H.S.V. 430KW Aussie Ute!

[Pickles2]

I never thought this would happen, but I see the Press is all over it, and that is, that HSV are going to release a limited run of 150 Maloo GTS Utes...with the full GTS drivetrain, supercharged 6.2L 430KW LSA engine, HD transmission & diff etc, extra cooling, massive brakes etc etc.
Never thought they'd do it, but apparently they are, and they are all already sold.
Still can't quite believe it, I mean I reckon it's a GREAT idea, but going back a long way we had the Phase 1V scare, and now the World's filled with do-gooders etc etc, so I thought it'd be too much of a "hot potato" for HSV, but apparently not.
Pickles.

[Slunnie]

It ll be an awesome vehicle!

[SPROVER]

That would be lots of fun to drive:):)

[Toxic_Avenger]

That's the HSV demographic. They wouldn't have it any other way.

[Bigbjorn]

There was a cutaway display of this engine at the Chevrolet display at the 2013 Indianapolis 500. Used in a Cadillac model, I think CTS or STS, can't remember which. Apparently performance is absolutely awesome. Available as a crate engine from Goodwrench Performance Parts for, if my memory serves me correctly, around US$17,000.

Other piece on display that impressed was the brake rotor for the next Corvette, made of a carbon ceremetallic composite material and is expected to last the life of the vehicle.

[Ean Austral]

Hopefully Ford will see the success of this and release a FPV version. Put my order in for 1 of them.

Cheers Ean

[mitchE39]

I saw an interesting article a while back on the car sales website, where they took the HSV claiming 430kw and the FPV claiming 351kw and put them both on a dynamic on the same day etc. The HSV only put out about 330 to the fords about 345.... waaaayyyyy exaggerated by holden!

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[Slunnie]

I saw an interesting article a while back on the car sales website, where they took the HSV claiming 430kw and the FPV claiming 351kw and put them both on a dynamic on the same day etc. The HSV only put out about 330 to the fords about 345.... waaaayyyyy exaggerated by holden!

Sent from my GT-I9197 using AULRO mobile app
I wouldn't say that. Every tuner and dyno operator would have whistle blown if that were the case especially companies like Harrop. Apparently this is not the case though.

[Pickles2]

I saw an interesting article a while back on the car sales website, where they took the HSV claiming 430kw and the FPV claiming 351kw and put them both on a dynamic on the same day etc. The HSV only put out about 330 to the fords about 345.... waaaayyyyy exaggerated by holden!

Sent from my GT-I9197 using AULRO mobile app
Incorrect.
There is NO exaggeration by Holden.
The engine in question is the renowned GENERAL MOTORS spec (not Holden) LSA engine that is used in Camaros Corvettes Cadillacs etc, and it has a rated power output of 430KW. That is a fact..check it up yourself.
The Ford engine however is a good unit, a very good unit, and particularly as it gives away a few cubes, it's not that far behind the LSA.
Pickles.

[PAT303]

Maybe it's something for the 1% of Australians to get excited about but this vehicle only shows too well why Holden have gone down the tube,instead of building vehicles people want they build this type of pointless rubbish made out of the cheapest parts possible but with a big motor.It's funny how Land Rover can rewrite the book on vehicles like the alloy bodied RR's,the most awarded 4WD ever in the Discovery,the most iconic in the defender,the FL2 and evoque that sell out and have a waiting list yet the ''best'' vehicle Holden can engineer is a ute fitted with a crate motor.The sooner Holden close up and stop sponging money off the Tax payer the better IMHO,and I used to work in this industry. Pat

[bee utey]

Who cares, it would probably get bogged on a freshly watered front lawn. Lunatic engine and bugger all traction, what a winning combo for GM diehards.:p

[Grimace]

I'd love one... then after 5 years I strip the engine and gearbox for fitting into a classic and turf the rest!

Unfortunately I can not afford a single one of the $ they are asking!!

[Pickles2]

I'd love one... then after 5 years I strip the engine and gearbox for fitting into a classic and turf the rest!

Unfortunately I can not afford a single one of the $ they are asking!!
Ha ha ha. Fair enough.
Actually, I'd love to drop an engine like that into our 90, but unfortunately, like you, way beyond my budget,....and buying the engine would only be the start,..gearbox, driveline, brakes, suspension etc etc etc, I reckon that by the time ya've finished ya could spend $100K
I've seen a few big engined 90s in the UK mags,..the one that I remeber most was an immaculate late model 90 with a 383 in it,...beautifully engineered, & I've also seen an even more immaculate Series 1 with I think it was an LS1 in it...absolutely immaculate.
Pickles.

