HSV E3 adds race car technology

[HSE2]

Originally Posted by T3ts50

Not too sure on the gauges on top of the new screen though.

When HSV released the Grange it looked like the new display/motec option would be for the GTS as well. I think it actually said GTS down in the corner.

In that system you could select a gauge view, which would sort of make the extra pods above the display redundant I would have thought. Not sure it makes sense in either function or aesthetics.

[vztrt]

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...913-157pq.html

New HSV E3 pumps up the technology Toby Hagon
September 13, 2010 - 12:49PM

There's no more power from their V8 engines, but the new HSV E3 range brings more technology and fresh interiors.

HSV has tweaked its muscle car range with a new E3 model that brings more technology and mild styling revisions.

The new HSV E3 - the third generation of the VE Commodore-based E-Series - boasts exterior styling changes and a freshened interior.

The new interior gets HSV's Enhanced Driver Interface, or EDI, which uses a touchscreen display and advanced race car-like data logging to give the driver more information about everything from fuel consumption and the G-forces acting on the car, to performance data and even how much the car is (or isn't) sliding.

See full details on the EDI for the HSV E3 range.

The new HSV EDI also has a stopwatch and lap timing function that includes data on tracks such as Bathurst's Mount Panorama, Phillip Island and Winton. Owners can also input their own lap data in conjunction with the satellite-navigation system.

Once captured, up to an hour's worth of data can be downloaded via a USB stick (through a connection in the glovebox) for use on a PC with a customised program that comes with the car.

Developed by MoTec, the EDI has data logging features similar to some of the systems used in V8 Supercars.

The new EDI is housed in the central control screen, which is now surrounded by shiny black plastic and has the model name of the car housed in it.

It's part of a new, cleaner, more upmarket centre console that blends with the largely untouched interior of the VE Commodore.

The HSV technology push also includes an optional blind spot warning system, which HSV calls SBZA, or Side Blind Zone Alert.

HSV managing director Phil Harding says the new HSV E3 range is all about taking the performance car brand to the next level and helping it better compete with European opposition.

"Our E3 range is an example of HSV's passion for innovation, and determination to bring world leading technology to vehicles," he said. "More and more of our customers are showing greater interest in new technology, and have expressed a desire for unique points of difference in their vehicles.

"You only have to look at EDI, LPI [liquid propane injection], and SBZA to know HSV is passionate about creating and building great all-round performance cars. The combination of new technologies, stylish interior improvements, and a continued focus on all-round performance further strengthens HSV's position as the ultimate in Australian-made performance cars."

The new HSV E3 range - which includes the ClubSport R8, ClubSport R8 Tourer, Maloo R8, Senator Signature, Grange and GTS - also gets styling revisions.

Key to the changes is a new rear spoiler that gives the car a fresh look and is said to improve rear vision.
There's also a new exhaust tip that better integrates with the rear bumper.

HSV won't initially offer its E3 range with a value-leading GXP (or replacement for it), instead hinting another one may be in the pipeline.

"I can't say whether we will or won't do something in future," says HSV marketing and communications manager Tim Jackson. "We said we knew from [the GXP] exercise we would learn a lot and we have learnt a lot.

"If the opportunity arises and it makes sense for us to do something ... we've learnt a lot about what the right vehicle is."

Only the HSV Grange gets more power, adopting the 325kW version of the same engine once reserved for the flagship GTS.

The entry-level ClubSport R8 sedan and wagon and Maloo R8 ute stick with the 317kW version of the Chevrolet Corvette-sourced 6.2-litre V8. The more luxurious Senator Signature also gets the 317kW engine.

However, all HSV sedans are now available with an LPG kit that HSV refers to as LPI, or liquid propane injection. Adding $5990 to the price (before a $2000 government rebate) the HSV LPI kit is said to pay itself off within three years due to cost savings by using LPG.

The system is a dual-fuel set-up, which allows the car to run on petrol at higher revs and when on full throttle to ensure there is no reduction in performance. The new HSV LPI engine can also drive for up to 1100km before needing refueling, although the boot is smaller due to the addition of the LPG gas tank.

Unlike partner Holden with its just updated Commodore VE Series 2, HSV has not made its engines E85 capable (able to run on a blend of petrol and up to 85 per cent ethanol).

