2008 HSV ClubSport R8 Tourer specs & pricing
2 Sep, 2008
18 Comments 
Holden Special Vehicles has today launched its latest addition to the flagship performance VE range with the new ClubSport R8 Tourer.
Peculiarly however, it seems for the moment this is as far as the touring line-up will progress, with no official mention of a Senator based model as previously speculated.
The R8 Tourer will be equipped to the same level as its sedan counterpart, including the LS3 V8 engine producing 317kW and 550Nm which was recently introduced into the HSV range.
This is the first HSV wagon built since the all wheel drive Avalanche was released in 2003, although it seems the decision to create a sports touring model based on the VE may have been decided at the last minute.
“We were very impressed with the Sportswagon product our colleagues at Holden have released and believe the ClubSport R8 Tourer takes the concept to the next level,” HSV’s General Manager of Sales, Darren Bowler.
This could perhaps explain the lack of unique HSV treatment at the rear end, which remains identical to the Sportwagon aside from a few badges - mimicking an earlier artists impression released by CarAdvice.
HSV plans to build 120 examples of the ClubSport R8 Tourers for the Australian market in 2008.
“The Tourer also has impressive handling and ride characteristics and HSV s enormous brakes and safety package we expect this product to appeal to a range of customers, including families who will enjoy the versatility this HSV brings to the garage.” HSV’s Chief Engineer Joel Stoddart.
As previously reported here on CarAdvice, the Tourer will carry a $1000 premium over its sedan counterpart - priced from $65,990.
Buyers can opt for an automatic transmission for an additional $2330, full leather seats for $2490 and a 20-inch wheel and tyre package for $2500.
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September 2nd, 2008 at 6:05 pm
What a shocker of a front end view. Jeez, it looks like a bulldozer, or a Melbourne J class tram. It seems totally out of proportion to the rest of the car. I don’t mind the spoked wheels, but those iron cross lumps of alloy are very unattractive too. In any event, what an inappropriate car for today.
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September 2nd, 2008 at 6:17 pm
SS wheels look a lot better.
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September 2nd, 2008 at 6:19 pm
You’d hope so RC.
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September 2nd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
still better than TRD Hilux wheels though
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September 2nd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Greenroom, dont worry that photo is a photochop. An inappropriate car it may be but hell i’ll take one with 20s and leather. I think im most pissed leather isn’t standard. wtf.
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September 2nd, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Glad they didn’t change the back end, there is nothing wrong with it.
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September 2nd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
i’ll take one, in red too, it looks awesome!
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September 2nd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Don’t you just hate those people who bash their global warming views down everyone’s throat “….what an inappropriate car for today.”
This car will be the MOST APPROPRIATE car for those who want it and buy it, notwithstanding the lettuce eaters’ views.
I don’t like the front treatment, but the rear/side view looks sensational.
All the cars, trucks, boats, trains in Australia couldn’t produce half the pollution visible in Beijing on a single day. There’s nothing but self-flagellation in worrying about whether you use 13.0l/100 or 10.8l/100. All the oil on earth will eventually be used, so get in and enjoy it while it’s available. Then we can discuss the merits of SLA vs Lithium vs whatever batteries we will need to use.
No doubt the greenies will complain when we use Super grade water instead of Regular grade water when filling our hydrogen mobiles.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 2:28 am
Amen Reckless1!!!!
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September 3rd, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Hear, hear reckless 1. Tell those eco green hippies to shove their communist views where it belongs.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Reckless1 wrote:
“All the oil on earth will eventually be used, so get in and enjoy it while it’s available.”
It sounds a bit selfish don’t you think?
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September 3rd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Reckless1, yes cars don’t make as much pollution as industry, but every bit counts. To make F1 cars faster, they didn’t just try and improve the biggest inhibitors of speed, they worked on all of them, aerodynamics, the engine/transmission, suspension, tires, stance ect.
U obviously have a ignorant view towards global warming. What greenroom said could be interpreted in many ways, and for your cynical view, you read it as if he was talking about global warming. It could be to do with the SUV market, and that SUV’s can provide a better option than this.
Im not saying everyone drive small efficient cars, but those who arnt car enthusiasts like those who view this site should so those of us who want to drive ‘performance’ cars, we will be able to have that opportunity longer.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
When you’re lying on your death bed in your old age, I don’t think you will give a monkeys-arse wether your car used 2-4 litres per 100ks more than someone else’s sh*tbox of an economy car.
If the governments of the world were serious about the environment,why allow millions of internal combustion engines using petrol to be built each year.
My thoughts are that 15-20yrs ago plans should have been made and presented to automakers that for eg by the year 2000 a huge % of cars should be hybrid (interim measure) and by the year 2010-2015 fuel cell only.
I am not into politics but an orangatang could have seen environmental problems emerging.
Anyway, I agree with reckless1.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I think some wagons look good with the “go fast treatment”. I’m a little unsure about this one… I could describe it as being like a cardigan with a zipper at the front and a couple of sripes down the sleeves, but i wont, that will just upset some people.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 6:32 pm
““All the oil on earth will eventually be used, so get in and enjoy it while it’s available.”
It sounds a bit selfish don’t you think? ”
Tell someone who cares :)
Selfishness is a genetic factor built into humans, why fight it - it’s as hopeless as believing that driving a Prius will save the earth.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Hey Greenroom, What is a Melbourne J class Tram, there are in order since the 1950’s,W Class, Z Class in the 1970’s, A Class in 1982, B class in 1986, C Class Low Floor Citadis in 2001, along with the D Class Combino 3 and 5 sector trams the same year and the C2 Citadis 5 sector tram this year. I know this as I was a tram driver while studying law and still have friends in the industry from while I was there.
On the E series HSV Tourer apart from being disappointed the rear is the same as a standard VE I think its fine and would buy it. As has been stated it was probably a last minute decision hence no rear modifications something I think will change with the new model as early as late next year. Anti spam word racing something I think it would be pretty good at with the 6.2ltr. Definately the fastest Australian built wagon in the country.
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October 1st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Who cares about globe warming? Its all just propergander from governments trying to run our lifes! I will be buying and driving the cars that use the most fuel, give out the most greenhouse gas and are totally inappropiate, And what about the people who drive those Prius’s? They’re just so smug, they think they’re saving the world, they make me vomit!
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October 15th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
a wagon that can put a bf f6 to shame and still tow the trailer to the tip awesome
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