[mitchE39]

Here's the article I read...


http://m.motoring.com.au/news/sports/ford-performance-vehicles/fpv-gt-f-outpowers-hsv-gts-44638

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[DeeJay]

As a rep in the early 80's I used to call on a motorbike distributor in Geelong who had a GTHO ute.
Now everyone will say no such animal, probably even Ford, but lets just say what went down the assembly line could be "arranged" if you knew the right person.
It was awesome in a straight line. I went for a drive & the owners cigarettes went from the dash to the rear parcel shelf:D

[Dougal]

So 430kw in a 2wd ute that can only use about 200kw at legal speeds.

Anyone else think it'd be hard to keep an engine like this cool in a RRC body?

[Pickles2]

So 430kw in a 2wd ute that can only use about 200kw at legal speeds.

Anyone else think it'd be hard to keep an engine like this cool in a RRC body?
Well, for sure, the whole job would he hard, it requires a lot of skill & engineering know how to do this properly,...I have neither.
Pickles.

[rovercare]

Well, for sure, the whole job would he hard, it requires a lot of skill & engineering know how to do this properly,...I have neither.
Pickles.

Would stay cool no issue, plenty of LS engines running around in RRC's now, they are a great conversion, far better cooling than a cast small block, which cooling on them is easily overcome with some correct porting of the water jacket to relieve hot pockets in the back cylinders

The rover drivetrain however..

[Dougal]

Well, for sure, the whole job would he hard, it requires a lot of skill & engineering know how to do this properly,...I have neither.
Pickles.

It can be hard to keep a ~200hp rover V8 cool in one. 3x the power will mean about 3x the waste heat.
Radiator size and airflow paths are severely limited.

[Cobber]

How do they anticipate getting all that power to result in any kind of movement? Sand bags in the tray? ;):D

I've never really bought into the Holden/Ford thing, both have made good and bad cars, but surely this is the most ridiculous car to ever come out of this country. Outside of the Goggomobile Dart or Purvis Eureka maybe :D

[chuck]

Probably not what a displaced Holden or Ford employee wants to hear.

The VF commodore is a very good car we just do not have the population to sustain it.

The Ford Territory is a very good car at its price point again we do not have the population to sustain it.

You don't think the British government give money to Landrover?

Perhaps the taxes that are put on Australian Cars by oversees governments should have been retrospectively applied.

100% tax on a commodore in Thailand yet no tax on Hilux, Ranger, Dmax WTF?

If it is not practical to put a big V8 in a ute why is it practical to put a supercharged V8 in a 4x4.

[Dougal]

If it is not practical to put a big V8 in a ute why is it practical to put a supercharged V8 in a 4x4.

There is nothing practical about any supercharged V8. Yet people continue to do it.

[Pickles2]

Depends upon what you mean by "practical", there are plenty of people worlwide who would disagree with you., as there are also people who couldn't see anything "practical" in a Landrover.
I've never owned a supercharged car, but I've owned a 500HP one, wifey drives an Audi S3 Quattro, & we both simply LOVE our Defender,..."Horses For Courses"?...All good fun. We're lucky to be able to choose,..IMHO.
I've enjoyed all of my V8s, & I'm now, for totally different reasons, enjoying our Defender.
Pickles.

[DBT]

As a rep in the early 80's I used to call on a motorbike distributor in Geelong who had a GTHO ute.
Now everyone will say no such animal, probably even Ford, but lets just say what went down the assembly line could be "arranged" if you knew the right person.

Knew a guy in the early 90's who had a Holden Caprice Ute. Allegedly came off the production line like that.

Not really a Caprice on the inside, but had the Caprice front end and the top spec V8 of the day. It stood out a bit, particularly when seen hauling around truck engine blocks on a trailer. Don't think the tray was ever used to carry anything.

[Bigbjorn]

Knew a guy in the early 90's who had a Holden Caprice Ute. Allegedly came off the production line like that.

Not really a Caprice on the inside, but had the Caprice front end and the top spec V8 of the day. It stood out a bit, particularly when seen hauling around truck engine blocks on a trailer. Don't think the tray was ever used to carry anything.

We could do lots of things down the line on an SVO (Special Vehicle Order). The Kingswood panel van was the result of so many dealer SVO's for vans, all of which were then Belmonts, with Kingswood trim. 350 engines in other than GTS and Statesman were regular line items. GTS bonnets and guards on utes and vans, relocated seats for very tall people, extended seat belts for very fat people, colour and trim from higher equipment models on the lesser lights. We would not do Statesman & Caprice as mentioned in the above post. Marketing were dead against this preferring to keep an up-market image for the Statesman & Caprice range. However dealers often did post-production modifications to fill a customer order. One I came across was a guy who told me had just taken delivery of a new Statesman station wagon. "No such thing" says I. He showed me his proud possession. We opened the bonnet and I pointed out to him the model code 81235QR, a HQ right hand drive Premier V8 wagon. Dealer had mixed and matched from his stock.

