HSV Clubsport R8 Review and Road Test

Pros: New-found exhaust note, design in person, straight line performance.

Cons: Launch control average, fuel consumption.

By Paul Maric | March 30th, 2010

Add to shortlist

Price: $36,270 to $56,280

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	4
Comfort and Interior	4
Quality & Design	3.5
Value & Features	3.5
Safety	4
Green	2

Big, brash and in your face.

Model Tested:

2010 HSV Clubsport R8; 6.2 litre V8; six-speed manual $65,990*

Options:

Bi-modal exhaust;
20″ Pentagon Millennium wheels;
Leather sports seats

CarAdvice Rating:

It’s hard to put the E2 Series HSV Clubsport R8′s performance figures into perspective until you’ve driven the car. While the numbers may sound impressive – 317kW and 550Nm – it’s the complete package that really excels and excites the senses.

Pictures certainly don’t do the E2 Series of HSVs any justice. In person, these cars exude masculinity and power.

The new E2 Series Clubsport R8, GTS and Maloo feature a set of twin nostrils on the bonnet, in addition to front LED daytime running lights. Around the rear you will find a remodelled lower diffuser in addition to four exhaust pipes that mould into two.

Part of the reason behind the new exhaust design is to house a set of vacuum operated butterfly valves on two of the four exhaust pipes. The two butterfly valves form the crux of HSV’s new bi-modal exhaust. The butterfly valves open at around 3800rpm, giving the 6.2L V8 a new found menacing snarl.

Our test car was also fitted with HSV’s 20” Pentagon Millennium alloy wheels. They suit the car down to a tee, but protrude a considerable amount – a nightmare for touch parkers.

The interior remains unchanged in the E2 Series of HSVs. Our Clubsport R8 was fitted with optional leather seats, but comes standard with a cloth interior.

Built on the Commodore platform with minor body kit and mechanical changes, the HSV line of vehicles offers fantastic front and rear head and leg room. Adults comfortably fit three abreast across the rear seat.

Boot capacity is generous at 496 litres, featuring a flat floor, unlike the FPV range of vehicles that sculpt the floor around the tyre well, affording an extra 24 litres of cargo capacity.

One of the much talked about changes to the E2 Series of HSVs was the automatic braking function of the cruise control. The system can use the vehicle’s brakes to slow the car down in the event it veers north of the prescribed cruise control speed. It works well and manages to control the vehicle’s speed very accurately.

The exhaust note at idle has also been beefed up. When you turn the gnarly V8 over, it idles with a meaty echo, making its presence well known.

While the six-speed automatic gearbox is still nothing to write home about, the six-speed manual offers an exciting and sporty package. The close-ratio gearbox is coupled with a light, short travelling clutch with closely matched pedals, perfectly spaced for heel-toe action.

Manual HSVs now come with an all-new launch control program. Launch control is selected when the vehicle is in Competition Mode with the clutch depressed and first gear selected. The driver then holds the throttle flat to the floor. The engine management system holds engine revs at around 4000rpm before the driver releases the clutch and launches the vehicle.

Unfortunately the traction control technology behind the launch control isn’t too crash hot. The end result is a jolted run out of first gear and a very hard shift into second gear. Either way you look at it, the claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.96s is unrealistic. The invitation is open to HSV to demonstrate this time personally.

Sitting behind the wheel of the Clubsport is a pleasant experience. It misses out on the Magnetic Ride Control, making the ride a lot more subtle and forgiving over bumps. Unfortunately the softness of the damping affects cornering feel, with substantially more body roll added to the equation in comparison to the GTS and Senator.

Brake feel is very impressive, with a firm response from the pedal and progressive feel throughout the application. Steering feel is also great, but expect some rattle from the steering rack if you experience bumps mid-corner.

Colossal acceleration is on hand in almost any gear. The 317kW LS3 produces 550Nm of torque that moves the 1759kg mass with a sense of urgency at the drop of the throttle. Official fuel consumption figures place the HSV Clubsport at 14.8L/100km, which was closely matched on test.

Part of the E2 Series upgrade includes a three stage electronic stability control system. The main mode is the regular mode that keeps the vehicle’s straight ahead motion in check. The competition mode (selected by a single push of the stability control button) gives the car a bit more rear-end action before it steps in. Finally, there is the off mode (selected by holding the stability control button for several seconds).

Standard features include: Dual-zone climate control, electric windows, electric wing mirrors, power steering, central locking, six-disc in-dash CD-player, 11-speaker sound system, driver’s seat electric adjustment, LED running lights, front fog lights, cruise control, electronic boot release and rear LED brake lights.

Standard safety features include: Driver and front passenger SRS airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, full length curtain airbags, tri-stage electronic stability control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, engine immobiliser and DATADOT technology.

Priced from $65,990, the HSV Clubsport is the cheapest way to enter the HSV sedan range.

