SV6,8 and SS model differentiation

[Smitty]

We all know that the SV6 (old S) SV8 and SS models all have body kits
with front and rear spoilers and different front and rear bumpers and sills
compared to the other Holden models.
Is there a reason why Holden did not go the route with other manufacturers
and differentiate the Holden 'Sports' models even more from the normal
models ???
(Ford have a 4 light front end with bonnet bulges, Toyota have a
very agrressive front body kit for example)

cheers

[Holden]

VXIISSM6er - I think you part-answered your own question. Yes, body kits, bumpers, sills ... but add powertrain combinations, calibrations, suspension, instrument clusters, interiors, wheel-tyre packages etc. Your post suggests you are trading into a Sportivo ... :confused:

[Smitty]

Your post suggests you are trading into a Sportivo ...
thanks
actually I prefer the slightly understated look that Holden give their 'sports' models
no sheep in wolfs' clothing for me.... :cool:
but
I was wondering why Holden had not followed what some of the other Aussie
manufacturers had done.... or does this clash with HSV?
again
just curious

cheers

[Zero5]

I actually don't think Ford have differentiated enough with their 'sports' models. It's nearly impossible to tell the difference between a 6 and a 6T and the only difference is the buldge in the bonnet for the 8.

Holden, I'm interested in the naming and specs differences between the SV6 and the SV8. They have different body kits, wheels and interior specs but share a very common name. What are your thoughts on this and do you think the look of the cars should be closer aligned in looks and specs to avoid confusion in the names?

[Holden]

Zero5 - the names of both cars represent S or sports models. The SV6 (ie S model, V6 engine) is 190kW Alloytec, 5-spd active select auto or new Aisin D173 6-spd manual. Nothing you don't know already.

The SV8 (ie S model, V8 engine) grew from the need to have an entry level V8 which offered broader access to LS1, and to give it proper model status rather than simply having V8, body kit and wheel options for an Executive.

So the model ranges remain consistent in moving from entry to high spec in terms of luxury or in terms of performance appeal.

VXIISSM6er raises interesting points in terms of comparing to other manufacturers and everyone is entitled to their opinion - that's what makes the Australian car industry such a great environment to buy. We feel the positioning of our sports models is pretty clear and there is appropriate difference between an SS, a Berlina and an Executive. Car buyers will answer that question for us every time, that's for sure.

[muzza]

There is some current discussion about this on another thread - rumours Holden will make the SV6 and SV8 with the same body kit, ie: the SV8 will no longer be "stealth", but look quite sporty.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=31953

As a current SV8 owner I'm interested in possible directions that Holden Design may go with model differentiation in VZ onwards. Do you think making the SV8 sporty will be a good or bad thing in terms of appeal - given that SV8 sales are not huge but they must be better than V8 optioned execs?

Personally I quite like the stealth look - I would even have liked a "delete" option on the rear spoiler and badging , though of course this is a bit difficult to do on assembly lines.

[Holden]

Muzza - Sorry but we can't get into chat about future model decisions.

[muzza]

:cool: - that's fine I understand.

Perhaps then you may comment on the current VY and current SV8, why the additions it has to make it different from exec were chosen, how sales are compared to VX execs optioned with V8, FE2, LSD etc. Perhaps some idea of the thinking behind what was done for those current models.


Thanks.

[Holden]

Muzza - There's an earlier post for the theory behind SV8 introduction. By far, most V8 sedan sales have been in SS spec and we have had recent months where almost one in two Utes were SS.

[Smitty]

Muzza - There's an earlier post for the theory behind SV8 introduction. By far, most V8 sedan sales have been in SS spec and we have had recent months where almost one in two Utes were SS.

I understand why Holden went the route of introducing the SV8 ....
I see it as a pack with some mandatory bits (LSD alloys etc) which makes it easier in production (and cheaper)..... and no-one wants a return to the HQ days when you could order a 308 v8 4 speed manual with open diff no power steering and DRUM brakes :confused:
but
the question I have relates to the features in the SV8
how ( or rather why) do you set the interior features in a model range
that starts with the SV6 (previous S) then has the SV8 and then the SS?
To me, there appears not much difference!
(as against comparing an Acclaim with a Calais and that is NOT a valid comparison)
Shouldn't the vehiclle feature levels be set like......
Normal ....... Sports
Exec/Acclaim SV6
Berlina ........ SV8
Calais .......... SS

or am I being too simplistic?????

cheers

[ssberlina]

I agree with the levels you set but the cars are currently set up more like this at the moment unfortunately.

Normal ....... Sports
Exec SV6 / SV8
Berlina ........ SS (only with leather)
Calais .......... Monaro


It is a real pity that you can't get the four door in the monaro specs. If you could that would definately be the next one in my garage.

Have you thought of this as an option for the calais instead of trying to sport up the stock Calais, offer an SS-calais will the full body kit etc from the SS.

I have always been disappointed with the spec levels of the SS and this was the main reason that back in 99 that I ordered a VT2 berlina with all the body kit, wheels, ls1, fe2 etc as per the SS instead of the stock SS. The only saving grace is the fact that the SS now can come with single zone climate control.

