As part of the launch of its new GEN-F range, Australian performance car manufacturer, HSV, today released full details of its new ClubSport models. Available in three variants – ClubSport, ClubSport R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer, each vehicle receives a raft of new technologies and features including the availability of an optional power and torque upgrade to 340kW and 570Nm.
The exterior styling make-over starts at the front end of the ClubSport which is now distinguished by a new, twin-nostril grille and a deep fascia, with updated Daytime Running Lamps that can now operate in unison with the headlamps.
Updated styling also extends to the wheels with all-new, 20″ cast flow-form alloys (8.5″ at the front and 9.5″ at the rear) with a silver finish. Wrapping the wheels are Continental 5P tyres that deliver improvements in performance through better grip and ride comfort.
At the rear, a new decklid is complimented by a body-coloured lo-line spoiler and distinctive HSV LED tail lamps. The “diffuser” rear fascia – now signature across the GEN-F range – houses the bold, quad exhaust outlets.
The interior has undergone a complete make-over with new sports seats, instrument panel, clusters, gauges, centre console and appliques’ delivering a premium look and feel.
From a powertrain perspective, the new ClubSport carries over the 6.2L LS3 Generation IV V8 from the E-Series 3 model which generates 317 kilowatts of power and 550 Newton-metres of torque. The powertrain is matched to a TR6060 Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox with the 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select available as an option.
Matched to the powertrain are HSV’s new AP radical forged 4-piston brake calipers with larger ventilated discs and larger brake pads. These improvements lower unsprung mass, improve pedal feel and deliver greater stopping power via an improved strength-to-weight ratio and caliper rigidity.
One of the biggest make-overs for ClubSport is the standard fitment of a raft of new technologies including:
- Side Blind Zone Alert (with Reverse Traffic Alert)
- Electric Park Brake
- Electric Power Steering
- Passive Entry/Push Button Start (with Remote Start available with the automatic transmission)
- Automatic Park Assist
- Front & Rear Park Assist
To assist the driver in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems at his disposal, HSV has also introduced a Driver Preference Dial.
Located conveniently behind the gear shifter, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts the ClubSport’s ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission) and Electric Power Steering according to three distinct pre-set modes – Touring, Sport and Performance. In doing so, the vehicle’s handling characteristics instantly change.
Available in sedan and tourer variants, the two R8 models feature a long list of additional content over and above the already impressive standard fare on the ClubSport.
Power output increases to 325kW thanks, in part, to the fitment of a Hi-flow intermediate exhaust system, while the Bi-Modal muffler delivers a throatier engine note.
The driver environment benefits from the inclusion of four additional safety and convenience technologies – Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Head Up Display and Rain Sensing Wipers. Comfort gets a boost with the fitment of HSV Performance Seats wrapped in Onyx leather trim with 8-way electric adjustment for both the driver and front passenger. The ClubSport R8 also features a premium, 9-speaker Bose audio system.
HSV’s Enhanced Driver Interface, with a larger screen, updated graphics and improved display resolution, also comes standard on the R8s.
A 20″ cast-flow-form alloy wheel with a machined face and gloss black accents combine with unique HSV side-skirts to deliver discernible exterior styling differentiation.
HSV has also announced the introduction of a new “SV Enhanced” option to be available exclusively on its R8 models.
The “SV” option includes a power and torque upgrade to 340kW and 570Nm, achieved through the addition of some unique componentry to the LS3 engine including a Bi-Modal Air Intake system, high-flow headers and catalytic converters, a high-flow zip tube and a high-flow Bi-Modal exhaust system.
Unique styling cues are provided in the form of a 20″ SV Performance forged wheel in Satin Graphite, unique “pitch black” accents on the fender vents and mirror scalps and, for the sedan variant, a lo-line spoiler, also finished in distinctive Satin Graphite. New “R8 SV” and “340” badges adorn the decklid.
“The ClubSport range has formed the back-bone of much of the sales success HSV has enjoyed over the years”, said HSV’s Managing Director, Phil Harding. “Combine enhanced styling and a raft of new technologies with the availability, for the first time, of the 340kW SV Enhanced option on the R8 models, and we have every reason to be confident that ClubSport will continue to be a popular choice for HSV enthusiasts”, said Harding.
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General specifications
Country of origin Australia
Introduced 2013
Engine
Configuration LS3 Generation IV 90º V8
Location Front, longitudinally mounted
Construction aluminium block and head
Displacement 6.162 liter / 376 cu in
Bore / Stroke 103.2 mm (4.1 in) / 92.0 mm (3.6 in)
Valvetrain 2 valves / cylinder, OHV
Fuel feed Fuel Injection
Aspiration Naturally Aspirated
Power 456 bhp / 340 KW
Torque 570 Nm / 420 ft lbs
BHP/Liter 74 bhp / liter
Drivetrain
Gearbox Tremec TR6060 6 speed Manual
Drive Rear wheel drive
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From our observation of the performance car market in Australia, and HSV’s evolution through the VE to the current model, we’d have to say that HSV has lost at least some touch with what defines an honest Australian Muscle Car. And that’s extremely unfortunate.
Since the VE model, what we’ve seen more of, is styling lifted or un-ashamedly taken from quite obvious European design. Namely from BMW, but quite heavily from Mercedes-Benz AMG where HSV quite literally released a Black Series right after AMG released there’s and the styling q’s were identical (ie the only black references were to side gills, side mirrors and minor highlights in gloss black). The front flared guards, the gills, the rear end style since the VE, and with the Gen-F, the lip rear spoiler, all resemble more European style than the typical Australian aggression. Something that rival performance manufacturer Ford, remains true to with their Falcon GT range.
It is quite unfortunate that for what is to be the last of the HSV R8 performance series, the Gen-F has to resemble something that came from a Mercedes-Benz AMG / BMW conglomerate rather than the Australian performance scene.
At least the American muscle under the bonnet of the R8, provides some genuine link to muscle cars loved by Australians.
It is however, still a loss to the Australian performance scene, as HSV falls unfortunate victim to declining sales under continued pressure to lower emissions and competition from smaller engined vehicles.
Farewell Commodore.