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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Holden

  • HSV confirms September launch for new E-Series ‘2’ range

    HSV confirms September launch for new E-Series ‘2’ range August 4th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, August 4th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 1 Comment

    HSV confirms September launch for new E-Series ‘2’ range There's little chance they'll ever make the long journey from Australia to the U.S., but the muscle-car divisions of Detroit-heavyweights General Motors and Ford Down Under continue to churn out new, high-performance vehicles that we can only envy. The latest update from GM Holden's performance division, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), is that the company will be launching a range of updates on its current E-Series lineup of high-performance sedans and utility vehicles.

    The news was announced by Holden itself, and like other manufacturers it will be using a countdown to the final revealing of the details to help build anticipation and hype... There's little chance they'll ever make the long journey from Australia to the U.S., but the muscle-car divisions of Detroit-heavyweights General Motors and Ford Down Under continue to churn out new, high-performance vehicles that we can only envy. The latest update from GM Holden's performance division, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), is that the company will be launching a range of updates on its current E-Series lineup of high-performance sedans and utility vehicles. The news was announced by Holden itself, and like other manufacturers it will be using a countdown to the final revealing of the details to help build anticipation and hype for the newly updated products. Known as the E-Series '2' range of vehicles, the final details will be revealed on September 9 this year (that's 09/09/09 for those not paying attention) but the company has given away some clues as to what the updates will involve. Speaking at a press conference for the announcement of an update to the basic Holden Commodore sedan, HSV managing director Phil Harding hinted that the updates to the E-Series 2 cars will deliver improved economy, more power and some distinctive design themes. The updates will cover the entire HSV range include the Clubsport R8, GTS, Maloo ute, W427 super-sedan and the more luxury-focused Grange and Senator models. The current range of E-Series models all feature GM's stunning LS3 engine with around 425hp, except for the W427 which uses the more potent LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Following the updates, however, we can expect the LS3-engined models to get a modest bump in power up to around 435hp, as well as some cosmetic changes to keep the range looking fresh.2008 Holden HSV range Read More

  • Bob Lutz kills rumors of Pontiac G8 becoming Chevy Caprice

    Bob Lutz kills rumors of Pontiac G8 becoming Chevy Caprice July 16th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 16th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 41 Comments

    Bob Lutz kills rumors of Pontiac G8 becoming Chevy Caprice Pontiac may be dead in the water but some enthusiasts - and until today, Bob Lutz among them - have been clamoring for at least one of the brand’s cars to be rebadged and sold under another GM brand - the Australian-built Pontiac G8. Designed and constructed by GM's Holden subsidiary Down Under, the G8 had been pegged for re-branding as a Chevrolet Caprice. Today, however, Bob Lutz made it clear that no such plans are in the works.

    GM CEO Fritz Henderson has previously answered with a resounding "no" when talking about a future for the Pontiac G8 GXP, but today's news sounds the death knell for the more rational G8 and G8 GT as well.... Pontiac may be dead in the water but some enthusiasts - and until today, Bob Lutz among them - have been clamoring for at least one of the brand’s cars to be rebadged and sold under another GM brand - the Australian-built Pontiac G8. Designed and constructed by GM's Holden subsidiary Down Under, the G8 had been pegged for re-branding as a Chevrolet Caprice. Today, however, Bob Lutz made it clear that no such plans are in the works. GM CEO Fritz Henderson has previously answered with a resounding "no" when talking about a future for the Pontiac G8 GXP, but today's news sounds the death knell for the more rational G8 and G8 GT as well. On the GM Fastlane Blog, Lutz wrote, "The G8 will not be a Caprice after all. I’d mentioned it, and said we were studying it, giving it a serious look, because a car like the G8 was just too good to waste. That’s all still true. I have to say that, with my new 'marketing' hat on, upon further review and careful study, we simply cannot make a business case for such a program. Not in today’s market, in this economy, and with fuel regulations what they are and will be." Henderson ostensibly remains committed to retain other aspects of GM's sporting heritage, including previous assurances that the Corvette will remain in the portfolio along with other performance models. The G8-to-Caprice rumor started with Lutz himself. Within hours of announcing his plans to take on a marketing role at GM, Lutz revealed to Automobile Magazine that the Pontiac G8 would find its way into Chevrolet showrooms under the Caprice name. "The last time we looked at [the G8], we decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet," Lutz said. "It is kind of too good to waste." Lutz also explained that GM’s U.S. operations still has export agreements with Australia and its Holden subsidiary, and also mentioned that the Pontiac G8 is sold in other markets, such as South Africa and the Middle East, wearing Chevrolet badges. The rumor gained further credence when an 'insider' revealed a supposed plan from within GM. Speaking with Automotive News, the insider claimed that one possible option was to make the G8 a Chevrolet flagship sedan and price it relatively high. The insider also reaffirmed Lutz’s comments that the car would likely be renamed the Caprice, as well as revealing that the 415hp (310kW) G8 GXP might be retained as a sort of a “five-passenger Corvette” type of vehicle as well as a law enforcement vehicle. Instead, the new national fuel economy standards have carried the day, and the G8 will no longer see American shores under any badge. Unfortunately, the model loss may not stop there, as GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson explained that there are “real issues with CAFE and rear-wheel drive.”2009 Pontiac G8 GXPPontiac G8 Read More

