60-625: Holden Special Vehicles ( HSV ) was the officially designated performance vehicle division for Holden . Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria , the privately owned company modified Holden models such as the standard wheelbase Commodore , long wheelbase Caprice and Statesman, and commercial Ute for domestic and export sale. HSV also modified other non-Holden cars within the General Motors lineup in low volumes. Vehicles produced by Holden Special Vehicles have generally been marketed under
120-579: A GTS model in this series was attributable to the negligible power difference between the new LS2 models and a potential 300 kW (408 PS; 402 hp) GTS, sparking rumors that the new LS7 V8 was going to be used in the next series. In lieu of the GTS, HSV released the SV6000, which was based on the Clubsport and limited to 50 units. A new WL Statesman/Caprice model also resulted in an upgraded Grange. The Z-series
180-506: A factory warranty via the existing HSV-Holden dealership network. To cope with the expansion, HSV moved into a new premises, also in Clayton, in early 2018. It boosted job numbers from 130 to 150 staff in order to cope with production ramping up. With GM discontinuing Holden in 2021, a newly formed GM subsidiary, General Motors Specialty Vehicles ( GMSV ), imports and distributes the Silverado in
240-520: A feature HSV refers to as HSV DNA . The range now included: Coinciding with the release of the VY Commodore , HSV produced the Y Series models adopting an even more distinguishing design and an alphabetical designation to further distance itself from donor Holden. While the GTS sedan returned (with a recalibrated ECU increasing power to 260 kW (354 PS; 349 hp)), the XU6 was discontinued due to
300-616: A joint venture in 1987. HSV effectively replaced the Holden Dealer Team (HDT) special-vehicles operation run by Peter Brock , after Holden severed its ties with HDT in February 1987 following the Energy Polarizer and "HDT Director" controversies. Since 1987 HSV has built an array of modified vehicles, most of which have been based on Holden models powered by either Holden or GM sourced V8 engines . The first car developed by HSV
360-576: A lack of demand attributed to a perceived lack of extra power relative to Holden's supercharged V6 sedans. The twin kidney grille design first introduced on the VR series Commodore became HSV's new signature grille. Finally, the Senator range was split into entry-level Senator and high-end luxury Senator Signature models. The range included: This upgraded range is characterised by a significant power increase to 285 kW (387 PS; 382 hp). Rumors followed that
420-474: A lower cost. Into the 1970s, the same vehicles could transport up to six occupants comfortably (or eight in a station wagon), at the expense of high fuel consumption. The sales of full-size vehicles in the United States declined after the early 1970s fuel crisis. In response to the 1978 implementation of CAFE , American manufacturers implemented downsizing to improve fuel economy, with full-size vehicles as
480-435: A major update for HSV through the introduction of the new 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp) 5.7 litre GENIII LS1 V8, which saw Wheels magazine name the GTS as the fastest Holden ever at the time. The Manta and Senator Signature wagon were both dropped from the line-up due to poor sale performance. The flagship GTS presented many unique features such as a Callaway tuned 300 kW (408 PS; 402 hp) version of
540-465: A more cohesive and stylish body design. Upgrades were made to the 5.0 litre V8 to yield 185 kW (252 PS; 248 hp), while the GTS included a 5.7-litre stroked version producing 292 PS (215 kW) (also available as an option on the Senator) from May 1994 onwards. The VS series of 1995 introduced mild styling tweaks and a new three-spoke alloy wheel design. A value-oriented Manta was established as
600-504: A new Statesman-based model known as the Grange replaced previous HSV Statesman models. This series was based on the all-new Holden VT Commodore range released in August 1997. It was the last series to be powered by Australian-made 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) 5.0 litre V8 (cast iron block) and the 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) 5.7-litre stroker in the GTS. A Senator Signature wagon
660-420: A new engine was due for release, with the development of GM's new LS2 nearly complete. This power upgrade closed the performance gap between HSV's mainstream models and the 300 kW (408 PS; 402 hp) flagship GTS, which prompted speculation that the GTS was set for a power increase as well. An updated WK Statesman/Caprice from Holden also formed the basis for the new Grange. The GTO Coupé returned, and
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#1733085666907720-466: A utility version of the XU6 sedan. This model was shortly discontinued due to a lack of demand. The special edition SV300 was introduced to replace the Senator 300. Toe-control links for the rear suspension was now fitted across the range in line with the Holden VX series update, for improved handling. The VXII update also brought with it the addition of Microdots across the range in order to reduce theft,
