HSV is just a tarted up commodore now any way. Obviously has always been the case but I mean now it seems it's just not exclusive. The Black Edition with it's MS word "Black Edition" scripting. This new one with some wheels, vents ( which come off another model) HSV need to bring the magic back. How many VT Clubsports do you see? Or VR/VS. Back then you got a number and it was guaranteed to be fairly low. HSV are just sell outs which makes business sense I guess.
Edit: Although in saying that most are just a body kit and rims I'm more ranting about there being too many new HSV's.
In truth there is more differentiation between the base Commodore and the general HSV range than ever before. I'm not a fan of the sticker specials either but at least be factual with your criticisms.
As for the clubsport name plate, the *ONLY* limitation on it was how many they could sell. That is it.
Compare the E series to the base -
different engine - check
different brakes - check
body kit - check
Suspension upgrade - check
EDI infotainment system - check
Seats & misc interior trims - check
Gearbox - manual = different
auto = same (different tune though)
Diff - ratio change
Lets look at say the VR/VS you mentioned
different engine - nope (a bit of fiddling with the tune)
different brakes - some models yes, others no.
body kit - check
suspension upgrade - check
Infotainment - Bwahahahaha
Seats & Interior trim - mostly different
Gearbox - same (GTS had a 6 speed manual IIRC)
Auto = same
Diff - ratio change (some had a hydratrak LSD system).
In truth, the drivetrain is more different now than it ever has been. Some like the styling, others despise it - that's a fair call but as for the rest, don't let the facts get in the way of a good rant.
i dont know if this is the way they sort of want to go.
but its almost like HDT is turning into the old version of HSV.
i mean how many of the HDT cars do you see. (ive seen one, and my god, it sounded so nice)
although they are just putting together old bodykits etc, they could start making their own set ups, and go from there.
just my thoughts anyway
The current generation of HDT will never be any more than a bit player. Without a factory warranty they will only ever sell a hand full of cars each year. I also like most of their designs with the retro look but doubt I'd ever seriously look at buying one.
The older they get the more exclusive they become, I mean my VXII Clubsport is build 962 and it was built right at the end of the VX series lifetime meaning there were probably only 1000 or so made. Over the years they dwindle in numbers quite a lot (written off, otherwise trashed) and there aren't that many around.
Some of the new Clubsports are so freaking awesome (unless you count the exterior styling) and in years to come they will stay exclusive.
Not only that but they have always been "tarted up Commodores" after all that's the base car....
Very true about the numbers. As the years go on, natural attrition kills plenty of cars. Further to that, people bitch about how common the current clubsports are, and how much HSV have failed with them - WTF?? If it's common then I'd suggest they have sold plenty. What is rare is most of the FPV offerings. Why?? Because they sell bugger all per month. I don't know why as they are a excellent product and deserve to sell more but it is what it is.
Reaper
