W427 on sale

[Windsor220]

It will be interesting to see what performance the media get out of these. The problem is if they are only a bit quicker than the other HSVs in the range then what happens when the time comes to upgrade the R8/GTS? Performance will be almost lineball but with a $70k price gap. It might stop HSV from being able to upgrade the other models.

[S3SR]

Originally Posted by Krakey

hmmm 7litre commodore or 4 door m3 or c63 amg for 15k cheaper.........hard choice cough cough

Krakey

c63 would cost $300,000+ for 2nd hand
used M3 would cost over $150,000
even a 3yr old DB9 would cost almost 2x the amount

2000 LAMBORGHINI DIABLO SV would cost $199k with over 100,000kms, and im sure it would be easier to live with the w427 then some lambo that can only go on sealed roads without pots holes, 1% of the nation :P and not have everyone giving you the "soft (man bit)" finger expression

just makes HSV's case even stronger... i apologise but even id have one

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by S3SR

c63 would cost $300,000+ for 2nd hand
used M3 would cost over $150,000


just makes HSV's case even stronger... i apologise but even id have one

C63 AMG only costs 135k new, don't know where you're getting the 300k 2nd hand bit from.

The new M3 sedan will only be around 140k when it goes on sale soon, while the M3 coupe is less than 160k.

[Falcon Coupe]

The media have already got hold of one, does not give the source but.

From LS1.com:

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=102898

THE seven-year gestation period of Australia’s first 7.0-litre supercar has given it almost mythical status and our first experience of HSV’s final production car this week proves that the driving experience at least matches the hype.

Putting the mighty HSV W427 through its paces both on the road and the race track revealed a car with the heart of a lion and the temperament of a pussycat.

In the hands of Mark Skaife, even on a desperately slippery Calder Raceway, the W427 feels and goes like a race car, yet it is can also be so docile and well-mannered that you would have no problem letting your mum drive it down the shop for a litre of milk.

This is an impressive achievement and reflects the growing maturity of Holden Special Vehicles – appropriate given that the company recently celebrated its 20th birthday.

In another time, HSV may have gone hardcore and matched the mighty LS7 engine with a suspension that sat flat on the track but rattled the fillings in your teeth, along with brakes, steering and clutch to suit. It might have been a wild weapon with a menacing edge, but perhaps not something you would want to drive every day.

No doubt many buyers will simply park their W427s and hope that in a couple of decades they will have an investment to match the Falcon GTHO Phase 3, but that would be a waste of a great car – and probably a dubious financial choice as well.

What HSV has done is produce a car that ostensibly celebrates the company’s original model, the race homologation Group A special known to everyone as ‘the Walkinshaw’ – hence the ‘W’ in W427 – but it’s the differences more than the similarities that distinguish the 21st century version.

Whereas the Walkinshaw was a lumpy, overt, impractical and difficult beast, the W427 is exactly what a modern-day supercar ought to be, blending useability with red-hot performance.

HSV first dabbled with a 7.0-litre engine early in the decade and built a few Monaro-based HRT 427 models, mainly for racing, but could not present a sufficiently good business case to put it into production and the project was abandoned.

Legend now tells how the project was revived a few years ago when Holden boss Denny Mooney met HSV owner Tom Walkinshaw in a bar and suggested he could access supply of the Chevrolet LS7 7.0-litre engine out of Detroit, and wouldn’t that make for a really special model to celebrate HSV’s 20th anniversary?

Now here we are, sitting behind the wheel of the fastest and most powerful local supercar ever launched onto Australian roads, one of only 90 that will be built this year, with production never to exceed 427 units.

Hand-built in the US and dropped into the W427 in a dedicated area at HSV’s Clayton plant, the locally-calibrated LS7 engine has an exact capacity of 7008cc and pumps out some 375kW of power (500 horsepower in imperial land) at 6500rpm and 640Nm of torque at 5000rpm running on 98 RON premium fuel.

There is simply too much power for an automatic transmission, so the W427 comes only with a six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual gearbox, which features two overdrive gears and slots through with little fuss once you get used to it.

More impressive is the lightness and feel of the clutch, thanks to HSV’s revised actuator system that increases the leverage for that very reason. We didn’t drive the car around town, but reckon it would be a breeze, even in stop-start traffic.

Put your foot down and the W427 leaps into life with an expected urgency, and the power delivery is very linear from the mid-range, with no sudden peak in the torque curve, making it all feel very controllable, without the risk of a sudden traction-breaking surge mid-corner.

