HSV (Holden) Range

[runrowsam]

I wanted to defend the Holdens from the gentle stick they were getting in another post. I have driven a couple of them on tracks and they are FANTASTIC beasts. The 2000 VX model was the boy. The GTS is the one you want - 5 seats, 4 door saloon that goes like stink. Fairly subtle, in the same manner as the RS4 and 6, in as much as you can drive straight past one and not bat an eyelid, but if you look at it you know it's serious.
Handling-wise I was astonished. For such a big heavy car it cornered like a legend. Quite like the Honda NSX, since it has extraordinary grip levels, good balance, but somehow doesn't feel like it's trying, so it's slightly unrewarding. The real top dog was the supercharged version, with a CRAZY 540hp and unbelievable torque, the curve to which was more of a wall. Above 1400rpm or so it started to go crazy, and by 1800 it was in full song.
As for the acceleration factor, power isn't a problem. Traction certainly is. Yes it's heavy, but that engine, in the now standard 380hp setup, or even the old 350hp GTS, has more than enough grunt to tear Phil Mitchell a new arsehole. Off the line, the rear suspension is too firm to get a good holeshot, so you just burn your buns off in style. But once the bugger's moving it just STEAMS off into the distance. In the supercharged version I was doing well over a tonne round Copse Corner at Silverstone, third gear, shifting into fourth and it had a little scrabble for traction as it went into gear. Now that's power. Top option though - launch control. Limits the revs to 4,200rpm, the maximum torque point, so you just drop the clutch, have a little burnout, and as soon as the front wheels get up to speed with the rears the limiter cuts off. Sounds a bit basic, but it's very effective, smooth, and expensive in tyres. Ah yes, in an INSANE burn around Silverstone for about 10 laps the trip computer told me I averaged 5.3mpg. But it was more than worth it.

Currently most shapes are available with the 280kW motor (~380hp), and the new GTS is expecting to be more like 500hp, with the possibility of a 600hp GTS-R, and even a 660hp racing version for the road. Awesome. I still love the Maloo pickup with the 280kW motor, purely for the practicality and look on peoples' faces as it f$%ks off down the road making a most unsociable roar.

Rock on
Sam [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[bem_ho]

Talking about HSVs. I loved to get one in HKG. However, due to emission regulation over here. The dealer has Holden to manufacture a XU8 with a 3.8L Supercharge V6 in it and selling double the price!! [img]images/graemlins/033102bad_1_prv.gif[/img] What a laugh??

A 5.0L Marloo is one of my favourite too!! [img]images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

[dog]

Maybe I should drive one...
They are bringing out a 4WD one too

[s8n]

Big pieces of rubbish imo... and way over priced... $100k for a top spec GTS? no thanks!

[runrowsam]

$100k Ozzie isn't too bad compared to the UK price. You're right, the top GTS is a bit expensive, but the basic chaps, like the new 285's are really good value to us poms. They do really go like stink though. As for the 4WD, it's not as great as it's cracked out to be, but it works. Pretty heavy, pretty rugged, not too great for road use, certainly not like the Quattro system. It really is an off road thing. Slows the car down immeasurably, but it does mean that your arse is less likely to end up preceding the arrival of your head [img]images/graemlins/roundeyes.gif[/img] Every one a winner

Rock on
Sam [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]