HSV uncorks Grange

Holden Special Vehicles launched its new Grange flagship at the Australian International Motor Show this morning.

The fourth VE/WM-based model to debut, the Grange features much of the uprated running gear of its short-wheel base brethren but is based on Holden's long-wheelbase Caprice/Statesman. Though unveiled this morning at Darling Harbour, the model will not go on sale until early next year. No pricing has therefore been announced.

Featuring the HSV-specific 307kW/550Nm LS2 6.0-litre V8 and six-speed automatic transmission, HSV claims the Grange is "one of the fastest luxury/sports limousines in the world."

Befitting its flagship status, the new long-wheelbase HSV gets the company's uprated AP Racing brake system (four-piston calipers, 365mm front and 350mm rear discs); Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Magnetic Ride Control (MRC).

MRC was debuted locally in the HSV GTS and Senator Signature in August. Used in just a handful of cars around the world (including the new Audi TT and Ferrari 599 GTB) MRC combines computer control with magnetically-variable viscosity fluid within each damper to 'tune' damping and therefore handling and ride characteristics.

In Grange guise, the system offers two modes -- 'Luxury' or 'Performance'. This echoes HSV's MRC set-up in the current Senator.

Other chassis changes consistent with the SWB cars include new wheels sizes: 19-inch all round, the new 10-spoke alloy wheels differ in width front to rear -- 8-inch front and 9.5-inch rears.

HSV has also instituted styling and equipment changes to differentiate the Grange from its Holden equivalents. The company says its theme was "restrained elegance" and indeed restraint is evident in the bodywork package.

There's none of the E-Series' in-your-face fender vents. The Grange gets unique front and rear treatments with chrome grille and lower intake surrounds at the pointy end. At the rear the car get's a reprofiled 'diffuser-style' valance, quad pipes and a vestigal boot lid spoiler. LED rear lamps also help give the car a premium feel.

Other changes are subtle -- the Caprice is a pretty good starting point! Standard equipment includes all the power and accessory 'mod cons' you'd expect plus tri-zone climate control, Bi-Xenon headlamps, six airbags, rain-sensing wipers, rear DVD and tyre pressure monitor.

Inside HSV offers 'Light Urban' interior leather trim as a no-cost option for those buyers who want to move away from the tradition black on black theme. The Grange also picks up HSV's own instrument cluster and steering wheel.

As noted above no pricing has been announced ahead of the car's early 2007 on-sale. Based on the GTS premium over the cooking model Holdens we'd expect the Grange to kick-off around the same price as the outgoing model -- $89,900.