It certainly makes light work of the car’s considerable weight, which at 1874kg is 45kg more than a ClubSport R8 and 30kg more than both the GTS and Senator – all of which use the 6.2-litre LS3 engine that develops 317kW and 550Nm.

HSV does not produce official performance figures, but chief engineer Joel Stoddart said that a 0-100km/h time of about 4.7 seconds has been recorded, making it at least three-quarters of a second faster than its manual-equipped siblings, if not quite into European supercar territory. The standing 400-metre time is said to be just under 13 seconds.

From the outside, the car sounds great when revved hard thanks to active bi-modal rear mufflers (which are needed to meet idle and drive-by noise requirements) while inside it is still pleasing but more muffled than many hardcore HSV enthusiasts would prefer, and is accompanied by a notable level of induction sound.

Fourteen months of stability control calibration work has resulted in an ESC system that is well-matched to the car and non-interventional, allowing a healthy amount of throttle oversteer without being over-nannied while still providing a comforting backstop.

There is enormous grip available from the big tyres and the wet roads revealed a progressive breakaway that is easy to control, while the massive new brakes – featuring six-pot front callipers for the first time in an HSV car – provide the sort of stopping power required, but with a commendable level of feel.

What really surprised was the ride quality, which we were not expecting from a car like this running on 20 inch-wheels (8.0-inch wide at the front and some 9.5-inch at the rear) with low-profile performance tyres (35-series front, 30-series rear), let alone one that rides 20mm lower than a GTS and with 30 per stiffer springs and shock absorbers all round.

Revised calibration of HSV’s familiar magnetic ride control (MRC) suspension has endeared the W427 with remarkably good manners over all but the sharpest of bumps, even when the dash-mounted ‘Track’ button has been selected for ultimate handling performance.

Frankly, it felt more compliant that some European cars with half the performance capability and underscores the W427’s unexpected daily drive credentials.

The steering was also an admirable blend of feel and lightness, although the wheel itself is rather on the thick and hard side, lacking the quality feel you might expect at this price level.

And that brings us to the elephant sitting in the room – the price.

This is by far the most expensive car to ever wear an HSV badge, let alone a Holden badge, and $155,500 can buy a lot of car elsewhere. Just for starters, there’s the incredible BMW M3, which is just as quick and comes with a frankly incomparable level of mechanical sophistication and interior refinement.

Can any Commodore-based car really be worth that sort of money? Of course not, but we suspect that does not matter a jot to potential buyers who simply want the meanest, fastest Holden ever built and probably hope that the original purchase price will ultimately represent a good investment.

Real estate or even a term deposit would probably be more effective, but where’s the fun in that?

HSV buyers have become increasingly affluent over the past 20 years and perhaps still may not want to be seen driving an M3, but it will be interesting to see how they will respond to a car that is almost double the price of the GTS that previously topped the HSV range.

Even with limited supply, pushing the price envelope that far could be a challenge.

It might be easier to justify if there was a real ‘wow factor’ with the interior and exterior treatments, but the W427 really looks like a regular HSV model with a few new enhancements.

The big style statements are the wheels (with a ‘castellated’ design graphic that extends to the exhaust tips and the W427 badge), the low-key carbon fibre-look rear spoiler and a red interior (which has polarised opinion, with our view leaning to the negative). HSV talks of a “unique face” for the W427, but only its aficionados will spot the subtle differences.

Inside, you get well-bolstered but quite wide bucket seats and some nice glossy ‘technical cubic’ detail finishes on both the dash and steering wheel, but there remain many familiar HSV components and Commodore giveaways that prevent the W427 from feeling as special as it deserves.

There is no question that the W427 is a high-water mark in HSV’s history – the car they always wanted to build, they tell us – and also a performance, driving and engineering benchmark.

But it massively breaks a Holden/HSV price barrier and, if it succeeds on that front, will go down as a marketing benchmark as well.

[Windsor220]

4.7 seconds which is atleast 0.75 seconds quicker than the R8? Ummm thats wrong. 4.9 is there official claim for the R8.

[Daymoe]

I have to commend them on a job well done, but was it really necessary to use a 7L V8 engine? What about a TT configuration or something on a smaller engine?

[SSbaby]

It also paves the way for something even wilder (I recall reading)... like a 6.2L S/C (LSA or LS9) engine that is available to HSV. The W427's dry-sumping would allow a straight forward install of the LS9 if HSV so choose to head that way.

