High-Performance Oz Marque Celebrates 25 Years

Australia’s Holden Special Vehicles releases details of its MY12.5 performance range to start a yearlong celebration of its 25th anniversary.

HSV, a partnership between General Motors’ Holden subsidiary and Tom Walkinshaw Racing, says the lineup includes the return of the entry-level ClubSport and Maloo nameplates, as well as upgrades and added value across the range.

The new ClubSport and Maloo models are powered by HSV’s 6.2L, LS3, Generation 4 V-8, which delivers 425 hp and 406 lb.-ft. (550 Nm) of torque.

Managing Director Phil Harding says 25 years is an important milestone for HSV, but from a customer perspective it is the product that matters.

Sales General Manager Darren Bowler says the brand must continue to raise the bar to excite customers. “Our updated range delivers this in spades – new entry-level models with exceptional specifications, (and) power-up on our R8 variants and Senator Signature.”

The ClubSport and Maloo will be slotted below their respective R8 variants to ensure a competitive entry-level price point while still delivering the full HSV driving experience, he says.

Pricing of the new ClubSport with manual transmission is priced at A$64,990 ($68,769), while the top price for the manual version of the Maloo is A$58,990 ($62,420).

Maximum power for HSV’s MY12.5 ClubSport R8, Maloo R8 and ClubSport Tourer R8 increases to 435 hp. The Senator Signature also gets to 435 hp, thus retaining its power parity with the R8 variants.

In addition to extensive specification upgrades, all vehicles will feature 25th anniversary content, such as an HSV 25th Anniversary “start-up” screen, build plate, internal ID plate and sill plates.

HSV’s MY12.5 range begins production Aug. 13.

Meantime, rival Ford Performance Vehicles answers with the launch of two new models including the GT RSPEC Limited Edition Series, developed to deliver racetrack-inspired handling.

It features a significantly recalibrated suspension package, new wider rear wheels with 275/35 R19 Dunlop Sports Maxx tires and, in an FPV first, Launch Control.

Visually, the RSPEC is distinctive, its look inspired by the legendary 1969 Boss Mustang with a unique stripe package and paint treatment.

Under the hood, it is unchanged, powered by FPV’s all-aluminum “Miami” Boss 449-hp 5.0L supercharged engine.

“On the track the RSPE’s capabilities are just awesome,” FPV Managing Director Bryan Mears says in a statement. “It is the finest-handling GT in history.”

It has a limited production run of 350 units and is priced at A$76,990 ($80,905).

FPV also releases a new-look limited edition of its Pursuit Ute pickup. Production is limited to 75 units, the smallest number of pickups offered as a limited edition ever produced by FPV.

It carries the standard features of the current GS Ute range with a number of additional styling extras.

It continues to be powered by the all-aluminum 422-hp 5.0L supercharged V-8 and has a base price of A$57,990 ($60,949).