  • HSV boosting power and economy for E-Series 2 lineup

    HSV boosting power and economy for E-Series 2 lineup June 30th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, June 30th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 0 Comments

    HSV boosting power and economy for E-Series 2 lineup Even V8 performance groups like Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) cannot afford to ignore the new spate of environmental consciousness that’s sweeping the globe. Whether it’s a case of consumers griping about how much they have to pay for fuel, or a genuine desire for greener performance cars, HSV is listening to the people and is currently working on several major developments in the area.

    Of course, more power never goes astray and for its latest update to the popular E-Series Commodore range, simply dubbed E-Series 2, HSV will be lifting power of its 6.2L V8 family by approximately 2.5%. Fuel economy, meanwhile, will improve by... Even V8 performance groups like Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) cannot afford to ignore the new spate of environmental consciousness that’s sweeping the globe. Whether it’s a case of consumers griping about how much they have to pay for fuel, or a genuine desire for greener performance cars, HSV is listening to the people and is currently working on several major developments in the area. Of course, more power never goes astray and for its latest update to the popular E-Series Commodore range, simply dubbed E-Series 2, HSV will be lifting power of its 6.2L V8 family by approximately 2.5%. Fuel economy, meanwhile, will improve by about 5%. Set to go on sale in Australia this September, and eventually to other markets where HSV products are sold such as the UK and the Middle East, the new range will use the current 6.2-litre V8 but is expected to consume up to one litre less fuel per 100km. That will improve fuel economy to above 16.8mpg (14L/100km). Peak power will also jump to around 430 to 436hp (320 to 325kW) from the current 425hp (317kW), reports Drive. To differentiate the new range, the E-Series 2 cars will get some minor styling changes matching the changes planned for the facelifted VF Holden Commodore range also due in September.2008 Holden HSV range Read More

  • HSV working on high-performance LPG system

    HSV working on high-performance LPG system June 12th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, June 12th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 1 Comment

    HSV working on high-performance LPG system Even V8 performance groups like Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) cannot afford to ignore the new spate of environmental consciousness that’s sweeping the globe. Whether it’s a case of consumers griping about how much they have to pay for fuel, or a genuine desire for greener performance cars, HSV is listening to the people and is currently working on several major developments in the area.

    We’ve already reported about the Holden go-fast division’s plans to introduce smaller non-V8 models, as well as a renewed interest at the company for alternative fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel.

    HSV has now... Even V8 performance groups like Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) cannot afford to ignore the new spate of environmental consciousness that’s sweeping the globe. Whether it’s a case of consumers griping about how much they have to pay for fuel, or a genuine desire for greener performance cars, HSV is listening to the people and is currently working on several major developments in the area. We’ve already reported about the Holden go-fast division’s plans to introduce smaller non-V8 models, as well as a renewed interest at the company for alternative fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel. HSV has now confirmed to Australia’s Drive that it is working on an advanced LPG system that promises to deliver similar performance to petrol. With LPG costing half as much as petrol in many parts of the globe, it’s easy to see how beneficial this system could potentially be – especially if the technology is loaned to General Motors branches outside of Australia. The new LPG system is called liquid propane injection (LPi) and is essentially an extra eight injectors fitted to the inlet manifold near a V8 engine’s inlet ports. A pump inside the LPG tank pressurizes the fuel and sends it to the injectors where it enters the engine still in its liquid form. In liquid form, air-fuel mixtures can be calculated more accurately, which in turn increases efficiency and boosts power. Current LPG systems inject the fuel in a gaseous state, making it much more difficult to mix with air in the correct ratio. There are other benefits to using LPG as well - the fuel releases less carbon-dioxide emissions when burning and it has a higher octane rating than petrol. On the other hand, LPG doesn't have the same calorific (energy) value of petrol, which means mileage is usually worse. LPG can also be difficult to find as many fuel stations don’t serve it, but any LPG model will be dual-fuel capable.2008 Holden HSV range Read More

