Holden's HSV Considering 286 hp Twin-Turbo Cruze to Compete With Focus RS

When Holden axed its Opel-sourced Astra small car in Australia in 2009, it also dealt a death blow to Holden Special Vehicle's wicked 177kw (237 hp) / 320Nm VRX hot hatch. Now the high performance brand is searching for a replacement for its entry level model, setting its sights on the Daewoo / Chevrolet-sourced Cruze.

In the event that Opel does come to Australia as a stand-alone brand, HSV is looking for its own hot hatch to go up against the likes of the Focus RS and Subaru WRX, and the Australian developed Cruze 5dr hatchback is on the cards.

In a recent interview with news site GoAuto, HSV Managing Director Phil Harding confirmed that HSV was investigating a performance version of the Cruze:

"I am not saying we are doing it, but we are looking at it. We would be silly if we didn't."

Mr. Harding also stated that the proposed model would have to fit in with HSV's brand image, delivering performance, driving pleasure and style.

"I am not going to screw with the brand by getting it wrong," he added.

The Cruze may use the same 213kw (286 hp), 2.0 L twin-scroll turbo-four destined for the upcoming Opel Astra OPC / Vauxhall Astra VRX in late 2011. As both the new Astra and the Cruze are based on GM's Delta II platform, it would be a comparatively simple job to transplant the engine from one to the other. When asked about this, Mr. Harding was dismissive:

"We are looking at a couple of options."

The Cruze may also need suspension upgrades and front end modifications to handle the expected FWD torque steer, as its torsion beam rear suspension is not as sophisticated as the independent rear setup on competitors like the Focus RS.

The Cruze hatch will follow its sedan sibling into production at Holden's Elizabeth plant in the second half of 2011, with a wagon variant possible in the future.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Go-Auto

Opening photo: Carscoop Artist's Impression of a Holden Badged Cruze Hatchback

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Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Show Car

HSV Commodore Range gets Minor Updates and 20th Anniversary Maloo R8 Ute

Holden Special Vehicles has taken the wraps off an updated version of its Commodore derived performance range along with a special edition of the Malooo R8 ute. HSV is the performance arm of Australian automaker Holden, known in the States through the now defunct Pontiac G8 and the Chevy Caprice police car that was revealed earlier this year.

Dubbed the E3 series, this minor facelift introduces two new options and a redesigned dashboard / instrument cluster to the HSV range which includes the , Maloo R8 ute, ClubSport R8 sedan, ClubSport R8 Tourer (SW), GTS, Senator Signature, and Grange.

An in-dash touch screen can be used to display real-time performance data, satellite navigation and radio controls, while rear park assist with reversing camera and iPod connectivity will also come standard.

Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) can be optioned for the first time on all models except for the Clubsport R8 Tourer, while Side Blind Zone Alert is optionally available across the range.

HSV's Managing Director, Phil Harding states:"Our E3 range is an example of HSV's passion for innovation, and determination to bring world leading technology to [its] vehicles."

In addition, HSV introduced a new limited edition "20 Years of Maloo" performance ute to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Maloo nameplate. Holden has raided its parts bin to give the Maloo hood scoops, 20-inch wheels from the GTS and a bi-modal exhaust system. Prices for the 20 Years of Maloo R8 will begin at AU$67,900 (about US$63,300) for the manual, with production limited to 100 units.

The HSV E3 series will go on sale in September, with the "20 Years of Maloo" performance ute following in October.

By Tristan Hankins

Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S with 560HP Supercharged V8

In the land Down-Under, there's a saying that goes "there's nothing like a V8". Well, let's say that for the sake of conversation, we agree with our fellow Australians. What's even better than a 'normal' V8? The answer comes all the way from Great Britain and Vauxhall which introduced a new supercharged version of the Holden Commodore based (Pontiac G8 in the States), HSV Clubsport R8. Thanks to the addition of a Walkinshaw 122 Supercharger, the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S' 6.0-liter V8 dispenses a mighty 560-horsepower, compared with the standard car's 431HP.

Furthermore, Walkinshaw's 122 Supercharger also boosts torque from 550Nm to an impressive 715Nm (529-lbs /ft). No performance figures have been announced, but let's just tell you that the standard 431HP VRX8 with an automatic gearbox accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds...

For the record, Vauxhall did not only bolt-on a blower to the LS3 V8. The engineered package also includes a large capacity intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, a separate cold air intake and Walkinshaw-developed ECU map, while the standard manual gearbox is upgraded with a high-torque capacity clutch.

Buyers also have the option of adding a new Bi-Modal Exhaust that raises power by up to 10-horsepower and allows drivers to select one of two noise settings: 'Street', with an upper limit of 92dbA, or 'Optimum', which releases the LS3 V8's full 102dbA. The two-and-a-half inch diameter system is manufactured from stainless steel with unique chrome tail-pipe finishers and costs £1600.

Other modifications concern the new six-pot front and four-pot rear brake calipers stiffer, height-adjustable springs and Walkinshaw-developed coil-over dampers that have 15 separate valve settings with independent corner adjustment for the owner's preferred setup.

On the outside, the Bathurst S is identifiable by a distinctive graphic pack, front fog light covers and 'Bathurst' badges while inside a console-mounted badge showing the car's build number complements the 'Walkinshaw Performance' tread plates found inside each door opening.

The Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S will be produced in a limited number of units with prices in the U.K. set at £44,995 which comes to $66,520 U.S, $99,520 AUS and €51,300 with today's exchange rates.