As well as the revisions and additional features, the new HSV range is available in some new colours, including the bright yellow - known as Hazard - that's the hero for the lineup.

[vztrt]

The anniversary Model

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...913-157r8.html

20th anniversary for HSV Maloo Toby Hagon
September 13, 2010 - 12:01PM

V8 HSV ute gets limited edition anniversary features as part of a celebration to mark a milestone for one of the world's fastest utes.

HSV has given its Maloo R8 ute a 20th anniversary present that includes body add-ons and new technology not even thought of when one of the world's fastest utes was born in 1990.

The "20 Years of Maloo R8" comes with 20-inch wheels borrowed from the flagship HSV GTS sedan as well as metal-look bonnet and side vents designed to give the car more visual aggression.

There's also some of HSV's latest technology, which was unleashed as part of the just announced E3 update to the E-Series range.

The new HSV Maloo R8 20th anniversary model includes the new EDI data logging system as well as the blind spot warning system, known as Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA).

Satellite navigation with traffic alerts, rear parking sensors and a rear camera are also part of the limited edition Maloo R8 package.

The 20th anniversary Maloo also gets HSV's bi-modal exhaust, designed to sound louder at higher revs.

The HSV 20 Years of Maloo R8 sells from $67,900, plus on-road costs.

Only 100 of the "20 Years of Maloo" R8s will be sold.

[flappist]

I like the new gauges. It will give HSV owners something to look at after the Coyotes have disappeared off in the distance in front of them......

[Deco28]

Honestly the new HSV E3 looks the goods. The interior is stunning.

[Mad_Aussie]

HSV designers must sit there all day eating kebabs and ****ing over the accessories page from the SupaCheap catalogues... What ever happened to clean lines and style? Looks like they just skipped on polishing the **** and went straight to rolling it in glitter.

[vztrt]

http://www.caradvice.com.au/83249/hsv-e3-released/.

HSV E3 released
By Karl Peskett | September 13th, 2010

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has announced the launch of its E Series 3, bringing with it interior upgrades and driver convenience aids as well as a new fuel system option.



While there are no power tweaks, HSV is touting its new Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) as a highlight – we saw this technology introduced last week on the E3 Grange - as well as the new Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) becoming an option on every model, and standard on the Grange.



Reverse camera with rear park assist, Satellite navigation and touchscreen radio with iPod connectivity are also standard.

Exterior changes are limited to a new rear spoiler which mimicks the revised exhaust tips, by its mounts on the outboard edges.



Under the bonnet, the E3 range (except the Clubsport R8 Tourer) features the $5990 option of Liquid Propane Injection, which we covered in detail last week – click here for more information - which injects LPG as a liquid, rather than a gas, meaning cooling running temperatures and reduced CO2 emissions.

Inside, the E3 range receives:

* New ‘Oracle’ dash
* New model specific stainless steel ID plate on the centre console
* New twin-stitch seat trims on GTS and Senator Signature, as well as a new leather colour in Turismo Rosso.
* New binnacle gauges
* Piano black trim on the centre console and steering wheel

HSV Managing Director, Phil Harding says that the “E3 range is an example of HSV’s passion for innovation, and determination to bring world leading technology to vehicles.”

“You only have to look at EDI, LPI, and SBZA to know HSV is passionate about creating and building great all-round performance cars,” said Mr Harding. “More and more of our customers are showing greater interest in new technology, and have expressed a desire for unique points of difference in their vehicles.

“The combination of new technologies, stylish interior improvements, and a continued focus on all-round performance further strengthens HSV’s position as the ultimate in Australian-made performance cars,” he said.

Pricing is said to be announced when the car hits showrooms later this month. Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more details.

[vztrt]

Inside job for HSV’s new E3

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...25779D000CBA7F

Interior tweaks and new gadgets revealed in modest upgrade for HSV range

13 September 2010

By RON HAMMERTON

HOLDEN Special Vehicles’ drip-feed release of its updated E3 range continued today as it revealed images and details showing a mostly unmolested exterior and an upgraded cabin with some of the gee-whiz technologies already announced for its latest luxury flagship, the Grange.

Only the performance leader, the 325kW GTS, gets any changes of note to the exterior detail, with a revised rear spoiler (for improved vision) and slightly larger twin exhaust tips being the only giveaway.