[Holden]

VXIISSM6er - You're not being over-simplistic but there are certainly other things to take into account from the factory's perspective. For instance, Holden now produces 40-odd variants (including export vehicles) off a single base platform at Elizabeth in SA. That's right up there for complexity against any facility around the world! The issue about producing different components/features for each of those cars becomes an incredible challenge so decisions are sometimes made based on factors other than just "what do we want in this car". Imagine McDonalds planning for 45 hamburgers!

From a product lineup, your concept of 'normal' to 'sport' makes perfect sense. You need to take 'luxury' into account as well as 'safety' where some cars are carrying full loads of new tech features. In addition, some of our products are blurring the lines between categories anyway - Calais and Caprice moving towards sports while keeping their luxury basis.

Hope this helps - it's excellent that you want to build some understanding about why we do what we do!

[markone2]

Dear Mr *Holden*...I have a question as regards the SV8.....as you have no doubt had time to acquaint yourself with the *timeslips* section...why are Red SV8's so much faster :burnout:.............and on a more serious note,when can we SV8 buyers look forward to some increased braking power from our fine steeds.

[Smitty]

I agree with the levels you set but the cars are currently set up more like this at the moment unfortunately.
Normal ....... Sports
Exec SV6 / SV8
Berlina ........ SS (only with leather)
Calais .......... Monaro


I agree
and what you said, is exactly the reason for my question......
so
looking forward to an answer from our Holden posters :D

[Holden]

Markone2 - No need for the Mister thing ... and happy timing on the question. Holden By Design recently announced performance brake packages, retail $2750, which can be fitted to any V8 with 17" or larger wheels at purchase or retro'd with VT-onwards models. Twin calipers, 10-slot rotors, 320mm front, 286mm rear; red powder-coated calipers. Info is on the HBD section of the Holden website (www.holden.com.au) if you want more. As for the red paintwork, everyone knows that ... :lol:

[brizbear]

After 1 phone call to Holden Australia and 2 to HBD/HSV (Adelaide and Brisbane) I was finally told my car was not eligible for the HBD brake upgrade ..... even though the video claimed it could. Each person I spoke to had a different version of the story and did not know about the video. The final word from HBD/HSV in Brisbane, it is available on VY Series 2 and onwards. Correct me if I'm wrong. I am now looking for other options, the search function here is great .......

[AussieTone]

Four pots, 10-slot rotors, 320mm front, 286mm rear; red powder-coated calipers
:confused: Are you sure these are the 4 pot calipers and not the PBR supplied performance brake kit with 2 pots.

[Holden]

My bad - made mistake. Twin-caliper. Have edited the post - thanks!

[clixanup]

After 1 phone call to Holden Australia and 2 to HBD/HSV (Adelaide and Brisbane) I was finally told my car was not eligible for the HBD brake upgrade

:confused: Errr... Not "eligible??" But Holden said:


Holden By Design recently announced performance brake packages, retail $2750, which can be fitted to any V8 with 17" or larger wheels at purchase or retro'd with VT-onwards models.

[ssberlina]

Crikey, dont they wont sales? Isnt this just typical !!

Can someone find out what the real story is as it may be just that the dealers dont want to do it just like in the "Holden Assist" thread. All too hard so just tell the punter that it isnt an option.

It seems bizzare that Holden arent jumping up and down infront of all the do gooders saying they now have a "safety accessory" that the opposition doesn't. Whats wrong with the marketing guys. Talk about the Nissan pricing department asleep at the post. Lately i think Holden marketing have gone on holidays early. The SV6 add for example. If it wasnt for the kid in the back you would swear he was Gay.(No offence to the gay or Sydney community)

Maybe they are too embarrassed to highlight the option because they may have stuffed up so badly with the brake design in the first place that they had to offer a fix.

[Doug]

Probably a little unfair to be bombarding the design folks with specifics on the HBD brake options. :)

They have however sent through a PDF file giving an overview of the option, which might answer some of the questions. You can download it from here (right click > save as):

HBD_Performance_Brakes.pdf (http://www.mytired.net/LS1/HB2325_HBD_PeformanceBrakes.pdf) 208kb

There is also a 4Mb video (as mentioned below) available on the Holden Website. You can get to the page directly here:

Holden By Design Enhancements (http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/jsp/hbd/hbd.jsp?link=enhancements)

With new product options available, it is not surprising that there might be some confusion with individual local dealer staff. Read the above information, and maybe print it out and take it with you!. If you still can not get the answer you are expecting out of your local dealer, maybe try the next closest one to you.

[brizbear]

Will print this out and take it to my local dealer :)

They have however sent through a PDF file giving an overview of the option, which might answer some of the questions. You can download it from here (right click > save as):

HBD_Performance_Brakes.pdf (http://www.mytired.net/LS1/HB2325_HBD_PeformanceBrakes.pdf) 208kb

The thing that got me confused was that the HBD head office in Adelaide said it couldn't be done :( So I thought they must know. These conversations were about 2-3 weeks ago, maybe things have changed.

With new product options available, it is not surprising that there might be some confusion with individual local dealer staff. Read the above information, and maybe print it out and take it with you!. If you still can not get the answer you are expecting out of your local dealer, maybe try the next closest one to you.[/QUOTE]

[Holden]

We've made an announcement now regarding MY05 SV8 - see http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=31953 for the release