Sydney show: Sleeker look for modified Maloo

HOLDEN Special Vehicles is set to unveil a GTS showcar version of the Maloo utility at this week's Sydney motor show as part of its lifestyle display.

The highly modified Maloo will be hooked up as the tow car to the recently released Response R8 ski boat, a joint project by HSV and Malibu.

It is believed the ute will be powered by the GTS's 300kW LS1 engine and will feature a shortened roof, flared front and rear guards, new design alloy wheels and the latest exterior colour - a dark purple - taking over from last season's Tiger Mica and the current Hyper Yellow.

Sources tell us 100mm has been chopped out of the roof to give the ute a sleeker overall look to match the Response R8 ski boat. The front guards have been flared in a style reminiscent of the Chrysler Viper, with inward sculpting of the front doors to incorporate the extended width.

The rear guards have been flared by 100mm in what is possibly a Chevy-inspired step-side arrangement, while the prototype alloy wheels match those fitted to the boat trailer - a five-spoke design with deep channels in each spoke and finished in purple with polished highlights.

Holden Racing Team-inspired graphics with the lion's head and driver's helmet are also likely, in keeping with the theme established by the boat.

HSV had previously said it would not put a 300kW engine into a ute until it had fitted the extra toe-control link to the rear suspension, but as this is a concept car designed to whet the appetite of HSV buyers with future styling directions, it has probably been overlooked.

The lifestyle display is part of an ambitious plan by HSV to expand the brand into other areas beyond building hot Commodores.

The first indication of the new product offensive started with the HSV mountain bike.

Other lifestyle products with strong links to HSV's philosophies and core business are believed to be in the pipeline and to be rolled out over the next few years.

HSV has shelved plans to introduce the Lotus Elise-based Opel Speedster two-seater roadster.

The company was keen to add the Speedster to its range, despite Holden earlier cancelling plans for the car, but the likely asking price of $80,000-$90,000 was "not a marketable price for that vehicle," said HSV general manager Chris Payne.