HSV E3 released

By Karl Peskett | September 13th, 2010

FIND DEALS

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has announced the launch of its E Series 3, bringing with it interior upgrades and driver convenience aids as well as a new fuel system option.

While there are no power tweaks, HSV is touting its new Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) as a highlight – we saw this technology introduced last week on the E3 Grange - as well as the new Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) becoming an option on every model, and standard on the Grange.

Reverse camera with rear park assist, Satellite navigation and touchscreen radio with iPod connectivity are also standard.

Exterior changes are limited to a new rear spoiler which mimicks the revised exhaust tips, by its mounts on the outboard edges.

Under the bonnet, the E3 range (except the Clubsport R8 Tourer) features the $5990 option of Liquid Propane Injection, which we covered in detail last week – click here for more information - which injects LPG as a liquid, rather than a gas, meaning cooling running temperatures and reduced CO2 emissions.

Inside, the E3 range receives:

New ‘Oracle’ dash
New model specific stainless steel ID plate on the centre console
New twin-stitch seat trims on GTS and Senator Signature, as well as a new leather colour in Turismo Rosso.
New binnacle gauges
Piano black trim on the centre console and steering wheel

HSV Managing Director, Phil Harding says that the “E3 range is an example of HSV’s passion for innovation, and determination to bring world leading technology to vehicles.”

“You only have to look at EDI, LPI, and SBZA to know HSV is passionate about creating and building great all-round performance cars,” said Mr Harding. “More and more of our customers are showing greater interest in new technology, and have expressed a desire for unique points of difference in their vehicles.

“The combination of new technologies, stylish interior improvements, and a continued focus on all-round performance further strengthens HSV’s position as the ultimate in Australian-made performance cars,” he said.

Pricing is said to be announced when the car hits showrooms later this month. Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more details.

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Chris

Interior nice, exterior… still a bit crazy.
- NotTheStig
  
  With you 100% there…
Shak

Oh well the look will definitely split opinion, but i eckon almost everyone has to agree that dollar for dollar, this new range of vehicles is now some of the best sports sedans in the World. So much kit. So much performance, and now with the option of not much fuel cost through LPI. They have nailed it 8.5 out of 10. The looks make up the other 1.5 marks. C’mon HSV fix that face.
- Bent 8 Brigade
  
  Awesome awesome car, say what you want about the styling but judging by sales figures buyers love it.
  And that, is the bottom line…
  - Shak
    
    I sort of like the styling. I just reckon if they offer the Bonnet scoops as a deletable option and maybe change up the rear bumper, it should all be right as rain.
- The Realist
  
  “In the world”? If you compare it to a BMW M5 in the USA which retails for US$85K this looks very poor indeed. Perhaps a better choice of words is needed from your end…
  
  “HSV – The Bogan’s Choice”
  - nugsdad
    
    And if this car sold in the US it would only be $45k so the relativity and therefore the comment stand
    - The Realist
      
      But it isn’t so the comment doesn’t stand.
      - Michael
        
        Yes, but we are in Australia, and the M5 sells for $241k rrp.
        
        So yes, the comment stands.
      - deco
        
        And the Realist eats humble pie.
Richo

It DOES actually look a bit better in person, but the styling is still too out there for anyone other then HSV fans I think.

They do look surprisingly good in white however…
- Chris
  
  “They do look surprisingly good in white however…”
  
  Agreed.
  - Dave S
    
    AND, they do look good in black – oh and that yelow colour too
    - matt
      
      im a fan of that yellow , and the car in general … HSV’s are not usually my thing.
mitch

what is the thing to the left of the power window switch? i saw it in a previous picture the other day, i think it was the grange
- Glen
  
  I think it’s either the LPI or EDI switch.
- Aleks
  
  Maybe push button start.
- Shak
  
  The switch for the LPI optiion.
- VZ412rwkw
  
  It’s the Clarkson button. When you press it, it goes, “POWAHHHHHHHHH~!”
- bob
  
  Thats the switch for the MRC
Dave

magnetic ride control
Paul

Mitch, that would be the magnetic ride control (MRC) button. Always been there on the grange, as the grange dash didnt have the spot for the switch. The new VE2 dash no longer has a spot either so thats why your seeing it where it is now.
- mitch
  
  cheers mate
Dave

Glen
magnetic ride control switch
Jimmy

When’s the next generation Commodore due?
- http://www.caradvice.com.au Jim Goose
  
