HSV launches new flagship and new boss

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) entered a new era this week launching its most refined four-door yet, and inaugurating a new Managing Director -- only the fourth in the company's 20-year history.

The new flagship of the HSV range, the Grange arrives after a long preview period. Priced at $82,990 -- a substantial saving in both specification-adjusted and cash terms compared to the model it replaces -- the Grange hit dealer showrooms this week but was first shown to the public at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last October.

Based on the Holden Caprice, the new Grange features much of the running gear HSV debuted in its top-shelf Senator and GTS E-Series models late last year wrapped up in a subtly modified long-wheelbase Holden shell.

Along with the Holden go-fast arm's unique 307kW LS2 6.0-litre V8 engine, the Grange also gets specially recalibrated HSV's MRC Magnetic Ride Control suspension and bespoke AP Racing sourced brake system. Inside there's special HSV-themed instruments and seats as well as standard dual screen DVD entertainment system, tri-zone electronic climate control, parking assist and other goodies.

HSV says the car has no direct domestic competitor.

New MD Scott Grant has had less 'pre-launch' exposure than his new flagship. Grant's appointment was announced last month (more here) and the ex-Toyota/Lexus exec officially took the reins earlier this week.

Only the fourth exec to head-up the Tom Walkinshaw-owned company, Grant follows John Crennan (now HSV chairman), Chris Payne (who heads up Walkinshaw Performance and Elfin) and now-UK-based HSV export chief, Phil Harding.

New boss Grant said the launch of the new Grange would give the company "fresh sales impetus in what was shaping up as a record year".

Grant joined chairman John Crennan, on hand for the launch, in calling HSV's 250-unit local target for Grange "very conservative."

"This car [Grange] will build on the outstanding sales success HSV has enjoyed over the last eight months, since launching the E-series. April was the company's eighth record month of sales consecutively," Grant said.

"There is already a strong order bank for the new model and the HSV Grange is often cited as representing the singularly most popular repeat purchase vehicle in the HSV line up -- so we're confident it will be well received in the marketplace," he opined.

Look for the Carsales Network's launch drive of the HSV Grange soon.

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