HSV’s new Gen-F2 range is a huge power play that sees almost the entire line-up get the option of the Chev-bred supercharged LSA engine.
The 400kW LSA was only fitted to the flagship GTS in the previous Gen-F line-up.
HSV engineers told AutoTalk at its 2013 Philip Island launch programme that fitting the stroppy engine required extensive re-jigging of the donor Commodore’s underpinnings.
The Eaton blower based engine even required transmission and differential coolers fitted to keep the Tremac-supplied drivetrain reliable.
That massive technical effort – performed with the help of General Motors’ US techies – will be shared around with the freshened-up HSVs.
The power-up from 340kW shrugs off Holden’s announcement last week that Commodore V8s would get a larger engine.
But with the HSV GTS’ big heart now shared across the range there’s no comparison. Clubsport R8, R8 Tourer, Senator Signature and even the Maloo ute get the monster upgrade – although some models will still be sold with the naturally-aspirated LS3 engine.
The new LSA-powered models all get revised suspension set-ups to cope with the dynamics change that comes with a 671Nm serving of torque.
The Gen-F2 range will be cosmetically updated, with revised front and rear fascias, new skirts and bonnet vents and 20-inch alloys.
With around 2000 GTSs sold, HSV is rightly positive about the potential sales coming from the new vehicles – speed camera operators are also likely to be rubbing their hands together.
“GTS is, unashamedly, the hero of the HSV range,” says HSV managing director Tim Jackson. “Its class-leading levels of performance, design, technology and affordability have driven its sales success and we look forward to that momentum continuing.”
“Since the introduction of the GEN-F range, we’ve been able to offer ClubSport customers up to 340kW of power, but the adoption of the Supercharged LSA engine will undoubtedly set a new bench-mark.”
Next month the HSV production line starts cranking out the new models, with quick customers seeing their new cars by the end of the month.
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