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HSV Looking To Expand Range

With HSV having capped its W427 program at 200 units, reports indicate that Holden’s performance division is now looking at introducing a new ‘halo’ model to take its place. Little is known of the proposed vehicle’s details, but if our information is acc


With HSV having capped its W427 program at 200 units, reports indicate that Holden's performance division is now looking at introducing a new 'halo' model to take its place. Little is known of the proposed vehicle's details, but if our information is accurate then HSV will be looking to price the range topper at the $100,000 mark.

Drive is also reporting that HSV is looking to add to its current lineup by way of new four and six-cylinder offerings. Believe it or not, there's even talk of a HSV enhanced Volt, if the figures add up (... better put that in the "or not" basket).

According to HSV manager Phil Harding, a business case has been prepared for importing the Opel Corsa VXR hatch and the Opel Performance Centre version of the Insignia. The Chevrolet Volt hybrid will be considered in detail closer to its 2010 production date with Australia set to receive the Volt in 2012.

The Corsa appeared in previous years as our Barina while the Insiginia could make an appearance locally as a new Holden Vectra.

At this stage the most likely candidate appears to be the Opel Insignia, which is expected to feature a twin-turbo V6 engine producing 225kWs. The Insignia would slot in beneath the Clubsport range with a mid-$50,000 price tag.

The business case for the Corsa hatch will depend upon whether HSV can work out a way to get the pricing right to ensure it can move the required minimum 300 units a year. Pricing will have to sit below $30,000. To put the task into perspective, HSV has delivered 100 Astra VXRs this year to date.

HSV is also said to be working on LPG, diesel, and Ethanol powered V8s with LPG the most plausible of the three. A prototype version already exists with HSV looking to allow dealers and prospective customers the opportunity to drive the car to obtain their feedback. The LPG engine features direct-injection technology, is dual-fuel, and will switch to petrol when revs exceed 5000rpm.

Diesel is also being considered though HSV explains that this is more likely to be an export model for the European market. Ethanol (E85) is another possibility further down the track and would tie in nicely with the move made by the V8 supercar Series to use the fuel exclusively. HSV can expect to gain valuable insights from its involvement in the series.

It's a sign of the times that HSV is looking to expand its range with more eco-friendly models and fuel systems like LPG and diesel. From what we've seen and read of the car, we're also all for the introduction of a HSV badged Opel Insignia. But, more to the point, what do you think about it?

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