HSV E-SERIES 3

UPDATE: Pricing announced, images updated. Skip to pricing section.

The debut of the 211 HSV E3 range comes one year after the arrival of the E-Series 2 line-up, which brought an extensive styling overhaul to the entire HSV range.

This time around, the E-Series 3 update focuses on technical and interior upgrades, following the unveiling earlier this month of the 2011 Holden Commodore VE Series II.

Made up of the ClubSport R8, ClubSport R8 Tourer, Maloo R8, Senator Signature, Grange and GTS, the HSV E Series 3 range also spells the end for the entry-level GXP.

Speaking with TMR today, HSV's Mark McCartney confirmed that there are no plans for a new entry-level model in the near future.

Styling

Styling for the E3 range carries over largely unchanged from the extensive overhaul given to the E-Series 2 line-up last year, although there is a new spoiler for the sedan models, and larger exhaust tips.

• Click to read TMR's reviews of the HSV range.
  

Interior

Inside, the HSV E Series 3 range gets a new 'Oracle' dash, with a centre stack that combines the new standard Commodore dash layout with an upgraded version of its own gauge cluster binnacle resting atop the centre vents and touch-screen.

A new model-specific stainless-steel ID plate has pride-of-place in the piano black centre stack, and new twin-stitch seat trims are featured in the GTS and Senator Signature. There is also a new leather colour, dubbed Turismo Rosso.

The steering wheel also gets a subtle update, with a gloss piano black finish applied to the steering-mounted control frames.

Equipment

HSV Enhanced Driver Interface

Among the updates is HSV's new Enhanced Driver Interface, a technological first for the company that offers drivers access to and control over performance and efficiency data and settings.

Through the touch-screen display, HSV's EDI system offers a total of 11 different functions, allowing drivers to tap into the car's computer and monitor fuel consumption, stability, g-force and vehicle dynamics.

Other screens include data logging options, digital gauge displays, stopwatch, driver and racing options, along with controls for the Grange's Bi-Modal exhaust and Side Blind-Zone Alert.

Satellite navigation and a reverse camera with rear park-assist is also standard across the HSV range.

Perhaps most appealing to HSV enthusiasts is the race screen, which utilises GPS technology to log and display your efforts on the race track, including lap times, fastest laps, and lap gain and loss.

As an added bonus, many of Australia's race tracks are featured in the system, combining GPS with programmed data to give drivers a more accurate record of their track exploits.

Gauge display options include instant fuel consumption, intake and external air temperature, power and torque, manifold pressure, elevation, LPI level for models fitted with HSV's LPI system, and exhaust pressure for models fitted with HSV's Bi-Modal exhaust system.

Mechanical

The E3 range's engine line-up remains largely unchanged, the ClubSport drawing power from the 317kW LS3 V8 and the GTS powered by the top-shelf 325kW version of the same engine.

All models in the HSV family except for the ClubSport R8 Tourer are now available with an LPI system (for an extra $5990), allowing the engine to operate on both LPG and regular unleaded petrol.

"LPI technology injects the LPG as a liquid rather than a vapour. This allows for cooler combustion and better metering, which allow us to maintain engine performance while reducing CO2 emissions," HSV engineering boss Joel Stoddart said.

The 2011 HSV E-Series 3 range gets a new spoiler and revised exhaust tips.

• Click to read TMR's reviews of the HSV range.
  

HSV says its LPI system offers improvements in running costs and emissions outputs of up to 15 percent, while retaining the LS3 engine's power and torque figures.

Pricing

• ClubSport R8 $67,600 (manual) $69,600 (automatic)
• ClubSport R8 Tourer $68,600 (m) $70,600 (a)
• Grange $88,900 (auto only)
• GTS $82,900 (m) $84,900 (a)
• Maloo R8 $64,600 (m) $66,600 (a)
• 20 years of Maloo R8 $67,600 (m) $69,600 (a)
• Senator Signature $83,990 (both manual and auto)

Options:

• LPI $5,990 (sedan models) $6,390 (Maloo)
• SBZA $1,990
• Turismo Rosso leather $1,499

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• reply ” like !

  

  harlem says,
  3 years ago

  like the new dash layout, but the front and rear looks far too busy for me....and the wheels, wtf???
• reply ” like !

