HSV promises performance 4WDs

HSV says leaf-sprung, live rear axle suspension "will easily offer the dynamics expected from us" when it appears beneath the high-performance HSV version of Holden's all-wheel-drive dual-cab Cross8 utility next year.

A two-wheel drive Holden Cross8 is expected to be the first of a series of new Commodore-based lifestyle models to appear next year.

Each of them - including rear-drive and all-wheel drive versions of Cross8 and a wagon-based crossover - is likely to spawn a faster, fancier HSV version to create a family of all-terrain leisure vehicles.

"Holden has an aggressive new model program and we see potential to have our own versions of those products," said HSV boss John Crennan.

"One of the beauties of our relationship (with Holden) is the ability for us to work together to launch cars co-incident with Holden products.

"We haven't touched the surface of SUVs. There can't be such a phenomenon in the US without it trickling back to us in Australia.

"I don't think anybody could resist the temptation to have an all-wheel drive in this environment - we see it as a terrific addition to our range." While Mr Crennan stopped short of divulging details of the new vehicle range's off-road ability, HSV general manager Chris Payne said Cross8's utilitarian rear suspension design would not be a problem for Holden's performance-oriented partner.

"Our guys have already looked at it (the Cross8 rear-end). It won't be an issue - it will easily offer the dynamics people expect from us. Of course, engine and suspension mods will also be part of the total package," he said.

"We are looking to have a market entry in every segment Holden is working on at the moment, with a similar (launch) delay." Chief TWR designer Neil Simpson met with Holden design boss Mike Simcoe for five hours with an "open book" prior to attending last week's Y Series launch.

While in Melbourne, it is believed he also signed off clay models of both HSV's utility and wagon-based crossover models.

GTS spearheads exports

RESUMPTION of UK exports late this year will begin a significant new offshore sales program by HSV, whose 300kW GTS flagship will also spearhead a lucrative Middle East export deal early next year.

Riding a popularity wave in New Zealand that has seen 2002 sales increase some 37 per cent over 2001 levels - more than double the increase in Australia, where HSV is currently 16 per cent up - HSV will by year's end ship the first batch of UK-spec cars to be sold through HSV's "own" Tom Walkinshaw Racing-owned sales outlets.

HSV is currently in the process of appointing new service and sales outlets in central London after switching from previous UK distributor GIV, which imported the last of its HSV models earlier this year and has sold up to 90 UK examples -some of which now reside in countries like The Netherlands and Belgium.

The new UK export arrangement will precede an ambitious new Middle East campaign from the first quarter of 2003, when HSV hopes to sell between 200 and 300 cars to the United Arab Emirates, badged both as Chevrolets and HSVs.

HSV says that at times up to 20 per cent of its official website traffic comes from the Middle East, where two HSVs are currently undergoing development work.

Following the success of both Holden's short and long-wheelbase V-car exports there, it is likely HSV's Statesman-based Grange will follow initial exports of the GTS sedan when the facelifted luxury flagship appears around March.

HSV boss John Crennan said the US market was also a potentially lucrative one, made more accessible by General Motors product guru Bob Lutz's enthusiastic visit in March.

"My head hasn't stopped spinning from their enthusiasm for our products," he said.

"We're helping establish guidelines for potential replication of the HSV business in the US."

Corvette dead, XU-6 phased out

HSV says Corvette, XU-6 and hot small cars are off the agenda - for the moment.

"Small cars I've never over-promised because of the development costs of doing cars like a Turbo Astra," said HSV boss John Crennan.

"You just don't have the same price elasticity we have in Commodore, which we can stretch from $30,000 to $62,000.

"It would have to be a joint arrangement between us, Holden and a GM affiliate like Opel.

"We'd find it exceedingly difficult to do on our own." Mr Crennan said the right-hand drive Corvette conversion program trialled by HSV was no more while the Australian dollar remained below the US55-cent mark. "At $165,000 we might sell a few but not enough," he said.

It is believed HSV's entry level XU-6 has been pensioned off until at least the 2004 VZ Commodore facelift, which will feature Holden's new HFV6 engine - and turbocharged versions more likely to be competitive with Ford's new turbo six.

"XU-6 we have phased out," said Mr Crennan. "We liked it as an entry point but sold only 20 per month - around as many as our opposition sold in total. We really don't have a time for its return, it's on our list of things we want to do."