The Australian automotive industry may be on its last leg, but that isn’t stopping Holden’s go-fast partner from going out with a boosted bang. CarsGuide reports supercharged power is coming to nearly every HSV model of Commodore.
Holden is facing its lowest brand perception, coupled with lowest sales in 21 years, but V8 sales of the car are actually up, as enthusiasts scoop up the remaining locally produced rear-wheel vehicles. As Holden prepares to fit the 2016 Commodore Series II with 6.2-liter LS3 power, once reserved for HSV, Holden’s partner with a need for speed will slap forced induction on the HSV Clubsport and Maloo, with a showroom date near the Bathurst 1000 in October.
Though, owners of the bonkers GTS models will retain their bragging rights to owning the world’s fastest, most powerful engine ever fitted to an Australian-made car. That includes the Maloo GTS, too. The GTS models will still produce 577 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque. The Clubsport and Maloo ute will make do with 536 hp. Hardly a pity if you ask us.
It remains a question if General Motors will grace the U.S. with a high-performance Chevrolet SS, but we wouldn’t complain in the slightest should some of HSV’s goodies make it stateside.
Comments
This is a major reason why people aren’t buying the Chevy SS. If I’m going to blow $45,000 on a Chevy – and I very seriously might, having driven them extensively… I’m going to make sure I get the best one possible.
If GM said “this is it – no more changes, no more facias… we’re stockpiling this and only this” – sales probably would actually move upwards quite a bit as enthusiasts lock in their orders.
Instead, we’re all waiting for the unicorn-grade supercharged SS-V… and with announcements like this, we’re not exactly nuts for keeping our powder dry.
I’m with Christopher, I bought a G8 GXP because I was in the market and the ’14 SS wasn’t going to have a manual. Now, I keep thinking about pulling the trigger on a ’15 SS, but I’m pretty sure GM will announce something bigger/better for the ’16.
They always tweak on cars to the very end. We will still see some changes and could even see a different engine in a limited model if the 7 liter is ready in time.
The greatest issue on sales here is the car is $45K and most people who buy in this segment go to a Camaro for a coupe and if they want a sedan there are a lot of really good RWD cars not much more that do not have the name Chevy on them and have even better resale.
Lets face it out side a top level truck or SUV, Camaro or Corvette a Chevy is a tough sell over $45K even the SS.
The G8 sold well as they were so discounted. I am kicking myself for passing on a new G8 GT for $23,999