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HSVs heading to the US?
November 12, 2013
Matt Campbell
Report suggests higher-powered V8 Holdens could sell alongside Chevrolet SS in America.
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A senior Chevrolet insider has hinted that HSV models may be under consideration for launch in the US market.
Holden’s limited export program with the new VF Commodore-based Chevrolet SS has commenced, and Chevrolet Performance Cars marketing manager John Fitzpatrick indicated to US site Automotive.com that more Australian-made derivatives could be offered if there’s enough demand.
“People say all the time, ‘Why don’t we have a six-speed manual? Why just one engine?’” Fitzpatrick is quoted as saying, before letting on that sales volumes are the key - only 3000 units are expected to be sold each year.
Fitzpatrick indicated that a manual version is expected to be offered, as well as more powerful versions of the car. There's no further word on Chevrolet versions of the Sportwagon or Ute models, however.
He said SS buyers won’t be put off by a higher price tag on higher performance models, which could potentially cannibalise Cadillac or Buick sales.
“They’re completely different kinds of cars for completely different kinds of customers.”
The current US-bound Chevrolet SS model is powered by an “LS3” 6.2-litre V8 engine with 309kW of power, which is teamed exclusively to a six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.
The locally-offered Holden Commodore SS has a 6.0-litre V8 with 270kW, while HSV’s 6.2-litre Clubsport can be had with 317kW, 325kW and 340kW power outputs, and the range-topping supercharged GTS has a 6.2-litre engine (dubbed LSA) with 430kW. No Holden or HSV models are offered with paddle-shifters.
The news comes about six months after Drive exclusively outed secret plans to offer supercharged SS models for the US market.
Holden product communications spokeswoman Andrea Matthews indicated there would be no hassle from Australia’s end if more powerful models were required by the US.
“Ultimately it’s up to Chevrolet to comment on what models they wish to sell,” she said.
“We’re very encouraged by the level of feedback we’re getting on the car.”
Andrews didn’t rule out a Chevrolet SS model expansion for the US market.
“We’re having ongoing conversations with Chevrolet,” she said.
HSV director of sales and marketing, Tim Jackson, declined to add anything further.
“We don’t comment on future products,” he said.
The reaction to the new Chevrolet SS has been a positive one, with the US $44,470 ($47,600) gaining positive reviews from new owners.
November 12, 2013
Matt Campbell
Report suggests higher-powered V8 Holdens could sell alongside Chevrolet SS in America.
A senior Chevrolet insider has hinted that HSV models may be under consideration for launch in the US market.
Holden’s limited export program with the new VF Commodore-based Chevrolet SS has commenced, and Chevrolet Performance Cars marketing manager John Fitzpatrick indicated to US site Automotive.com that more Australian-made derivatives could be offered if there’s enough demand.
“People say all the time, ‘Why don’t we have a six-speed manual? Why just one engine?’” Fitzpatrick is quoted as saying, before letting on that sales volumes are the key - only 3000 units are expected to be sold each year.
Fitzpatrick indicated that a manual version is expected to be offered, as well as more powerful versions of the car. There's no further word on Chevrolet versions of the Sportwagon or Ute models, however.
He said SS buyers won’t be put off by a higher price tag on higher performance models, which could potentially cannibalise Cadillac or Buick sales.
“They’re completely different kinds of cars for completely different kinds of customers.”
The current US-bound Chevrolet SS model is powered by an “LS3” 6.2-litre V8 engine with 309kW of power, which is teamed exclusively to a six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.
The locally-offered Holden Commodore SS has a 6.0-litre V8 with 270kW, while HSV’s 6.2-litre Clubsport can be had with 317kW, 325kW and 340kW power outputs, and the range-topping supercharged GTS has a 6.2-litre engine (dubbed LSA) with 430kW. No Holden or HSV models are offered with paddle-shifters.
The news comes about six months after Drive exclusively outed secret plans to offer supercharged SS models for the US market.
Holden product communications spokeswoman Andrea Matthews indicated there would be no hassle from Australia’s end if more powerful models were required by the US.
“Ultimately it’s up to Chevrolet to comment on what models they wish to sell,” she said.
“We’re very encouraged by the level of feedback we’re getting on the car.”
Andrews didn’t rule out a Chevrolet SS model expansion for the US market.
“We’re having ongoing conversations with Chevrolet,” she said.
HSV director of sales and marketing, Tim Jackson, declined to add anything further.
“We don’t comment on future products,” he said.
The reaction to the new Chevrolet SS has been a positive one, with the US $44,470 ($47,600) gaining positive reviews from new owners.
