In the club
Holden’s loss of the Pontiac export program to the US has had a positive effect that benefits Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). Cars earmarked for export have been utilised to create the Clubsport GXP, a slightly softer version of the Clubsport R8, which costs less into the bargain. But far from being a watered down Clubbie R8, the $61,990 GXP could develop its own following based on price and specifications that boast premium brand components and the same powertrain as the R8 including that rumbling 6.2-litre, 317kW/550Nm V8 engine.
HSV has been able to slice about eight grand from the R8’s price to create GXP by using slightly narrower 19-inch wheels from an earlier model, down speccing the suspension and brakes (still double piston Brembos up front) and not installing the bi-modal exhaust with flaps. Other changes include a rejig to the inside with less bling and cloth sports seats.
GXP still scores a decent trip computer and audio system as well as the usual array of electrically operated ancillaries and airconditioning. The stability control system is sports calibrated but misses out on launch control. It looks like an R8 at the front, complete with LED running lights and deep vents in the bonnet and the side of the front guards, but the rear looks like a Commodore with a small, duck tail wing on the boot lid.
The test car had optional six-speed auto transmission, with sequential shift mode, complete with a throttle blip on the down change. It looked sensational in white with minimal body bright work. As expected, there is nothing to complain about from the potent engine, especially when it is hooked up to auto ‘box. Off-the-mark grunt is awesome and the beefy five-seat sedan has brutal acceleration anywhere you choose.
The snarl from those quad exhaust outlets is stirring at higher revs, which corresponds to a redoubling in the rate of acceleration. Then back off and it cruises like a luxury limo in near silence using minimal fuel for such a big engine. We took the “white angel’’ for a squirt on a winding country road where it performed and handled with total control. Ticked all the boxes for steering response, grip, ride and overall feel. The slightly softer suspension is a big plus on rougher roads. It puts away a 0-100kmh sprint in just over five seconds.
In practical terms, the low-slung frontal area could be an issue. It has a huge boot and plenty of room inside for five adults. We found the cloth seats comfy but reckon they need more lumbar adjustment. Obviously, fuel economy depends on how you drive it. Expect consumption to jump above 20 litres/100km when you exercise the right leg, but take it easy and the big HSV will sip at the rate of about 12.3L/100km or better.
We invited a bunch of Holden fans for a look-see and the GXP got a thumbs up with some preferring its styling to the R8. They particularly liked the price, which is a six grand premium on Holden’s SSV, but GXP is a whole lot more car. Pity HSV is only going to make 400 of them — or so they say.
HSV Clubsport GXP sedan
Fuel consumption 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres
Dealers Madill Holden, Noosaville, 5470 0777; Sunco Holden, Maroochydore, 5456 8000; Caloundra City Holden, 5491 5522
Story: Peter Barnwell, from Issue 627, May 20th, 2010.
Holden’s loss of the Pontiac export program to the US has had a positive effect that benefits Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). Cars earmarked for export have been utilised to create the Clubsport GXP, a slightly softer version of the Clubsport R8, which costs less into the bargain. But far from being a watered down Clubbie R8, the $61,990 GXP could develop its own following based on price and specifications that boast premium brand components and the same powertrain as the R8 including that rumbling 6.2-litre, 317kW/550Nm V8 engine.
HSV has been able to slice about eight grand from the R8’s price to create GXP by using slightly narrower 19-inch wheels from an earlier model, down speccing the suspension and brakes (still double piston Brembos up front) and not installing the bi-modal exhaust with flaps. Other changes include a rejig to the inside with less bling and cloth sports seats.
GXP still scores a decent trip computer and audio system as well as the usual array of electrically operated ancillaries and airconditioning. The stability control system is sports calibrated but misses out on launch control. It looks like an R8 at the front, complete with LED running lights and deep vents in the bonnet and the side of the front guards, but the rear looks like a Commodore with a small, duck tail wing on the boot lid.
The test car had optional six-speed auto transmission, with sequential shift mode, complete with a throttle blip on the down change. It looked sensational in white with minimal body bright work. As expected, there is nothing to complain about from the potent engine, especially when it is hooked up to auto ‘box. Off-the-mark grunt is awesome and the beefy five-seat sedan has brutal acceleration anywhere you choose.
The snarl from those quad exhaust outlets is stirring at higher revs, which corresponds to a redoubling in the rate of acceleration. Then back off and it cruises like a luxury limo in near silence using minimal fuel for such a big engine. We took the “white angel’’ for a squirt on a winding country road where it performed and handled with total control. Ticked all the boxes for steering response, grip, ride and overall feel. The slightly softer suspension is a big plus on rougher roads. It puts away a 0-100kmh sprint in just over five seconds.
In practical terms, the low-slung frontal area could be an issue. It has a huge boot and plenty of room inside for five adults. We found the cloth seats comfy but reckon they need more lumbar adjustment. Obviously, fuel economy depends on how you drive it. Expect consumption to jump above 20 litres/100km when you exercise the right leg, but take it easy and the big HSV will sip at the rate of about 12.3L/100km or better.
We invited a bunch of Holden fans for a look-see and the GXP got a thumbs up with some preferring its styling to the R8. They particularly liked the price, which is a six grand premium on Holden’s SSV, but GXP is a whole lot more car. Pity HSV is only going to make 400 of them — or so they say.
HSV Clubsport GXP sedan
Fuel consumption 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres
Dealers Madill Holden, Noosaville, 5470 0777; Sunco Holden, Maroochydore, 5456 8000; Caloundra City Holden, 5491 5522
Story: Peter Barnwell, from Issue 627, May 20th, 2010.