780-562: Is a full size luxury sports sedan that was first introduced in 1992. It was based on the Holden Berlina and Calais twins. From 1997, HSV offered a wagon variant (based solely on the Berlina, since the Calais was never built in that body shape) and a higher specification model known as the "Senator Signature". The Senator has been built over the following series: The HSV SV88 was the first car to bear
840-457: Is said that former HSV managing director, John Crennan, coined the name for the vehicle after reading a book on Aboriginal Australians . In 2001, HSV introduced a higher "R8" specification. In June 2006, a regular production Z Series Maloo R8 broke the record for the world's fastest production performance pickup, at 271 km/h, (168 mph) beating the previous record holder, a Dodge Ram SRT-10 by 22 km/h. The Maloo has been built over
900-529: The Australasia region beginning in November 2020. GMSV handles the distribution of key Chevrolet vehicles. Walkinshaw Group, the parent company of HSV, continues to re-manufacture the Silverado 1500 on behalf of GMSV. The following is an alphabetical listing of the most notable and popular nameplates used by HSV. The HSV Avalanche is an all-wheel drive crossover SUV that was produced from 2003 to 2005. Based on
960-470: The Chevrolet Corvair , Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant ), the "full-size car" designation came into wider use. In the 1960s, the term was applied to the traditional car lines of lower-price brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. As a relative term, full-size cars were marketed by the same brands offering compact cars, with entry-level cars for buyers seeking the roominess of a luxury car at
1020-578: The Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 . Upgrades were also made to the suspension, tyres and brakes. Although a total production of 500 cars was original planned for racing homologation reasons, only 302 were ultimately produced in non-sequential order meaning that build number 450 may exist while build number 100 may not. The VN Group A SS was the last Holden built as a homologation racing special. Other models used either 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) or 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) versions of
1080-641: The Chrysler LH cars (Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler Concorde/New Yorker/LHS). The same year, the Buick Roadmaster was introduced, becoming the first rear-wheel drive GM model line adopted outside of Chevrolet and Cadillac since 1985; the Chevrolet Impala was returned for the 1994 model year. The 1989 Lexus LS400 luxury sedan was the first Japanese full-size car sold in North America. Following
1140-569: The Dodge Monaco ). Developed by AMC before its acquisition by Chrysler, the Premier was a version of the front-wheel drive Renault 25 adapted for North America. The Saab 9000 took a special position at the end of the 1980s, as for a long time it was the only imported car to be classified as a "large car" by the EPA. From the 1980s to the 1990s, the market share of full-size cars began to decline; along with
1200-589: The Guinness World Records representative, Chris Sheedy, as the Fastest Production Pickup Truck recorded. The speed improved over the previous record held by a Dodge Ram SRT-10 at 248.784 km/h (154.587 mph). A revised range was launched in January 2006, and is designated as the Z Series MY06 (in lieu of the more traditional "Series II" moniker). The limited edition Signature Coupe
1260-718: The H and C platforms . Only station wagons, the Chevrolet Caprice , and the Cadillac Brougham remained. Initially developed to replace the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, the 1986 Ford Taurus was produced alongside it as the Ford mid-size model line. After largely abandoning the full-size segment for compact cars and minivans, Chrysler gained reentry into the full-size segment in 1988 with the Eagle Premier (also produced as
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#17330856669071320-624: The HSV brand name. However, in the early years, some retailed under the Holden brand in Australia whereas most cars for export (other than in New Zealand and Singapore) retailed under different names (namely, Vauxhall and Chevrolet Special Vehicles). Holden and Tom Walkinshaw Racing – an operation owned by Scottish racing-car driver and entrepreneur Tom Walkinshaw – established Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) as
1380-635: The Holden Adventra LX8 crossover wagon, the Avalanche range also incorporated a dual-cab utility model known as the Avalanche XUV, derived from the Holden Crewman Cross8. The Avalanche has been built over the following series: The HSV ClubSport or Clubsport is a full size sports sedan that has represented the brand's highest volume seller since its introduction in 1990. It was based on
1440-510: The eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata , is classified by the EPA as full-size despite being marketed as a mid-size model. In 2018, the three highest-selling cars in the full-size sedan category in the United States were the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler 300. The large car segment has been declining in the United States accounting for 3.6% of new vehicle sales in 2021, down from 6.6% in 2016. The models in this category included
