HSV Launches New Maloo Range

Published: 15 May 2013

Pictured: HSV.

As part of the launch of its new GEN-F range, Australia’s leading performance car manufacturer, HSV, today released full specifications of its new Maloo models.

Available in two variants – Maloo and Maloo R8, each vehicle receives a significant exterior and interior make-over and a raft of new technologies.

Maloo

The exterior styling make-over starts at the front end of the Maloo which is now distinguished by a new, twin-nostril grille and a deep fascia with updated Daytime Running Lamps that can now operate in unison with the headlamps.

Updated styling also extends to the wheels with all-new 20” cast flow-form alloys (8.5” at the front and 9.5” at the rear) with a silver finish. Wrapping the wheels are Continental 5P tyres with higher walls and greater width that combine to deliver improvements in grip and ride comfort.

At the rear, a new “diffuser” rear fascia – now signature across the GEN-F range – houses the bold, quad exhaust outlets. A slim-line, soft tonneau cover with concealed latchings delivers flexibility and load carrying versatility.

The interior has undergone a complete make-over with new sports seats, instrument panel, clusters, gauges, centre console and appliques’ delivering a premium look and feel.

From a powertrain perspective, the new Maloo carries over the 6.2L LS3 Generation IV V8 from the E-Series model which generates 317 kilowatts of power and 550 Newton-metres of torque. The powertrain is matched to a TR6060 Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox with the 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select available as an option.

Matched to the powertrain are HSV’s new AP radical forged 4-piston brake calipers with larger ventilated discs and larger brake pads. These improvements lower unsprung mass, improve pedal feel and deliver greater stopping power via an improved strength-to-weight ratio and caliper rigidity.

One of the biggest make-overs for Maloo is the standard fitment of a raft of new technologies including:

• Side Blind Zone Alert now with Reverse Traffic Alert

• Electric Park Brake

• Electric Power Steering

• Passive Entry/Push Button Start (with Remote Start available with the automatic transmission)

• Automatic Park Assist

• Front & Rear Park Assist

To assist the driver in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems at his disposal, HSV has also introduced a Driver Preference Dial.

Located conveniently behind the gear shifter, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts the Maloo’s ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission) and Electric Power Steering according to three distinct pre-set modes – Touring, Sport and Performance. In doing so, the vehicle’s handling characteristics instantly change.

Maloo R8

The Maloo R8 features a long list of additional content over and above the already impressive standard fare on the Maloo.

Power output increases to 325kW thanks to the fitment of a Hi-flow intermediate exhaust system, while the Bi-Modal muffler delivers a throatier engine note.

The driver environment benefits from the inclusion of four additional safety and convenience technologies – Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Head Up Display and Rain Sensing Wipers, while comfort gets a boost with the fitment of HSV Performance Seats wrapped in Onyx leather trim with 4-way electric adjustment of the driver seat.

HSV’s Enhanced Driver Interface, with a larger screen, updated graphics and improved display resolution, also comes standard on the Maloo R8.

The new Maloo R8 also features a newly styled Remote Locking Hard Tonneau and Performance Sail Plane. A 20” cast-flow-form alloy wheel with a machined face and gloss black accents combine with unique HSV side-skirts to deliver impressive street appeal.

R8 SV Enhanced Option

HSV has also announced the introduction of a new “SV Enhanced” option to be available exclusively on its R8 models.

The “SV” option includes a power and torque upgrade to 340kW and 570Nm, achieved through the addition of some unique componentry to the LS3 engine including a Bi-Modal Air Intake system, high-flow headers and catalytic converters, a high-flow zip tube and a high-flow Bi-Modal exhaust system.

Unique styling cues are provided in the form of a 20” SV Performance forged wheel in Satin Graphite and unique “pitch black” accents on the fender vents and mirror scalps. New “R8 SV” and “340” badges adorn the tail-gate.

“We’re confident our customers will really embrace the new features, styling and technologies available on the GEN-F Maloo”, said HSV’s Managing Director, Phil Harding. “While the vehicle still delivers all the versatility and flexibility our customers have come to expect, the level of power, performance and creature comforts in our new GEN-F models make these easily the best performance utes we’ve ever offered”, said Harding.

HSV Launches New Maloo Range

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