  I believe it due around 2015-16 at this stage,but delays can occur due to any number of factors.
The Original Stevo

Looks like a bumblebee. Does this car come with a steering wheel or a PS3 controller.
My Password

The interior is nice but the exterior front black grill looks like it lost its front tooth…
- Radbloke
  
  I thought it looked more like Beavis mated with a storm trooper.
http://zuboora.com mohamad is right when he

Tuff taxi!!
- Chris
  
  Tuff taxi? I guess you’ve never been out of Australia & observed the many other cars used by the rest of the world as taxis… Calling it a taxi is narrow minded & childish.
vt364rwkw

This car looks tuff not like the boring fords, and the new Liquiq Propane model is gunna fly, checkmate ford, ha ha ha!!!!!!
- Stoney!
  
  Time to tone it down a bit mate, I too like HSV’s product but your making the rest of us look like morons.
  
  Stoney!
  - vt364rwkw
    
    What you need to tone down is your rainbow shirts and and your love of bear men
    
    This new HSV is the best car ever built in australia and better than most 150k euros
    - The Realist
      
      Either you’re a troll or an idiot. Or both.
      - Captain Nemo
        
        You calling someone else a troll or an idiot a bit rich there bud.
    - Stoney!
      
      I love my rainbow shirts thanks, bears not my type though bit old for me.
      
      Stoney!
      - jj
        
        im about due for a midlife crisis and even id avoid that like the plague.
        
        those led lights are comical, and the car looks like it belongs as a mardi gras float.
- Ben
  
  yeah its holden guys like you that make the rest of em look like idiots. Grow up
  - jj
    
    generally its the way they drive, the way they dress, the way they have hair stylists, and their holden or nothing attitude ( even though they have never driven anything else to get a valid opinion) that makes them look like idiots.
- Dan
  
  I’m glad people like you drive commodores.
Matty B

Gee, I’d hate to have a series two. What’d that last, was it even 12 months ? Resales already horrible, and an update is just sure to screw over all your loyal customers.
- Bent 8 Brigade
  
  How dare HSV update it’s cars…who do they think they are??
  - jj
    
    ?
    
    its like an e2.5 not an e3.
    
    e2 seemed 2 months ago. surely i never began laughing at the star wars space ships disguised as cars any longer than 6 months ago?
Sprat

One word somes it up “FUGGLY”. The bogans will love it.
- Glen
  
  What a shallow existence you must lead… While not traditionally an Aussie V8 fan, I can appreciate hot metal regardless of what badge is on the front, or who may buy it…
  
  And a recent spin in a late model HSV has convinced me that hot cars come in many shapes and sizes… and, from the driver’s seat, HSV makes some of the hottest-performing and loin-tingling cars on the market. Period.
  - Joker
    
    Without a doubt it will be quick. That’s all HSV know how to do, powerful, well engineered utes and sedans. I also applaud them for bringing the new tech into the E3…I still find the GTR-like computer system an absolute waste on the Grange.
    Whilst I disagree with Sprat’s err… spurt…I just don’t like the look of it and the running lights stick out a mile away. Nothing about the look of the car is cohesive IMO.
    Some colours are more acceptable than others on the shape but overall, I still find it tacky.
    - http://Skat ScottyC
      
      The look is WAY over done. It looks like the designers are trying just a little too hard. The VE looks still looks great, modern, tough and maybe even a little sophisticated. The almost yearly updates must be a killer for resale…
  - The Realist
    
    What about if it’s got cheap nasty add ons and parts from a spares bin?
    