1500-543: The third generation Holden Commodore. Its standard model range included the GTO and GTS. In 2004, the GTS was discontinued and the all-wheel drive Coupé4 introduced. Limited edition models included the GTO LE (2003 and 2006) and GTO Signature (2006). The Coupé has been built over the following series: The HSV Grange is a full size luxury sedan and it was based on the luxury Holden Statesman and Caprice twins. The Grange has represented
1560-587: The 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) V8. The Statesman 5000i (in both series I and II form) featured 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp). The VN series also spawned HSV V6-engined regional models, which are less known and widely based on Holden Commodore models with HSV add-ons. The range of vehicles for this series included (in alphabetical order): and With the release of the VP series, HSV began introducing independent rear suspension (IRS) to its models as well as introducing new model names, Senator and GTS. While
1620-451: The 1920s to the 1950s, most manufacturers produced model lines in a single size, growing in size with each model redesign. While the length and wheelbase varied between model lines, width was a relatively constant dimension, as the American federal government required the addition of clearance lights on a width past 80 inches. In 1960, following the introduction of compact cars (such as
1680-546: The 1950s, and have become increasingly common since the downsizing of full-sized cars in the 1980s. The lineage of mass-produced full-size American cars begins with the 1908 Ford Model T . In 1923, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Superior , becoming the first vehicle to adopt a common chassis (the A-body ) for several brands. Compared to the cars of the 21st century, these vehicles are small in length and width. From
1740-487: The 1996 model year, GM ended production of large rear-wheel drive sedans. By 2000, with the sole exception of the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car, full-size cars had abandoned rear-wheel drive and body-on-frame construction. Instead of model lineage, the EPA "large car" definition of over 120 interior cubic feet was widely used. Initially developed for the midsize Oldsmobile Aurora ,
1800-778: The Five Hundred was renamed the Taurus. After the 2011 model year, Ford ended production of the Panther platform, shifting to the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS; in 2017, the latter was replaced by the Lincoln Continental . In 2011, General Motors ended production of the G-body for several chassis (with Cadillac later shifting its largest sedans to rear-wheel drive). In 2012, the Tesla Model S became
1860-720: The GM G-body chassis was expanded into the full-size segment for Cadillac in 2000 (for the Deville, later the DTS) and adapted by Buick (the Lucerne) in 2006. For the 2005 model year, Chrysler replaced the LH cars with the LX cars (returning to rear-wheel drive). The same year, Ford introduced the Five Hundred, its first front-wheel drive full-size car (the first American full-size car offered with all-wheel drive); in 2008,
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1920-509: The GTS. The range included: The VX range saw HSV offer its first Coupé models based on the new V2 series , in GTO and GTS spec. The latter replaced the GTS sedan but was powered by a less powerful 255 kW (347 PS; 342 hp) engine. A Maloo R8 model was added with similar upgraded specification to the Clubsport R8. This series saw the addition of the XU6-Maloo, which was essentially
1980-545: The HSV badge and was designed to compete against HDT 's luxury performance Director model car. The SV88 was launched in 1988 and based on the VL Series luxury Calais. The HSV W427 was a limited edition flagship based on the E Series, which was released to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary in 2008. It was also a car produced to address the public disappointment caused by HSV canning its ambitious HRT 427 project previewed in 2002. It
2040-531: The HSV brand's most top-of-the-line, luxury offering to date. Since 1997, this nameplate has replaced both the HSV Statesman and Caprice models. The Grange has been built over the following series: The HSV GTS is a full size high performance sedan that was based on the mainstream Commodore range. Excluding the special V6-engined editions sold in New Zealand in the VN and VP series, the proper and original V8-engined GTS
2100-507: The LS1, a 3.91 final drive ratio and the addition of toe-control links to its IRS design. The recent release of the new WH series Caprice in 2001 allowed the Grange to gain its new look. This series also saw the introduction of a supercharged V6 model named the XU6, which ultimately did not prove successful and was described as being agricultural against new competitors such as the Magna VR-X , which
2160-541: The United States and is used for cars larger than mid-size cars . It is the largest size class for cars. In the United Kingdom, this class is referred to as the executive car , while in Europe, it is known as E-segment or F-segment . The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on
2220-538: The VN Holden Commodore were developed by HSV, the most potent of which was the Commodore SS Group A SV built for Holden's touring car homologation requirements. It featured an extensively modified version of Holden's 5.0 litre V8 to produce 215 kW (292 PS; 288 hp) at 5200 rpm and 411 N⋅m (303 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm coupled to a six-speed ZF S6-40 manual transmission as used in