While it doesn’t have the added 7kW poke of its GTS sibling, the Clubsport still offers an amazing performance package. It won’t out handle the best offerings from Germany or Japan, but it will sure as heck give them a run for their money in a straight light.

At just under $66,000, it’s a relative bargain when you consider its performance credentials. Although I wasn’t convinced with the design to start with, it has really grown on me and looks much better in person. Coupled with the 20” Pentagon Millennium wheels and the bi-modal exhaust, the HSV Clubsport is a tempting place to be for a motoring enthusiast after a bang-for-your-buck loudly designed Aussie sports car.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer and does not include dealer delivery, on-road or statutory charges.

Reader reviews of the HSV CLUBSPORT

Write a review for the HSV CLUBSPORT

Do you own this car? Share your opinion and add your own review below.

Add a New Review

The competition

FORD FPV

Rating:

s14aNZ

I haven’t really understood why exactly the Commodore “sport” models (S, SV6, SS etc) and the HSVs continue to have huge bus like steering wheels. Surely they could fit smaller diameter steering wheels and still retain the airbag (assuming thats the issue?) – see for instance the size of the steering wheel on an Audi RS4.

handshandy

This aint no RS4, its a rep mobile a filty great engine jammed in it and some glitter thrown on as an afterthough

pcr

What and a RS4 isn’t just an Audi rep mobile with a bigger engine?

Richo

exactly…

as Top Gear says, Audi’s are driven by w*nkers…

noj

Haha Clarkson`s a tool, an enjoyable tool. I mean he must be he rates Fords, even after that disastrous GT-40 of his. It just shows you the man isn`t real smart.
t

actually…. how many wanker audi drivers do you personally know?

my answer = 0

how many wanker commodore owners do you know? my answer… got an hour for me to list them?

QwkEddie

The interior photo shows up what rubbish GMH are producing.Would ANYONE feel like they would be sitting in something special?….ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!
The rear looks baulky and the front is a mess of lines and after thoughts.
Those daytime running lights make the car look effeminate.

Splatcat

No, but they would think they are “special”.

Gibbo

V8…..check
Rear wheel drive…..check
Loud exhaust…..check
Manual transmission…..check
Ticks all my boxes!

t

you forgot

Flanno – check
vb stubbies – check
bundy rum – check
winnie blues – check
shazza – check

mattyjon

Gotta love ya Shazza but dont forget Kazza !
Seriously though, the bogan theme that mostly the ford camp are putting out is getting old. Just deal with it people

AB

Awesome Photos!

MrQuick

I know aye, that photo right up the top, the first one, it actaully makes the car, dare i say, quite ominous and not bad looking at all.

Those LEDs look really tacky though, as I see it, its the only thing that is killing the way the car looks.

Devil’s Advocate

I agree WRT the LED DRLs. They look more like an after-thought and not as integrated as other brands. It is almost like some Bogan has added them on afterwards to “rice it up” and make it look “fully sic”. Yes, by definition it doesn’t have to be a Japanese car to be “riced up”, however it doesn’t satisfy the “cheap” criteria!!

Frogga

Riced up? A 6.2l 317kw engine ain’t no rice cooker.

mattyjon70

Well ive got one and its the best HSV to date.
Ignore the detractors and see one in person for yourself.
Better yet drive one.
As the motto sais “HSV I just want one”.
Dont beleive me FPV lovers ? Just look at the sales and go back
to your corner and continue to cry. Ford wont exist in Aus in a few years anyway.
Sorry FPV again you fail to perform in every area.

http://www.caradvice.com.au Paul Maric

People always seem to turn this into a HSV vs FPV war.

Both camps have their merits. While I enjoyed driving the Clubby, the turbocharged six-cylinder products from FPV are also a hoot to man-handle around a few bends.

They each have their own list of positives and negatives.

t

and one word will soon strike fear into holden bogans eyes.

that word

COYOTE

fun times ahead indeed!

mattyjon

Yep, well its about time ford replied with something.
I mean its lonelly at the top.
Coyote eh ? HSV always trump Ford in the end so if Ford bring out “Coyote”
whatever the hell that is, then expect the usual swift response. “Yawn”.
FYI according to recent reports Ford might not even be here in AUS soon.
Shak

Ford and FPV already have more power and torque and they still dont outhandle or accelerate quicker than Holden and HSv, so you could strap three s/c’s onto the Coyote, and it wouldnt register as even a remote threat on the Red Lion radar.

topdog

Whos talking about fpv, here we are just stating how this car looks and evry one autamaticaly talks down fpv like everyone that has a comment must have a fpv.Sure some do but most dont
jack

Mattyjon,

I’m happy for you to like it, stoked for you to own it; the Clubby certainly ‘ticks the boxes’ for an Aussie Muscle Car.

