Holden Special Vehicles, or HSV for short, is the high-performance arm of the GM-owned Holden brand in Australia. This week, HSV released details on its updated MY12.5 range that coincides with the company’s year-long 25th anniversary celebrations.
The big story for the new model year is the re-introduction of the most affordable Commodore based V8 models, the ClubSport saloon and the Maloo ute, which is Aussie talk for a car-based utility vehicle (think Chevrolet El Camino).
Both models sit below their respective R8 level variants in terms of equipment missing out on HSV’s Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) and in the case of the Maloo, the remote locking hard tonneau and performance sailplane as well, but do keep other goods such as the 20-inch wheels, performance seats, satellite navigation and Rear Park Assist with reversing camera.
The Clubsport and Maloo are both powered by HSV’s 6.2-liter LS3 V8 that delivers 425hp (317kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque with prices starting at AU$64,990 and AU$58,990 respectively for manual gearbox versions.
As part of the new model year lineup, maximum power for the ClubSport R8, Maloo R8 and ClubSport Tourer R8 increases to 436hp (325kW), while all cars get new 20-inch forged alloy wheels that replace the previous 19-inch rims, and standard leather instead of cloth seats.
New available factory-fitted options include the 20-inch SV Performance Forged wheels in Gloss Black, “Vector” hood scoops and side vents and specifically for the Maloo R8, a new 6-piston brake package.
The Senator also gains the upgraded 436hp (325kW) V8 engine along with new 20-inch forged allow wheels in Dark Stainless, and Side Blind Zone Alert as standard, while it can be optioned with HSV’s 6 piston brake package.
Finally, as part of the company’s celebrations, all MY12.5 models will feature unique “25th Anniversary” content such as new HSV 25th Anniversary “start-up” screen, build plate, internal I.D. plate and sill plates.
“25 years is an important milestone for our company, and we will be looking to celebrate in many ways through the course of the year,” said HSV Managing Director, Phil Harding. “From a customer perspective; however, it is the product that matters so we have been working hard to deliver even more value across our range.”
All MY12.5 HSV cars are available for sale in Australia now.
MY12.5 HSV GRANGE 
MY12.5 HSV SENATOR 
MY12.5 HSV CLUBSPORT R8 TOURER 
MY12.5 HSV CLUBSPORT R8 
MY12.5 HSV MALOO R8 
MY12.5 HSV CLUBSPORT 
MY12.5 HSV MALOO 
