No Corvette heart for HSV hottie

[fprfpv]

Source: CarPoint Australia.

Judging by this information there is some chance the next will see the introduction of some hot motors from HSV for the E-series. Hopefully FPV can introduce something to counteract HSV assault.


Words - Joe Kenwright

Holden’s hotshoe arm, HSV, was conspicuously sensible at Sydney's show. Now it seems economics have once again got in the way of homegrown supercar plans

Buyers eagerly awaiting a preview of a 7.0-litre E-Series replacement for HSV’s once-flagship GTS-R were disappointed at the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Sydney. Indeed, there wasn’t even mention of such a model -- showcar or otherwise.

The monster 377kW/637Nm engine introduced in the latest Corvette series remains a tantalising possibility for the E-Series range but HSV is non-committal.

CarPoint has confirmed that an evaluation car has been built. Lately a senior Holden executive, who is also an HSV board member, has been hyding (sic) the new engine in his long-wheelbase company car.

The biggest problem moving forward, however, is the cost of this engine. Built for ultimate street performance and a modicum of track work, the LS7 features titanium pushrods, valves and other exotic internals then demands serious driveline and infrastructure upgrades (eg: the LS7 is dry-sumped requiring separate oil storage, etc).

Indeed, the landed cost for this special engine alone is estimated to be up to five times that of the 6.0-litre engine currently fitted to HSV models.

This would push a HSV so-equipped into the six-figure range which in turn creates dilemma as buyers would expect an extensively upgraded body and interior to go with the new pricetag (and engine). This in turn could push the asking price to the sort of territory inhabited by serious European performance badges ($150,000 has been mentioned!) and restrict any new model to a very exclusive and limited clientele.

HSV sources say they are not convinced this is the way to go in the current climate. And in that have destined an LS7-engine Commodore to folklore.

All is not lost, however. One of the options open to HSV is to replicate the performance of the LS7 engine without using the exotic internals as the HSV application doesn’t require the sustained high-revability of the Corvette Z06 sportscar.

According to HSV Managing Director Phil Harding, there are two, perhaps three new engines that have yet to see the light of day that would meet HSV requirements for a new super E-Series without the huge price premium.

Reading between the lines, HSV is effectively evaluating a repeat of what the company achieved with the Callaway-upgraded VTII GTS 300 -- only this time in a ‘powered up’ 2007 context.

[Full Spectrum]

$150,000? What are they worried about. Y series GTS with some options and on road cost was $110,000 plus with less power then the current E series line-up. Only a few could afford the $100,000+ price tag anyway and those that couldn't lost them so why care now.
Everyone is holding back for the Melbourne motorshow.

[crYnOid]

Maybe HSV are holding out for the LS9.....

[AUIII XR8 MAN]

Why don't they just build to order. How many poeple did they have line to buy one of the 427 HSV then cancelled the car.

[MITCHAY]

Originally Posted by AUIII XR8 MAN

Why don't they just build to order. How many poeple did they have line to buy one of the 427 HSV then cancelled the car.

I believe they had 80 deposits for only 50 cars that were to be built. Some dude even bought custom plates for it.

[Falcon Freak]

Originally Posted by MITCHAY

I believe they had 80 deposits for only 50 cars that were to be built. Some dude even bought custom plates for it.

Don't beleieve everthing you hear. If they had that much demand for the 427 then why not build it?

FF

[MITCHAY]

Originally Posted by Falcon Freak

Don't beleieve everthing you hear. If they had that much demand for the 427 then why not build it?

FF

Didn't Holden underestimate what the actually cost would be to build the 427? Something around those lines definately to do with money I guess!

[XR Martin]

LS7 is not expected to stay in production past 07 I think. In '08 there will be a 450hp 6.2L in the base model Vette, and a 650hp Supercharged version (with perhaps something in between)
So I imagine they'll wait for that engine.

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

LS7 is not expected to stay in production past 07 I think. In '08 there will be a 450hp 6.2L in the base model Vette, and a 650hp Supercharged version (with perhaps something in between)
So I imagine they'll wait for that engine.