2280-743: The base HSV model to broaden appeal. In 1996, a limited edition flagship GTS-R was created which came standard with the 5.7-litre V8, Tremec T56 six-speed transmission and "Hydratrak" limited slip differential (LSD) package. Available only in a polarising bright yellow colour (known as "XU-3 Yellah") with carbon fibre inserts and large rear wing, the GTS-R engine could be blueprinted for more power. In total, 85 GTS-Rs were produced (10 exported to New Zealand). The VS series II of 1996 introduced HSV's "Integrated Security System" (ISS) as standard, which featured an immobiliser and different electronics configuration for each car produced in an effort to deter theft. In 1996,
2340-459: The biggest HSV range in history, with 16 variants. The range included: This series of HSVs (released in October 2004) were known as the "Z" Series, reflecting the fact they were based on the V Z -series of the donor Holden Commodore . This saw the introduction, across the range, of the new GM LS2 V8, which generated 297 kW (400 hp). The AWD models retained the less powerful LS1. The lack of
2400-566: The combined passenger and cargo volume, large cars (full-size cars) are defined as having an interior volume index of more than 120 cu ft (3.4 m ) for sedan models, or 160 cu ft (4.5 m ) for station wagons. From the introduction of the Ford Flathead V8 in the 1930s until the 1980s, most North American full-size cars were powered by V8 engines . However, V6 engines and straight-six engines have also been available on American full-size cars, especially until
2460-427: The entry-level Clubsport and luxury Senator were equipped with the 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) V8, the high-performance GTS came standard with the 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) version and HSV's premium brake package. A limited-slip differential was standard across the range. Following the appointment of award-winning designer Ian Callum as design chief for TWR, VR series HSV models benefited from
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2520-513: The first fully electric full-size car sold in North America. For the 2013 model year, the Chevrolet Impala became the final American-market full-size sedan sold with a front bench seat . By the mid-2010s, full-size cars began seeing a steep decline in sales in North America, with SUVs replacing much of the full-size segment. At the end of the decade, demand for sedans (of all sizes) shifted towards vehicles of other layouts, reducing or shuttering production of sedans entirely. In 2018, Ford announced
2580-400: The first model lines to see major change. While General Motors and Ford would reduce the exterior footprint of their full-size lines to that of their intermediates, AMC withdrew its Ambassador and Matador full-size lines (to concentrate on production of mid-size vehicles). To save production costs, Chrysler repackaged its intermediates using the erstwhile full-size names, moving on to exiting
2640-429: The following areas: acceleration ( torque and throttle response ), top speed ( horsepower ), cornering and braking . It is debated how much performance is required to move classification from standard to high performance. Further classification of performance cars is possible in the following categories: Full-size car Full-size car —also known as large car —is a vehicle size class which originated in
2700-581: The following series: The most powerful and developed version was the Gen-F 430 kW GTS Maloo, which was launched in November 2014. It featured GTS sedan mechanicals except for the Magnetic Ride Control suspension setup that, due to limited development opportunities, HSV left exclusively for the GTS sedan, Senator Signature and Grange. This Maloo was originally limited to 165 units, later increased to 250 plus 10 for export to New Zealand. The HSV Senator
2760-666: The forays of parent company Holden into AWD saw the introduction of the Avalanche (based on the Holden Adventra ), the XUV (based on the Holden Crewman ), and the Coupé4 (based on the Holden Monaro ). The latter was particularly significant, as it was the first time that Holden 's AWD system had been used in such a low-riding application. These new additions to the range made the Y Series II
2820-500: The increased use of mid-size cars, vans, and SUVs grew in use as family vehicles. Between 1960 and 1994, the market share of full-size cars declined from 65 to only 8.3 percent. From 1990 until 1992, both GM and Ford redesigned its full-size car lines for the first time since the late 1970s. For the 1992 model year, Chrysler introduced a new front-wheel drive full-size car line, replacing the Eagle Premier/Dodge Monaco with
2880-513: The mainstream Commodore range and has been the entry-level HSV model except between 1995 and 1998, when that role was filled by the Manta range. In 1999, HSV introduced a higher specification known as the "R8". The Clubsport has been built over the following series: The HSV Coupé is a high performance grand tourer that was produced from 2001 to 2006. It was based on the Holden Monaro , the Coupé adaptation of
2940-705: The polarising body kit and bluish-silver colour, the VL Group A SS was also the first model to feature a fuel-injected version of the Holden V8, with the first electronic fuel injection (EFI) VN Holden Commodore V8s not released until August 1988. The SV88 model was based on the VL Holden Calais and used a carburetored version of the V8 producing 136 kW (185 PS; 182 hp). The range of vehicles for this series included (in chronological order): A number of models based on
