2010 HSV E-Series 2 Range Launched

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HOLDEN SPECIAL VEHICLES has officially unveiled its E-Series 2 line-up today, showcasing its first major mechanical and styling update for its VE Commodore-based range of sports sedans.

Power is up for the brand's hero GTS, equipment levels are improved across the range and styling has been revamped in a big way.

Aside from the twin-nostriled bonnet borrowed from the Pontiac G8, sheetmetal carries over unchanged. However, with radically different front and rear bumpers and a new range of wheel designs, the HSV E-Series 2 range appear to be very different beasts to the cars they succeed.

Deeper air dams, a more pronounced 'jawline' on the front bumper, chunky detailing and bold shapes characterise the new body designs, and are a significant change from the outgoing models.

A strip of LED daytime running lights are also a key talking point of the new design, and are standard across the HSV E2 range.

"We needed a new identity that would both excite the passionate HSV buyer and equally one that could be picked out by the non car enthusiast," said HSV Chief of Design and Styling, Julian Quincey.

"This meant that our overall front and rear graphics had to be substantially changed from the original E series and ideally also look lower, wider and more sporty."

Dubbed "Shockwave" within HSV, the E2's angular new styling direction is one that the Clayton, Victoria-based company will be building upon.

"The new theme runs across the front and rear graphics, design of the mesh, wheels and exhaust tips," said Quincey.

"The twin bonnet intakes also work well with our signature twin nostril grill and the feature lines are very dynamic with a strongly angled taper to the front of the car."

Beneath the new bodywork lurks beefed-up powerplants and a number of new electronic drivers aids.

The new hero engine is the 325kW 6.2 litre LS3 V8 used exclusively by the HSV GTS, with the rest of the E2 range receiving an LS3 in 317kW trim.

Fuel economy is improved too. Thanks to minute engine management changes, HSV has managed to squeeze up to 4.5 percent more fuel economy from the LS3 V8.

A "Competition Mode ESC" system allows a greater amount of leeway for thrill-seeking drivers, without entirely removing the safety net provided by stability and traction control.

Intelligent launch control pegs engine rpm in the meat of the engine's torque band during hard launches - a boon for amateur drag racers.

Cruise control has also been revised in the E2, now gaining the ability to control braking as well as acceleration.

The Competition Mode ESC and Extended Cruise Control systems are standard across the range, and Intelligent Launch Control is fitted to all manual-transmission models.

A range of optional extras will be offered in the E2 models, and will be sold under the "SV Enhanced" banner.

Options include a performance suspension for the R8, leather trim for the R8, Tourer R8 and Maloo, and a bimodal exhaust and 20-inch wheels for the entire range - excluding the GTS.

SV Enhanced options for the performance flagship GTS consists of a set of massive six-piston front calipers and larger front rotors. The bi-modal exhaust and 20-inch alloys are standard on the GTS.

Pricing begins at $62,990 for the Maloo R8, rising to $87,990 for the WM Grange. A price rise of $700 applies to the Grange and Senator, however the rest of the range carry no price increases.

2010 HSV E-Series 2 Pricing:

Maloo R8: $62,990
Clubsport R8 : $65,990
Clubsport R8 Tourer: $66,990
GTS: $80,990
Senator Signature: $82,990
WM Grange: $87,990

All prices do not include on-road costs

MODEL INFORMATION

ClubSport R8

All new front and rear design encompassing performance bonnet scoops and
‘shockwave’ inspired theme.
317kW LS3 V8 engine.
Competition Mode ESC
Extended Cruise Control
Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
Four piston front and rear brakes.
All new E2 Sports 19 inch wheels
Sports cloth seating as standard.
SV Enhanced options include Performance suspension, bi-modal exhaust,
Sports leather seats and 20 inch wheels

Retails from $65,990