I like the Blue Oval, but certainly respect this, it’s a great piece of machinery. These are the ‘good ol’ days’ after all

No need to throw the first mud patty…
t

this is why holden lost 210 million last year, gm was bailed out by the us govt… for now

oh…

oh…… and

FORD MADE A PROFIT without govt help.

i kinda think u have no idea!

im sure this is the best hsv to date… IT WOULD WANT TO BE, its the latest duh. they dont design cars to be worse than the last one.

im sure its a great car, just BORING inside and overdone outside, bring back the E1 range, they look so much better. Leds look like habib glued them on in bankstown!

mattyjon

Blah , Blah Blah, just look at the sales of HSV vs FPV.
Nuf said.

Al Juraj

…which shows that there are so many fools buying the wrong stuff just because they were told it’s Aussie.

Shak

For the intended purpose and the intended audience this Clubby ticks all the boxes. I might just trade in my SS-v and go up a notch to this beast. It does not claim to be a luxury car. It can stomp it in straight line and hold its own in the twisties.
Tony

I think the avg. person buying one of these is middle management on $100k+ a year

so not really a bogan hoon

HSV are successful… people may slam them but they beat FPV and they always sell out the limited editions.

Don’t like the interior? Yeah the avg. HSV fan doesn’t care.

Tom22

I would say more “own your own business tradie” or “worked in the mines” than middle management. Bogans have money too.
Lynchy

I don’t mind this Clubby, big, bold and fast, looks are still subjective but that’s half the point. If I was in the market for a big Aussie V8 at the present time I’d be inclined to grab one of these, come July I might find myself looking at the new GT if it’s as good as it’s expected to be.

If I was just after the best large four door Aussie car I’d more than likely grab and an F6.

Tony it’s true that HSV do sell very well, and they normally sell their limited editions quickly, the exception is the W427 where they had to scale back due to lack of sales, 155,000 was a tad to much for the average punter.

Ben you got one thing right in your bold statements, HSVs are quicker around the track, HSV for a while now has tuned their chassis to suit weekend track work, FPV have focussed more on real world driving, needless to say if you did some back to back test drives you’d notice that the FPVs tend to be a bit plusher and softer where’s the HSVs tend to be stiffer and flatter. The F6 however is quicker in a straightline than any car HSV currently has on offer, that includes 0 – 100 and the standing quarter, HSVs “claimed” 4.9 0 – 100 is precisely that, a claim, as no independent authority has matched it, it probably can and has been achieved by HSV but they may have done a 100 tests and cracked 4.9 once, so whilst the potential is their it’s highly unlikely any customer will hit it. Compare that to what testers have got from the F6 time and time again, 5.1 and 13.1. Go to the weekend drags and you’ll see stock F6s running high 12s all night. Bang for your buck is pretty line ball between the Clubby and F6.

JooberGTI, there are some people that are only interested in V8s but not all, the F6 and Turbo Falcons are in the same segment, both big RWD, big power Aussie cars, I was looking for a 2006 VE SSV but struggled to find one in the mid 35s, a low k BF F6 came along that had higher specs and more performance and I didn’t think twice about it being a 6.

Final thought, good review, good car.

topdog

I agree with what you say about how there set up.Ive been in booth fpv and hsv and i can tell you that around town the hsv is a pain in the but over anything but very smooth roads.It just bangs and crashers on poor roads .But in the fpv there got a great balance between comfort and sport.The gt is just what thay stand for grand touring.I would much rather live with a gt every day than a hsv.

mattyjon

Well its pretty obvious you havent driven any HSV’s.
What biased rubbish.
Doesnt GT stand for Glued together ?
Doesnt FT-P stand for Glued together properly ?
LOL…

The Realist

Middle management? Try CUBs working in the resources industry.

mattyjon70

Ssh guys, cmon you’ll wake the FPV croud who really havent had their chance to to put this fantastic car down yet (at least in these posts ). I guess they went to bed early to dream up ways of scraping together a few extra $ to buy a real aussie muscle car. OUCH !

Neo

Sorry matt we are still awake. and id save my coin for somthing alot better then this car like a 135i or a Golf GTI or Evo. they may not be as fast but there far better looking, better built and more reliable and a far better drive. and just remember at the end of the day its based off a Commadore and you cant make a velvet purse out of a sows ear.

Tony

yeah in the real world there’s really only one format that matters… V8, RWD and manual… ask BMW, Mercedes or try the Italian exotics. Turbo sixes are fine too.

pretend FWD or AWD cars? not even on the landscape.

If you don’t understand RWD and V8s why are you even here… I certainly don’t like HSV or Commodores or that horrible nose but like the average HSV buyer I can see why they want a 6.0 litre plus V8, 6 spd manual and rwd only… because 30 years ago, 10 years ago, 10 years from now, 20 years from now, this format will still be what people want.

And 14 litres/100km? Doesn’t matter if you can afford a $65k Commodore.

