New LS3 for HSV from April
March 26, 2008 by George Skentzos
As usual the rumours were true, with HSV today announcing the arrival of the GM LS3 engine which is to be fitted standard across the HSV range from April.
The upgrade will see the ClubSport R8, GTS, Senator Signature, Maloo R8 and WM Grange’s power output rise to 317kW, up from 307kW.
The 6.2-litre LS3 engine is currently manufactured by General Motors Powertrain in North America and is used in the current Chevrolet Corvette.
In its HSV guise, maximum output of 317kW is achieved at 6000rpm, with maximum torque of 550Nm at 4600rpm – this is compared to 321kW and 424Nm achieved in the Corvette at near identical rpm.
Surprisingly, despite the added displacement, the LS3 engine will deliver a slight improvement in fuel economy for both the Maloo R8 and WM Grange, whilst the short wheel base models deliver 14.5L/100km as opposed to 14.4L/100km with the current LS2.
HSV’s export range will also receive the new LS3 powerplant, which includes the Vauxhaull VXR8 in the United Kingdom and the CSV R8 sold in the Middle East.
The obvious issue presenting current E-Series HSV owners is the logical blow to their resale value, with the LS2 having been made redundant by the now standard LS3.
Print it: 
Will the sv6 really have a 220kw v6 in it? that should be good if they end up doing that
and sparky no, holden didnt change to the ls3 because of the new fpv range, they probably doing it so the customers can get the newest technology under there bonnet’s. and the ls3’s are meant to do up very nicely :)
Goog, they are changing simply because the LS2 went out of production mid way through last year and their stock pile is now empty.
It’s always great to see a new engine releases.
What puzzles me, why de-tune the LS3 from 325kw to only 317kw?
Even though torque is identical to the LS2, the LS2 delivers the 550nm at a lower rev- which tells me the 6L revs better & delivers power quicker.
I also noticed, the 0-100 time is the same spec as the LS2.
HSV have also taken the 1/4 mile figures of their website as well.
This tells me the LS2 uses less fuel, delivers power quicker than the LS3. So I wouldnt be worried about the engine change if I owned a HSV.
Will have to wait for real life testing to prove that theory.
Told ya Andrew M!
Given HSVs links to Performance companies including TWR WPS and of course HRT surely they would be able to increase the power by more than a mere 10Kw with the LS3 – compared to the LS2.. C’mon Clayton
Adam (aka mada). what u fail to realise is that comparing mercs with commodes are like comparing apples with apples. Mercs, BMWs etc are used as taxis in their home countries. One of the reason why there is such a price difference with the local dinosaurs are the taxes (including the luxury tax) the government places on imports.
^^^^^^^^Agreed with LOVE GTR. In europe all the taxis are usually Beemers or Merc’s which is normal over there. But compareing it to australia we have commodores, falcons etc.