HSV, Holden’s sporty vehicle arm, decided that it was a good idea to transfer the 577 / 740 Nm (545 lb-ft) V8 from the Holden HSV Gen-F GTS into the Maloo ute body shell. It resulted in the HSV GTS Maloo, probably the maddest and fastest vehicle of its type ever.
The Maloo could already be picked up with a 425 hp V8, which for all intents and purposes would have been enough. This new GTS not only features the more powerful engine, but also a series of other visual and mechanical improvements to make each and every one of the 250 examples planned special.
One really novel addition is HSV’s in-house brewed torque vectoring system which, in conjunction with a clever ESP system is designed to cull as much understeer as possible – they’re meant to generate “rotational moment” and help the vehicle turn; should prove fun to try out…
Brakes are bigger than those of other regular hot Maloos – six-piston calipers hugging 390 mm disks up front and smaller 372 mm disks at the back.
Transmission-wise, the Maloo GTS can either be had with either a six-speed manual or automatic, both of which come with a separate transmission oil cooler.
Visually, the GTS front bumper borrowed from the sedan is immediately obvious. The back looks really aggressive, with big dual exhausts and a low stance; the wheels it comes with are 20-inch “Blade” style and feature a new “dark stainless” finish. Lots of GTS badges adorn the exterior and interior, so as to remind you you’re at the wheel of something a bit special.
Tech features include a head-up display, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rain sensing wipers and a built-in performance monitor.
Production is set to commence in November; deliveries will follow shortly after.
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