HSV Gen-F lineup fully revealed

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has today uncloaked their new Gen-F lineup. All four models – Maloo, Clubsport, Senator Signature, long-wheelbase Grange and range-topping GTS, will be carried over.

The HSV Gen-F range will become the quickest, most powerful and technologically advanced sports sedans to ever come out of Holden’s go-fast division.

Although some die-hard HSV fans may be disappointed at the somewhat timid styling, the Gen-F benefits from a range of new systems developed for the donor car, including electric power steering, electric park brake and automatic reverse park assist. It also debuts a number of first for a locally manufacturered car, including torque vectoring and high-performance AP forged brakes.

The headline news is the GTS’ new 430kW/740Nm 6.2-litre supercharged ‘LSA’ V8 from the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. It will certainly guarantee the Gen-F GTS the most powerful and quickest Australian-made vehicle in history. The rest of the range carries over the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre ‘LS3’ V8.

HSV ClubSport

As with the E-Series, the HSV range opens with the HSV ClubSport. Its LS3 V8 produces 317kW/550Nm and is paired with a carried over 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

It comes with a standard suspension and stability control set-up and rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in new custom-tuned Continental tyres. It also sports four sets of 367mm disc brakes clamped by four-piston callipers.

Outside, the ClubSport gets front and rear parking sensors, side blind-zone and rear cross traffic alert systems, automatic headlights and LED daytime running lights.

A proximity key now replaces with old fashion remote key for access into the completely restyled cabin. The engine is fired up with a push-button while an 8-inch, high-resolution touchscreen features Holden’s MyLink infotainment system that includes satellite navigation with live traffic updates, 8-speakers audio system, Siri Eyes Free Voice Control, internet radio apps and Bluetooth connection.

A new Driver Preference Dial (DPD) now sits in the lower part of the centre console that allows drivers to choose between three modes – Touring, Sport and Performance. These changes the ClubSport’s stability and traction control system’s settings, as well as electric power steering and launch control (manual models only).

HSV ClubSport R8

The next step up is the HSV ClubSport R8. It gains an extra 8kW of power for a total output of 325kW, while torque remains at 550Nm. The R8 is delivered with HSV’s Hi-Flow Intermediate with bi-modal mufflers.

It is distinguished by a set of 20-inch six-spoke, machine-face, black-accent alloy wheels.

Inside though, it gets a Head-up Display, forward collision alert and lane departure warning. Rain-sensing wipers, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system and the Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) system with updated graphics and improved display resolution are standard.

The ClubSport R8 driver can also control the bi-modal exhaust via the DPD, while cacooned in an 8- way electrically operated performance sports seats.

HSV Tourer R8

The only wagon in the Gen-F range is the HSV Tourer R8. Its specification mirrors that of the R8 sedan, except it comes with unique exhaust outlets as the only distinguishing trim element on the outside. It also misses out on the ClubSport R8’s Bose premium audio system, instead coming with a 6-speaker standard system.

HSV Maloo & Maloo R8

There are two utes in the Gen-F range, the HSV Maloo and HSV Maloo R8. Specification wise, they reflect their sedan siblings.

An SV option package is available on all three R8 models. It brings an extra 15kW of power and 20Nm of torque, courtesy of a new bi-modal air intake.

The SV package also buys a set of forged Satin Graphite alloy wheels, black plastic side vents, mirror caps and rear spoiler, as well as SV badges.

HSV Senator Signature

Unlike the rest of the Gen-F HSV range, the HSV Senator Signature sports a more discreet look, losing the ‘nostril’ grille for a single piece grille. It is differentiated by Dark Stainless forged alloy wheels, pewter brake callipers, chrome mirror caps with puddle lamps, and body-coloured lip spoiler. The interior features premium front seats with driver’s memory settings and luxury trim.

Performance wise, it comes with the 340kW SV engine tune, and features HSV’s Generation 3 Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension with dual coil pistons that are designed to response faster for greater body control and shaper handling while improving ride quality. It comes with two settings – Touring and Sport and is controlled via the DPD.

HSV Grange

The long-wheelbase HSV Grange misses out on styling updates of the Gen-F and is carried over largely untouched from the E-Series 3. Its specification is almost similar to the Senator but has the Performance mode in the DPD deleted.

HSV GTS

The HSV GTS is Australia’s answer to the BMW M5, which it now trumphs in the power stake (430kW/740Nm vs 412kW/680Nm). Together with torque vectoring that is designed to reduce understeer during cornering, it may even out handle the M5.

The GTS now gets 390mm disc brakes at the front and 372mm discs at the rear, clamped by six-piston aluminium calipers that are painted in bright yellow and weighs the same as before despite their larger size.

The GTS uniquely gets either a TR6060 manual or a 6L90E automatic, both with six ratios. HSV has also made significant modification to the rear module, with the GTS featuring unique sub-frame, stabiliser bar and prop-shaft, along with a 9.9-inch differential with stacked plate cooler, larger-diameter half shafts and aluminium hubs. A high-flow bi-modal airbox is paired with a high-flow exhaust system to control the flow of intake and emissions.

A fourth Track mode on the DPD is exclusively made available on the GTS, which alters the Magnetic Ride Control system with an even more aggressive Track tune.

Outside, the GTS gets Satin Graphite forged alloy wheels, black mirror caps and side vents, large rear wing spoiler, black tipped quad exhaust pipes and a boost gauge.