HSV’s “BBQ stopper”

Published: 30 June 2009

Pictured: Holden Special Vehicles’ LPG technology is a step closer to becoming an approved product program

Holden Special Vehicles’ LPG technology is a step closer to becoming an approved product program following the establishment of a dedicated ‘dyne’ facility at the company’s Clayton headquarters.

After 18 months of evaluating a range of alternative fuel options, including everything from diesel to ethanol, LPG is firming as the front runner to power Australia’s favourite luxury and performance vehicles.

HSV Chief Engineer Joel Stoddart said LPG technology had well and truly moved beyond the stigma of BBQ powered taxi fleets, funny smells and other nefarious perceptions.

“We are seeing performance figures comparable to our 317kW LS3 powered range and it has certainly bought a smile to the face of the engineers testing the technology when they pull into a servo and can fill up for around A$20!” he said.

Other advantages of the system include a range of up to 1000 kilometres due to the dual-fuel capabilities of the car, dedicated service station infrastructure across Australia and of course, greatly reduced running costs.

The Holden Special Vehicles LPG program is yet to be finally signed off by HSV management as an approved product program with that decision set to be made later this year, with more validation and testing steps to be undertaken.

If approved it is likely to take the form of a tick-the-box option along with the obligatory sun-roof and satellite navigation systems.

“For a small up front premium we believe customers would see a cost saving within the first two or so years of running an LPG powered HSV,” Stoddart said.

Keep visiting www.hsv.com.au to track the company’s alternative fuel technology roll-out.

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