The only change to the powertrain is the addition of the Australian-first optional dual-fuel liquid petroleum injection engine that was also foreshadowed last week on the Grange.

This $5990 option on the sedan – said to deliver the same performance as the petrol-only version of HSV’s 6.2-litre LS3 engine while cutting CO2 emissions by up to 15 per cent – will also be available on the Maloo ute, but at a higher price ($6390), because the ute requires a special tub liner to accommodate the tank.

However, the gas alternative will not be available on the Commodore Sportwagon-based ClubSport R8 Tourer because – like the donor car – there is no room for the LPG tank.

Although HSV is holding back full pricing until its media launch next week, it has revealed that one of the new options on the E3 models, the blind-spot warning system that it calls Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA), will cost $1990. The Bosch-developed feature is standard on the Grange, as revealed last week.

New to all HSV E3 models are the touch-screen Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI), reverse camera with rear park assist, satellite navigation and touchscreen audio with iPod connectivity.

The EDI system – co-developed with race data specialist MOTEC – allows HSV drivers to dial up a raft of race-like performance detail such as G forces, lap times on race circuits and even manifold pressure, as well as control a number of features of the car.

All E3 models, including the top-selling ClubSport R8, get a new-look dashboard that HSV calls ‘Oracle’, new binnacle gauges, piano black trim on the centre console and steering wheel, plus a model-specific stainless steel ID plate on the centre console.

The up-market GTS and Senator Signature also get twin-stitch seat trims, along with new alternative red (Turismo Rosso) leather.

Coinciding with the launch of the E3 range, HSV has also unveiled a special 20th anniversary edition Maloo ute, to commemorate its introduction at the Sydney motor show in October 1990.

The ‘20 Years of Maloo’ R8 gets special hood scoops and side vents, 20-inch GTS alloy wheels, bi-modal exhaust, EDI, blind-spot alert, rear parking sensors and camera, and satellite navigation.

The special edition will be publicly unveiled at the Deni Ute Muster in early October, going on sale at $67,900 – a $4710 premium over the current standard Maloo R8 price.

HSV managing director Phil Harding said the new E3 range had reached a new level of sophistication, continuing the company’s long history of innovation.

“Our E3 range is an example of HSV’s passion for innovation and determination to bring world leading technology to vehicles,” he said.

“You only have to look at EDI, LPI, and SBZA to know HSV is passionate about creating and building great all-round performance cars.

“More and more of our customers are showing greater interest in new technology, and have expressed a desire for unique points of difference in their vehicles.

“The combination of new technologies, stylish interior improvements and a continued focus on all-round performance further strengthens HSV’s position as the ultimate in Australian-made performance cars.”

As GoAuto reported last week, the GTS will continue with an unchanged 325kW/550Nm V8 powertrain – 10kW short of rival Ford Performance Vehicle’s new ‘Miami’ supercharged 5.0-litre V8.

The GTS engine also goes into the Grange this time around, while all other models retain the 317kW/550Nm version of the LS3 Chevrolet-sourced engine with a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic.

[SteveJH]

Its the attack of the acronyms, RUN!!!

On that note, looks like HSV has lots of new toys coming out.

Would be interesting to see what they could do with the LS3 if they decided to retune it.

[Grippy]

I guess HSV know they need to do something to hang onto their faithful buyers from jumping into a supercharged factory FPV, new toys and gizmos are all they can offer at the moment

[FPV8U]

Must admit the front of that looks great in the Yellow, but the rear is just vomit..

[Giant Cranium]

and people say thats gt's are ugly!

[vztrt]

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...ml?autostart=1

HSV dodges power war Toby Hagon
September 21, 2010 - 9:13AM

The updated HSV E3 range is loaded with technology, but there's no extra power to combat the beefed up Falcon GT.

HSV is "very happy" with the performance and power output of its cars despite being outblasted by rival FPV with its imminent new supercharged V8.

The latest round of updates to the E-Series 3 range didn't touch the 317kW and 325kW power outputs of the 6.2-litre V8; only the Grange jumped 8kW by utilising the output once reserved for the GTS.

Yet Ford's new Falcon GT musters 335kW from a new 5.0-litre supercharged V8, potentially reigniting the power war that for almost five years has remained all but dormant.

"I'm very happy with our performance," says HSV managing director Phil Harding, who believes the HSV range competes with European imports rather than the FPV products they are more closely priced to.

