HSV to go supercharged for most models

The Australian muscle car is destined to go out on a high-powered note, with HSV preparing something very special for Holden fans by the end of this year.

The Australian car industry might be dying but it is definitely not going to go quietly.

Holden’s fast-car division is poised to add supercharged V8 power across most of its line-up to farewell the Commodore on a high from the end of this year.

While Holden sales are at 21-year lows, V8 sales are up and now account for more than one-third of all Commodores sold.

With enthusiasts now the driving force, Holden Special Vehicles has emptied out the big guns and by the end of this year will fit the supercharged V8 that was previously reserved for the $100,000 flagship GTS sedan and GTS Maloo ute, the world’s fastest pick-up.

HSV has refused to comment on the plans but News Corp Australia has been told by well placed sources that the regular versions of the Clubsport, Maloo and Senator will get supercharged V8 power, due in showrooms about the same time as the Bathurst 1000 car race in October.

HSV is understood to have capped the Clubsport and Maloo to about 400kW

News Corp Australia has been told that HSV was forced to introduce its “big banger” supercharged V8 engine to the more affordable models in its range because, later this year, Holden will fit to Commodore SS models the Corvette V8 that was previously exclusive to HSV.

News Corp Australia understands that GTS owners will still retain bragging rights with the fastest and most powerful engine ever fitted to an Australian-made car.

Contrary to inaccurate media reports, the HSV GTS is expected to retain its output of 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque when the Series II model comes out later this year.

Instead, HSV is understood to have capped the power of the supercharged V8 engine for the Clubsport sedan and wagon, Maloo ute and Senator luxury model to about 400kW, to retain the GTS’s position as the flagship of the range. Only the HSV Grange limousine will miss out on supercharged power.

It also means the HSV GTS Maloo, of which 250 were made, will retain its exclusivity as the world’s fastest ute.

Meanwhile, Ford is also getting in on the high horsepower party, with two special editions planned of the XR6 Turbo and XR8 supercharged V8.

Although Ford is yet to confirm the plans, both models are expected to wear “Sprint” badging from early next year, as the Falcon starts its 10-month march to extinction.