HSV Commodore range gets 6.2L LS3 powerplant

With the reveal last week of the LS3-powered Pontiac G8 GXP performance sedan at the New York Auto Show, it was only a matter of time until Holden announced plans for its own version of the car for sale in Australia. Today, Holden’s official in-house tuner HSV revealed changes to its 2008 E-Series Commodore lineup, including the introduction of the GXP's LS3 V8 engine across the board.

Unlike U.S. versions, the Aussie-spec LS3 delivers a peak output of 425hp (317kW), up from the GXP’s 402hp (300kW). This peak arrives at 6,000rpm, while max torque of 550Nm (406lb-ft) arrives at 4,600rpm.

HSV also introduced a new colour palette for the 2008 lineup as well as standard transmission coolers for automatic gearboxes and optional 20in wheels across the fleet.

The more powerful engine reaffirms HSV as the performance leader in Australia, while also taking away the spotlight from the newly introduced FG Falcon range. Ford is yet to confirm final performance numbers for its FPV range but the most powerful car in its lineup is expected to make do with a 390hp (290kW) 5.4L V8 engine.

Production of the new LS3 range begins this month and is available in dealerships from April. The Vauxhall's VXR8 and the CSV R8, sold in the UK and Middle East respectively, will also receive the LS3 engine this year.