More power for enhanced MY15 HSV range

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has gone all out for 2015, announcing significant running changes to its GEN-F high-performance model portfolio.

Available from mid-November, the updated MY15 range will see the popular SV Enhanced pack become standard-issue on all R8 models, bolstering the output of HSV's Chevrolet-sourced LS3 6.2-litre V8 to 340kW and 570Nm (up 15kW and 20Nm).

HSV says that the increase will make the pair of models the most powerful ever produced in Australia outside of its supercharged GTS.

Now standard for R8 versions of the ClubSport sedan, ClubSport Tourer and Maloo ute, the SV Enhanced pack – previously a $4995 option – adds a bi-modal air intake, Camaro LS3-sourced high-flow inlet tube, high-flow bi-modal exhaust with high-flow headers and catalytic converters, dual-mass flywheel, and Pitch Black bumper inserts and mirror scalps to the standard kit list.

Paddle shifters are now also standard on automatic variants. Available on most variants optionally, the six-speed automatic attracts a $2500 premium over six-speed manual models.

Regular ClubSport and Maloo models also receive minor horsepower uptick, with both models gaining 8kW, taking the total output to 325kW and an unchanged 550Nm.

Small stylistic changes – including the availability of Pitch Black 'fender vents' and mirror scalps, a new Hyperflow mid-height rear spoiler, a black engine cover with red lettering and a single-tone horn – are now offered across the entire portfolio, while all models will also receive reversing guidelines as part of the hi-res reversing camera.

On ClubSport R8 Tourer models the reversing camera is now painted Pitch Black, matching a new appliqué across the tailgate. HSV wagon models – which currently account for only 13 sales per month – will also receive the same tailpipe arrangement as Holden's VF Commodore SS Sportwagon, and will no longer be offered with the choice of a manual transmission.

Interestingly, HSV has also decided to equip all models fitted with its bi-modal exhaust with a new electrically-operated actuator. The crew at Clayton says the enhancement will provide a "throatier note" for all models bar the long-wheelbase Grange, the bi-modal exhaust of which remains vacuum-operated.

HSV's Caprice-based Grange super-limo is also stripped of its perforated leather seat trim.

Subtle changes to the colour palette see the black inlays on the wheels of R8 variants replaced with Tornado Grey, while the Satin Graphite inlays on GTS models are swapped for a new Dark Stainless look.

Body colours are also "adjusted", with Karma (mid blue) and Fantale (vivid orange) getting the boot in favour of two news hues: Some Like It Hot (deep cherry red) and Jungle Green (olive green). ClubSport R8 Tourer models will also omit Alchemy (purple) from the line-up.

Carry-over options across the HSV line-up include Red Hot leather upholstery ($695), SV 20-inch forged alloys ($1895), a low-line decklid spoiler ($TBA) and an electric tilt/slide sunroof ($1990).

2014 HSV pricing (plus on-road costs):
Maloo — $59,990 (man.) / $62,490 (auto.)
ClubSport — $61,990 (man.) / $64,490 (auto.)
Maloo R8 — $69,990 (man.) / $72,490 (auto.)
ClubSport R8 — $73,290 (man.) / $75,790 (auto.)
ClubSport R8 Tourer — $76,490 (auto. only)
Senator Signature — $83,990 (man. & auto.)
Grange — $85,990 (auto. only)
GTS Maloo — $87,990 (man.) / $90,490 (auto.)
GTS — $94,490 ($96,990 auto)