Landmark
Coupé a 'defining moment' in HSV history
Tuesday 4th December, 2001
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Landmark
Coupé a 'defining moment' in HSV history Tuesday 4th December, 2001 |
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Introducing
the HSV GTO Coupé and GTS Coupé With the arrival of the most eagerly anticipated new car ever to hit the Australian market, HSV has once again turned the high performance luxury vehicle sector on its ear. The HSV Coupé, the company's first two-door model, not only sets new benchmarks for styling, performance and sophistication but also rewrites the rulebook in terms of value for money, making it an even more enticing prospect for buyers.
"Holden's Monaro provides us with an excellent platform from which we have developed two of the world's most exciting cars - the HSV GTO Coupe and HSV GTS Coupe. Not since the early seventies have we seen the release of such exciting, passionate, performance cars." said Mark Behr, HSV National Sales & Marketing Manager. Both models, GTO and GTS, feature a seductive two-door body which, compared with HSV's highly successful sedan models, is unique rearward of the windscreen (with two degree increased rake). The roof is 40mm lower and the car 100mm shorter, all of which is taken out of the rear overhang. While the result can only be described as sensational, the fact that Holden took the Monaro from concept to reality in an HSV-like 22 months, meant that HSV had to deliver their Coupe to market even faster. Meeting this extremely tight development time frame, while maintaining high quality standards, demonstrates the enormous strides HSV has taken in the area of high technology. The use of design aids such as Alias models was a crucial element in the process at HSV's Computer Aided Design (CAD) Centre in Clayton, Victoria. Other factors include completing the clay modelling at Holden's studios and, for the first time, using computer clay machining technology. In basic terms the styling was done on computer using Alias software, then downloaded to a computerised clay cutting/milling machine which automatically produced the styling in physical form, as a full size clay model. "We've used technology to our advantage to complete the HSV Coupé's development program in about 16 months," explains HSV's Engineering Manager, John Clark.
Neil Simpson, TWR (UK)'s Chief Designer, was responsible for the sensational styling of the HSV GTO and GTS Coupes. "I really wanted to make a strong statement with the central grille bar, a device I see as the HSV signature. This is echoed in the front fascia's lower aperture and, at the rear of the car, both in the fascia, roof spoiler and as a support to the rear spoiler. I wanted the car to be recognisable as an HSV from all angles." "There's a strong read from the bonnet shut lines down the fascia, then the aperture and fog lamps really pull the graphic much wider but it's also quite low, which gives the car a great ground-hugging stance. The rear spoiler had to make a statement but I kept it flat with the deck lid so it really gives some speed and length to the car without being overly aggressive." In fact the three-piece rear spoiler design is a first for HSV, as are the three element 'projector' headlights and distinctive tail lamps. Several highlights also hint at the original Monaro GTS, including the three side skirt vents, dubbed 'Shark Gills', and the high-quality retro styled injection moulded badges. Located on the side skirts the chrome badges feature a 3D effect - grey for GTO and red for GTS.
Interior appointments of both HSV Coupé models boast an exceptionally high level of luxury and standard equipment including dual zone automatic climate control air conditioning, an 8-speaker, 10-stack CD player/tuner/cassette sound system, eight-way electric adjustable driver's seat with three memory settings, both front seats incorporate electric rear access, unique HSV Coupé alloy sill plates, 'Twilight Sentinel' automatic headlights on and off and a selection of sumptuous leather/lismore trim treatments. GTO
COUPÉ In addition to the side skirt GTO badges the model can be easily identified by its distinctive 18-inch alloy wheel design, which uses the original theme of the HK Monaro 327. Mechanically it receives a 255kW 5.7 litre LS1 V8 coupled to either a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual. All manual HSV Coupés also receive the 'Quick Shift' short throw gearbox as standard. Standard braking comes from the excellent Grooved HSV Performance brake package with the option of the impressive Cross-drilled Premium brake system, both with ABS. Considering the relatively limited production nature of these models, the amount of choice for interior trim colour combinations is amazing. 'Onyx Black" is standard on GTO and it's supplemented by 3 other colour combinations - Red, Tan or Yellow - that are coordinated to exterior colours and are available on either model. Each combination features high contrast stitching and special seat facings with an innovative textured treatment, called 'HRT Race-Suit embossing'. Its appearance mimics a racing suit and its high quality Lismore finish gives the interior a sophisticated image. Further GTO options are HSV Satellite Navigation and Holden Assist and HSV Performance suspension. GTS
COUPÉ To match its exceptional performance the GTS Coupé comes standard with the most awesome braking system ever fitted to an Australian manufactured production car. Dubbed the HSV Six-piston braking package (developed in conjunction with AP Racing of HRT fame) it consists of enormous 362mm front and 343mm rear discs, both Cross-drilled and Grooved. These are clamped by six-piston front callipers and four-piston rear callipers. Combined with ABS the new package provides unparalleled braking performance and matches the stopping power of any car in the world. GTS Coupé is not only an exhilarating performer it's also a stunning looker. Externally it's distinguished by contrasting colour accents on front and rear bumpers and side skirts, complemented by stunning 19-inch wheels (from GTS sedan), a subtle roof spoiler at the top of the rear glass and an evolution of the double 'D' exhaust outlet. Bosch Rear Proximity sensors are standard fitment on GTS Coupe. Exclusive GTS styling touches continue on the inside, too, with a highly distinctive leather trim that's been sourced all the way from Bridge-of-Weir, in Scotland. A special leather embossing process creates a unique metallic-like effect, called 'Chain-mail'. It's used as an insert in the stylish black leather seats and is augmented by a silver embroidered HSV logo. The colour keyed leather/Lismore HRT Race suit style themed interiors are available as an option. A specific 'Grey Metal' coloured dash surround and anthracite leather covered steering wheel with 'Grey Metal' sections complete the alluring interior treatment. Reflecting the exceptionally high standard equipment level of HSV's new premium model, GTS Coupé buyers have only two choices when it comes to options - HSV Satellite Navigation and Holden Assist. According to Mark Skaife, an integral member of HSV's Product Group, the new HSV Coupés are the best handling HSVs ever - a very big statement indeed considering some of the superb HSV models of the past and present. Although the HSV suspension hardware, including Multi-link, is carried over from the sedan models, HSV engineers were able to capitalise on the more rigid torsional characteristics of the Coupé's chassis. It allowed them to produce razor sharp handling while at the same time tuning the suspension for a supple ride quality. Consequently, Coupé sets a new benchmark for HSV in terms of both handling and ride. To complement this, Coupé has been fitted with a specific HSV steering rack compared to its Holden two-door relative for less turns lock to lock and faster turn-in. Continuing HSV's leadership in combating theft, all HSV Coupes also benefit from the datadots technology initiative - HSV DNA. Up to 10,000 dots the size of a pin head contain the specific VIN or Vehicle Identification Number of each HSV Coupe. The system makes it virtually impossible for thieves. Even months prior to launch, HSV experienced unprecedented interest in the new Coupé - on the phone, via HSV's website (www.hsv.com.au), from current HSV owners and, importantly, from traditional premium European coupé buyers who, perhaps, hadn't previously considered an HSV. Indeed over 200 firm orders are already held for both models, a high percentage of which are for the 300kW GTS Coupé. "The new HSV Coupe is the next major 'defining moment' in HSV's history", says John Crennan, HSV's Managing Director. "We've applied the very best we have to offer to this sensational new model - stunning, aggressive, low to the ground exterior appearance, superb ride and handling, spirited engine performance and a dynamic feature-packed interior." "I believe that, if the HSV Coupé was released exactly as is but with BMW badges, the price would be $150,000. By any measure,HSV's Coupé models are a great value for money story for a world-class high performance V8 two-door sports model." Full GTO production begins in late January 2002, with GTS Coupé commencing in February. In addition, a range of HSV Coupe specific apparel is also being released as a part of HSV'S $20 million a year apparel business. Prices for the HSV GTO Coupe start at $73,750 (incl GST) while the HSV GTS Coupe starts at $94,750 (incl GST). Prices exclude dealer and government statutory charges.
For further information contact National
Sales & Marketing Manager |