"We're very happy with the car we've got, the feature content, the options we've got. Our focus is to make the car even better ... and we've done that.

"It's all about making a great car and we've done that."

FPV recently said it was not interested in what HSV was doing.

''We won't be designing our cycle plan around what another competitor is doing," said Prodrive (the owner of FPV) managing director Bryan Mears. ''I don't think we are in a space where we are always going to be competing with what the other guy does. We think in this competitive market that we're being chased. We don't follow.''

HSV has long help the upper hand in outright power of its cars, proudly boasting with the engine outputs listed on the rear and/or sides of the cars, something considered a strong marketing tool.

"It will continue to be a powerful marketing feature for us because we'll continue to put the power figure on the car [the numbers on the car]," says Harding.

However, FPV said it was content with its 335kW output and hinted that its plans for its new engines would shift the goalposts.

"We have developmental plans for the future, well into the future, and by coincidence that will address some of the outputs [expected from HSV performance upgrades]. One of the lower priorities will be what the other guy does on the back of his car; the higher priority for us is to give our customer a terrific experience driving our car."

Key to HSV's E3 upgrade is new technology more akin with more exotic brands.

Harding says the new touchscreen EDI (Enhanced Driver Interface)

that includes race car like data logging is the most advanced of any production car and reaffirms the performance heritage of the brand.

The new HSV E3 range has risen in price by $1000 on most models; the Senator Signature is the only one to rise by less than that, with a $560 hike.

However, the new car comes with more options, many of which are typically reserved for European marques.
They include a blind spot warning system, which HSV markets and Side Blind Zone Assist and sells for $1990.

HSV marketing boss Tim Jackson says the brand has evolved into more than just a muscle car company.

"Whenever we do research ... what comes back, it's about the overall performance of the car, it's about the overall design ... and more and more technology," says Jackson.

[vztrt]

HSV holds E3 price rise to $1000

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2577A4000C3156

Australian-first gadgets dominate changes to E3 as HSV keeps its powder dry on power
21 September 2010
By RON HAMMERTON

HOLDEN Special Vehicles buyers will get a brace of electronic gizmos to enhance the driving experience – but no extra performance and minimal styling tweaks – with the refreshed E Series 3 range, in exchange for a $1000 price rise on six of the seven models.

In a first for an Australian manufacturer, all HSV E3 sedans, Tourer wagons, Maloo utes and long-wheelbase Grange models will get HSV’s new Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) that allows the driver to access performance data such as lap times and g-forces – V8 Supercar-style – and control a range of vehicle functions.

Reverse camera with rear park assist, satellite-navigation and – like the just-revealed Holden Commodore VE Series II on which the HSV models are based – touch-screen audio system are also now standard fare.

As GoAuto has reported, HSV buyers can also tick the box for the optional blind-spot alert system ($1990) – which is standard on Grange – as well as the Australian-developed dual-fuel liquid propane injection (LPI) system (from $5990).

But as expected, HSV has resisted the temptation to ramp up the performance of its Chevrolet-sourced 325kW LS3 6.2-litre V8 engine to match the forthcoming 335kW ‘Miami’ 5.0-litre supercharged V8 from arch-rival Ford Performance Vehicles for its upgraded GT.

Instead, HSV will stick with the existing 317kW/550Nm and 325kW/550Nm versions of its venerable pushrod V8, which is expected to be superseded by an all-new small-block engine now under development by General Motors for launch in the next couple of years.

HSV has also dispensed with its limited-edition Pontiac G8-inspired ClubSport GXP, meaning the entry-level point for an HSV sedan effectively jumps almost $6000.

This means the ClubSport R8 again becomes the most affordable HSV sedan, at $67,600 for the six-speed manual version (plus $2000 for the six-speed auto) – up from the GXP’s $61,900.

The ClubSport R8 pricing undercuts (by $290) FPV’s current but soon to be superseded 5.4-litre V8 GT and turbocharged six-cylinder F6 – both listed at $67,890. Those Ford prices are expected to change little, if anything, with the launch of the new range next month.

FPV could steal a march on its rival with the entry-level GS, powered by a 315kW version of Ford’s supercharged V8, which is expected to hit the market at about $55,000 – more than $12,000 under HSV’s cheapest sedan.

