More haste, less fuel

By Alastair Sloane

The motoring world is full of acronyms. ABS comes from the original German term for anti-lock brakes; ASC is another adaptation, this time meaning anti-skid control. There are indeed many others, most originating in Europe.

But the latest comes from Australia, via the United States. It is called the LS1 (origin unknown) and refers to the new-generation V8 engine under the bonnet of the facelifted HSV cars, or Holden Special Vehicles.

The LS1 engine is an American-made 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8 which powers the Corvette, among others.

It delivers 250kW at 5600 rpm and 473Nm of pulling power at 4000 rpm. It is 40kg lighter, more powerful and fuel-efficient than the Australian-made 5 and 5.7-litre V8s it replaces.

The new engine will from now on power all HSV models from the Clubsport up to the Senator and long wheelbase Grange, which is named after the prized Penfolds wine.

HSV has reworked the suspension and brakes to give its cars better weight distribution and to cope with the extra power of the LS1.

The new engine gets the six-speed manual Clubsport from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 sec, a time much improved over the previous model. The same car flies through a standing 400m in 13.9 sec.

The HSV automatic transmission is a new version of the beefy hydramatic unit, which transmits power to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential and traction control system.

This helps the top-range Senator Signature to slip from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 sec and do the standing 400m in 14.3 sec.

HSV has added a limited-edition model to the range. It is called the SV99 and comes in one colour only, Hackett Gold, after the world champion Australia swimmer Grant Hackett.

* HSV's previous entry level V8,the 5-litre engine, produced 195kW at 5200 rpm and 430Nm at 3600 rpm. The optional 5.7-litre delivered 220Kw at 4800 rpm and 475Nm at 3600 rpm. The only carry-over engine in the HSV range is the supercharged V6, which cooks up 180kW at 5000 rpm and 380Nm at 3200 rpm.