Fitting an SVO for a 350 engine into the production schedule sometime took a bit of organising. No plant had a full range of welding or drilling jigs. Acacia Ridge could not build anything with a 350. Pagewood could not do a van or a One Tonner. Elizabeth could do a One Tonner but I don't think from memory they could do anything else. Dandenong could do vans.

[nat_89]

Exactly right horses for courses if your a young fella like me well I've have a E series Maloo just me and my partner suited us fine and what a bloody fun thing to drive loved it and would love to get another one but living out west the roads a bloody rough and pot holes so its no longer be come tenable to have one!! I would still love one great to ride in and just great fun!

Thats gonna be some super KWs there haha

[DBT]

Hi Brian,

My dad had an HZ Wagon, 4.2 Tri-matic. Don't recall the spec level. Possibly "SL" or similar?

It also had a GTS dash and instruments.

Would this have been an SVO?

I learned to drive in it. And for years wondered why other Kinswoods had such bland looking dashes. I didnt know any better.

Dave.

[Pickles2]

Not an "SVO", but nicely optioned, as you could in those days. Such a vehicle would be very much sought after by enthusiasts these days.
Pickles.

[Bigbjorn]

Hi Brian,

My dad had an HZ Wagon, 4.2 Tri-matic. Don't recall the spec level. Possibly "SL" or similar?

It also had a GTS dash and instruments.

Would this have been an SVO?

I learned to drive in it. And for years wondered why other Kinswoods had such bland looking dashes. I didnt know any better.

Dave.

That instrument panel was standard equipment on GTS. Optional on the rest of the range. Option U21

[DBT]

Thanks Brian & Pickles.

I liked it a lot. We also had a VL 3.0 sedan, which was much more "modern". But i always took the HZ when i had the choice. It was an awesome camping vehicle.

Unfortunately some mongrel stole it from our driveway in the mid-90s and it was never recovered.

Dad replaced it with a VP Toyota Commodore (:eek:), which never grew on me. Soon after that my GF (now wife) acquired a Sierra and we never looked back. :cool:

Dave.

[wardy1]

Firstly, I find the whole concept of a ute with 430kw ridiculous, but there are people out there (obviously) who can see value in a ute at around $100k. I can think of several dozen cars I'd rather buy/drive for that sort of money.

Secondly, don't hold your breath waiting to see these ridiculous show ponies driving around. Most will be locked in a shed as 'collectors' as they'll be the last of a line. I can only imagine the car thieves salivating over getting their hands on one of these:o

Thirdly, I just can't see how a ridiculous car like this can be approved for road use. The power to weight ratio is stupid and all that weight placed forward means that they are frankly dangerous. Driving sideways will just make sure it is impounded (in Vic at least) and in the wet, I reckon you'd be spending a lot of time sideways:(

[Pickles2]

Firstly, I find the whole concept of a ute with 430kw ridiculous, but there are people out there (obviously) who can see value in a ute at around $100k. I can think of several dozen cars I'd rather buy/drive for that sort of money.

Secondly, don't hold your breath waiting to see these ridiculous show ponies driving around. Most will be locked in a shed as 'collectors' as they'll be the last of a line. I can only imagine the car thieves salivating over getting their hands on one of these:o

Thirdly, I just can't see how a ridiculous car like this can be approved for road use. The power to weight ratio is stupid and all that weight placed forward means that they are frankly dangerous. Driving sideways will just make sure it is impounded (in Vic at least) and in the wet, I reckon you'd be spending a lot of time sideways:(
Not $100K,...$85K.
And, whilst I love my V8s, I've had a few, including a 500HP AMG, I'm surprised that in this age, the age of "Do-Gooders", HSV have had the courage to market this "weapon". It will generate a lot of fun for the lucky owners.
Pickles.

[wardy1]

Not $100K,...$85K.
And, whilst I love my V8s, I've had a few, including a 500HP AMG, I'm surprised that in this age, the age of "Do-Gooders", HSV have had the courage to market this "weapon". It will generate a lot of fun for the lucky owners.
Pickles.

