Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has unveiled the special edition "SV Black Edition" based on either ClubSport R8, ClubSport Tourer R8, or Maloo R8 models at the Melbourne Auto Show. This special edition will be offered in both manual and automatic transmissions and will go on sale in September.
The "SV Black Edition" will be offered with matte black detailing, a Vector hood scoop and fender gills, HSV’s bi-modal exhaust system, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels. For the interior, the Black Edition models will add a unique dash treatment, leather seats, and a leather-bound steering wheel, on top of the already generous E3 equipment list. A special Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) system that will offer details on power, torque, manifold pressure, fuel, elevation, voltage, oil and air temperature will also be available.
The standard equipment list includes a reversing camera, park assist, and satellite navigation. There will only be 225 units built and, despite the "Black Edition" name, this special edition will be offered in Sting Red, Heron White, Alto Grey, Nitrate Silver, and Phantom (black).
Exterior and Interior
The Holden Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition has been dressed to impressed, even for its lofty standards. Befitting its designation as a ’Black Edition’, the Australian muscle car features exterior details that include "Vector hood scoops, new side vents, matte black trims on both the front and side of the car, a new lip spoiler, and a set of gloss black 20" forged SV Performance alloy wheels. The car also comes with a choice of five color finishes, including Phantom Black, Alto Grey, Nitrate, Heron, and Sting. We’re not exactly sure what part of the color wheel features ’Heron’ and ’Sting’, but we’re not going to begin questioning these guys.
Over at the interior, the additions feature a new Onyx leather trim, a new console and instrument panel finish, a new steering wheel, and special edition sill plates.
Performance
Unfortunately, Holden Special Vehicles didn’t perform any engine upgrades on the Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition, instead ’settling’ for the existing 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine that produces 425 horsepower. Despite the lack of bump in the performance department, 425 ponies is still might impressive for an Australian muscle.
Pricing
The Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition is limited to just 100 units with each one costing around AUD$67,990, which is around $73,000 based on current exchange rates.
Competition
On the same day Holden Special Vehicles introduced the R8 SV Black Edition at the Australian International Motor Show, its main rival in the Australian market also introduced their very first concept car, the Ford Falcon GTV Concept.
Ford’s new Australian muscle car concept is powered by a 5.0-liter Boss V8 engine that produces 449 horsepower and 423 lb/ft of torque. These numbers are more impressive than the Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition, but there’s one advantage the Holden muscle car has over its Ford rival: unlike the latter, the former is ready to go on sale, albeit on a limited basis.
