GXP should sell quite well. Looking at the wheels, they look like E1 R8 wheels, so same logic as previous years of handing down the R8's wheels to the lower level car in the next series (example the VX R8 wheels, are used on the base VY Clubsport (albeit different colour). I would say there are plenty of buyers who would love a HSV, but the R8's price premium over SSV is too much, this is the GXP's buyer. Should sell like hot cakes really.

[XLR8 V8]

That article says they are using the SS-V rear bumper and taillights?
At around $2K more than an SS-V, are we just seeing a return to the old "HSV-enhanced" SS's? Getting the brembos and an LS3 for only a couple of thou' more than an SS-V is quite the bargain. Wonder if the interior loses out with lower spec seats though.

[Quick VE GTS]

It talks about the rear bumper but I cant see anything about the rear wing, it looks like (from the one pic) it could be a lip wing?... no big mofo wing, exactly like the US version (Frankenstein version).
IMO will look a bit funny with the same size rims all the way round.. All that extra bling, big car little feet..

[aedeau]

I want to see the back too! Could be a nice option, shame they cheaped out on the rear tyres though (same size as fronts).

yeh this sounds about right, as the GXPs in the states run 245s all round. Too skinny imo. I think the brembo rotors are flat as well, as opposed to slotted. imo the slotted rotors on the r8 look better, not to mention they're 10mm bigger in diameter :)

[servo2605]

Its a pitty they don't just sell the SS-V with the GXP brakes and wheels to match as it clearly needs it rather than a lower spec HSV.

[simon.w]

Its a pitty they don't just sell the SS-V with the GXP brakes and wheels to match as it clearly needs it rather than a lower spec HSV.

Good on them for having a go ... but given it is more expensive than the SSV and won't have leather, climate control, or the better audio ... and will have the same tail lights, suspension etc ... all of a sudden it doesn't seem like such a good deal.

"Inside, both the sedan and ute GXP editions get cloth trim and the basic air-conditioning and audio controls. There is no leather seating option ex-factory."

Sounds like it's just an SS with 19's, better front brakes, calais rear lip, an LS2 and different front ... for $15,000 more!!!

[gotplate]

Normal light at the rear..

[gotplate]

The rear of the car is standard..

[Vulture]

Good on them for having a go ... but given it is more expensive than the SSV and won't have leather, climate control, or the better audio ... and will have the same tail lights, suspension etc ... all of a sudden it doesn't seem like such a good deal.

Yeah, good point. I'm still undecided on whether this represents value for money or not. Certainly would if it had SSV spec minimum fruit but seems more SS level.

[gotplate]

Yeah, good point. I'm still undecided on whether this represents value for money or not. Certainly would if it had SSV spec minimum fruit but seems more SS level.

the thing is you have to have those front LED parkers :) and of course.. "THE BADGE" :)

[Vulture]

The more I think about this 'special' the more it looks like another half-baked HSV effort. The car needs to have AT LEAST SSV spec interior, audio, climate etc. Paying a $15K premium over an SSV - which can easily be had for a little over $50K on the road is hopeless. Sure, the LS3 is nice and it's probably the best looking current HSV, but it just doesn't add up with cloth interior and basic audio etc. Sorry HSV, thumbs down. :limpy:

[XLR8 V8]

Interesting that HSV have let the little bit of hype that came out with this announcement die off into the ether. They put this press release out with a single CGI pic, and that's it ... here we are 7 weeks later and haven't seen anything more about it.
With only 5 weeks or so until they're available, you'd think HSV would have at least put some more pics out there, or a new press release with a few more details to keep the public remotely interested.

[VX BY DESIGN]

I went down to my local HSV dealer 2 weekends ago and said i was serious about gettig one but needed to know more about the back end and the inside before i made a decision.

Said he was getting in 7 (4 sedans, 3 Ute's), had already take orders for 2 sedans and a ute, so he would definitely get back to me that week with the info..........Still waiting!!!

[bonners]

The rear of the car is standard..

I am of the opinion that the rear will be the SS Special Edition with 'G8' diffuser etc that some of us SSV owners have changed to.

I agree. I am very surprised of no more pics. I just checked the Bartons website and it has a article about it under 'NEW HSV' and then it take you to a page saying available January 2010.

[VX BY DESIGN]

They finaly have a brochure at the dealers.

As per above it will have the SS rear tail lights with the lip wing. It will have the SSV interior with climate control and the big audio, cloth seats (same as the R8 cloth seats) and the same size rims all round.