More power and some extra gadgetry have been added to the thumping big HSV Clubsport R8. Driving is for the pure enthusiast when driving the new HSV Clubsport R8 which now has a 6.2-litre V8, 325 kW and 550 Nm of monster torque.
An Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) allows close connection to pretty much all systems onboard the R8. It’s amazing to witness the real time vehicle dynamics while on the move via Holden’s infotainment system interface.
The brilliant new LPI dual fuel system is brilliant. You can save big dollars by running your supercar on LPG, but whenever you desire you can flick over to petrol. And you are bound to have noticed the striking LED lighting that sets off the magnificent HSV Clubsport R8.
The clash of the titans continues. It’s one of the great classic battles of down under. Is it the State of Origin contest? The Hadlee-Chappell cricket series? All Blacks vs. Wallabies? In the motor world down under, there is only one contest: Ford vs. Holden. From Bathhurst to the back yard, the two motoring giants battle it out for supremacy. One definite player for Holden is the HSV Club Sport R8, a member of the HSV E3-Series line-up.
The Holden HSV Clubsport R8 looks like it means business. The deep air-dam accented by the fog lights sits low to the ground, promising great aerodynamic on-road handling. The quad exhausts at the rear are a vast improvement on the puny tubes of earlier models, and they complement the “ring of fire” tail lights. The E-shaped air vents and the twin-post sports spoiler (which is a completely different animal from a spoilsport) are features unique to the HSV stable. Stunning alloy wheels complete the mouth-watering exterior package.
But it is the lion under the hood of the Holden HSV Club Sport R8 that counts. Lurking under the aggressive design of the metal lies a magnificent 6.2-litre V8 beast ready to roar into life. And once awake, the Holden HSV Clubsport lion is a mighty animal capable of unleashing 325 kW of raw power at 6000 rpm. The Holden HSV Clubsport should be the torque of the town, as it can produce an unbelievably hefty 550 Nm at 4600 rpm. All this power responds quickly to the will of the driver via the six-speed transmission – sequential automatic or manual. A 0-100 km/h time of under five seconds for the manual and a fraction over five seconds for the automatic is testimony enough of the potency of the HSV Clubsport R8.
On the inside, the Holden HSV Club Sport is more of a pussycat. Cats always seem to bag the best seats in the place, so if a little cat got into this big cat, it would be guaranteed to bag the driver’s seat. And no wonder. This cloth, or leather and suede seat is fully adjustable eight ways and has foam-padded lateral support for that added bit if comfort. The ambience inside the Holden HSV Club Sport can be kept exactly as you want it thanks to the dual-zone climate control air conditioning system. And if you ever tire of hearing the Holden HSV Club Sport’s motor growl, you can use the controls on the leather-trimmed steering wheel to activate the 230 W, 6-disc CD Blaupunkt sound system – or the optional roof-mounted DVD for the rear seats. Other creature comforts to get your paws on are the multifunction LCD screen that keeps you up to date with the trip information or with what’s playing on the speakers.
But what does the Holden HSV Club Sport R8 drive like? Sure, it’s quick and comfy, but what can you put all that power into doing? The traction control gives the Holden HSV Clubsport magnificent grip and cornering ability – and you can turn it off if doing skids and snakies are your thing. The cutting-edge Sports Touring suspension makes the Holden HSV Clubsport corner with ease. T he Holden HSV Clubsport’s steering is urgent and responsive, offering the driver a lot of pleasure and agility. And the massive brakes are brilliant, able to bring the Holden HSV Club Sport to a complete stop from 100 km/h well inside 40 metres.
For all high performance vehicles like the Holden HSV Clubsport R8, safety is paramount. And so, the manufacturers have fitted the Holden HSV Club Sport with four crash sensors, front, side and curtain airbags, front and rear crumple zones and the passenger safety cell. The traction control is part of the complete stability system, which also features ABS, EBD and brake assist, giving an excellent level of on-road grip and stability – even in wet or treacherous conditions.
The current model series include:
For anymore information on the HSV Clubsport R8, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of HSV dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!
Back to HSV Car Reviews