Whether it's from the latest motor show or the back doors of a carmaker near you, CarPoint Confidential features the good oil other sources either won't publish, don't care about or don't know. Heard an automotive rumour or new model tip? Then let us know at editor@carpoint.com.au
>> This Grange non-vintage
HSV’s new Grange, based on Holden’s WM Statesman/Capice range was notable for looking more a long-wheelbase version of its E-Series Senator Signature, than a true flagship.
Although it closely parallels the specification of HSV’s premium standard wheelbase model including Magnetic Ride Control, the Grange doesn’t gain specific HSV styling at the rear apart from a small bootlip spoiler and black lower section with quad exhausts. The Grange also misses out on HSV’s trademark vertical slot behind the front wheel arches.
When Holden’s Caprice makes such a powerful statement on its own at under $70,000, does the Grange look different enough?
Perhaps this could be why HSV is circumspect about how much of a premium it can charge over the already-hefty $76,990 figure for the Senator Signature.
The $89,950 pricetag for the previous Grange is now looking too high under the new E-series ‘regime’. Plan on getting a little change from $85K when it goes on sale in the first quarter of 2007... Even with on road costs this will keep the new car well under the outgoing model.
>> Full book but room for more models?
HSV’s order book is now stretching out to March 2007 with back orders of 300 vehicles. CarPoint was told at AIMS that on one Saturday alone, a Perth HSV dealer took 17 orders!
The ratio of GTS orders to ClubSport R8 is running at three to one, exactly as predicted by CarPoint Confidential not long after the E-series launch. Even the new Senator Signature is generating orders in similar numbers to the ClubSport R8 as HSV attracts new buyers to the brand. (Stop press: the circa-$77K Senator is now out to February deliveries).
It is a good position for HSV to be in but the take-up rate of the two-tone dash treatment in both premium models is confirming that the ClubSport R8 is too plain in base specification.
HSV Managing Director Phil Harding says this trend is fairly typical of a launch when premium models generate the strongest sales. However, he also noted that HSV would be monitoring the model mix as he believes there is space for another smoother, less aggressively specified version of the GTS between the ClubSport R8 and the current GTS.
According to some, in country and remote areas where HSV sales are particularly strong, the standard 20-inch wheel and tyre package and the more sporting of the preprogrammed Magnetic Ride Control settings of the current GTS do not suit everyone.