HSV unveils E2 range

The covers off -- we can now show you the new face of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) -- and it's an aggressive one at that. Wearing the new E2 moniker and high intensity daytime running lamps, the latest HSV range has been perhaps the best kept secret of 2009.

In the face of errant internet teaser ads, an accidental photo leak from a Federal Government transport agency a fortnight ago, and one of Australia's key motoring magazines throwing a spanner in the works with subscriber copies breaking a strict embargo, full details of HSV's new E2 range have remained under wraps -- until now. 

So what's new? The big news is that the flagship GTS returns to hero status, and has more power (325kW) and more performance than the rest of the HSV models. The other big news is that HSV has undertaken more visual changes from the base Holden stock than ever. This is especially important, in light of the fact that the MY10 Commodore has no external changes other than a badge and an extra exhaust pipe on the base model V6.

All HSV E2 short-wheelbase models get all-new front bumpers with Audi-Porsche-style LED daytime running lights, and (with the exception of the Seantor) the familiar twin nostril vented bonnet from the Pontiac G8. At the rear, E2 sedans get a technical-look bumper and large rectangular exhaust outlets similar to Mercedes-Benz AMG cars. The Maloo ute and Tourer wagon feature carry over rear-ends and pipes.

The alloy wheel design on every HSV E2 model is new (only the 20-inch Pentagons which are optional on Clubsport R8 and Maloo R8 are carry over) and, as our model by model coverage shows, the GTS now has 8.5-inch wide wheels up front for better cornering stability and grip -- and to accommodate the optional six-piston race-bred brakes from the W427 super sedan.

Technology upgrades standard across the line-up are substantial -- with a number of Aussie firsts.

Three stage stability control (normal mode, competition mode and off) is standard across the range and includes a true launch control function on manual models. A bi-model exhaust, similar to that debuted on the W427 super sedan, and which makes the car louder or quieter depending on throttle opening and other parameters, are also available as an option across the range and standard on the GTS.

The new HSV range will also help owners keep their licence with a state-of-the-art, locally-developed Bosch cruise control system that uses the brakes to more accurately slow the car on steep downhill sections. Holden-sourced cruise controls used up until now simply used throttle to modulate speed.

The Bosch advanced cruise control with brake assistance is so advanced it will even activate the brake lights if the speed decreases suddenly.

The rest of the HSV range gets fuel savings with lower emissions for no loss in performance or power (317kW).

All of the above changes amount to the most significant update in HSV history. The company declined to nominate the amount of millions of dollars invested but said it was more than the VX, VY and VZ generation facelifts combined.

"If VE1 was our billion dollar baby, then this is our half a billion dollar baby," HSV boss Phil Harding told the Carsales Network.

"This is the biggest spend we've made, but we learned from E Series that if you spend the money and make the changes then customers will buy it. They want their cars to stand out and look different."

Given the spend, HSV pulled out all straps to keep the update under wraps.

HSV boss Harding explained: "This time around not everyone in the company knew what was going on. We were very strict on who saw it [the prototype] and who was involved in it. Of the 200 or so people who work at HSV, no more than 10 or 15 people knew about the changes to the car."

HSV also had all its employees re-sign confidentiality agreements, and further restricted access to the design and engineering departments. Media -- including the Carsales Network -- were also required to sign confidentiality agreements. They almost worked.

Work on E2 began as soon as the VE HSV range was released in August 2006.

HSV designer Julian Quincey was working on the new front bumper when HSV learned that Holden was developing a new bonnet for the Pontiac G8 version of the Commodore for export.

"When we heard about that we were in there straight away," said Quincey.

"That bonnet fits so well with the HSV design DNA and our twin nostril grille. So we asked Pontiac and Holden if we could use it for our 2009 update and they gave us their blessings -- which was a nice treat. It really helps differentiate the car."

HSV knew it was onto a winner even before the car was unveiled; sight unseen all HSV dealers secured the entire production build for the rest of the year. Indeed, in the last three months of 2009 HSV will build 1600 cars -- almost half a year's worth of sales.

"We're not quite back to the record-setting pace where we were at VE1. We are respectful of the economy, but we are in a very healthy situation," Harding said.

To avoid the discounting that hit the performance brand when dealers were left with stock in the changeover from VZ to VE, Harding revealled HSV tightly controlled production of E Series models in the run-out period before E2's launch this week.

"This is not just a smoke and mirrors package, and it's not just about technology under the skin. It's about both," Harding said of the E2 range.

HSV has released photos and details of the new E2 range this week (for full model by model descriptions see the link above) but drive impressions will have to wait until after the media preview embargo is lifted at 6pm on Tuesday, September 22. Unless of course, somebody else publishes details beforehand

-- with staff

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi.