Signs of Life for Holden Special Vehicles

GM Holden’s performance vehicle arm appears set to live on after the General Motors Australian subsidiary ceases local manufacturing in three years.

Holden Special Vehicles, a joint venture between GM and Walkinshaw Performance, will lose its domestic vehicle supply, in particular the Australian-built Commodore, when Holden becomes a full importer in 2017.

There have been reports Walkinshaw was considering doing business in the U.S. as Chevrolet Special Vehicles, once Holden ends local manufacturing.

But News Corp. now reports HSV has just rehired former chief engineer Joel Stoddart after a 12-month break, raising speculation the performance-car operation has concrete plans beyond 2017.

Stoddart, who oversaw the development of the supercharged HSV GTS, left the company weeks before the fastest and most powerful car ever made in Australia was launched and moved to recreation-vehicle maker Jayco.

New Corp.’s carsguide.com website says Stoddart's departure had been seen as a sign HSV didn’t have plans beyond the life of the current VF Commodore. Engineers typically start work on projects three to five years ahead of a car's showroom arrival.

“The return of Stoddart is proof that the performance outfit is working on top-secret alternatives to its current V-8 Commodore lineup,” the website says.

Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, HSV modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brand name. It has sold more than 75,000 units thus far through more than 60 retail outlets nationwide, marketing a range that includes such marques as GTS, ClubSport R8, ClubSport R8 Tourer, Maloo R8, Senator Signature and Grange.

GM Holden does not yet have a V-8 confirmed for Australian showrooms once Commodore production ends, but carsguide.com says HSV has been seen testing a twin-turbo V-6 Opel Insignia sedan.

Stoddart told the website HSV will be around for the long haul.

“There is a future for us to keep making great cars, and that's why I'm here,” he says “We're looking to the future and trying to realize some of the opportunities that are out there.

“We've got a great engineering team, we've got a great manufacturing facility,” Stoddart adds. “So we're trying to maximize the opportunities that are out there.”