The cheapest HSV model remains the Maloo R8 ute, at $64,600, which has had a price hike of $1000, like most of the other models.

The exception to HSV’s $1000-price-rise rule is the sports-luxo Senator Signature, which goes up only $560, to $83,990 for both manual and automatic models.

But the biggest tick for value improvement goes to the Grange, which not only gets all the other improvements of the short-wheelbase models but also gains the GTS’s premium 335kW engine, new front and rear fascias and blind-spot alert system as standard equipment, for a price rise of $1000, to $88,900.

All HSV buyers will get to play with the new HDI system that was developed in partnership with race technology company MoTec.

Like Garth Tander’s race engineer, drivers will be able to play with a wide range of data recorded by system sensors and even download it onto a laptop computer via a USB stick and MoTec software.

The functions are divided into 11 pages that include g-forces, race page, stopwatch, dynamic, fuel economy and so on. The race page uses GPS to record track lap times, with several Australian race circuits, including Mount Panorama, already installed.

The driver can also adjust certain vehicle functions. For example, they can select the bi-modal exhaust setting to their preference for noise and turn off the blind spot warning device that alerts the driver to any car in the dangerous rear-three-quarter zone when changing lanes.

The warning device, which flashes a red LED light to warn if a vehicle is detected, uses an ultra sound system – similar to parking sensors – instead of more expensive radar as used in premium German cars.

HSV fans looking for major styling advances will be disappointed, as most of the changes have been confined to the interior.

A new, flatter rear spoiler has been fitted to both the best-selling ClubSport R8 and performance-leading GTS, mainly to aid rear visibility.

This spoiler also rides on supports that carry over the so-called “shockwave” shape of the twin exhaust tips, which also have come in for a tweak on all models except Maloo and Sportwagon-based Tourer.

The chrome exhaust tips are now mounted in the rear fascia instead of attached to the exhaust pipes, delivering a flusher fit.

The real changes are inside the cabin, where HSV has taken advantage of a revamp for Holden’s donor Commodore to step up interior design and equipment levels.

The new touch-screen for the EDI system, sat-nav and audio controls is higher on the dash than previous screens and is surrounded by piano-black trim in a new-look dash that includes, for the first time, an HSV-unique instrument layout that the company dubs ‘Oracle’.

Above the centre console, a new instrument binnacle holds gauges in the HSV tradition.

Each E3 model gets a machined stainless-steel nameplate on the centre console, while GTS and Senator get twin-stitch seat leather and a new red seat trim option called Turismo Rosso ($1499).

Four new exterior colours have been added – Hazard Yellow, Alto Grey, dark red Sizzle, and Mirage Glow beige, with the latter only available on Senator and Grange.

HSV managing director Phil Harding said the changes elevate the HSV range to a new level of sophistication and continues the company’s long history of innovation.

“Our E3 range is an example of HSV’s passion for innovation and determination to bring world leading technology to vehicles,” he said.

Mr Harding said HSV customers were showing a greater interest in new technology and had expressed a desire for unique points of difference in their vehicles.

Among these technologies is the optional petrol-LPG LPI system – developed in league with Australian engineering company Orbital – that delivers a 15 per cent cut in CO2 emissions and, because LPG is considerably cheaper at the bowser, up to 50 per cent fuel cost savings.

On cold starts, the system starts on petrol like Holden’s conventional gaseous LPG, then switches to LPG when warm.

The LPG is delivered by the latest liquid injection system straight into the inlet port, but because HSV was concerned about durability of the engine valves at high revs when subjected to “harsh” LPG fuel, the engine switches back to petrol from between 4000 and 4500rpm, depending on the load, to deliver the same maximum power and torque as standard petrol-only LS3 V8s.

HSV says the switch between fuels is seamless.

The LPI system costs $5990 on HSV sedans, but $6390 on Maloo because the ute requires a special tub-liner to protect the LPG tank. The system is not available on the ClubSport Tourer R8 because the bulky tank cannot be accommodated.

The new HSV models are due in showrooms from the end of September.

