HSV Gen-F2 Clubsport R8 2016 review
Content
The R8 goes back almost to supercar glory, but it highlights a problem for the HSV - it's one of Holden's two brilliant hot rods, but it sells for a $26,000 premium.
While dumping tires at a Holden/HSV dealer, I notice there are far more new HSV Clubsport R8 LSAs in the yard than Commodore SSVs.
"Sell a few?" I ask the seller.
Just roll your eyes and shake your head sadly. "Commodore waits two months, but HSV is slow."
It's not hard to think of possible reasons.
The Clubsport R8 has skyrocketed from $73,290 for the latest model (and $61,990 for the discontinued base Clubsport model) to $80,990 for the current one.
The new model is powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine found in high-performance Chevy Camaro and Cadillac models in the US and previously reserved for the top-of-the-line $95,990 HSV GTS.
Holden did the HSV no favors by making the final Commodore such a good thing.
It has heavy duty six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, driveshaft, differential and axles, also from Chevrolet.
This upgraded powertrain is essential to bring the impressive performance of the V8 engine known as the LSA to the road in a reliable and controlled manner.
Holden did the HSV no favors by making the final Commodore such a good thing.
Holden wants the Commodore to shine, so the naturally aspirated V8 previously exclusive to HSV was requisitioned for the Commodore SS.
This 6.2 liter engine, also known as the LS3, puts out "only" 304 kW, but that's enough for most of us, thanks. The SSV Redline also gets launch control, decent suspension and brakes, 19-inch wheels and sticky rubber, and costs $54,490.
And here is the crux of the most serious HSV problem.
There are two shiny Holden hot rods, one of which costs $26,000 more than the other.
Design
Power goes up from 340kW to 400kW and torque goes up from 570Nm to 671Nm in the latest R8, although that's a little different from the GTS spec, where it's 430kW/740Nm.
Even at idle, the LSA grumbles loudly.
The R8's closest competitor in terms of value for money is the $172,000 Nissan GT-R with 404kW/628Nm.
HSV beefed up the suspension to reduce body roll, improve cornering handling, and improve rear-end traction. Each wheel is fitted with AP Racing four-piston brake calipers.
Standard equipment includes 255-inch machined alloy wheels with gray accents, wrapped in 35/275 (front) and 35/XNUMX (rear) ContiSport Contact tires.
About the city
Even at idle, the LSA makes a marvelous growl, and up to 4000 rpm, its delivery is far from ferocious, and it's fairly easy to drive around town.
The six-speed manual is generally slow and surprisingly smooth, although there are some transmission jerks, occasional inelegant jerks, and the clutch is heavy and harsh. For everyday driving, you would go for the $2500 six-speed automatic every time.
Low-speed riding is harsh and unforgiving, more so than on the outgoing model.
Drift kings can disable traction control; the rest of us mortals will live much longer by leaving it on.
Fuel consumption is terrible. Drive it like a Prius and you can get 15.0L/100km. Run it like an HSV and expect 25.0 hp.
On the way to
Outside the city, the tougher, sportier nature of the 2016 R8 becomes apparent. Select Sport or Performance in the Driver Preferences dial and you get higher traction and stability control thresholds (in the latter mode) and heavier steering.
Previously, the Clubsport had difficulty transferring its power to the road. Not now. The R8 corners immediately and accurately, feels far more responsive and balanced than 1845kg is entitled to, and can be enthusiastically leaned on as you drive through the exit.
Despite its size - it's a big device - you feel intimately connected to the R8 and enjoy the excellent, unfiltered feedback from every corner that's typical of performance Commodores.
Drift kings can disable traction control; the rest of us mortals will live much longer by leaving it on.
Ride comfort improves as speed increases, and the suspension works through most of its travel. Hard impacts on rough roads can cause bodyflex marks.
A traitorous sigh from the dual-mode exhaust as it opens, ready for action.
In road cruise mode, the best result I got was 11.9L/100km.
Performance
Yep: obedient but with obvious malicious intent below 4000rpm and fucking insanely manic above.
A traitorous gasp from the dual-mode exhaust as it opens, ready for action, signals the start of an incredibly responsive, explosive upper. The tach needle jumps up to 6200 rpm before you can say "God!" then the rev limiter shuts the fun down hard to keep the engine from falling apart.
The HSV is claiming 4.6 seconds from 8 to 0 km/h in the R100 with a manual transmission, which is not that fast for 400kW. Holden claims it's 4.9 seconds for a manual SSV Redline, so the R8's 0.3 second lead is worth almost $9000 per tenth.
Josh Dowling of CarsGuide hit 4.8 seconds from an automatic R8 using our satellite timing equipment.
HSV rated R2016 8 above the availability threshold for its target audience. Holden's big, bargain-priced VFII Commodore performance upgrade didn't help matters either.
The GEN-F2 Clubbie looks much more like a sports muscle car - or maybe I should say V8 Supercar - than its predecessors.
That he has
Six airbags, reversing camera, automatic parking, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, reverse traffic warning, lane departure warning, head-up display, start assist, alarm, data dot identification, wipers with rain sensors, My Link multimedia system with eight-inch touch screen, Bose audio system with nine speakers, Bluetooth with audio streaming, voice control, navigation, dual-zone air conditioning, leather trim.
What is not
The HSV MRC adjustable dampers that come standard on the GTS would have been useful here to take the edge off the hard ride.
Own
Service interval 9 months/15,000km. Each of the first four services costs $329; the next four are $399, so over 5 years / 105,000 km (whichever comes first) the total scheduled maintenance cost is $2513.
Will Commodore's new Clubsport distract you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Click here for more pricing and specs for the 2016 HSV Clubsport.
