HSV announces monster Maloo GTS ute

Holden have announced the Maloo GTS will go into limited production. Photo / Supplied

HSV have announced they're going ahead with production of the limited edition Maloo GTS ute.

Powered by the same 430 kilowatt and 740 Newton-metre 6.2 litre Supercharged LSA engine already found in the HSV Gen-F GTS as well as the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the Maloo GTS will be gunning for the title of World's fastest pickup truck.

Image 1 of 10: The HSV Maloo GTS is powered by the same 430kW 6.2 litre Supercharged LSA engine as seen in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

HSV Managing Director Tim Jackson commented, "We have been working on this project for a couple of years now. There are a number of unique elements required to integrate the LSA into the Maloo platform, and significant time in getting all the safety and performance technologies to operate effectively."

"Every time we launch a vehicle is an exciting time, but we believe the GTS Maloo is something special and sets a new benchmark in the performance market" Jackson said.

• Read more HSV Gen-F launch
• Read more Our road NZ road test of the HSV GTS

To bring that monster 430kW to a half HSV employ their premium braking package consisting of light-weight AP radical forged 6-piston brake calipers with 390mm rotors up front and 372mm 2-piece rotors in the rear.

In addition, and what is believed to be a global first for a ute, the GTS Maloo will be fitted with Torque Vectoring. Currently only fitted to a few exclusive global marques and HSV's GEN-F GTS, Torque Vectoring helps reduce understeer by generating a "rotational moment" in the rear axle when the vehicle is under power. When the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system detects the understeer event, the car applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel.

The Maloo GTS will be available with either a 6-speed manual with oil cooler and twin plate clutch, or an optional 6-speed heavy duty automatic transmission with oil cooler.

Limited to just 10 vehicles in New Zealand, and with each build plate individually
numbered, production is due to begin early November with vehicles expected to be
available in dealerships during December.

We'll have more on the Maloo GTS in Driven Magazine this Saturday.