  

  Super Mattthew says,
  3 years ago

  The wheels haven't changed from last year's E2 update, but yeah I agree... they're a bit tacky and naff.
• reply ” like !

  

  Godspeed says,
  3 years ago

  Just threw up a little bit in my mouth.
  
  Reminds me a bit of the big banana, the VS GTS-R (esp. the tri-spoke wheels), but at least that didn't have silly DRLs *and* chrome in addition to the black and yellow bits.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Wheelnut says,
    3 years ago

    2 likes

    Funny you should mention that Godspeed; because HSV have plans to release a new Limited Edition VE GTS-R [75] next year.. If they do I hope they replace the nostril bonnet with a WP Blower Bulge Bonnet.. which looks way better
    • reply ” like !

      

      Godspeed says,
      3 years ago

      Looking forward to it mate. I hope they do a good job of it and focus on function more and less on form.
• reply ” like !

  

  288gto says,
  3 years ago

  Adding more 'hole' doesnt make it better, just looks awfully complicated! Big fail HSV!
  • reply ” like !

    Shaun Camilleri says,
    3 years ago

    they are speed holes
• reply ” like !

  

  288gto says,
  3 years ago

  Stare long enough at the front - and Charlie Chaplins moustache slowly appears (or Hitlers)
• reply ” like !

  Steve Thompson says,
  3 years ago

  Aaaarrgh my eyes are burning!
  • reply ” like !

    

    288gto says,
    3 years ago

    Good one!
    Dont let 'MotorMouth' read your anti-holden comment, he mite need a box of tissues
• reply ” like !

  

  MotorMouth says,
  3 years ago

  2 likes

  Unlike you, I can judge any car on it's merits. That GTS looks hideous but in black, where most of the detail is either hidden or blends in, it doesn't look too bad. Obviously HSV think that hideous is what sells, so good luck to 'em. I don't like the centre console much, either. It is way too top-heavy.
  I do find it strange that DRL's can be cool on an Audi or a Porsche but suddenly become tacky when they are fitted onto a local car. I don't think they look any more stupid, or tacky, or anything else on an HSV as they do on any other car. I suppose we'll have to get used to them though, as they will soon be mandatory in the EU.
  Oh, and by the way, HSV is not Holden, it is a privately owned business [owned by Tom Walkinshaw].
  • reply ” like !

    

    Godspeed says,
    3 years ago

    1 like

    I also think DRLs look stupid on a lot of Audis with the possible exception of the R8. They're often just way too bright and don't look integrated into the design, rather an afterthought.
    
    BMW started it all off of course, and I still prefer the original E39's 'angel eyes' which at least were subtle. I've noticed BMW's turned up the wick noticeably on the halos.
    
    Something *really* stupid I noticed the other day was that on the rear lights of a particular Audi, forget which one as they all have OTT LED rear lights, the driver had their indicator on and from behind, with the brake lights on as well, you could barely make out the indicator - let's sacrifice safety for style hey?
    
    Anyway, real-world testing of the LPI system will be interesting.
  • reply ” like !

    

    288gto says,
    3 years ago

    So why is it named Holden Special Vehicles and not TWSV? Hsv's are based on holdens, thus its is a holden. Same goes for FPV, AMG, etc etc.
    No matter how much you polish turd is still a piece of sh**!
    • reply ” like !

      

      Godspeed says,
      3 years ago

      I think it actually started as a joint venture between Holden and Tom W, and it still is.
      
      The tech side of things is kinda cool (taking a leaf out of the R35's book in a way and I like the idea of the Bi-modal exhaust, such as that on a Maserati QP Sport GTS or Aston DBS. With ever more restrictive speed limits and fewer places to explore the potential of your car, the idea that you can play with the exhaust sound a bit at legal speeds is good.
      
      Just can't fathom the styling. And why they couldn't leave the Grange and Senator alone. They all look the same now.
      • reply ” like !

        

        288gto says,
        3 years ago

        Thankyou Godspeed, for an answer that doesnt take 4 hours to read and isnt straight out of Glass Guide
        
        Spot on with the Sen & Grange - their meant to be more luxury or luxury-ish.
• reply ” like !