    Take a ride in an E92 M3 and see how real car makers do it.
    - nugsdad
      
      But you know what as a current driver of an M3 for as good as they are sometimes they are not that great in stop start city driving. Every car has its place
  - Sprat
    
    Yes Glen, what a shallow existence I have. Travelling through 14 countries in the last three years, and driving the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, Ford, GM, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia. In the end it is just a rebadged Holden with added cosmetic junk. I can see it now; next year’s update will be sporting a roof vent! How cool. I have no qualms about the performance side of their cars but maybe they need rethink the outlandish exteriors. However Glen, I feel somewhat concerned that you find things “loin-tingling”, especially by something that ugly and I can’t but imagine what existence you lead, period.
    - Chris
      
      Looks like you’ve misunderstood the meaning & application of the word shallow… And while the new HSV’s do look silly in the wrong trim & colour, they are much more than just Holdens with cosmetic junk added. When it comes to the driving experience, there is a difference, but then again, you don’t seem the type to appreciate such things.
  - jj
    
    Then why make them look like #@%^&!!!
ox

Awesome wheels, love the colour…only thing wrong with it is the blacked-out front bar
Ex- HSV

Another try hard overdone plastic bits hanging off it overpriced Taxi from HSV. God…….what the hell is with that front end ? FUGLY to the max!!
wayne

I’m a Holden man thru and thru but there is just too much giong on with that thing!!! Did they drive into an accessory shop with an open cheque book?
http://www.caradvice.com.au Jim Goose

The dash looks complex-soon you’ll need a pilots license to drive the bloody thing. Looking at the outside from the rear,it needs two fewer doors…..wheres the Monaro gone?
Asian Lover

Truly – over the top styling…

LESS is more people…and that new spoiler looks plain daft…

But again – a demographic is being targeted here…they can have it…just stay out in the burbs…
Bob

One for the boy racers!
Wizzy

The series 1 looked soooooooo much better!! Such a shame they have ruined it . . .
Byron

E3 looks better than ever & the interior is so awesome & looks way better than what FPV could ever do, especially with new plastics 7 paino black finish thrown in the upgrade too. Exterior wise, E3 still looks pretty good, i’m liking the new yellow paint & I think those exhaust pipes look a bit better even though there isn’t much difference. Grange looks totally awesome too & it’s back end is sick. And of course the awesome LPI, which is a good option too. All looks good for HSV & even though there are still some HSV haters about it’s styling, everyone is starting to settle with the new look, & yes it does look better in the metal. And yes, yellow, white & black do look good on this. HSV Sales will increase even more in front of FPV :):) Go HSV!
- Stoney!
  
  I didn’t think that was going to end then…
  
  Stoney!
- Joker
  
  LPI is overated and at a $6000 option, you will have to own the car past the lease period most will have it for to make the money back. I am not a HSV hater and i’m still not settled with the look. It lacks taste period. Don’t count on HSV sales increasing particularly if you expect them to steal people new to that part of the market. The best chance they had was with the VE1 series.
  Theres one thing HSV have to contend with and it’s called the Coyote Powered GT. Small Block forced induction will dare I say steal some HSV clients. Big call I know.
  - Shak
    
    In all actuality, HSV and FPV may be spiritual competitors, but their buyers will not ever cross shop. New buyers may consider them, but judging by the large sales increase HSV experienced with E2, the E3 update should be no different. And remember people in this bracket still want value, and with all the added kit the sales should definitely increase.
    - Joker
      
      Yea Shak,
      
      You sill always have your loyal fans that won’t budge on make model. The one’s I talk of are happy to try out different makes (i.e have no loyalties) and have probably floated through all sorts of makes/models.
      The S/C V8 may also attract other buyers into the market that haven’t considered it before.
Andrew M

At last they have found a colour which takes away from the tacky LED running lights.

It looks passable in white because the LEDs blend in, and I think it looks passable in this yellow because the black accents stand uut more which take the focus off of the otherwise tacky front end.