Devil’s Advocate

Well then Tony how does that explain the V10/V12 cars from those Euro brands, including Ferrari??? Or what about the Audi R8 V10 with AWD, AWD Porsche Carrera 4/turbos or Aston Martin DB9/DBS to name a few? I guess they aren’t “real world” performance then and are as you say “pretend” cars that no one would EVER want…

Tony

my friend, what relevance is there with V12 engines to the average HSV/FPV buyer? As about as relevant as the Golf GTI is to this thread.

I would argue BMW and Mercedes are moving away from V12s to turbo V8s (for a variety of reasons).

I like rotarys too but do I mention it? No, because the average HSV/FPV doesn’t want to know and neither does Ford or Holden.

Pull your head in mate.
Devil’s Advocate

If you want to be like that then my friend, what is the relevance of a BMW/Mercedes and Italian exotics to the average HSV/FPR buyer? Why did you even mention them in the first place if you were referring to cars the average HSV/FPV buyer would consider? I would VERY MUCH doubt someone shopping for an Italian exotic like a Ferrari or a Lambo would also have a HSV/FPV on their same test drive shopping list….

Oh, BTW, rumours are the next M3 will be powered by a 6 cyl turbo, so there goes your theory about BMW concentrating on turbo V8s for their performance versions “for a variety of reasons”.

Then there is the point you made above and I quote “yeah in the real world there’s really only one format that matters… V8, RWD and manual… ask BMW, Mercedes or try the Italian exotics.” I would like you to try and find an AMG Mercedes V8 with a Manual transmission. Yep, they are pretty much all full automatics. Then there is BMW with their flappy paddle SMGs and DSGs which you would hardly call a true manual…

Keep digging my friend!
Matthew

I know a guy who picked up a new Ferrari California last week (his third Ferrari) but also has a HSV with a supercharged V8 producing over 400kw (the badge on the back says \”370\” because he\’s the shy, retiring type). Oh, it\’s painted in Lamborghini green with matching leather seat inserts.

This is an example of those with the money and love for fast cars having both Italian exotica and home grown muscle on their shopping list.
Tony

HSV/FPV would like to believe they compete with BMW and Mercedes… I can see where they are coming from with the C63/E63 and the various V8 BMWs out there…

I obviously have no love for flappy paddle crap… I don’t often agree with Jeremy Clarkson but I absolutely dislike DSG/PDK and all this rubbish for a high performance car, perhaps even less for an occasional high performance car like most of these.

And in any case, I don’t see HSV moving to a real DSG any time soon since GM in the US aren’t interested.

I dislike HSV a lot, I’d take a Ford G6ET any day of the week but an RWD performance sedan, that is manual, is worth some respect.
jack

You are quite right Devil’s Advocate, those things are creatures of awe.

daan

Whats a gold GTI based off? A Golf?
Thats a Evo based off? A Lancer?
You cant compare them to a Clubsport anyway…
More relaible? You obviously dont work in the trade.

Devil’s Advocate

That is right Mattyjon70, a real Aussie Muscle car with an engine that is pulled out of a crate already assembled from North America. That is WAY more Australian than the I6 Turbo in the Falcon… TVFPIC

P.S. I am neither a Ford or Holden fan and I don’t wear the same blinkers that you obviously do so I can give credit wherever it is due!

mattyjon70

I dont care where the engine comes from. It just pulls like a wounded bull baby !

Devil’s Advocate

…and using that analogy so does the I6 Turbo in the Falcon. Although I think that a wounded bull wouldn’t pull quite as hard as a healthy one!!!

t

dont forget holden gets the glass for them made in china!

mattyjon

Actually no, its India Paul
Relevance here ?

mattyjon

Double OUCH

ben

to the people who say its a bogan car and fpvs are better are tools. It handles better then any fpv,its faster then any fpv,better kitted out then any fpv. yea its not the best interior quality but if u want quality go buy a bmw or something german. for 66k you should be able to put a desposit on a bmw 330 diesel.so the bogan hsv beats the fpv in a straight line, beats the fpv around a track, beats an fpv for value. its beats the fpv in all 3

topdog

I thought the F6 beats this hsv in a straight line .I could be wrong can someone comfirm this

Muse

Yep Topdog, You’re correct.

mattyjon

Sorry Topdog, HSV smacks anything from FPV over 0-100.

Al Juraj

Yeah, smacking the @$$!

JooberGTi

Dunno I still like the VE1 looks over this, but nethertheless its an awesome car,
and yeah you cant compare Turbo6es to this, its a different segment of car. if you are after a V8 you wont look at anything lower even if it heralds a faster 0-100 e.g. F6.

I’m actually thinking of getting a VE1 Senator next year, looks a bit tamer but the goodies that come with it make it a very nice cruiser…

mattyjon70

Sorry but 0-100 Ve1 and Ve2 are faster than any F6
Check your facts.