  

  PeterG says,
  3 years ago

  I would be embarrassed to be seen in this car .You kinda expect the driver to be wearing a clown suit.The only thing missing is a propeller on top and it being mounted by the dog car from "Dumb and Dumber"..
  Such a pity because the rest is pretty good.
  Whats scary is Tom knows his market.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Rocket rod says,
    11 months ago

    PeterG you are probably zooming about in a Datsun 180 B...
• reply ” like !

  

  DogCar says,
  3 years ago

  1 like

  presumptuous to assume the dog car would mount that less than attractive, overdone commadore. Less is sometimes better. Just my 2cents worth.
• reply ” like !

  says,
  3 years ago

  i think it looks mean
  • reply ” like !

    

    Howard says,
    3 years ago

    You weren't thinking were you, if you thought it through you think it looks like a Try-Hard Commodore.
• reply ” like !

  

  Howard says,
  3 years ago

  Appears as though Holden has taken the line and ques out of the new Hyundai coupe
• reply ” like !

  

  Wheelnut says,
  3 years ago

  This is the HSV E Series 3. Which means that its the 3rd incarnation of the original VE Commodore which was released back in 2006.. 2 years before the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Howard says,
    3 years ago

    I didn't mention the 'Genesis' specifically did I, it might have been the previous Hyundai couple prior to the G but you're the one who made that comparison. Holden is into Jap kits from the looks of things now. The truth finally comes out.
• reply ” like !

  Steve Thompson says,
  3 years ago

  Chip and exhaust an SS. Save a packet and don't look like a d*ck.
• reply ” like !

  

  MotorMouth says,
  3 years ago

  Fine if you don't care about handling but I'd be far more likely to improve the suspension and make do with 270kW. i.e. If I bought a GTS, it would be more for the MRC, not the LS3. Iif 270kW isn't enough for someone living and driving in Australia, they'd have to have the smallest penis on the planet.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Howard says,
    3 years ago

    now put your motormouth on that and enjoy.
• reply ” like !

  says,
  3 years ago

  SPEEDO ONLY GOES UPTO 260km/h INSTEAD OF 280km/h THATS FAIL
  OTHER WIZE AWESOME!!!!
• reply ” like !

  

  Wheelnut says,
  3 years ago

  ... and where exactly do you plan to be driving in excess of 260Km/h in your new HSV E3 Daniel?
  
• reply ” like !

  

  Driver says,
  3 years ago

  3 likes

  "I just want one" says it all, I know we want one! , & who wouldn't, all real Aussie blokes do! looks wise,well.., good bad or indifferent. love it or hate it, call it whatever you like, BUT IT IS WHAT IS, a HSV, Holden by birth and a Special vehicle by the nature of definition, packed full of innovative performance enhancements and world firsts unique in style, aggressive in stance in an Australian landscape, with more guts and road handling awareness & Safety features than any of its aussie rivals or overseas competitors, built strong capable reliable at the forefront of Australian automotive evolution,.,..YOU DON'T MISS THEM IN TRAFFIC, AND YOU CANT KEEP UP TO THEM ON HWY,,,GTS.. G ood T oo S ee

  
  
• reply ” like !

  

  ablejo26 says,
  2 years ago

  Sorry to the drivers that own the new HSV. What have they done, it seems hsv lives in the north pole with Santa. come on it looks like a Christmas tree and you know it. The first VE range where awesome and mean especial the R8 but these last models are really silly especially the marloo range at the back looks like China got a say on the parts to use. The new Holden SS with the Pontiac front looks way better. I am not biased because I always loved my Holden and got a gto in the shed, its the styling that is worrying me because Holden range have a good track record in great looking cars even hsv. Please tell them wtf is going on, soon they will have flashing led lights with a slay cart strap to the back. If this is the trend its heading then buy the first VE range even a top gear mag asked the same question about styling changers are *** on the new range.
  Again Sorry to those that bought one, maybe you can take the led lights of for a start and remove the rear bumper and put the old model back on. If not then just put a Santa out fit on and Merry Christmas and at least every one can see you coming I suppose!!!!
  • reply ” like !

    

    Craig says,
    11 months ago

    1 like

    There problems is that the complainers can't afford one that's all it is
• reply ” like !

  

  L98boy says,
  11 months ago

  Knowing my SS can do 260rwkw from simple bolt ons is satisfying enough but to have a new E3 HSV would be awsome....I like all holden and even ford V8s and i appreciate how far we've come whether under powered or ugly. Go LJ Torana Go XC coupe.