HSV have today announced their move to 6.2-litre LS3 power, a running change that they will be introducing to their E-Series and WM Grange models. Production of LS3 powered HSV’s is underway and they will be a feature on dealers lots from April onwards.
The upgrade will see the ClubSport R8, GTS, Senator Signature, Maloo R8 and WM Grange’s power output rise to 317kW, a 10kW increase over the LS2 engine being replaced.
The HSV LS3 engine has a capacity of 6.2 litres, producing 317kW of power and 550Nm of torque, as fitted to the HSV range. It is built by General Motors Powertrain in North America and is available in the current Chevrolet Corvette. It will also be the engine used in the new Pontiac GXP, to be built by Holden in Elizabeth from the end of 2008 and exported to the United States.
HSV claim, that despite the increase in capacity and power output, the LS3 will actually deliver a slight improvement in fuel economy for Maloo R8 and WM Grange, while the short wheel base models return figures of 14.5 L/100, as opposed to 14.4 L/100 for E-Series LS2, in automatic mode.
The introduction of the LS3 engine will also extend to HSV’s export range which will see Vauxhall’s VXR8 and the Middle East’s CSV R8 fitted with the new engine. HSV in New Zealand will be marking the introduction of the LS3 engine with a limited edition ‘Murph’ pack themed ClubSport R8 and Maloo R8.
HSV have also released a new colour palette to coincide with the engine upgrade and for the first time, the WM Grange and Senator Signature will be available in Red Hot. Automatic transmission coolers will be standard across the re-engined range, while a new 20 inch wheel option will also be introduced across the range. The new 20-inch wheel will be a $2500 option on the WM Grange, Senator Signature and ClubSport R8 and a no-cost option for GTS and Maloo R8 performance pack buyers.
The running changes have also resulted in a new pricing schedule with average price
increases of between 1.3% and 2.8%.
Revised HSV Pricing Schedule
Maloo R8 $61,550
Maloo R8 (auto) $63,750
Maloo R8 PP $3,990
ClubSport R8 $64,550
ClubSport R8 (auto) $66,750
GTS $76,990
GTS (auto) $79,190
Senator Signature $79,190
Grange $84,690
New 20 inch wheel option $2,500
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Given HSVs links to Performance companies including TWR WPS and of course HRT wurely they would be able to increase the power by more than a mere 10Kw with the LS3 - compared to the LS2.. C’mon Clayton
that is true this motor is capable of alot more hoursepower, but the question is but the power train is close to its safe working limits. it will go up in power with each upgrade, but gives hsv a more evenly spread of cost in upgrading gearboxs, driveshaft, diff’s and so on
hi! I have a mercury cougar 99 and I want to upgrade the engine. thinking of upgrading into LS2 can I replace it to LS2? will it fit?