Your 500hp merc is properly designed to handle the power. The 'ute' by its very nature isn't. I'd love the opportunity to go for a spin in the AMG :D

[nat_89]

Your 500hp merc is properly designed to handle the power. The 'ute' by its very nature isn't. I'd love the opportunity to go for a spin in the AMG :D

Actually they handle the power bloody well and the traction control system is really on the ball!! I loved mine.

[Dougal]

Actually they handle the power bloody well and the traction control system is really on the ball!! I loved mine.

The traction control system is constantly reducing the power to a level the chassis can handle.

With 1 ton on the driving wheels and street tyres you can only use ~220rwkw at 100km/h before you break traction.

[Toxic_Avenger]

The traction control system is constantly reducing the power to a level the chassis can handle.

With 1 ton on the driving wheels and street tyres you can only use ~220rwkw at 100km/h before you break traction.

I'd love to see what sort of carnage occurs when carrying a load in the tray while running street slicks or similar.
Wondering if the driveline is up to scratch?

[wardy1]

The way I heard it discussed it was to be marketed at 'between $85 &$100k'. Maybe there are some options. Don't really care, it's still a bad concept and sends a really bad message I think. I believe it's standard practice for GM to limit their cars to 250kmh anyway, so really, what's the point.

Maybe they should be limited to say 160kmh in this country anyway. Apart from one 200km stretch in the NT the highest limit is 130kmh, why do we need cars that can do almost double that?

[rovercare]

The way I heard it discussed it was to be marketed at 'between $85 &$100k'. Maybe there are some options. Don't really care, it's still a bad concept and sends a really bad message I think. I believe it's standard practice for GM to limit their cars to 250kmh anyway, so really, what's the point.

Maybe they should be limited to say 160kmh in this country anyway. Apart from one 200km stretch in the NT the highest limit is 130kmh, why do we need cars that can do almost double that?

Why do you need a 4wd?.....or is it more of a want?.....

There is no need for lots of things, but as individuals we have them

Again, I'd take the engine for a transplant:D

[Pickles2]

The way I heard it discussed it was to be marketed at 'between $85 &$100k'. Maybe there are some options. Don't really care, it's still a bad concept and sends a really bad message I think. I believe it's standard practice for GM to limit their cars to 250kmh anyway, so really, what's the point.

Maybe they should be limited to say 160kmh in this country anyway. Apart from one 200km stretch in the NT the highest limit is 130kmh, why do we need cars that can do almost double that?
I can actually understand why you would say "what's the point", because that is one reason why we sold our C63 which was capable of even higher speeds! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE driving fast (when safe to do so) but "nanny state" road rules have made that impossible, without breaking road rules, something that, however stupid I think they are, I will not do.
There is far too much emphasis on speed related safety these days. VERY rarely will you see an HSV or FPV vehicle involved in an accident,...most of the owners are enthusiasts who respect their cars, & other road users. On the other hand, look at the number of slower cars that feature in serious accidents shown on TV every day?
I am a Life Member of the HSV Owners Club, so I've had a bit to do with HSV over the years, & I go back even further than that to when Evan Green's "blurb"in the National Press put paid to the Phase 1V Falcon!
So yes, with the amount of "Do-Gooders"in the world today, & their continual crusade against all things "speed", I'm surprised that HSV are going to produce this car,....but I'm glad they are!
Pickles.


BUT, top speed is only one aspect, Wifey says It's not how fast you go, it's how fast you get there"!

[Dougal]

I can actually understand why you would say "what's the point", because that is one reason why we sold our C63 which was capable of even higher speeds! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE driving fast (when safe to do so) but "nanny state" road rules have made that impossible, without breaking road rules, something that, however stupid I think they are, I will not do.
There is far too much emphasis on speed related safety these days. VERY rarely will you see an HSV or FPV vehicle involved in an accident,...most of the owners are enthusiasts who respect their cars, & other road users. On the other hand, look at the number of slower cars that feature in serious accidents shown on TV every day?
I am a Life Member of the HSV Owners Club, so I've had a bit to do with HSV over the years, & I go back even further than that to when Evan Green's "blurb"in the National Press put paid to the Phase 1V Falcon!
So yes, with the amount of "Do-Gooders"in the world today, & their continual crusade against all things "speed", I'm surprised that HSV are going to produce this car,....but I'm glad they are!
Pickles.


BUT, top speed is only one aspect, Wifey says It's not how fast you go, it's how fast you get there"!

Of the three times I've had to swerve out of my lane to avoid a collision, two were HSV (or HSV lookalikes) making over-zealous passing maneuvres.

The other time was a rancid old falcon.

