All wheel drive coupe sets a new standard for Australian performance
Holden Special Vehicles took centre stage at the Sydney International Motor Show today with the unveiling of a classy all wheel drive coupe that showcases Australian performance engineering prowess.
The \'all paw\' HSV Coupe 4 is evolved from Australia\'s favourite sports car, the Holden Monaro, which made its own high-profile debut at the Sydney Motor Show two years ago.
The first all wheel drive (AWD) sports coupe to be produced in this country, the Coupe 4 is the dynamic result of a creative collaboration between HSV and Holden powertrain, chassis engineering and design specialists.
No futuristic concept, the HSV Coupe 4 goes on sale in June 2004.It will be priced under $95,000.
Holden Special Vehicles Managing Director, John Crennan, said technologically advanced vehicles such as the HSV Coupe 4 and the Avalanche AWD wagon, also unveiled in Sydney, signposted the new directions being taken by his company and Holden as they accepted the challenge of automotive change.
"For the astute driving enthusiast, the HSV Coupe 4 is a sports performance dream come true.It\'s the first of the Lion clan to show the sensational results that can be achieved when you apply advanced, home grown, all wheel drive technology to a low ride height, high performance vehicle.Believe me, it\'s an exhilarating driving experience," he said.
"The Coupe 4 gives us entry into a new performance vehicle category.We are confident that it will appeal to people who have traditionally chosen European marques and be responsible for bringing many first-time buyers to the HSV brand.
"Our current plans are to produce just 100 examples next year, which makes this a rather exclusive machine.Mind you, we will be happy to build more if that\'s required." Mr Crennan said.
The Coupe 4 is equipped with an HSV-enhanced, 270kW 5.7 litre LS1 V8, matched to a four-speed automatic transmission.Power is transferred to the tarmac through all four wheels via a traction control-based HSV Quad Drive permanent all wheel drive system, which is calibrated to provide exceptional grip in wide range of surface conditions.
"While the Coupe 4 packs plenty of punch with 270kW, it is proof that performance is not merely to do with outright kilowatts - it\'s about getting the available power to the ground.During testing, the Coupe registered a nought to 100 acceleration time of 6.6 seconds - on gravel.Given this degree of traction, the Coupe 4 is able to handle most driving situations in a controlled and confidence-inspiring manner." Mr Crennan said.
The HSV Coupe 4 is equipped with a HSV Performance braking system comprising 336x32mm ventilated and grooved front discs and 315x18mm ventilated and grooved rear discs.Its 19x8 inch alloy wheels are shod with Pirelli P-Zero directional tyres, and HSV\'s unique AWD \'low ride\' sports series suspension set-up delivers a flat, supple ride quality that complements its prodigious inherent handling abilities.
A torque split of 38 per cent front and 62 per cent rear gives the Coupe 4 a sporty rear-drive bias.
With plenty of basic evidence as to its sports capability - a wider than average stance, flared arches over 19-inch wheels, large air intake and a quartet of big bore exhaust outlets - the Coupe 4 design treatment is more Euro-chic than aggressive.
Incorporated into the well-balanced styling package are a unique grille, Senator-style front facia with mesh inserts, black bezel headlamps and High Intensity
Discharge driving lamps, smoothly integrated wheel arch extensions, 19-inch alloys* with HSV-embossed red front disc calipers, sculpted side skirts and technical mesh rear inserts.
Exterior finishes - Phantom Black, Sting Red and Quicksilver - can be colour-co-ordinated with a choice of plush fabric or leather-trimmed interiors in Anthracite and Ochre.
The comprehensive HSV Coupe 4 standard equipment listing includes LED interior effect lighting, rear park assist, eight-way electrically adjustable front sports seats with active head restraints, the driver\'s seat with three memory settings, driver, passenger and side impact airbags, leather-bound sports profile steering wheel, specific instrument cluster, premium 200watt sound system with 6 disc CD changer and subwoofers, dual zone climate control air conditioning, satin chrome accents and alloy pedals.
Buyers may also opt for such extra features as satellite navigation, a tyre pressure monitoring system, tailored sunroof and the 24-hour Holden Assist service.
Connectivity and Flexibility
While Holden\'s new all-wheel drive system has been applied to high-ride crossover wagon and four door utility models, the Coupe 4 represents its first application to a vehicle of normal ride height.It is further evidence of the unmatched levels of efficiency and flexibility being achieved by Holden\'s vehicle manufacturing operation in Elizabeth, South Australia.
To accommodate its all wheel drive powertrain componentry, increased track and larger wheels, the HSV Coupe 4 requires extensive sheet metal and chassis system modifications.
These modifications will be carried out on a new, dedicated production line at Elizabeth before the vehicles are transferred to the Holden Special Vehicles facility in Clayton, Victoria, to be hand-finished.HSV Coupe 4 production is scheduled to begin in May 2004.
*Show car has GTS wheels. Production model will have Coupe 4 specific wheels in Chrome Shadow.
Colour Selection
Phantom Black, Sting Red, Quicksilver
On Sale
June 2004
HSV COUPE 4 FEATURE AND SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS
HSV 5.7 litre LS1 V8(270kW @ 5700rpm, 475Nm @ 4000rpm)
Revised HSV inlet with new zip tube inc. HSV logo and lower airbox
HSV modified exhaust system with \'High Flow\' twin exit billet aluminium tips.
Dual stainless steel extractors (41mm primaries, 63mm secondaries)
HSV Quad Drive
Full time all wheel drive, with ABD and EBD and 38% front, 62% rear torque split
ABD - Automatic brake differential
EBD- Electronic brake force distribution
Performance:
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 6.1 sec
0-400m 14.3 sec
Acceleration 0-100km/h unsealed surface 6.6 sec
0-400m 14.8sec
Transmission
HSV performance calibrated 4L65 4-speed electronic automatic
Dynamics
HSV multi-link independent rear suspension
Strut brace
HSV AWD \'Low Ride\' Sport series suspension
Performance Braking System: 336 x 32mm ventilated and grooved front discs, HSV embossed twin piston front calipers in HRT red. 315 x 18mm ventilated and grooved rear discs
Anti Lock Braking SystemHSV 19x8inch alloy wheels in Chrome Shadow (x5)
Pirelli P-Zero 245/35 ZR19 directional tyres
Xenon High Intensity (HID) driving lamps
Features
Driver, passenger and side impact airbags
HSV DNA Data Dot theft deterrent system with individual vehicle ID
HSV \'ESS\' Embedded security system and immobiliser
Rear park assist
LED interior effect lighting
Centre-mounted binnacle with oil pressure, voltmeter gauges
Dual zone climate control air conditioning
Alloy driving pedals
Leather and satin chrome handbrake and auto shift levers
Selected Options and Accessories
Holden Assist
Satellite Navigation System
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Glass panel sunroof with push button slide and tilt functions incorporating triple memory
Weights and Measures
COUPE 4
Fuel Tank (Litres) 75
Wheel Base (mm) 2788
Track (mm) Front: 1610
Rear: 1615
Exterior Dimensions (mm) Length: 4789
Width: 1840
Height: 1397
Ground Clearance (mm) 100
Interior Dimensions (mm) Front:Leg: 1072
Shoulder: 1515
Head: 946
Hip: 1472
Kerb Weight (kg) 1802
