AVALANCHE is HSV’s high-performance take on Holden's Adventra, which is fundamentally a Commodore V8 wagon with the new Cross Trac all-wheel drive system and 200mm of ground clearance underneath it. Just as the Adventra cross-over respresents a whole new breed of car for Holden, so Avalanche potentially opens up new opportunities for HSV – up against performace SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG, BMW's forthcoming X5 4.8is and the Porsche Cayenne. Avalanche is a test for HSV, which profits from V8 Commodore-based sedans and little else. Sure, Avalanche is a V8 but it’s also a wagon and a four-wheel drive. Wagons have never been big sellers and HSV's only previous experience with all-paw grip was a limited-edition Jackaroo – a very limited edition indeed.