Holden Special Vehicles, or HSV, is the Aussie brand’s go-to performance vehicle partner. In addition to making some truly spectacular speed machines, HSV also takes responsibility for converting various U.S.-spec vehicles for the Australian market, including the Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD heavy-duty pickup. Now, it looks like HSV may be prepping the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 light-duty pickup truck for Australia as well, with sales possibly ramping up as early as Q1 of 2020.
While nothing official has been announced as of yet, HSV’s interest in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 seems well-founded. The news stems from a recent report from the Australian publication WhichCar, which spoke with HSV Executive Director for sales, marketing and after-sales, Chris Polites. During the interview, Polites indicated that HSV is “very keen” on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
HSV has sold the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 in Australia for a year and a half now, showing strong sales numbers thus far.
“We are limited by what we can get out of the U.S.,” Polites said. “But we are buying every one we can get our hands on.”
If the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 does make it to Australia, it’s expected to ship over with the 6.2L L87 V8 under the hood, which is tuned to produce 313 kW (420 horsepower) and 624 Nm (460 pound-feet) of torque. The V8 will mate to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission.
It’s not yet known what pricing will look like for the Australian market, but it will definitely be affected by the extensive conversion process and shipping costs. Either way, Polites indicated the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 would be less expensive than the Australian-spec Silverado 2500, which starts at AU$114,990 ($78,853 at current exchange rates, 10/22/2019). When it goes on sale, the Aussie-spec Silverado 1500 will compete with the Ram 1500.
Check out how HSV preps the Chevrolet Camaro for sale in Australia, including a conversion to right-hand-drive.
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Source: WhichCar
Comments
I never understood why GM never made a RHS full size truck for down under.
Ford has offered trucks for decades and the market is rich for them.
? Ford does not sell any full sized pick ups in Australia.
They did. There are a number of RHD F150’s still around.
I never understood why any Aussie would want one of our show trucks when they have many “real” utes available built to do what trucks were meant to do.
It depends what you want to do. I don’t want to drive up a goat track. Well I do, but my wife doesn’t.
I do want to tow a caravan down a beach to a campsite once in a while. So 4WD is good but I don’t need the ultimate off roader.
The comfort and safety of towing with a full size pickup is definitely attractive – rather than towing something at the limit of the engineering tolerance of a vehicle.
I definitely want the big tub of a full size pickup. That alone would be a massive advantage for me.
Then there is simply the desire for a V8. Who doesn’t want a V8?
Watch, they’ll get a regular cab short box like Mid-east.
I just purchased a 1997 Gmc Silverado Z71 clubcab pickup truck. It need some work on Drivers door wont shut all the way. Also needs new door handles. Needs to be painted, it is primered. Need approximate cost for all repairs.