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ot to be outdone by Holden and the 304kW LS3 V8 it has
transplanted into the swansong VFII ute, the Aussie lion
brand’s high-performance division HSV has produced
a fitting farewell for the Maloo R8, dropping the incredible
supercharged 6.2L LSA V8 into the Commodore-based two-door.
The new range is dubbed Gen-F2 and, like VFII, marks the
final fling for the Australian-built ute as Holden prepares to
close its manufacturing facilities towards the end of 2017.
Gone is the 340kW/570Nm LS3 of the regular Maloo and in
its place is the force-fed Chevrolet-sourced LSA that in this
case churns out 400kW of power at 6,150rpm and 671Nm of
torque at 4,200rpm.
This is slightly down on the previous limited-edition GTS
Maloo that offered the LSA engine in full-blown 430kW/740Nm
form and was priced from $87,990, but the Gen-F GTS is no
longer available, leaving this detuned but still hard-punching
and more affordable LSA as the next best thing.
Priced from $76,990, the Gen-F2 Maloo R8 combines with
a TR6060 (MG9-spec) six-speed manual transmission as
standard, while a 6L90E six-speed heavy-duty automatic with
‘Active Select’ and paddle shifters adds $2,500.
The new series is also more than a mere engine upgrade,
with exterior design revisions and modifications to the
suspension set-up.
HSV says spring and damper rates have been stiffened to
reduce bodyroll and improve corner-entry response, while
the unique rear suspension module with 9.9” differential
and upgraded drive and prop shafts delivers improved rear
stiffness and rear braking efficiency.
New five-spoke 20” alloy wheels are a striking addition, while
the front fascia has been tweaked and now incorporates a
subtle air splitter. The bonnet vents seen on the Holden VFII V8
utes are found on the new Maloo (finished in satin black paint
rather than gloss), with the mirror caps and fender vents using
the same colour.
A new vibrant blue dubbed Slipstream has also joined the
exterior bodywork palette.
The LS3 is expected to become available in Gen-F2 guise in
the first half of 2016, although pricing and specifications were
still to be confirmed prior to publication.
Holden
www.holden.com.auHOLDEN SPECIALVEHICLES GEN-F2 MALOO