[SuperSnake]

Not sure how many of you are familiar with the "HSV ClubSport" vehicles based off of Holdens, but "HSV" is like the tuning brand for Holden. Their vehicles are based off of Holden's and are jacked up with modifications similar to your typical performance package, much like the AMG trim Mercedes has (maybe not the best example), you get the idea.

See what HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) has been up too if you're unfamiliar by visiting their website in this link:

HSV - Holden Special Vehicles


After looking at what they have done, most recently with the HSV ClubSport R8 (pictured below), what would you like to see them do to the VF Commodore aka Chevrolet SS?

HSV ClubSport R8

 

[American-Muscle]

I remember seeing the 25th Anniversary GTS on another forum, it has a unique look going on that I absolutely love.

The Chevrolet SS needs something like this going on for it. I don't know what it will take for GM to start doing this to the SS but if they want this vehicle to succeed and fill the mental profile they created, we need a SS with more performance than it current has.

 

[TT C6]

Visually, I prefer the last generation cars from OZ.
But, all the Aussie versions look pretty good to me.

 

[jat63]

HSV are in no hurry to release their version of the VF series, chev pushed holden into an early release for their us promo campain, without pressure from the us market holden & HSV don't release their next models till they are much closer to their onsale date, current model clubsports are on runout sale at around 55k+ with 6m (6a is 2k extra), don't expect to see the HSV VF revealed till april or may, dealers are not ordering replacment VE's unless they need floor stock or have a customer order.

here is a link for a local (for me) holden/HSV dealer they have 7 new & 3 near new/demo listed today, just select category & search
HSV Clubsport R8, HSV Clubsport R8 Tourer, HSV Grange, HSV GTS, HSV Maloo R8, HSV Senator, HSV Senator Signature, HSV New Cars, HSV Dealer, HSV Dealer Melbourne, HSV Classics, Holden Special Vehicles, Garry and Warren Smith HSV

 

[Asylum]

I'm very interested to see what HSV do styling-wise. Unsure if they'll continue with their in-your-face style or tone it down a little to better suit the VF's subtle-aggressive lines.

The SSV is already as aggressive as i could see the VF being without going ridiculously low or boy-racer.

the new tail light setup will also make it much harder to improve on their VE LED design which made it very difficult for Commodore owners to kit their car out to look like a HSV?

 

[Commodoreman2000]

The Dealer princible at a HSV dealer while not giving too much away said the VF HSV will be toned down compared to E3 however said it is by far the best looking HSV product to date. Quote " If you like VF, your gonna fall in love with what HSV have done." That is all they would say. I respect the Dealer Principle enough to trust their judgement.

On rumours I have heard. HSV will continue with LED tail lights to differentiate from Holden variants. And there will be a donk with Forced Induction

 

[chevypwr]

The Dealer princible at a HSV dealer while not giving too much away said the VF HSV will be toned down compared to E3 however said it is by far the best looking HSV product to date. Quote " If you like VF, your gonna fall in love with what HSV have done." That is all they would say. I respect the Dealer Principle enough to trust their judgement.

On rumours I have heard. HSV will continue with LED tail lights to differentiate from Holden variants. And there will be a donk with Forced Induction

Thanks for posting this up. Makes me feel even better about the Chevy SS/VF Commodore. It's just too bad they don't seem to sell parts, if they started to sell parts then i'd be way happier.

Just imagine all the cool things we will be able to add to our SS. Plus it will open HSV up to the american market.

 

[jat63]

the main reason HSV wont sell parts is too many V6 omega owners want the clubsport look without paying the price tag, it devalues the brand.

G8 GXP owners feel the same about V6 base owners having GXP badges, front bumpers and quad pipes.

after what happened to HDT, HSV won't go near to US market without GM's blessing, in 86 brock took the HDT VL director to LA to get a feel for the US market, all of a sudden the ioniser (a box of magnets) became a big issue and HDT were dropped as holdens "official" performance outlet and HSV were created to replace them.

brock had so much influance in holden they changed the 308ci (5.044lt) to a smaller 304ci (4.987lt) so holden race cars could carry less weight as a 5lt, the 308 was classed as a 6lt, the end result was an engine with the same power but a little higher in the rev range & 100kg less weight, better for racing.

 

[SuperSnake]

the main reason HSV wont sell parts is too many V6 omega owners want the clubsport look without paying the price tag, it devalues the brand.

G8 GXP owners feel the same about V6 base owners having GXP badges, front bumpers and quad pipes.

after what happened to HDT, HSV won't go near to US market without GM's blessing, in 86 brock took the HDT VL director to LA to get a feel for the US market, all of a sudden the ioniser (a box of magnets) became a big issue and HDT were dropped as holdens "official" performance outlet and HSV were created to replace them.

brock had so much influance in holden they changed the 308ci (5.044lt) to a smaller 304ci (4.987lt) so holden race cars could carry less weight as a 5lt, the 308 was classed as a 6lt, the end result was an engine with the same power but a little higher in the rev range & 100kg less weight, better for racing.

So true, better not them going that route.

I think the only way we'll be able to get some aftermarket parts is to get a vendor on board that can make it happen with a group buy. Giving us a say in what the product should be like in the process

 

[jat63]

hendrickson wanted to set up a US HSV style operation, but stalled due to overkill doing too much too soon, he should have started with a lower grade "affordable" hotrod and added a sliding scale bang/buck model range with his dream 100k car as his flagship, not as the only option for a performance hendrickson chev SS

this is how HSV is setup, you don't have to buy the range topping GTS or Grange,
you start with the Clubsport, Clubsport R8, GTS, Senator & Grange.

HSV started out with only a small performace and visual tweak to the standard car, after each model they added a few more changes from factory to each new model they released, HSV were in the aus market for 20 years when the W427 was released at 150k each, if the W427 was the only offering they would not exist today.

 

[Commodoreman2000]

^^^ Very true. He could have started with things as simple as spoiler packages, interior trim upgrades, bi modal exhaust or MRC upgrades. MRC isnt an overly difficult to install upgrade. It is mostly the calibration that requires work once done would be a matter of a set wheel configuration.

I've seen how MRC is installed it could be fitted at the dealer its that easy. Although I know some shoddy dealers so would get my guy to fit if it were an option to buy after market.

 

[chevypwr]

^^^ Very true. He could have started with things as simple as spoiler packages, interior trim upgrades, bi modal exhaust or MRC upgrades. MRC isnt an overly difficult to install upgrade. It is mostly the calibration that requires work once done would be a matter of a set wheel configuration.

I've seen how MRC is installed it could be fitted at the dealer its that easy. Although I know some shoddy dealers so would get my guy to fit if it were an option to buy after market.

Just imagine if they started that back when the G8 was out, slowly building up the "OEM" aftermarket support. At this stage we would at least know of aftermarket parts being developed.

I bet whatever the tuning brand would be called for U.S. models, would already have an SS at the moment to start R&D on new parts.