From what I understand, coming from US Corvette buffs, the LS2 is being boosted to 450hp, the LS7 will stay for the Z06, possibly boosted to 520-550hp, and the 650hp blown 6.2 will be for the range-topping Corvette SS.

[AU2PWR]

Gees , ford are taking thier time with Orion , Force is just a BF witha Bodykit

Dissapointed

Daniel

[HSE2]

Must be nice to have that situation.

"Oh it doesn't matter we have several options available to us that suit our needs without the cost penalty"

[Matthew]

150 grand is a bit to much when theres better out there from europe for around that price and in the end its a commodore.
Those possibl figures for the new vette is crazy 650hp!!!!!!

[RACINGdork]

Originally Posted by fprfpv

According to HSV Managing Director Phil Harding, there are two, perhaps three new engines that have yet to see the light of day that would meet HSV requirements for a new super E-Series without the huge price premium.

phoon donk?? :sm_headba :sm_headba : :

[Bucket]

Why dont they try modifying an existing engine for once??

[Steffo]

Originally Posted by Bucket

Why dont they try modifying an existing engine for once??

They don't have the facilities. Or the money. Or permission. They get what they're given, period.

[HSE2]

Why would you when you can have it given to you on a plater? You can't go round spending 6 million on suspension systems when you have to rework engines.

Modifying is an expensive business.

[xr8man83]

i really wish ford did something with there v8's we a lacking by the time they pull there finger out and get the 6.2ltr hurricane v8 holden will have a 7ltr always playin catchup and that annoys me heaps at least put a blower on the boss or somthing

[mattri]

I dont know why ford just doesnt go for something like a GT-PS perhaps they can utilise the Ford GT specs, Supercharged 5.4, i think it has 350 kw or something, why dont ford just introduce that into their line up

It would blow HSV away

[merlin]

Originally Posted by fprfpv

CarPoint has confirmed that an evaluation car has been built. Lately a senior Holden executive, who is also an HSV board member, has been hyding (sic) the new engine in his long-wheelbase company car.

Hmm wouldn't mind his job...

[SVT8]

Originally Posted by fprfpv

-HSV for the E-series.
-7.0-litre E-Series
-new super E-Series

They love using the e-series name.......We are the original E-series!!

sounds interesting though, i wonder what will really happen in the future?

[TUF_302]

Who would even bother trying to run a 7ltr motor, thats just a bit over the top i think.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by SVO_XR6

Who would even bother trying to run a 7ltr motor, thats just a bit over the top i think.

Huh?
Perhaps www.kiaforums.com is more your pace?

[Van D]

Originally Posted by SVO_XR6

Who would even bother trying to run a 7ltr motor, thats just a bit over the top i think.

I actually agree to an extent.

I was glad Ford looked at the V8's in a different way and went mass technology over the pushrod GM. I don't think size is the only answer.. and surely it's got to come to another power scare soon from the government if it keeps being pushed?

[070mstg]

[QUOTE=SVT8]They love using the e-series name.......We are the original E-series!!

QUOTE]
original,like EK,EJ, EH ??

[XR6TickfordBoy]

If u can afford $100,000 then u can most likely afford $150,000. People are loyal enough to buy a 7.0 litre Holden rather than a porsche, Merc, BMW etc...

[Iphido]

I think 7.0L would open up a lot of $150k+ doors.

Personally I find the 7.0L Statesman interesting. Pick that up at auction?

377Kw is a whole lot of power. The HSV's look like getting the 6.2L engines, so the GTS could step up to 7.0L.

VTII GTS took a while to appear and didn't launch at the same time as the regular sedans. I would expect the GTS-R to be launched sometime 2007 at the earliest.

[Cobra]

Great, so the VEII will come out with a 450hp/335kw 6.2L V8 and what will FPV have? 290kw/520nm? Hurry up Ford US build a decent V8 motor FFS!

[outback_ute]

I think if the GTS-R happens the 335kw 6.2L engine would make sense. And if Holden/GM can't get more than 335kw from 6.2L should they need more they should be ashamed given Audi has a n/a 4.2L V8 putting out 309kw...

[Bucket]

They're missing half the technology that Audi Have for starters...

[Boss 290]

what shocked me most about this thread is that there actually is a kia forum lol who would go on that site