Neo

are you going off your motor mag here of real experance? becuse i beg to differ.

mattyjon70

Well one place was the HSV vs FPV on Top Gear.
The Clubby smoked it off the line and drowned the F6 in smoke
on the 1st to 2nd change and inly lost by half a bonnet at the 1/4.
It takes muscle to spin 375′s. Maybe we need even bigger rear tyres.
Yes, i think i’ll suggest that to HSV. Without the wheelspin it would have beaten
it the 1/4 as well. The video doesnt lie.(Here comes the I hate Top Gear comments…)

mattyjon70

Oops thats 275 not 375

Jimmy

I think you’ll find that the F6, and even the G6E Turbo and XR6 Turbo can actually live up the manufacturer’s claim of a sub 5 second 0-100 km/h. The HSV has not lived up to a similar claim despite many attempts.

t

a g6et driven in DRIVE by a woman, at wsid ran 12.9 ( dead standard! )

this is NOT an f6 remember!!

full story on ford forums

mattyjon

Ford Forums, LOL, somewhere you go for facts
nick

Exactly right mate. The 0-100 times in Fords are facts. In Holdens they’re myths

Devil666

Launch mode a bit of a gimmick?

Drive did a writeup of the E2 range not so long ago, and noted that all the journos there were clocking 5.1 consistently in the E2 Wagon, so I imagine the sedan would be a hair quicker.

That said, I doubt anyone has broken the 4 second mark in one.

MrQuick

Wouldn’t be suprised if its a bit of a gimmick, honestly how many times would you ever use launch control after the first couple of times.

I know that the E1 wagon was known to be a little quicker and more balanced than the sedan, so not too sure if the sedan would actaully be quicker.

And I’m sure it could break into the 4s, just needs wider stickier tyres.
Paul Maric

Are you sure about that? A quick search on their site suggests otherwise.

I’m happy to be proven wrong if you have a link to back up your claim.

From personal experience, having used launch control in the BMW M3 Sedan, Nissan GT-R, Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo and F6 310 and many Volkswagen vehicles, the HSV system pales in comparison to the rest of its foreign competitors.

It doesn’t control wheel-spin off the line in the correct manner, resulting in a rough take off.

Either way, happy to be disproven and shown a sub 5-second run in a manual HSV with launch control.

Shak

Paul i thought the CA code of conduct said we weren’t allowed to post links in comments, so i guess you’ll never know if his claim was true or not.

Jweb

I have to say that is one seriously ugly car,and yes I have seen it in person,and yes it is better in person,but it is still ugly.It dosent seem as ugly now because,people are accustomed to it.If you listen to a song enough times it has been found that your negative opinion of the song will diminish.The same goes for car styling,as for the R8 being faster than and FPV,some facts say yes some say no,which would suggest other variables influence the timings(ofcourse) and the two are close in 0-100 timings.

It is a Bogan car,there is no doubt about it,but why is that a bad thing?,an Aston martin db9 could be considered a rich mans car,is that a bad thing?.
Too many deny these labels,because they perceive them as bad,of course each has its bad points,but they also have good points.So take the label and hold it up high,if your a bogan so what,if your a white collar worker so what?
Mr Brooksy

On paper Mattjon your correct. But in the real world, I’ve yet to see/hear/read a comparison that backs up your claim of so called “facts”. In stock form the F6 without being stalled up beats the VE 1 & needs only a little stalling up to beat a VE 2. Don’t believe me? Read some articles on the direct 0-100kmh comparison or better yet YouTube it.

If you’re still not sure… go to WSID on an open night and watch 2 stickies go head to head.

Now in regard to the article, the HSV is a great car! Plenty of grunt, agressive looks (subjective ones at that), and pretty cheap too. It’ll be interesting to compair the lighter (assuming that is) as powerful supercharged off the FPV factory floor (more torqe) GT in July – August! The winner? The buying public! Two stonking hot V8′s!
MeestaNob!

It only took a decade, but somebody finally called HSV on there ludicrous sub 5 second claims.

JUST.

NOT.

POSSIBLE.
NickBoghaan

This is still a serious eye sore for me and I’ve seen enough of them already, what a mess.

On the comment “Built on the Commodore platform with minor body kit and mechanical changes, the HSV line…” Well, if this is your idea of minor body kit, I hope I don’t run into anything that you deem to be non minor.

Sorry, my subjective views only, this is seriously ugly.

mattyjon

For your comments to be so extreme all can see through your envy with this car. How sad for you.

Locked Diff

UGLY inside and UGLY outside. To those who say it doesnt matter what the interior is like …….are you serious? This is where you spend all the time you drive the car and if i paid nearly $70 grand for a car i wouldnt want an interior that is made of Daewoo quality cheap plastic and horrible horrible un-ergonomic design and function that this interior has. We shouldnt be amazed at the fact that the old pushrod donk doesnt match the official 0-100k times…….GM|Holden have always fudged their figures. Just look at the claimed fuel consumption for the SIDI 6……nowhere near what it really gets in the real world.

