1 Aug 2006
An all-new Holden Commodore chassis, known as the VE was unveiled in July 2006. Following this, a new range of "E" Series HSV models were released in August 2006.
Changes to the exhaust system yielded a 10 kW increase in power (see below) for the LS2 to 307kW. Extensive modifications to the base VE Commodore sheetmetal and interior were introduced, most notably the unique LED tailights and distinctive side vents.
The new GM 6L80-E 6 speed automatic transmission from the VE Commodore is offered, and Stability Control is standard on all models. The GTS and Senator Signature additionally feature Magnetic Ride Control to improve ride and handling. As such, the E series represents HSV's most expensive model developments in its history**The power and torque measurements have changed from the stricter ECE method in the Z series to the DIN method for the E series. The use of 98 RON fuel is also now recommended over 95 RON. Thus the actual power increase is likely to be less than 10kWIf size counts, the HSV range has a large advantage over its rival at the Blue Oval.
The hot Holden division already had a pretty handy 6.0-litre V8, but in late 2008 it now had something even bigger.
It is the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 which also serves in the Mighty Chevrolet Corvette.
This potent unit is all-aluminium, but still uses pushrods. That doesn’t stop it producing 317kW of power and 550Nm of torque.
The 6.2-litre V8 now serves in most models across the HSV range, barring the W427 and the Astra, including the Clubsport R8 and R8 Tourer, GTS, Senator Signature, Grange and Maloo R8.
It comes standard with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
Apart from the new heart, the cars are the same as they were before the upgrade, with specification levels and other mechanical details remaining the same.
In September 2008 HOLDEN Special Vehicles released its first wagon since the all-wheel drive Avalanche , just as it promised it would at the launch of its upgraded LS3 V8 range in May 2008.
On sale nationally at a manual price of $65,990, the ClubSport R8 Tourer is available for just $1000 more than the equivalent HSV sedan - just like the Holden VE Sportwagon upon which it is based.
HSV expects to build around 120 examples of the Tourer this year, powered by the same 317kW/550Nm 6.2-litre LS3 V8 as the rest of its E-Series range.
HSV Tourer options will include a six-speed automatic transmission ($2490) and 20-inch alloy wheels and tyres ($2500).
The HSV Tourer is the latest of just a handful of wagon models ever released by HSV in its 20-year history. Before the Adventra-based Avalanche of 2003, HSV produced just 27 examples of the VT Senator Signature Estate in 1997.
