Though full details on HSV’s Gen-F range is scheduled to be released on May 15, some Australian media have already published details.
The most interesting revelation is news that the range-topping GTS model will come with General Motors’ supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V-8.
This is the same engine found in the Camaro ZL1 and in the HSV it’s said to match the Chevy’s 580 horsepower but offer a slightly lower torque figure of 545 pound-feet.
As Car Sales points out, this will make the new HSV GTS (previous model pictured in gallery above) the fastest and most powerful car ever produced in Australia. Look for a 0-60 mph time of under 4.5 seconds.
The rest of the HSV range, including the ClubSport, ClubSport R8, Senator and long-wheelbase Grange, will continue with their existing 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 engines, with outputs starting at 425 horsepower and ranging up to 455 horsepower in new SV Enhanced trim.
Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will also continue to be offered, as will ute and wagon bodystyles. Other performance upgrades will include an electronic limited-slip differential, five levels of steering and suspension adjustment, and Continental tires.
Of most interest to U.S. readers is the possibility that the supercharged LSA engine could be offered in a more extreme Chevy SS. The previous Pontiac G8 GXP, itself based on a Holden Commodore donor, matched the spec of the HSV models at the time and the same could happen with a new range-topping Chevy SS variant.
Stay tuned for the full details on HSV's new Gen-F range in less than a fortnight.