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Following the arrival of Holden's most stylish and sophisticated ute ever, HSV announces the ultimate expression of the Australian Ute concept - the VU Maloo. Available for the first time in two levels, Maloo and Maloo R8, the VU Maloo represents a number of "firsts" for an Australian high performance utility.

Since the first VG Maloo arrived in October 1990, the Maloo has found an enthusiastic and loyal buyer group who see the Maloo as a performance coupe with the appointments, performance and refinement of HSV's passenger vehicle range with the extra practicality of a ute cargo bed. The VU Maloo builds on this tradition even further.

Styling
For the first time since the 1997 arrival of the VT range, the VU Maloo shares the same exciting new generation styling of HSV's latest VX ClubSport range. In line with coming European trends, there is a harder edge to the VU Maloo's striking front treatment that continues through the rest of the vehicle and highlights the flowing roofline.

Edged side skirts continue behind the rear wheel arches and merge into a full width rear skirt, with a contrasting centre recess that follows a similar design to HSV sedans. An integrated centre number plate recess in the tailgate is topped by stylish HSV identification at the rear.

But there is another Maloo first that lifts sports utility styling to the next level.

The Maloo revives the original coupe utility concept that merged a coupe roofline into the load bed in one unbroken panel. This immediately distinguishes the Maloo from those utes that have a boring square rear cab section separate from the load area.

The Maloo then goes one better by recalling the timeless lines of the sporty US Chevrolet El Camino models. The roofline's sweep is continued in the side profile of the load bed to create the effect of a fastback coupe roofline merging into a long styled bootline. An integrated centre high mounted stop light is set into the cabin's roofline where it can be seen above the ute bed.

Elements of the VU Maloo emerged in the concept sketches of Holden designers for their own ute, which is why it looks as though it was meant that way. HSV took them one step further with the assistance of TWR stylist Neil Simpson and made the dream ute a production reality.

The Maloo R8 is distinguished by a unique colour matched hard tonneau cover with styled raised spears and low profile rear wing. This attention to detail is more consistent with a rod and custom exhibit, not a production model. HSV's National Sales & Marketing Manager, Mark Behr, expects the Maloo R8 to account for up to 75% of Maloo sales and says that there will be no problems achieving the forecast sales volume of over 400 units in 2001 - a volume that would set an annual Maloo sales record. "We have received an extraordinary level of interest from the public. VU Maloo will build on the great success of our recently launched VX model range".

Drivetrains
The VU Maloo is the first to feature HSV's Chevrolet Heritage V8 engine, in this case, the latest 255 LS1 version introduced with HSV's VX performance car range. It features the new Bosch injector design, larger volume inlet manifold and the latest generation software with special HSV calibrations for improved low end torque. The Maloo is the first ute in local performance car history to share the enhanced 5.7 litre engine of a performance sedan equivalent.

Because of the slight reduction in weight over the sedans, the VU Maloo is even more responsive from low engine speeds. Its overall throttle response is more consistent with a thoroughbred performance coupe than a ute.

The VU Maloo is the first HSV ute to feature a 6 speed manual transmission as standard. A four speed auto with special HSV calibrations is also available.

A limited slip differential is standard with HSV's 3.73:1 final drive ratio in the manual and 3.07:1 for the automatic.

Suspension
The VU's independent rear suspension is a first for the Maloo and as a Holden/HSV exclusive, it is unique for a rear drive performance ute. HSV has maximised the ride and handling advantages that IRS offers by developing a Maloo suspension package to equal the acclaimed ride and handling balance of the VX ClubSport. This is consistent with the long distance touring requirements of Maloo owners.

HSV market research has shown that maximum load carrying capacity is not a high priority for Maloo owners, who are more likely to see their vehicle as the ultimate expression in personal transport. By limiting the VU Maloo load capacity to 356 kg, HSV could specify a suspension, wheel and tyre combination that is more than a match for the Maloo's high performance capabilities, laden or unladen. It was a priority to ensure that the VU Maloo delivered the high roadholding and cornering reserves drivers now take for granted in the HSV performance car range.

The VU Maloo front suspension is based on the VX ClubSport Touring suspension, although with a stiffer spring rate. At the rear, HSV retains the special semi-trailing arms unique to the Holden VU ute range. The Maloo's rear ride height is 15 mm lower than Holden's SS ute, leaving the rear end with extra bite. To allow for the Maloo's load carrying capacity, this ride height is still slightly higher than the ClubSport sedan which dictated marginally longer springs, unique to the Maloo with rear dampers specially calibrated for this application.

The standard Maloo wheel is the 18 inch alloy wheel shared with the latest VX Clubsport. The Maloo R8 wheel is a harder-edged 18 inch wheel style that made its debut on the new VX ClubSport R8. Both are fitted with low profile performance 235/40 ZR18 Bridgestone SO2 tyres.

This combination preserves the outstanding ride and handling balance of the VX ClubSport while allowing for the extra carrying capacity of the ute. The result is an exciting and rewarding driving experience unprecedented in a vehicle of this type.

HSV research indicates that after buyers purchase their first Maloo, they stay with the model and replace each vehicle with the latest model as it is released. Many Maloo owners have worked their way through the whole series: VG, VP, VR and VS. They tend to be enthusiastic buyers who want the best of HSV's latest ClubSport range from the driver's seat but are prepared to trade rear passenger capacity for extra carrying capacity and flexibility. Head turning looks are also a high priority.

One of the targets for the VU Maloo was to offer new levels of excitement for these repeat buyers, while maintaining the satisfaction levels of their earlier cars. On all scores, the VU Maloo has exceeded this target by a convincing margin.

Brakes
The Maloo shares the ClubSport's all wheel disc brake package with twin piston front callipers and police specification pads. The Maloo R8 shares its grooved Performance brakes with the ClubSport R8.

The Maloo R8's Performance brakes are also available as an option on the Maloo, while HSV's Premium brakes with four piston callipers and cross drilled rotors are optional for the first time on both Maloo models. ABS is standard with all brake specifications.

Interior Interior trim and detailing follows the ClubSport range. The Maloo features the Sports bucket seats of the ClubSport, while the Maloo R8 comes with the contoured Performance seats as standard.

The standard seat fabric for both seat styles is the latest Techno pattern in Empire Red, Aquarius Blue and Honeycomb. There is a new silver pearlescent instrument panel finish which has also been introduced as a 2001 running change on all VX XU6 and ClubSport models. A leather bound sports steering wheel with audio remote controls, HSV centre logo and driver's and passenger's airbag is standard on both models.

Standard equipment also includes single CD player, air-conditioning, cruise control and electric windows.