MIMS: HSV offers limited edition Senator

HSV has used the Melbourne International Motor Show to launch a new addition to its range, a limited run Senator.

Priced at $69,990 the new car will become the most affordable luxury-performance model the company offers. The Senator Signature starts at $80,500 making the new model a significant saving. Only the Clubsport R8 sedan and Tourer are cheaper than the Senator.

"Our Senator Signature model has introduced a whole new range of customers to the HSV brand and reminded existing customers what luxury-performance is all about," says Phil Harding, HSV managing director.

"Today's release of the E-Series Senator is designed to appeal to customers seeking the performance our company is renowned for in a subtle -- yet identifiably HSV -- package, with a very attractive price point."

As the name suggests the Senator is similar in style and specification to the Signature and Signature SV08 models. The black plastic treatment around the front and side sills continues but the car rides on subtler 19-inch wheels. The brake calipers are finished in silver with black HSV logos.

But the car will strictly be a low volume run with HSV confirming it will only produce 89 Senators; 59 with automatic transmission and 30 manuals.

Joining the Senator on HSV's MIMS stand was the W427 and Clubsport R8 Tourer.

Also read our 2009 Melbourne motor show overview