2010 HSV E3 range pricing:
ClubSport R8 $67,600
ClubSport R8 (a) $69,600
ClubSport R8 Tourer $68,600
ClubSport R8 Tourer (a) $70,600
GTS $82,900
GTS (a) $84,900
Senator Signature $83,990
Senator Signature (a) $83,990
Maloo R8 $64,600
Maloo R8 (a) $66,600
20 Years of Maloo R8 $67,600
20 Years of Maloo R8 (a) $69,600
Grange (a) $88,900

[sarrge2001]

In the Coyote thread in LS1 they were complaining about HSV limiting their upgrades to extra holes in the bodywork for bling......

Sort of like this forum and stripes

[irlewy86]

Originally Posted by Toby Hagon

The new HSV EDI also has a stopwatch and lap timing function that includes data on tracks such as Bathurst's Mount Panorama, Phillip Island and Winton. Owners can also input their own lap data in conjunction with the satellite-navigation system

I have another bone to pick, why only 3 tracks with data and one of them is a tourist drive 99% of the year. You would think woth their noses in the Toll HRT door they could have at least mapped the major circuits.

[Iggypoppin']

Irlewey86: the post you quoted mentions "tracks such as", and only named three. There could be more, but only three examples where cited.
Also, that rear end is terrible. As are the wheels. The front isn't too bad, a little too busy but I could live with it.

[irlewy86]

Originally Posted by Iggypoppin'

Irlewey86: the post you quoted mentions "tracks such as", and only named three. There could be more, but only three examples where cited.
Also, that rear end is terrible. As are the wheels. The front isn't too bad, a little too busy but I could live with it.

I withdraw my complaint

[T3ts50]

Originally Posted by Iggypoppin'

Irlewey86: the post you quoted mentions "tracks such as", and only named three. There could be more, but only three examples where cited.
Also, that rear end is terrible. As are the wheels. The front isn't too bad, a little too busy but I could live with it.

I dont mind the front end of the GTS, as the black middle section really breaks up the front end. Agree with the rear end, S1 was a lot nicer and looked lower aswell.

[data_mine]

Interesting how FPV starts a power war, but when HSV is winning, it's dormant.

[Joe5619]

I've got to admit when the E3 first come out I hated the front end, but it has really, really, really grown on me to a point where I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! I wish FPV was more aggressive with it's body kits

[HSE2]

That video was pretty cool.

[vztrt]

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...922-15lvw.html

First drive: HSV E3 Toby Hagon
September 22, 2010 - 9:20AM

From the GTS to the Maloo and ClubSport, we drive the latest range of HSV V8-powered performance cars.

It's all about the detail with HSV's new E3 range, which includes the new ClubSport R8, Maloo R8, Tourer wagon, GTS performance hero, Senator Signature and Grange.

Anyone expecting the latest HSV E3 range to be radically different to drive to the one it replaces may be disappointed.

But they will have a more upmarket driving experience.

The 6.2-litre V8 is unchanged, as are the tyres, suspension and other components that determine how the V8-powered, Melbourne-born muscle car will behave on the road - and track.

Not that any of that is a bad thing.

The HSV E3 still has the raucous roar expected of its flexible and willing V8. At higher revs an exhaust flap opens and allows the exhaust to emit more of a rumble, which burbles when you lift off the accelerator.

Instead, the HSV E3 is more about making the most of what is a strong performing machine.
Additional technology and some smoothing of rough edges have refined what was already a compelling large performance car.

Key to the new go fast gear is the EDI, or Enhanced Driver Interface, which houses all manner of controls and race car-like data logging.

In everyday driving it's a novelty to monitor how much power or torque the engine is producing at any time (it's not actually measured but is calculated from the throttle opening and revs to give a theoretical figure).

Watching the G-force meter roll around depending on whether you're cornering or braking is also a bit of fun, although could act as a distraction if used irresponsibly.

Other readouts are more useful for regular driving. The history of fuel use over recent kilometres is interesting, while LPI cars (running on petrol and LPG) can predict the remaining range on each fuel before refueling.

The stopwatch could be handy to time your run to work to see if a different route or shortcut can get you there quicker.

More useful functions include the gear change lights, although having them tucked down on the central screen takes them away from the driver's line of sight; a chime and additional logo in the instrument cluster partially solve that issue.

But it's the data logging that's of most interest to enthusiasts. Hit the "record" button and it starts monitoring all manner of information, from wheelspin and slide angles, to throttle inputs, G-forces and speeds at various points around a track. Again, while the data logging is a product of the race track, those keen to analyse their trip to work could have also sorts of fun dissecting the data from different days of the week.

