HSV Entry-Level Models Coming Soon in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia — General Motors' Holden Special Vehicles unit is reaching out to bring its sporty models to a larger audience. HSV has announced it will launch two new entry-level models for 2010, both based on the Pontiac G8 GXP. The new additions are the HSV ClubSport GXP and the HSV Maloo GXP Ute. Both are scheduled to hit the market during the first quarter of the new year.

HSV Managing Director Phil Harding said the two limited-edition products represent an opportunity for HSV to complement its existing lineup. Saying the company has received "lots of inquiries" about adding entry-level products under the HSV umbrella, Harding noted: "I have always said that in order for a car to wear the HSV badge it needs to satisfy three criteria: performance, handling and design. Clearly these cars tick all three boxes."

Both models are powered by HSV's 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The ClubSport GXP uses a unique GXP suspension tune, and the Maloo GXP has a unique HSV suspension tune and a Brembo brake package unique to the GXP program.

HSV will produce 400 ClubSport GXP models, priced at the equivalent of $54,320, and 350 units of the Maloo GXP, priced at the equivalent of $48,885. An automatic transmission will cost $1,810 more.

Inside Line says: More Holdens for the masses. — Mike Jarvis, Correspondent