Fascinatingly, these new HSVs are based around the now defunct Pontiac GXP muscle cars. These were designed and built in Australia for American muscle car lovers but, unfortunately, became victims of the global financial crisis. The Americans’ bad luck became Aussie good fortune as you can see from these stunning new models.
Even better is the price of the Commodore based HSVs: the GXP sedan comes with a recommended list price of $59,990, with the Maloo ute having a tag of just $53,990. These prices are for the six-speed manual variants, if you want an automatic transmission add $2000. And don’t forget to include the charges made by government agencies and dealers. For a driveaway price contact your local dealer.
Power for the new GXPs comes from a 6.2-litre Chev based LS3 engine developing 317 kW and 555 Nm. This engine has proven to be ideal for HSV products for some time now and the latest iteration has received a lot of praise for its fast throttle response and general driveability, the latter even shining in day-to-day traffic situations.
Brembo brakes of a design specially developed for these new models should have no trouble in keeping all that power under control.
The suspension for the HSV GXP ClubSport sedan is carried over from that designed for the Pontiac GXP four-door sedans. But the introduction of the Maloo ute has meant a new setup has been put together especially for it.
Styling differences for this hot new model see the GXPs use the HSV
E Series 2 front fascia, bonnet and fender vents. The interior is the one used in the ClubSport R8 and comes with sports cloth seats.
Though the new HSV models won't go on sale until February 2010, HSV can take orders now, in which case qualified buyers may be able to take advantage of the federal government’s 50 per cent investment allowance. But they must buy their car before December 30, 2009.
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