HSV 30 Years range 2017 Review

HSV 30 Years ClubSport R8 LSA, ClubSport Tourer R8 LSA, GTS, Maloo R8 LSA and Senator Signature
Australian Launch Review
Phillip Island, Victoria

The Clayton crew has introduced its final Zeta platform-based range to mark its pearl anniversary, and the all-supercharged LSA V8-powered range combines the mass of knowledge accumulated by HSV’s engineers over three decades, beginning with the Maloo R8 LSA from $79,990 (plus on-road costs).

The 30 Years applique adorns all of HSV’s regular models: ClubSport R8 LSA, ClubSport R8 Tourer LSA, GTS, Maloo R8 LSA, and Senator Signature.

All barring the GTS are enhanced by a 410kW/691Nm version of HSV’s Chevrolet-sourced supercharged LSA Generation IV all-alloy V8 engine; the GTS’ output is all but unchanged at 435kW/740Nm. A unique engine build plate is fitted to each vehicle.

HSV has yet to quote performance times for the 30 Years range and fuel economy and CO2 figures also still to come. That said, we don’t expect much of an improvement over the current GEN-F2 line-up (from 12.6L/100km and 300g/km).

Chief among the enhancements offered across the 30 Years line-up are two features we reckon are worth the admission price alone: a tweaked bi-modal exhaust, which now opens earlier in the rev range to create a richer soundtrack from lower speeds, and torque vectoring (by brake) as standard – a real nice-to-have considering the horsepower on offer.

Related reading:
Official HSV slams down 474kW GTSR W1

Visually the range adopts new bonnet vents, new front and rear fascias, a new range of alloy wheels, revised suspension and 30 Years badging, floor mats, sill plates and rear-window decal.

It's further differentiated by matte black accenting on the alloy wheels, with Senator Signature models now featuring the previously optional 20-inch SV Rapier forged alloy wheel design.

More on the features and equipment offered in the 30 Years range is available at our pricing story here.

The 30 Years range continues to be powered by HSV’s Chevrolet-sourced supercharged LSA Generation IV all-alloy V8 engine. As stated, in all models bar GTS it makes 410kW/691Nm, while the GTS offers 435kW/740Nm.

All are mated to Tremec-sourced TR6060 six-speed manual transmission as standard, the heavy-duty GM 6L90E six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select and paddle shifters being a $2500 option.

HSV’s 390mm front, 372mm rear rotor, six-piston AP Racing brake package is also available optionally ($3495) on all models except GTS, which is already offered with the big-brake package as standard. The brake package is offered in limited numbers, however, and will be offered as a ‘first-in-best-dressed’ type arrangement.

Taking to the track in the 30 Years Maloo R8 LSA and ClubSport R8 LSA for (literally) a couple of laps shows an immediate improvement in response and handling.

Refinement is king here, the electronics working to create a sense of oneness with the tarmac that seems to defy the chunky circa-1800kg kerb mass. It’s an easier car to pilot at speed, the torque vectoring system sharpening turn-in and amplifying mid-corner grip.

In Track mode the nannies loosen up a little and although there's still plenty of grip, oversteer can be quite easily provoked on corner exit with a prod of the right foot. It’s wonderfully controllable though, as the electronic driver aids work with you to hold a slide on corner exit.

But it’s not just the handling that’s tangibly improved. The exhaust note is now what it should have been to begin with, the valves opening earlier to assert a muscular bent-eight soundtrack across most of the tacho. Add a hint of supercharged whine and it’s a dialogue hard not to be impressed with – and one certain to be missed come 2018.

The optional braking package is another must-have piece of kit in a heavy car like this, and although we only sampled a couple of cars for a couple of laps, they pulled all 30 Years cars up effortlessly into corners. The pedal is remarkably progressive considering the stopping power available, and we’d wager in day-to-day driving is no less feelsome than in a regular Commodore SS.

We love the linearity of the LSA engine. It’s strong, but metered so well across the rev range that the car is easy to drive on the throttle. It gives you a real sense of confidence behind the wheel, especially when combined with the chassis and brake enhancements.

We’re looking forward to spending a little more time in the 30 Years range soon, but based on our quick stint at the wheel reckon it’s well worth a test drive.

If you didn’t ‘just want one’ before, you really will now.

2017 HSV 30 Years pricing and specifications:
Price: from $79,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8 petrol
Output: 410kW/691Nm (430kW/740Nm GTS)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: TBC
CO2: TBC
Safety rating: TBC

Also consider:
>> Chrysler 300 SRT (from $69,000 plus ORCs)
>> Ford Mustang GT Fastback (from $57,490 plus ORCs)
>> Holden Commodore MotorSport Edition (from $61,790 plus ORCs)