HSV ClubSport R8 SV Black 2016 Review

HSV ClubSport R8 SV Black
Road Test

Before the scythe of the Grim Reaper slashes at Holden manufacturing next year, the legendary LS3 atmo V8 resists the grave with one final hurrah in HSV's fittingly labeled limited edition ClubSport R8 SV Black. The first of three planned models featuring the normally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8 -- absent since the introduction of the Gen 2 range -- the SV Black features more 'bang for your buck' and comes in $7K under the previous ClubSport R8.

Have they saved the best until last? The first of three planned naturally-aspirated farewell models, the HSV ClubSport R8 SV Black showcases HSV’s 340kW normally-aspirated 6.2-litre LS3 Generation IV all-alloy V8.

Its $68,490 (as tested) price-tag sees it pitted against the blue oval's poplar Falcon Sprint range and provides a middle-ground option between the Holden SS V-Series Redline and HSV’s own range topping supercharged HSV GTS… The cynical among you might suggest it’s not about choice or heritage -- just a smart way to clear surplus LS3 stock before the emission standards door slams shut.

Whichever, how does it stack up against its Aussie brothers and is it actually better than the cheaper LS3 powered Holden SS V-Series Redline?

It certainly looks the goods with the HSV Performance Design bodykit borrowing heavily from the LSA powered range topper. The wheels are from the previous Clubbie but now in a satin black finish. The 'Lo-line' Satin Graphite spoiler at the rear plus black mirrors, fender vents, door surrounds and accenting black strips complete what is a slightly understated 'stealth' look.

The interior also gets a 'black' makeover and with the identifying individual number plaque (limited to 350) under the gear selector, has all the right ingredients to identify you're driving something special.

Starting from a good Holden base, there's plenty of piano black, carbon, suede and satin chrome all combined in the right mixture. It's not too much of a stretch to say you could be excused for thinking you've just jumped behind the wheel of one of Germany's finest.

However, the plucked from the Holden SS V-Series Redline range power lumbar and eight-way adjustable electric seats don't get the usual HSV tickle and lack side support. The SV Black also misses out on seat heaters and we would've loved the inclusion of a ventilated option, particularly with full sweat-inducing leather trim.

The steering wheel is also a let down and could do with the suede wrapping proposed for the 'Track Edition' to be released in September. That aside the list of interior features is reasonably generous: head up display, dual-zone climate control, sat-nav, reversing camera, lane-departure technology and blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, driver preference dial and a nine-speaker BOSE audio system are the big ticket items.

On road and immediately evident is the fantastic ride quality. Normally this is an area of compromise for a car sitting on 20-inch rims and low profile boots, but the HSV Performance Suspension (in combination with the 255/35 front and 275/35 ContiSportContact tyres) worked a treat.

And even with this great compliance, the SV sits amazingly flat when pitched hard into corners. We kept searching for more and more challenging roads to exploit the fantastic grip and balance and in the end had to push extremely hard to find the limit.

However, when the limits are exceeded, the front has the same understeering tendency and teflon coated tyre feel found with previously tested LSA model - an area where the slightly oversteer-balanced SS V-Series Redline has an edge. The extra rear tyre width and focus to perhaps put a few more ponies to the pavement is the comprising factor -- the rear end is extremely stable and difficult to break traction.

Turn HSV’s 'Driver Preference Dial' through the Normal, Sport and Performance modes and a very docile and quiet package transforms subtly into a more purposeful performance sports sedan. Bury the boot into the throttle and aided by the throaty bi-modal note from the exhaust, the scenery disappears at a rapid rate in a bubble of glorious V8 sound.

Corner to corner the effortless, no-nonsense surge of the 340kW atmo 6.2-litre V8 is smile inducing to say the least. Peak torque of 570Nm (at 4600rpm) is generous across the rev range and the gear selection from the six-speed automatic version tested is spot on.

The shift paddles are great but the 'Active Select' feature ensures the correct gear is always selected for your driving style.

Stopping everything are gloss black AP Racing four-piston forged calipers and the progressive, powerful feel from the pedal is truly remarkable. It's arguably the best we've sampled from an Aussie-made car.

In fact, the SV Black is a remarkable car all round – thanks in a large part due to the fact it's starting from a world-class donor model.

If it's a limited edition individually numbered car you're after with cool black accents, then the SV Black is for you.

We think the SS V-Series Redline is just as much car and provides better value but perhaps the lure of owning one of the last LS3-powered HSV's EVER will be too great for some.

If that's your poison, we can guarantee you won't regret it!

2016 HSV ClubSport R8 SV Black pricing and specifications:
Price: $68,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 6.2-litre eight-cylinder petrol
Output: 340kW/570Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 12.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 300g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
Holden SSV Redline (from $54,490 plus on-road costs)
Ford Falcon XR8 Sprint (from $59,990 plus on-road costs)
HSV R8 ClubSport LSA (from $80,990 plus on-road costs)