Sydney show: HSV reveals its Grange flagship

HOLDEN Special vehicles almost out-shone GM Holden in Sydney yesterday by revealing a stunning new long-wheelbase Grange sedan.

Based on Holden's slick new WM Statesman/Caprice, the redesigned HSV luxury flagship will go on sale early next year at a price that is expected to remain under $100,000.

HSV’s current Grange is priced at $89,750, but its 297kW/530Nm 6.0-litre V8 will make way for the same upgraded 307kW/550Nm LS2 V8 that powers the short-wheelbase HSV E Series range, which went on sale in October and also made its Australian debut in Sydney this morning.

Of course, the WM Grange's other big drivetrain news – and helping make it what HSV claims will be "one of the fastest luxury/sports limousines in the world" – is the adoption of GM's 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission.

Presented by HSV managing director Phil Harding, the new Grange features a unique front bumper and rear "bib", this time comprising an understated Euro-style chromed grille and a chromed lower intake surround up front, along with chromed window surrounds.

Ten-spoke 19-inch alloys (now 8.0 inches wide up front, 9.5 inches wide at rear) with specifically developed Bridgestone rubber, a subtle lower rear diffuser, four premium exhaust outlets, a flush-mounted rear wing, LED tail-lights and discreet Grange badging round out the exterior styling.

Inside, there is a "chunky design" steering wheel, special HSV instruments and the no-cost option of "Light Urban" trim (instead of the standard dark "Onyx" trim).

The 2007 Grange's all-new AP Racing brake system comprises 365mm front and 350mm rear grooved and ventilated rotors with four-piston front callipers.

ESC stability control (calibrated specifically for Grange), traction control, ABS and HSV's $4.5 million Magnetic Ride Control variable suspension damping system are standard, on top of rain-sensing wipers, self-levelling bi-Xenon headlights, heated wing mirrors, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, tri-zone climate-control, tyre pressure monitoring and a rear DVD player.

"We are intending to build on the successful export of Grange into China, exploring new markets for this new Grange," Mr Harding said.