HSV Maloo GTS 2014 Review

What defines a supercar? Is it raw power, unfettered speed, head turning looks or exclusivity?

On the assumption it's all of the above, we reckon, the HSV Maloo GTS qualifies as a supercar – albeit a true blue Aussie version thereof.

It certainly isn't your atypical supercar, but with just 250 of them built, the GTS is so rare you can't buy one. Just like a 'real' supercar.

And under the bonnet, the thumping supercharged V8 bangs out 430kW. Surely enough to tick another supercar box?

Speed – it's got plenty. And it certainly turns heads...

Argue the point whether the world's fastest ute is a bonafide Aussie supercar if you must, but rejoice that this bonkers two-door actually got built. We are!

Technically 254 Maloo GTSs were built, with two engineering and two marketing cars added on top of the production run. Our tester is one of the latter. And while it may be the world's most high performance ute, it's surprisingly easy to drive.

It's the first HSV to get steering wheel paddle shifters but somehow we ended up with a manual, so we can't tell you what the auto is like. Nevertheless, the six-speed manual is hugely engaging, each gear followed by a surge of pressure on your torso as the full force of the 6.2-litre LSA V8 comes to bear.

Acceleration is impressive not only because of the ballistic blown V8 power, propelling the car to 100kmh in around 4.5sec (we managed 5.1), but because of the expertly tuned rear suspension too.

The ute's bum squats very slightly as you rip first gear, the rear wheels chirping into second as a torrent of torque descends yet again. But grip is very good and despite the lack of adjustable MRC dampers as featured on the GTS sedan, the Maloo GTS ute is remarkably nimble.

For something so big and heavy, the Maloo GTS doesn't feel it when flying through narrow, bumpy and generally demanding corners. Indeed, on a road we usually tackle in tiny hot hatches, the HSV exceeded expectations. The front-end tips neatly into tight corners, grips hard, but it's the way the ute punches out of corners that really excites.

The torque vectoring rear end is dynamite and the well sorted rear suspension deserves an Australian of the year award. This isn't a commercial vehicle, it's a Bogani Zonda.

Intimidating it might appear in paper but once you have your flow it's a predator, hunting apexes and slaying long straights like an animal possessed.

And the brakes? Six piston AP Racing front calipers chewing on 390mm rotors that deliver the kind of deceleration never before experienced on a ute. Hit the anchors and be prepared to lose your lunch.

Unlike real supercars, the GTS is no lightweight at around 1875kg (auto 1892). That said with so much power, killer brakes and suspension that astounds, it doesn't feel heavy. You do, however, pay the price of moving all this mass at the pump... Frugal, it isn't. During our stint we only managed circa 17L/100km. HSV claims 15.3L/100km (15.7 for the auto) but you'll need to have more self-control than yours truly to get close.

Other bad points? It's also got the world's worst rearward vision. Like those Italian supercars of old, save for the blind-spot system (see below), changing lanes puts the fear of God into you.

It's also got quite a bit of driveline shunt, it gets hot quickly when driven hard, there's naff-all space behind seats and the hard-top tonneau cover means tray space is compromised too.

The plus side is that the interior is super luxurious with the most primo Aussie ute interior I've yet to experience. I love the head-up display, the blind-spot monitoring (which is vital in this thing) and the quality fit and finish. The optional red leather sports seats are great, offering excellent lateral support and ideal long-trip comfort.

In a way it's sad that more aren't being built. But we think HSV might have a surprise come 2017... So if you missed out this time, sit tight.

It might be 500kg too heavy to be a proper sports car, but there's just more of it to love.

A supercar with a very, very, large boot? Whatever you're stance, the Maloo GTS is one of the fastest and most involving Aussies you'll ever encounter.

2014 HSV Maloo GTS pricing and specifications:
Price: $87,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 6.2-litre eight-cylinder supercharged petrol
Output: 430kW/740Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 15.3L/100km (Combined)
CO2: 363g/km (Combined)