Monday 20th October 2003

HSV Coupe 4

Four wheel drive for the 5.7 litre Coupe

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This week's Sydney Motor Show holds few surprises internationally with the domestic Australian market being the target of most exhibitors.

That doesn't stop PH taking an interest though as we like to keep an eye on those Aussie brutes.

Holden continue to develop their range in a manner that makes Brits envious. The V8 powered HSV Coupe has been an object of desire here since its launch and Vauxhall periodically taunt us with rumours that they might import the model. Whilst they did bring one over for evaluation, the last we heard of it was it being crashed

Back in Oz though, HSV have upped the stakes by adding a full time four wheel drive system to the coupe to bring us the HSV Coupe 4. Torque is split 38% to the front wheels and 62% to the rear. Coupled to it's 5.7 litre, 360bhp, LS1 V8, the Coupe 4 has a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds - on gravel!

The coupe gets lowered suspension, 19 inch wheels and a unique styling package.

To accommodate its all wheel drive powertrain componentry, increased track and larger wheels, the HSV Coupe 4 requires extensive sheet metal and chassis system modifications.  These modifications will be carried out on a new, dedicated production line at Elizabeth before the vehicles are transferred to the Holden Special Vehicles facility in Clayton, Victoria, to be hand-finished. 

Billed as the 'All Paw', the coupe is a full production version that will go on sale in June 2004 at a price of AUS$95,000. One hundred models will be produced in 2004.

• Holden Links
• Holden Owners

[DustyC]

Boo to 4WD!

I guess they had to do this to compete with the Skylines. Very popular in Aus.

They will also be needing to go into 4wd for their new cross roader.
Was being developed when I was at the last Sydney motorshow.

Those V8s do sound bloody good though. Better than any Merc or BMW V8.

[Lotusacbc]

That car is awesome looking! Like a Saab G3 (93?) on steroids!

[smele]

Wonder what the 0-60 time is on tarmac? I mean, my gravel drive way is not really long enough to reach 60.

[RS Cosworth]

It does look tasty as in flippen nice gimme gimme.

[PetrolTed]

smele said:

Wonder what the 0-60 time is on tarmac? I mean, my gravel drive way is not really long enough to reach 60.

I think it was about 6 secs.

[uk hsv]

Full Performance and spec is at www.hsv.com.au

Acceleration
0-100kmh : 6.1sec (EST)
0-400m : 14.3sec (EST)

Acceleration 0-100kmh
(Muddy, unsealed surface) - 6.6sec(EST)
0-400m : Auto14.3sec(EST)

[jagsy]

Lets take one step at a time, lets get the Monaro in the UK firts, then lets go for the 4 x 4.

Gorgeous looking car though.

[te51cle]

The HSV Coupe 4 looks very interesting... I would guess that the gearbox is next to the engine rather then being a transaxle version as fitted to the Corvette. Anyone know if this is true or any more details about whether they still use the Tremec T56 gearbox ? Wonder how much power the diffs will handle ?

I like the idea of being able to tweak up the engine and not have to worry about traction every time you touch the throttle. Having had a Subaru though, I do know all about understeer when accelerating out of a corner !

[golem]

I *THINK* (so no quoting) that this thing uses the damn awful 4LE60 or whatever it is. The 4 speed auto in commodores, as it's the only current gearbox they're using in the AWD commodore Adventura wagon, ute etc.

So it's a 4 speed auto. Recalibrated even as it is, I doubt it's very sophisticated. I'd say give it some time and they'll either get a better auto or find a manual that'll fit in the system.

I'm not sure if you think they are, but in case: the T56 6 speed in the holdens are normally straight off the back of the motor. No transaxles as the Monaro is based off the Commodore sedan, where rear space is a premium I guess.

[V8HSV]

All I know is that the gearbox cannot handle any more power than 285Kw so it can't be the T56 box

[Aussiedude]

Apparently there is a problem with the bell housing for the six speed, obstructing the rear drive and exhaust set up..Something like that..When they get that sorted, the manual will be available in the Avalanche as well...