Kiwi 1

Typical HSV product. Ugly, cheap interior, old pushrod V8, performance figures that can never be matched.
A Falcon FG G6E Turbo has better looks, interior and performance for a hell of a lot less cash.
Why would you buy one of these ugly old tech cars unless you had a problem you are trying to hide???
Kiwi 1.

mattyjon

Hmmm, i have nothing to hide. I have one. It has leather. Isnt leather ok ?
The interior is very good and what i come to expect now after owning quite a few HSV V8′s.
My E2 V8 doesnt need a hair dryer in an attempt to catch up.
Pushrod, again hmmm, so what. Check the sales figures. You are in the minority bro I think you are a couple of cylinders short of a V8 with your comments.

nick

The Chinese throw leather in their cars as well. Does that make their interiors good? No.

And mate you’re catching up to a hairdryer in your V8 because the turbo sixes are just faster. CA clocked 4.97 0-100 in a G6E Turbo, haven’t seen anything like that in an HSV yet.

Shak

I just went and checked CA’s G6ET review and they only clocked 5.2 0-100, so your claim is a bit false. Im not saying it cant be achieved as other publications have done 5.0 flat, but don’t feed people misleading information.
Matt

@Shak: It was in the Large Car Comparison they got 4.97
nick

Gotta look properly mate before you correct me!
nick

Here we are mate, it is a bit hard to find I must admit.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/44132/2009-large-car-comparison/

LSD

Ben….your biased comments have really shown up the fact that you really know nothing about cars if you believe the rubbish you wrote here.
Stalin Government

I can’t believe the author said this was good value at $66k. At current exchange rates you can get a porsche 911 or BMW M3 for less than that in the UK. Its just a shame our government wont let us have them for their true retail price.

Over all its a great car, but please get rid of that steering wheel and hand brake!!!

BTW anyone else read that there is a push to reduce speed limits to 90kph on country roads : (

Ryan Bane

While it is true that under current exchange rates most premium european cars are far cheaper in the UK, your examples are over ambitious.
M3 coupe = ~A$88000
base 911 = ~A$108000
(without options)

note aussie versions of these cars have a much higher std spec than the UK, therefore real comparison is more like A$100k and A$130k – a steal compared to current aussie rrp, but still a long way from a $66000 outlay.

Devil’s Advocate

Not to mention the extra engineering the manufacturer has to do to satisfy our unique ADRs. That extra cost has to be recovered somewhere and with such a relatively small market, that means a higher percentage increase.

Stalin Government

Devils Advocate,

You’re wrong, that’s just what the dealers here tell you. I’ve got a 2007 911, live in the UK and will be bringing it back to Aust. I have spoken in detail to a number of engineers here who will do the compliance and they say the cars are standard all across the world and no changes need to be made. The just need to check it has rear seat belt points.

BTW my 911 cost GBP40k, at today’s exchange rate thats AUD66k.

Aussies loves getting ripped off.

Tubby

New Golf R over this boat anyday!!

toxic_horse

You gota be joking.

ABMPSV

He is not joking!! First we should compare factory cars with factory car. Holden v VW not HSV v VW. You should compare Holden SS Commodore to VW R or HSV R8 to VW Golf OETTINGER. The Oettinger Golf is 228kW, 430Nm, top speed 268km/h and 0-100 in 5.1 sec all from a 2 liter engine!!!

Deco

5.6seconds o.0

KM

Well said.

This car just shows how under engineered Holdens are…

I mean all that power & nearly the same 0-100 time as a golf r which only has 188kws..

ABMPSV

I must agree. Holden engine getting bigger and bigger. That is not engineering and for the VW Golf R the VW Scirocco got the same engine and last year in the 24H Nurburgring race they finished overal 15,17 and 20 position from 170 cars. All the cars front of VW were Porsche GT3, Audi R8 and BMW Z4. Holden Commodore did not finished the race!
toxic_horse

Yea but the HSV just stomps the golf into the ground.
if you don’t get it than i guess you may as well just hang out in a cafe in darlinghurst while us HSV fans can hang out at bathurst or at the pub.

Tomas79

I can smell a burning couch!
noj

Your fascinated with Darlinghurst and everything gay, give it up ur a closet homo. I know your type, the one that goes behind his wife`s back and visits parks and toilet blocks.

dave

Golf R?

It is still a Golf, which is a boring as a German made corolla can be. Putting an ‘R’ on a hatch does not change anything. VW will never be a prestige car that they think they are.

HSV Clubsport, there is a black E2 driving around here – it looks great. They do look much better in the flesh than in pictures. Great car, great value, no way would i want one of tthose cramped alternatives people have mentioned

Devil’s Advocate

Just like the Clubby is still a boring “rep mobile” Commodore and will never be a true prestige/sports sedan that they are making it out to be. So what?! It doesn’t stop them from still being good cars Dave. (That is BOTH the Clubby and Golf R)
F1MotoGP

Just like Commodore is a Commodore even if you call it a HSV Clubsport. I do not want a car when I want to drive it I need a bank loan for petrol. Official fuel figures city 21.9L/100km and if I push it must be 30-35L/100km for that is not fun!!!