3000-568: The sales of all Ford-branded passenger cars (except for the Mustang ) would end in North America by 2022. General Motors announced the closure of several manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada, with the production of the Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse ending in 2020. As of 2022, full-size cars from Asian manufacturers include the Lexus LS , Genesis G80 / G90 , Nissan Maxima , and Toyota Avalon . Another car from an Asian manufacturer,
3060-439: The same V8 except the SV3800, which had a 179 kW (243 PS; 240 hp) 3.8-litre V6 . In 1990, the first HSV Maloo was released, based on the VG series Holden Ute of the time. The lighter Ute body provided a performance edge over the other HSV sedan counterparts. Models based on the long-wheelbase Holden VQ Caprice were released soon after. The SV90 and SV93 were treated with reworked suspension, wider front track and
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#17330856669073120-535: The segment in 1981. During the 1980s, manufacturers further reduced the exterior footprint of several model lines from the full-size segment into the mid-size class to comply with more stringent CAFE standards. With the 1982 model year, Chrysler exited the full-size segment entirely, with the mid-size Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury serving as its largest sedan lines. Following the 1985 model year, General Motors replaced most of its full-size rear-wheel-drive model lines with smaller front-wheel drive sedans on
3180-445: The standard Holden offerings. To achieve this, HSV introduced more distinguishing bodykit and interior designs. This series also saw the LS1 engine output increase by 5 kW (7 PS; 7 hp). The introduction of the new VU Holden Ute allowed HSV to produce an all-new Maloo variant. A limited edition Senator 300 model also became available, equipped with the 300 kW (408 PS; 402 hp) V8 and suspension modifications from
3240-408: Was HSV's farewell to the Monaro/GTO as the last two door coupe manufactured in Australia. The range included: In addition, in July 2005, HSV released upgraded manual-only Clubsport, Clubsport R8 and Coupé GTO fitted with optional 2-Stage "Dealer Team Spec" performance packages. Performance vehicle A performance car is a car that exhibits above-average capabilities in one or more of
3300-452: Was introduced and was mechanically identical to the sedan counterpart. The VS ute bodyshell was retained for the Maloo. There were only 180 Manta units produced, after which this model was dropped from production due to its close competition with the donor Commodore SS model. HSV's VT range included: The range also comprised the XU8, which was built in limited numbers to carry last-ever Australian-made V8 engine. The VT Series II represented
3360-513: Was introduced in Australia in 1992 with the VP series. The GTS has represented the HSV brand's most powerful offering to date. With the exception of the Z Series, when it was not part of the range, the GTS has been built over the following series: The HSV Maloo is a performance utility that has been produced since 1990 and was based on the Holden Ute. Its distinguishing features have been high-performance V8 engines and full body kits . The name "Maloo" means " thunder " in an Aboriginal language. It
3420-535: Was powered by a 7,011 cc (7.0 L; 427.8 cu in) LS7 V8 engine rated at 375 kW (510 PS; 503 bhp) at 6500 rpm and 640 N⋅m (472 lb⋅ft) at 5000 rpm of torque . The Holden VL Commodore SS Group A SV was the first car produced by HSV. Developed under contract to Holden, it was released in March 1988. Modifications were made to the standard Holden 5.0 litre V8 to produce 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) at 5200 rpm and 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm. Best known for
3480-472: Was rated a superior product in a direct comparison. For the first time, a more performance-oriented Clubsport was launched, known as the Clubsport R8. It came standard with HSV's "Performance" suspension and braking package, which were offered as optional extras on the Clubsport. Again, the Maloo remained available using the VS ute body shell. HSV's VT Series II range included: Acting on feedback from owners, HSV strove to differentiate its range of vehicles from
3540-490: Was the Holden VL Commodore SS Group A SV of 1988, which was badged and sold by Holden for Group A touring car racing homologation purposes. It went on to win the 1990 Bathurst 1000 race. The first car developed, badged and sold as an HSV was the SV88. HSV began converting (re-manufacturing) the Chevrolet Camaro 2SS coupe and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD pick-up truck from left-hand-drive to right-hand-drive to GM's factory standards in mid-2018. The vehicles were sold with
3600-407: Was the first range with which HSV reached the Middle East with the one-make racing ClubSport R sedans, and it was the last series to be based on the 1997–2006 VT Commodore, which adopted the V-body . On 25 May 2006, a standard 2006 HSV Maloo R8 driven by Mark Skaife was clocked at an averaged speed of 271.44 km/h (168.7 mph) in the Woomera , South Australia . The speed was recognised by
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