I still say every other colour looks tack though, But hey, its an HSV, and thats why people buy them. If it didnt come with a buldging body kit their owners would only fit one aftermarket anyway
ABMPSV

Sorry. I know it is nothing to do with this article but this is what I find in one of the OS magazine. Acceleration from 0 to 300km/h and back to zero. Here is the result.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 27,8 s
Porsche 911 GT2 RS 35,2 s
Lamborhini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera 39,3 s
Corvette ZR1 42,8 s
Mercedes SLS AMG 49,5 s
Lexus LFA 57,6 s
Bentley Continental GT Speed Cabrio 68,6 s
Goodfa

The steering wheel would be one of the easiest things to update.
Holden/HSV should have changed it for a slightly smaller modern one.
Unfortunately the E3 will be the first HSV in a long time(maybe ever)that will be slower than its FPV equivalent.
Ben

Roll on the on road comparison with this new range and FPV’s full new range with the updated turbo’s and supercharged V8′s god we live in the best country in the world
The Realist

Where’s the promotional tie in with KFC?
Will my wife like the green

Well the photos of these HSV tend to make them look a bit over done, but I have seen a few new Clubsports in the flesh and they look fantastic.
…better than the GTS with the 2 chrome pieces on the front of the bonnet and the daggy black painted nose.

P.S. I guess they rushed this lot out before FPV get the new V8 donks on the road.
Pete

EErrr what has happened to HSV? That nose is ugly and what, is holden endorsing nuclear power with those wheels?! I think FPV with the new motors coming out and simpler styling will now be serious competition
- Dave S
  
  People are missing the point. The HSV look is, sporty and distinctive. If you dont like it, buy a Senator or a Grange.
  
  I imagine if you love your WRX/ EVO and now have a family – the Clubsport is a nice option. Plenty of vents and lots of colour options.
  
  Also if you want something more subtle, check out the Senator or the Grange.
  
  Something for everyone. I amaine the senator buyer is a lot different than the GTS buyer. But both are great cars.
  
  Good work HSV.
Bundy

Ford are just that to simple. Not different enough from the standard ford range
- Jetta
  
  Does an E63 look that much different to a regular E-Class Benz?
  - Shak
    
    No, but they are going for the understated Luxury tag. Look at all the other cars in its segment. They all have subtle yet angry styling cues. HSV and FPV on the other hand appeal to a more outlandish audience. They need to be a bit out there. Not a Falcon with a bootlid spoiler and a chrome nose.
- jj
  
  spoken like an over the top holden ricer
Jonty

Got a look at a white GTS yesterday and it looked better in the flesh than in pics…just not sure about the alloys, and having yellow calipers with a white car?

The yellow car with yellow calipers looks better me thinks.
ABMPSV

Interior is very much American style. I do not like it.
cjg22

just seen the interior of a SS, works quite well and I asume the HSV is the same, they look it. Holden/HSV could have made the screen a bit bigger and I agree with an earlier post, how hard would it be to update the steering wheel as well
BK

Another american style rip off
- Chris
  
  “Another american style rip off” can you say
  General Motors Holden… Holden is American you fool.
Millatime

You can understand HSV wanting to make their cars look visually different to the all too common Commodores, but this thing really looks crass, cheap and tacky.
nickdl

I wish HSV could make some real style with their cars, because the substance is pretty damn good. All those ridiculous add-ons look tacky and really say something about the sort of person who drives one of these.

It’s a shame really because they still are a performance bargain by any standards and there’s some pretty decent technology packed into them nowadays.
F1MotoGP

I would have red with black. Good for drifting too. Normally you go drifting with Japanese turbo cars. What about a diesel Mercedes station wagon? I find an excellent video on youtube check it out. Diesel Mercedes W123 with SCANIA turbine
herdo

best $ for $ perfomance car going around. Also been looking at e2s around brisvegas & turns out not much around.
Dan

I think it is the best performance car under $120,000 AUD. No other car can event compare to the HSV! And sure the looks are out there but thats what make Australia interesting! The world has enough businessmen style cars and does not need and more, so if you are a businessman and hate the looks of this car that just shut up and go die inside a completely drab and boring Audi!
Dan

People who drive Audi’s and BMW’s are quite frankly all wankers..
- Andre
  
  Audi are nice dan like the audi R8 its an awsome car
  - deco
    
    I want an AUdi R8, but it isn’t comparable.
timbo

hey dan,how about you check out other performance cars under 100k before you state hsv are the best,i have a 09 wrx sedan and not only can i keep up with hsv’s up to a quarter mile,up in the mountains they cannot keep up and that is against gts and clubsport(current models),and that is only from a car for 45k.
- Leigh
  
  Wrx’s are for Asians or hair dressers…please no comaprison
Des

give me an AMG C63 anyday