FalconUte?

Cannot get over the fact that this is VERY and has a lot of Boganess to it.

What about a nice STEALTH HSV like the Germans do, no more of in ya face its shocking.

Hows the LPG Injected job coming along HSV?

KingBodan

Yes, well jealousy does bring out the Bogan comments. So your just another foolin the crowd….yawn.
Shak

I think HSV’s stealth model is the Senator

ALEX

good say, Dave
SO many people prase golf. It is just a german made corolla and I agree with you .

JMax&TP

Rad photos Paul.
They remind me of the Genie from Downunder! Who agrees?
TPImp

Wow, yeh JMax I know exactly what you mean!
nick

The best looking E2 IMO. That doesn’t say much though.
Tom22

As retarded as HSV’s seemingly tidy 4.9 second 0-100 time is i hardly think its enough to get that up in arms about. I have seen numerous cars do 5.1 second acceleration times in normal conditions, so i really do think with a sticky track on a chilly day 0.2 second gain is not that big of a deal.
davie

That first photo reminds me of a publicity photo for Mad Max 1 where the black MFP interceptor is parked on a straight road near a fence with fields and hills behind.

I think the mad max photo is taken in the place where max gets his arm run over.
http://www.lukehimself.net Luke

Those LEDs on the front bar are horrid. Supercheap Auto must have made a bit selling them to HSV.
http://www.betweentwopoints.com Andy

Paul, would you prefer the supple ride of this suspension over the the MRC? Most, I feel, would prefer the MRC due to its possible ability to shift that weight around better. This is because I think cornering ability is paramount in the minds of those who are looking at this kind of car.

I feel I’d prefer the MRC if I were in the market for one of these. Or do you feel that the forgiving suspension is better suited to our road conditions?
Andrew Juma

This has to be one of the ugliest cars ever. I preferred the older 307 model without the tacked on daylight running lights and total CHAV bits stuck on. Oh well, I guess I am not in the target demographic.

JooberGTi

Speaking of the older model, at a particular stage the 08 batches of VE1 onwards had the 6.2 ltr upgrade that made it 317kw.

The Realist

“HSV – The Bogan’s Choice”

“HSV are proud to provide four McValue meal vouchers and plastic replica of our flagship W200 with every HSV sold.”

“Check out our marketing muscle here…”
http://www.caradvice.com.au/38584/video-hsv-e-series-2-teaser-with-garth-tander/

mattyjon

“HSV – The Bogan’s Choice”.
Is that really all you have to offer ? LOL
Always outsold FPV always will. Your comments really dont do you any favours.
If the best you can offer in an attempt to get people to buy someting else then please, dont quit your day job. HSV sales are all that matters.

Byron

I agree too, it does look better in the metal. Seen one up in Brisbane & it looked absolutely awesome. Getting used to the exterior now & i think it looks better in some aspects compared to E1. Interior, well thats what you get for being on sale for 3+ years without a facelift. Bring on HSV E3 feat. interior facelift. Go HSV!
Robin Graves

Vents, LED’s, multiple exhausts and spoilers – caviar for Bogans.

mattyjon

Then pass the caviar my way asap

F1MotoGP

Failed again. I do not like it and I am not a Ford fan either. Front on the bonnet 2 holes, front another 2 and under number plate a huge air intake all this means you will have a problem on hot summer days with water temperature. Running light too long and wrong plave. Mirror if is no indicator on it why paint black half of it. At the back black paint around exhaust why maybe use too much oil so you can not see it. Wings is only gimmicks. It only works over 120km/h and you are over speed limit. On netcarshow website is some good companies who modify cars from Ausi to Volvo and such a crazy body style like this.

mattyjon

Wow dont be so angy bro Accept it. Its a great car.

ALEX

I realy dont give a damn for the comments of “crappy plastic” etc in an aussie car.
My ride indeed has a crapy plastic interio “a 98 xr6 EL, imagine how crapy it is”. However, when I push the accelarator and raise the clutch, a lot of cars with addtional cut holder will have to struggling to catch me.

This HSV is odd at the rear, but the front is good although abit overdone.

Holden has to use all the parts they prepared for the US market, I am sure. And all those toolings, the cost has to be consumed.
ABMPSV

If you after a big V8 maybe you should test drive the new VW Golf R if you do not mind the smaller car and engine. Excellent car. 2 liter engine and 199kW ( in Europe ) 350Nm from 2500 to 5000 rpm. Two door is quite heavy 1541 kg, top speed 250 km/h, 5.5 sec to 100 km/h fuel economy is very good 11.2L/100km city and 6.8L Hwy and if this is not enough Oettinger tune it up to 228kW, 430Nm, top speed 268km/h and 5.1 sec to 100km/h. I would like one!!!

