Holden Special Vehicles is rolling out its E Series 3 range with a combination of new technologies -- some introduced in parallel with Holden's latest VE Series II Commodore and some that are exclusive to HSV in accordance with its premium image.
Among the former are the new Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) touch-screen instruments introduced in Commodore and Caprice this month, while other features that bring to mind premium Euro cars include the SBZA Side Blind Zone Alert that tips off the driver if another vehicle is travelling in the blind spot not covered by rearview mirrors.
SBZA is standard on the flagship Grange and optional on all other HSV models.
Another feature HSV claims as an exclusive is the availability of the mean-green LPI liquid propane injection system it has been working on for some time. This brings true HSV-style grunt along with the at-pump cost benefits of LPG and is available as an option on all models apart from -- due to lack of space for the LPG tank - the ClubSport R8 Tourer.
And talking of grunt, there's a bit more of it in the E Series 3 Grange model which gets a power boost to 325kW.
The new touch-screen controls radio, SatNav, reversing camera and the EDI system and sits, as it does in Commodore and Caprice, high and proud on the redesigned dash.
It's dressed up by HSV with a piano black surround and a machined stainless steel nameplate sitting just below in the centre console.
A new HSV instrument binnacle holds the gauges on top of the centre console, while "new microsilver appliqués" span the dash and are set off in the GTS version by carbon-look steering wheel spokes.
There's also a new two-tone leather colour -- Turismo Rosso - that is offset by contrasting black stitching.
Outside, there's not as much to talk about except for a modified rear spoiler on ClubSport R8 and GTS that offers a slightly compressed, lower-drag profile and uses redesigned supports featuring HSV's "shockwave" styling theme. All models except Maloo R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer get bigger, raunchier exhaust tips.
Four new exterior colours are available: Hazard Yellow, Alto Grey, Sizzle (dark red) and Mirage Glow (soft gold).
Standard equipment on every HSV model now includes a reversing camera with rear park assist, satellite navigation and touch screen radio with iPod connectivity.
HSV says recommended retail prices have generally risen by only $1000 over outgoing models despite the extra standard equipment. The Senator goes up by just $560.
MY11 Holden Special Vehicles *Manufacturer's List Prices:
| |
Manual |
Automatic |
| ClubSport R8 |
$67,600 |
$69,600 |
| ClubSport R8 Tourer |
$68,600 |
$70,600 |
| Grange |
N/A |
$88,900 |
| GTS |
$82,900 |
$84,900 |
| Maloo R8 |
$64,600 |
$66,600 |
| 20 years of Maloo R8 |
$67,600 |
$69,600 |
| Senator Signature |
$83,990 |
$83,990 |
| Grange N/A $88,900 |
|
Optional equipment: |
| LPI |
$5,990 (sedans) |
$6,390 (Maloo) |
|
| SBZA |
$1,990 |
|
| Turismo Rosso leather |
$1,499 |
|
*Manufacturer's List prices do not include on-road costs or delivery charges.
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