BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 11th May 2001


The Clubsport, HSV' most popular model, gains 18-inch wheels as standard, while the GTS rides on radical 19-inch rims

Contoured seats bearing the HSV logo are shaped to provide support from cornering forces as well as comfort

The driver's seat is electrically adjustable

An airbag-equipped leather-bound steering wheel is standard

For easy use, most instruments are tilted at five degrees towards the driver

Trip computer functions include odometer, trip distance, audible and visual speed warnings, distance to empty, trip distance to go, time to go

The basic sound system comprises a high quality six-speaker radio/cassette

A 10-stack CD player is also standard

The stereo can be operated via steering wheel-mounted buttons, which include mode, volume, search and mute

Cruise control is operated from the indicator stalk and can be fussy

Electric windows are standard and controls are located on centre console

Set-and-forget climate control air-conditioning is standard

The Clubsport R8 rides on 18x8-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/40ZR18 Bridgestone tyres

Five-spoke alloy wheel design is unique to the Clubsport R8

A major flaw in the Commodore's interior package is the rear seat does not split-fold - instead, the designers carved the world's biggest skiport

Luggage volume is 475 litres

There is now no key for the boot

Traction control available in manual

Dual front and side airbags are standard

Anti-lock brakes and traction control are also standard

The VX has a new B-pillar design designed to direct impact velocity away from the head, neck and chest

All models have remote central deadlocking activated via the remote keypad When the car is locked, the in-car boot release button is automatically disabled

A rolling code engine immobiliser and remote central locking are standard

The Clubsport R8's all-alloy 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine is sourced from the US

Power and torque have been upped to 255kW at 5600rpm and 475Nm at 4000rpm - this compares with outputs of 250kW and 473Nm for the outgoing model

Modifications include a high-volume inlet manifold, new fuel injectors and new PCM software

A new low back-pressure rear muffler endows the Clubsport with a more sporty exhaust note

Semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension is standard across the range, with the exception of the GTS, which gains a multi-link set-up

New Touring suspension was developed to improve ride and handling

A multiplex communications system improves diagnostic and wiring issues, as well as features such as airbag deployment and automatic headlamp operation

Transmission choices comprise a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic

HSV has recalibrated the automatic for smoother upshifts and downshifts

The automatic's electronics are able to compensate for wear in the transmission

All HSV models have high-performance four-wheel ventilated disc brakes

Standard traction control system uses ABS and engine management to minimise wheelspin on low-friction surfaces

Traction control can be switched off if required

Rack ratio was decreased to 46 to 67mm/rev (VS was 50 to 58mm/rev), and combined with a longer steering arm slowed the overall on-centre ratio by five per cent over VS

Steering column is stiffer in VX over VS for improved noise and vibration characteristics
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