Holden Special Vehicles, or HSV, is beginning the restructuring of its operations since its main offering, the rear-wheel drive V8 powered Holden Commodore will cease to exist after 2017. Although HSV welcomed the news of Holden receiving a new V8 powered, rear-wheel drive coupe, a lá Corvette Stingray or Camaro, HSV isn’t ruling out expanding its expertise to other powertrain combinations.
In speaking Motoring AU, HSV managing director Tim Jackson stated,”We don’t talk about future products on our side but we think it is good news that Holden will have a V8 in its range into 2018 and beyond. Our job is to work with Holden to deliver a great performance car into the marketplace.”
That being said, Jackson expanded further saying the platforms and powertrains may change, but HSV will have a long future tied to the Aussie brand.
Although the HSV brand has been built around V8 engines with gobbing amounts of power and torque, it’s understandable the caution Jackson exudes, since what HSV will truly become after 2017 remains a work in progress.
Notably, Jackson is looking to tap into other strands of GM’s portfolios, especially Opel, where the next-generation Commodore is sourced from. A hot HSV variant of this car could very well be an all-wheel drive boosted V6, which we hope would make its way to the U.S. as some sort of Buick Regal variant. (How about that for your Regal GS reboot?)
Still, Jackson remains firm that HSV will continue to offer solid performance offerings for the Aussie public at large.
“Our job is to deliver great performance. If it is with a V8 then it’s with a V8. If it’s with some other platform, some other powertrain, then our success will be determined by how good that ultimate performance and excitement is and how well that marries with what the customers expect.”
Whatever HSV’s future holds, one thing is certain from Tim Jackson’s words: don’t expect a shortcoming of hot HSV products any time soon.
Comments
Good to see HSV’s commitment to the brand. But it’s indeed going to be a daunting task trying to build a high performance masterpiece that can successfully capture the essence of their stellar RWD, V8 powered machines out of a FWD-based platform and turbo-boosted powertrain. I’m gonna remain skeptical about it for now. Make a believer out of me HSV.
Will never work/sell. NEXT.
It’s not like the RWD chevy SS has sold well.. it’s sales numbers are WORSE than the Pontiac GTO 2004.
This article made me laugh and cry at the same time, R.I.P true aussie muscle cars hello crap.