Holden Special Vehicles launches new Grange

Published: 06 September 2010

Pictured: HSV launches the new WM3 Grange

The Grange was first included in HSV’s line-up in 1997, and has been the company’s luxury flagship ever since, setting the standard for luxury performance motoring in Australia.

The Grange WM3 has received a host of upgrades and improvements including more power, a new more dynamic styling package, and a variety of impressive new technologies.

HSV Managing Director Phil Harding believes the upgrades in the new Grange suits the character of the vehicle.

“The Grange buyer traditionally wants the most luxurious, and technologically advanced Australian-made performance car there is,” said Mr Harding.

“Grange has always fitted that description well, but the new styling, increased power and extra technology makes WM3 a compelling proposition for a luxury car buyer that is passionate about driving.”

The Grange WM3 goes on sale at the end of September, and becomes the second HSV model (following GTS) to be powered by the company’s 325kW 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine.

As a result, the Grange now features the company’s unique ‘hi-flow’ intermediate exhaust with bi-modal rear mufflers. Maximum torque remains 550Nm at 4600rpm.

A MORE DYNAMIC LOOKING GRANGE

The Grange WM3 will receive a new front and rear design, and for the first time will incorporate Daytime Running Lamps, bringing the luxury flagship’s appearance in line with the rest of the HSV range.

Julian Quincey, HSV Chief of Design and Styling, believes the new-look Grange will appeal to more buyers.

“We have made the Grange a more dynamic looking car, and the update delivers greater on-road presence,” he said.

“It definitely still retains the classy appearance and proportions that you expect from a luxury performance car; however, we have added a few more masculine-looking details like the DRL’s and the shockwave inspired exhaust tips.”

Grange also receives a new premium leather colour option in Light Urban, which is available as an alternative to Onyx Black.

EXCITING NEW TECHNOLOGIES

HSV’s focus on technology and innovation sees the introduction of three new and unique technologies to the Grange WM3.

Enhance Driver Interface

As standard, the Grange will receive HSV’s Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) which is an intuitive touch screen performance data interface. EDI delivers real-time vehicle dynamics and performance data to the fingertips of drivers.

Tim Jackson, HSV’s General Manager of Marketing believes this feature will be perfect for the HSV customer.

“EDI is for the driving enthusiast. For the first time our customers will have real-time information including G force, power & torque, accelerator and brake position, and stability control data – all at the driver’s fingertips,” he said.

“For the real enthusiast they can even download their data to a USB memory stick and analyse it on their laptop.”

Liquid Propane Injection (LPI)

Grange will also be available with HSV’s new optional LPI technology, whereby the engine can operate on both LPG and regular unleaded petrol.

This unique technology has seen significant improvements in running costs and emissions outputs – by up to 15 per cent – but retains all the power and torque that customers have come to expect from HSV.

HSV’s Engineering Manager Joel Stoddart highlighted the uniqueness of this technology.

”LPI technology injects the LPG as a liquid rather than a vapour. This allows for cooler combustion and better metering, which allow us to maintain engine performance while reducing CO2 emissions,’” he said.

“Marry this with the reduced running costs of LPG and I believe the system delivers a tangible benefit to the customer.”

Side Blind Zone Alert

Also as standard, Grange receives Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) which provides the driver information and warning when objects are passing through their vehicle’s blind spot.

HSV’s introduction of SBZA is the first time such technology has been fitted to an Australian-made car.

HSV’s General Manager of Sales, Darren Bowler, says it is this type of technology that the Grange buyer has come to expect.

“Our Grange buyer expects the best appointed car in our range,” he said.

“The addition of SBZA as standard on Grange represents another Australian-first for HSV.

“The combination of introducing such technologies, adding more power and a great new look further strengthens Grange’s position as the ultimate in Australian-made luxury performance cars.”

Holden Special Vehicles launches new Grange

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