[Pickles2]

Ör Lookalikes?....Quite possible, in fact VERY possible.
Like I said, I've been involved with HSV sinse 1987, and I know what the owners are like, and also,.......how much we, & our ilk, are under scrutiny, from the "speed brigade".
Pickles.

[Dougal]

Ör Lookalikes?....Quite possible, in fact VERY possible.
Like I said, I've been involved with HSV sinse 1987, and I know what the owners are like, and also,.......how much we, & our ilk, are under scrutiny, from the "speed brigade".
Pickles.

Speaking of look-a-likes. There was a Vectra HSV parked up at a plant I did some work for.:D

Even for someone who didn't care about Holdens, it was revolting.

[DBT]

It's painful following them in car parks. They treat every speed hump like a stop sign.

:p

[Pickles2]

It's painful following them in car parks. They treat every speed hump like a stop sign.

:pI know what you mean, but I also do it in the Defender!
Pickles.

[Bigbjorn]

Firstly, I find the whole concept of a ute with 430kw ridiculous, but there are people out there (obviously) who can see value in a ute at around $100k. I can think of several dozen cars I'd rather buy/drive for that sort of money.

Secondly, don't hold your breath waiting to see these ridiculous show ponies driving around. Most will be locked in a shed as 'collectors' as they'll be the last of a line. I can only imagine the car thieves salivating over getting their hands on one of these:o

Thirdly, I just can't see how a ridiculous car like this can be approved for road use. The power to weight ratio is stupid and all that weight placed forward means that they are frankly dangerous. Driving sideways will just make sure it is impounded (in Vic at least) and in the wet, I reckon you'd be spending a lot of time sideways:(

Wardy1, whilst you may not want, need, or like a very powerful, very fast car, there are an awful lot of people out there who do. This is why almost every motor manufacturer has one in their catalogue. High price high profit line.

Many of those people would query why anyone who lives in an urban environment should have a 4WD. Indeed, many would like to see 4WD's banned from towns and cities.

To each his own and horses for courses.

[Dougal]

Wardy1, whilst you may not want, need, or like a very powerful, very fast car, there are an awful lot of people out there who do. This is why almost every motor manufacturer has one in their catalogue. High price high profit line.

A 430kw ute is not a very powerful or very fast car.

It doesn't have the traction or handling required for a fast/powerful car. Yet the compromises made to sort of handle 430kw make it completely useless as a ute.

High profit? Selling 150 utes would just cover the engineering costs.

[Pickles2]

A 430kw ute is not a very powerful or very fast car.

It doesn't have the traction or handling required for a fast/powerful car. Yet the compromises made to sort of handle 430kw make it completely useless as a ute.

High profit? Selling 150 utes would just cover the engineering costs.
Sorry, you are of course entitled to your opinion, but you are wrong in all respects.
This vehicle is fast, it's safe, and it will, as all HSV vehicles are, be well, probably over, engineered to do the job.
"Useless as a ute"? ..... I don't think so. There are tens of THOUSANDS of VE onwards Utes that will totally dispel that theory. Of course, what owners of these vehicles will do with them is totally up to them.
Pickles.

[nat_89]

A 430kw ute is not a very powerful or very fast car.

It doesn't have the traction or handling required for a fast/powerful car. Yet the compromises made to sort of handle 430kw make it completely useless as a ute.

High profit? Selling 150 utes would just cover the engineering costs.

Well i don't think the engineering would be that hard they already make the 430kw motor so just bang put it in there and your done, go and drive a standard Maloo and see if you can tell how many KWs they are putting down I've had a E series before and they are a friggen awesome car and really get the power down good and go bloody hard!!

[Dougal]

Sorry, you are of course entitled to your opinion, but you are wrong in all respects.
This vehicle is fast, it's safe, and it will, as all HSV vehicles are, be well, probably over, engineered to do the job.
"Useless as a ute"? ..... I don't think so. There are tens of THOUSANDS of VE onwards Utes that will totally dispel that theory. Of course, what owners of these vehicles will do with them is totally up to them.
Pickles.

Can you name any approx 430kw performance cars which will be threatened by this ute?

The suspension required to keep rear wheels in contact with the road is very different to the suspension required to function as a load carrying ute.
Pick one and give up entirely on the other.

It's been at least 2 decades since I've seen a ford or holden ute used for a ute. Which isn't surprising as most can't even cross a speed hump when empty.


Well i don't think the engineering would be that hard they already make the 430kw motor so just bang put it in there and your done, go and drive a standard Maloo and see if you can tell how many KWs they are putting down I've had a E series before and they are a friggen awesome car and really get the power down good and go bloody hard!!

You don't work in an engineering field then?