The EDI screen is easy to use and incorporates specific HSV designs and layouts, including the build number of your car that flashes up on start-up.

The cabin, too, looks more upmarket with the addition of glossy black paneling in the centre console and dash and a cleaner design that places the new touchscreen EDI higher on the dash. Different models also get unique trim treatments, including faux carbon fibre strips on the GTS and metallic-look on the Senator Signature.

The model name of the car on a silver strip is also a welcome touch to the interior.

LPI - LPG-powered dual fuel set-up

This is my first taste of HSV's new LPI system. It's a clever marketing ploy to give it a name that's distinct from LPG, which still has ugly connotations of a taxi fuel. LPI also refers to liquid propane injection, indicating the new technology that injects the fuel as a liquid, rather than a gas, for better efficiency.

The story with HSV's LPI system - which is a $5990 option ($6390 on Maloo R8 ute to account for unique fitment in the ute) on all but the Tourer (where it's not available) - is one of running cost savings.

That's because you can't distinguish when the car is running on LPG gas. A neat button housed in the near the gear selector and handbrake has a fan of blue LEDs alerting as to how much gas is left in the tank, while the button allows you to disable it if you want to force the car to run only on petrol.

The new HSV LPI system can run only on petrol, but it can't rely purely on LPG. That's because the LPI engine initially starts on petrol before switching to LPG once it's warmed up.

The LPI version of the 6.2-litre V8 also reverts to petrol above 4000rpm, purely for engine durability.

The switch to LPG is imperceptible when accelerating and there's no discernible difference in the way the car performs on either fuel.

Even below 4000rpm when the GTS LPI car is running on LPG it pulls strongly and makes all the right V8 sounds.

There's still a full 325kW of power to play with and it's backed up by 550Nm of torque, or mid-range pulling power.

Steering still feels less than ideal with a bulkiness to its response and feedback. But it turns the car faithfully and doesn't have any unwanted kickback over bumps.

There's also loads of grip from the GTS's 20-inch tyres, while the stability and traction control systems add reassurance on a wet, greasy road.

The main difference with the LPI system is what it does to the boot. The circular tank sits behind the rear seats, meaning the split fold functionality is gone. It also eats up 165 litres of the Commodore-based GTS's 496-litre boot. That may not sound like much (there's still 331 litres to play with), but the functionality of the boot is impacted substantially, meaning even a large suitcase or two could prove challenging to fit in. At least HSV has fitted a carpet-like flap to cover the uglier, industrial-looking cylinder that sits in the boot.

About 100kg of extra weight will no doubt slow the GTS against a stopwatch, although it does little to dilute the brutal V8 response that characterises the car.

HSV has also raised the rear springs of the car to account for the extra weight in the rear.

HSV E3 on the track

Part of our taste test of the new HSV E3 range involved a blast around the Broadford race track, where Drive also conducts part of its annual Car of the Year testing.

The sometimes tight and always challenging track was a great place to put the new HSV range through its paces.

The 6.2-litre V8 pulls strongly from down low but is also happy to rev to 6500rpm shortly before the gear change chime kicks in to prompt you to change up.

The big 20-inch wheels of the HSV GTS also grip well, pointing the large car into the corner. With all that power, though, it doesn't take much aggression with the accelerator to prompt the tail to start sliding, something the well tuned stability control system (if it hasn't been switched off) will catch and correct.

Brakes don't have the meaty feel of more focused sports cars, but they pull up solidly and with assurance. Only after a couple of hard laps does the pedal start to go spongy and, when you're stopped, you get that distinctive burning brake smell. That's one of the downsides with trying to stop a large, relatively heavy (1.7-tonne plus) sedan on a race track.

I largely ignored the EDI screen on the track, instead focusing on what was going on outside the car. And with the data logging functionality, it allows you to look back over your laps later.

The data logging capability is a great way to review your performance after a few laps. Granted, it's not for everyone but it's at least a novelty and a handy addition for anyone looking to take their car to a track regularly.

It also gives you a touch of the race car feel and the ability to compare your performance with others or yourself.

The new HSV Maloo R8 20th anniversary edition was also on hand for testing. It gets slightly wider front tyres, which help it bite more when turning into corners.

