HSV Unveils Its Last, Fastest-Ever Ute
As a parting gift to the world, Holden is set to built what should be the fastest Ute ever produced, borrowing the LSA V8 from the HSV GTS sedan.
Carsguide.com.au reports the ute will receive its power from the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 powering the HSV GTS Sedan, capable of delivering 577 horsepower and 546 ft-lb of torque to the back through either a manual or automatic with flappy paddles. Other pieces from the sedan, including a stronger differential and additional engine/transmission cooling systems, will likely make it to the ute.
Suspension and handling, meanwhile, will be retuned pieces from the HSV Maloo over the magnetic-controlled setup found in the GTS Sedan, just in case the lucky owner wanted to haul between 473 kg and 487 kg (1,043 lbs – 1,074 lbs) of hay, depending on transmission chosen.
And we do mean lucky: Only 150 HSV GTS Utes will be assembled, with potential owners paying $85,000 ($79,000 USD) for the honor of driving the fastest ute in the world when it arrives in showrooms at the end of 2014. Though speed is limited to 250 kph (155 mph), the sedan was able to hit 280 kph (174 mph) once the speed limiter was removed.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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The Maloo will out handle, either the Magnum or the Hellcat., both slower and not as quick
I do expect this to be a little faster than 174mph. The Holden Maloo smashed the SRT Ram title back in 2006 with 168mph with a non blown engine and gained the title as the world's fastest pickup. As expensive as it is here it would sell for around $50 000 in the US judging the cost of the Chev SS. So, for ten to fifteen grand more than a Tremor you'll could of had something special. According to the Top Gear track times the current 'normal' Maloo is quicker than a Rousch Mustang and many other Euro performance marques, not bad for a 'pickup'. It'll be a handful to drive......but fun.
I'm surprised. I've always liked the Commodore, but I am *really* starting to gravitate toward the Ute as well. If I ever end up in Australia for an extended period of time, I may very well have to get one. I used to think they were hideous and pointless, and now I just really want one...and for that blame the B&B, whose tastes have irreversibly rubbed off on me.
Wow - a 2015 version of the Chevy SSR! I don't understand why one would pay money for something like this when a good pickup truck would be immensely more practical, if it were the primary vehicle but it must be an Aussie thing.