Shak

Thats the whole point of having a bigger, thirstier, more powerful car. People do mind the smaller car and engine. Why would you compare the two? Because they are similar in a straight line. People buy each car for different reasons. While the Golf has its positives, i doubt a HSV buyer would consider it.

ABMPSV

I am not comparing at all. I did not say which is better only go for test drive maybe you like it that is all. Of course if you want big V8 nothing wrong with that! I like both a big V8 or a 4 cyl turbo car.
My Cars Called T-Rex

“i doubt a HSV buyer would consider it” – depends on how many lattes thay have had latey.

Dave

For me the Clubsport is great, beacsue yopu have the performance of the AMG models at half the price and in a bigger platform so you have much more room to cart your family around. I dont many people will able to squeese prams and things inside a Golf. Performance and practicality.

ohreally

Is this car really 30 k better than a nice SSV commodore?

CommodoreUte

Is SSV really 10k better than a nice V8 [STEALTH] Berlina V8 Commodore?

F1MotoGP

I would like to see a test HSV Clubsport R8 against Mercedes C63 AMG. C63 is same engine size 6208 cc little bit more kW 336 (in Europe) and 600Nm. 0 to 100 MB is 0.4 sec quicker so everything so close. I know only the price where MB cost twice as much but just for the fun of it. Last week I had a chance to drive the C63. It is unbelievable car!!

My Cars Called T-Rex

COOL IDEA but the Mer is Twice the price if not more,so make it fair chop the AMG in half and put the front half vs a HSV,all euro loves can sit in the back.

Matt

“One of the much talked about changes to the E2 Series of HSVs was the automatic braking function of the cruise control. The system can use the vehicle’s brakes to slow the car down in the event it veers north of the prescribed cruise control speed.”

FG Falcon says “Welcome to 2008, HSV”

KingBodan

LOL, sales, sales, sales. Ahaaaaaaa. Bye bye FG Falcon.

FalconUte?

One word……B*O*G*A*N

Just plain 100% YUK!

NO amount of performance or kW can account for the fugly tacked on bodykit

Its like a 85YO getting a face lift…..YUK

Berlina with a LS9 V8 is the way to go…..
KingBogan

I like the stars between each letter of BOGAN. What an IQ you must have !

Wil

Are you a straightline thinker KingBogan…no creative imagination … U just love whatever crap is dished up by Holden S*H*I*T Vehicles.
Your IQ is equal to G.W Bush’s around 40.

lexus-lankan

The interior is ugly. The rear fender is obese. Holdenwoo basically employed a racer who has immersed himself in the underground tuner subculture for far too long, supplied him with ecstasy and see what he comes up with.

No sane designer would come up with such an revolting design. Even the designers at Mahindra employ far more grace in their designs.

Why bother paying that much for such a racerboy type car that looks like it belongs in a early 2000s playstation game?

Wil

Couldn’t agree more buddy it is wucking fugly as are all HSV dillycarts

My Cars Called T-Rex

Please,get back in your skoda and shutup.

Ben22

Interesting it’s sold at a Skoda dealership in Singapore.

tim cottee

yes,you can’t beat the sound of a roaring v8 but really,i have the current wrx sedan and on 12 occassions have timed 5.3 sec 0-100 and 13.5 for quarter mile.i also have great grip burning around the hills so why would i buy this show boat of ugly piece of metal.
Hayzel

This car simply won’t have the prestige of european cars or even japanese cars of the same price. Sure if you like to go broom broom and think you are special driving it go ahead buy it. However, you should know that you won’t be impressing anyone with a shred of intelligence.
louie

all the holden bashers saying that this is a bogans car and etc… i can just picture them at the servo changing rear brake globes in their xd falcons – ef/el for the successful ones…….
Clubsandwich

I have owned about every type of Euro car over the past 10 years. Everything from e series Benz, 3 series BM, Saab convertible and in recent times a lexus IS250. Wife currently has an MB 320 CDI edition 10. I wanted something different with attitude. Bought an E series 2 clubsport R8 and to my surprise after owning this for about a year, I am yet to have a warranty problem and I thrash the crap out of this car and it just asks for more. I have a friend with an ISF and another with a current M3 V8… both agree you cannot beat it for ownership. They live in fear of $5k service bills after a track day.. I smile. for those of you who smirk and laugh, think again.
michael83

This is a real weekend warriors car..Track day machine, but if you want to win the track day and drive it daily…I believe the FPV Typhoon is the machine of choice. HSV will have to come up with something soon, fuel consumption is becoming a major issue.
I still love the series one styling over the series 2, as the series 2 looks like a sad ninja from behind
Ben22

HSV are great cars to own. Personally i would go for the HSV if they weren’t guzzling that much fuel. HSV=/=FPV battle? Nah. Who cares, only those who don’t own either one will argue.