The Maloo has also the go fast feeling of the GTS but the lack of weight in the rear (and the additional width to the front tyres) means you'll have the stability control intervening more (or the tail sliding) when pushing it on a track.

PICS

[vztrt]

HSV lures new breed of buyers with LPI

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2577A60039B746

New-generation LPG system expands HSV’s reach to buyers interested in fuel savings
22 September 2010

By RON HAMMERTON
HOLDEN Special Vehicles (HSV) expects only five per cent of its buyers to opt for its Australian-first Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system, but most of those will be new to the brand, drawn by the environmental benefits and cost saving of the new technology developed in partnership with Perth-based Orbital Engineering.

That would equate to almost 200 sales of HSV cars equipped with the dual-fuel system, which unlike conventional LPG systems that squirt vapour into the inlet runners, injects precise amounts of liquid LPG from an injector next to each of the 6.2-litre LS3 V8’s conventional petrol fuel-injector nozzles feeding the eight cylinders.

Compared with gas, liquid provides more accurate fuel metering and cooler combustion for a better burn.

The company claims a 15 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions and up to a 50 per cent cut in fuel costs over pure petrol due to the cheaper price of LPG at about 50 cents a litre, depending on driving style. Highway range can be more than 1000km on the combined petrol and LPG fuel tanks.

Official fuel economy test results were unavailable at the HSV E-Series 3 launch this week, as they were still being done at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground lab.

HSV admits it began development of the LPI system in 2008 when oil prices spiked alarmingly, pushing petrol prices to $1.60 a litre and raising fears within the company that buyers might be deterred from its V8-powered products.

While the oil price scare subsequently subsided, HSV elected to continue on with the project as insurance against a similar event in future and the prospects of luring drivers who might have previously balked at an HSV car on environmental grounds.

The project marked the first time GM’s high-performance LS3 V8 had been redeveloped to dual-fuel, which meant HSV had to send test engines to the United States for durability analysis.

HSV engineering manager Joel Stoddart said this involved about 900 hours of bench-testing – equivalent to 160,000km of road driving – while chewing through 44,000 litres of LPG.

As well, five test vehicles ran on public roads for two years, in a durability program that included hot-weather testing in the Northern Territory.

He said the main concern for the engineering team was durability of the valves, as LPG was dry and harsh compared with petrol, lacking the latter’s lubrication qualities around the valve seats, especially at high engine revs.

HSV solved the issue by engineering the system to switch back to petrol at between 4000 and 4500rpm, depending on throttle pressure.

The engine also starts on petrol, which is better at cold temperatures, before switching to LPG when warm.

Mr Stoddart said HSV faced a challenge when seeking a suitable fuel management control unit for the system, because no such eight-cylinder CPU existed. In the end, the engineers solved this issue by piggy-backing two six-cylinder CPUs.

HSV managing director Phil Harding said the company had needed to erase the “taxi” image of LPG lest it tarnish HSV’s high-performance street cred.

To this end, the company opened its usually secret development program to public scrutiny at an early stage to demonstrate the performance potential of LPG, along with its reduced running costs and lower emissions.

Mr Stoddart said one of the main goals of the LPI project was to maintain HSV’s high-performance power and torque levels, along with seamless changeover between petrol and LPG when driving.

He said production engines fitted with the system have exactly the same performance outputs – 317kW/550Nm and 325kW/550Nm – as standard petrol V8s.

Although Orbital is said to be developing an LPI system in league with Ford Australia for its Falcon from next year, HSV says its version of the system is unique.

The system costs $5990 for HSV sedan models and $6390 for Maloo. It is unavailable on the ClubSport Tourer R8 wagon, because the LPG tank will not fit.

In the sedans and Maloo ute, the tank holds about 40kg of LPG, for a total maximum weight gain of about 100kg over petrol models.

[Mad_Aussie]

I've always thought that while I'm in the middle of a drift, what I really need from a car is a computer screen to show me how much drift angle I'm achieving, because seeing the road and things outside the window just isn't an accurate enough indication...

[sarrge2001]

Originally Posted by Toby Hagon

The new HSV EDI also has a calendar lap timing function that includes data on tracks such as Bathurst's Mount Panorama, Phillip Island and Winton. Owners can also input their own lap data in conjunction with the satellite-navigation system

Fixed