  • Holden designing Cruze-based hatch for global markets

    Holden designing Cruze-based hatch for global markets June 3rd, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, June 3rd, 2009 Jeremy Weber 8 Comments

    Holden designing Cruze-based hatch for global markets From the onset Chevrolet’s new Cruze compact sedan was designed as a global model. Today it’s already on sale in Asia, Europe and Australia and eventually it will be gracing showrooms here in the U.S., though there is still a wait of more than a year until that happens. As a global model, any variations of the car could also be sold in global markets and that is exactly what will happen with a new hatchback version currently in the works at Holden.

    The CEO of GM’s Aussie division Mark Reuss has confirmed to Drive that a small hatch based on the Cruze is set to enter production in the third quarter of next year. Reuss also... From the onset Chevrolet’s new Cruze compact sedan was designed as a global model. Today it’s already on sale in Asia, Europe and Australia and eventually it will be gracing showrooms here in the U.S., though there is still a wait of more than a year until that happens. As a global model, any variations of the car could also be sold in global markets and that is exactly what will happen with a new hatchback version currently in the works at Holden. The CEO of GM’s Aussie division Mark Reuss has confirmed to Drive that a small hatch based on the Cruze is set to enter production in the third quarter of next year. Reuss also revealed that the car will be designed and engineered fully in Australia, which means that it should be significantly different from the Cruze sedan on which it will be based. The hatch is expected to be positioned as a more upmarket model compared to the Cruze. Some of the differences will be sportier steering and suspension adjustments, and styling influences taken from the larger Commodore. The hatch could also feature more premium engines like the new 2010 Opel Astra’s 1.4L turbocharged unit as opposed to the Cruze’s naturally aspirated 1.8L mill. Reuss wasn’t willing to reveal which export markets the hatch may be sold in but insisted the company was “aggressively pursuing” an export deal to replace the $1 billion U.S. Pontiac G8 export program recently axed by GM.2010 Chevrolet Cruze2009 Holden Cruze Read More

  • Holden engineering lighter and more fuel-efficient RWD Zeta platform

    Holden engineering lighter and more fuel-efficient RWD Zeta platform May 21st, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, May 21st, 2009 Jeremy Weber 4 Comments

    Holden engineering lighter and more fuel-efficient RWD Zeta platform General Motors’ RWD Zeta platform was pioneered in Australia for the locally built Holden Commodore sedan but right from the start Detroit had global intentions for the design. Today, Zeta running gear can be found in models sold in China, South Korea, the UK, and in North America, but GM has much more ambitious plans for the platform, going right up until 2020.

    Back in March we reported that the platform would be modified to be smaller and more fuel-efficient, and that the first car to ride on this ‘Zeta II’ design would be the next-generation Holden Commodore due in 2013. A new report published by GoAuto confirms that... General Motors’ RWD Zeta platform was pioneered in Australia for the locally built Holden Commodore sedan but right from the start Detroit had global intentions for the design. Today, Zeta running gear can be found in models sold in China, South Korea, the UK, and in North America, but GM has much more ambitious plans for the platform, going right up until 2020. Back in March we reported that the platform would be modified to be smaller and more fuel-efficient, and that the first car to ride on this ‘Zeta II’ design would be the next-generation Holden Commodore due in 2013. A new report published by GoAuto confirms that Holden is developing a lighter and more highly-evolved version of the three-year old Zeta platform. Holden insiders have revealed that cutting weight is one of the primary goals for engineers, but also to eventually use Zeta for medium RWD cars as well as large ones. One key element will be the increased use of lighter materials in its construction, including the possibility of advanced composites. Other issues affecting the design process include the use of more fuel-efficient powertrains, such as diesel and hybrid options, as well as increased global production. Some of the recipients for the updated platform include Cadillac and Chevrolet in the U.S., Buick in China, and Holden in Australia. One thing is for certain, GM will keep its premium Sigma RWD platform, currently used by Cadillac, as well as the relatively low-cost Zeta for its future models. Where this leaves rumored development plans for a smaller ‘Alpha’ RWD platform and a premium Cadillac architecture is anyone’s guess, however, given GM’s financial woes it’s unlikely that such an expensive undertaking is high on the company’s priorities. Read More

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