[futura888]

Well done hsv,for having the balls to go where no ford australia car would dare to go,while it may not be a looker(in my opinion),this thing would put a rocket up any euro sedan they have to offer and judging by demand,it will sell heaps.

lift your game ford oz,your respectable image is crap...just have a look at the ads :togo:

[SSbaby]

Didn't Barret say he wants a GTHO? Well now's the perfect chance... once the new Hurricane/Boss V8 arrives... or even build a wild 'F6R'?

[SBR_1]

i want one :(

[Racecraft]

didn't some people pay 90 000+ for white GT's with blue stripes?

THere are only ever going to be 427 of them.
They celebrate a milestone for HSV and 20 years of Aussie motoring.
They go like a cut snake

THe price is a moot point imho. People are paying silly money for anything with a GT badge nowdays but are ready to cast off HSV for releasing this product.

hmmm 1970's GT vs W427....

[WOLF]

mmm more cubes I want one of these! I don't care what they say, give it 18 months and as per tradition every commodore will have a 427....much cheaper then

[BadMac]

From the Wheelsmag Internet site



"Despite all expectations, the world’s most expensive Commodore is worth every dollar spent on it. And here’s why.

Yes, it goes hard. It isn’t just the raw performance figures either, although the 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds and a standing 400 metres in 12.8 we clocked make it Australia’s fastest production car. It’s the sheer animal magnetism of the engine, its ability to deliver an instant and devastating glut of acceleration on demand. There’s the torque you’d expect from all those cubic inches, but also an unholy ability to rev to 7000rpm and produce big power all the way."

[da_ilks]

Be interesting to see if anyone forks out the dollars for a tune in one of these after dropping $155k. I reckon there'd be a fair bit more in it power wise ;)

[Chopped]

That 7ltr engine is already race proven, it'll rev to 7000rpm all day . It has been detuned since coming from the states (so there's more left in it).

Anyone who compares it to hot euros like the M3 and C63 are not really seeing the big picture. Why not question the value of the euros ?, after all they are both based on 4cyl platforms that are no bigger than a lancer and I reckon the W427 would at least match them performance wise.



A real Australian muscle car.

Limited edition.

This will be Holdens own GTHO.

(I think the "supecar" term may be in reference to the "V8 supecars", although the euro brands have been using the term before us, infact they came up with the whopper "4 door coupe"....)

rant over - What will Ford's/FPV's response be ?

[Plugg3r]

Originally Posted by Chopped

That 7ltr engine is already race proven, it'll rev to 7000rpm all day . It has been detuned since coming from the states (so there's more left in it).

Anyone who compares it to hot euros like the M3 and C63 are not really seeing the big picture. Why not question the value of the euros ?, after all they are both based on 4cyl platforms that are no bigger than a lancer and I reckon the W427 would at least match them performance wise.



A real Australian muscle car.

Limited edition.

This will be Holdens own GTHO.

(I think the "supecar" term may be in reference to the "V8 supecars", although the euro brands have been using the term before us, infact they came up with the whopper "4 door coupe"....)

rant over - What will Ford's/FPV's response be ?

Well Ford were animate they ain't going to TRY to compete against it.

The GTHO is supposed to only be a 5.8L so compared to a 7.0L it looks a long shot.

[H4ZE]

Originally Posted by Plugg3r

Well Ford were animate they ain't going to TRY to compete against it.

The GTHO is supposed to only be a 5.8L so compared to a 7.0L it looks a long shot.

Dammit- I was looking forward to experiencing a Supercar Scare!

[GTP owner]

Originally Posted by Chopped

That 7ltr engine is already race proven, it'll rev to 7000rpm all day . It has been detuned since coming from the states (so there's more left in it).

Anyone who compares it to hot euros like the M3 and C63 are not really seeing the big picture. Why not question the value of the euros ?, after all they are both based on 4cyl platforms that are no bigger than a lancer and I reckon the W427 would at least match them performance wise.



A real Australian muscle car.

Limited edition.

This will be Holdens own GTHO.

(I think the "supecar" term may be in reference to the "V8 supecars", although the euro brands have been using the term before us, infact they came up with the whopper "4 door coupe"....)

rant over - What will Ford's/FPV's response be ?

I agree. I am going down to Holden this arvo to have a chat about trade ins, repayment amounts, on the road costs etc for one. I would much prefer to own a gtho, but, well, never mind. Get off your bum Ford!

The bigger decision is balancing it against a gtr nissan or the bmw/merc.

[JPFS1]

Originally Posted by Chopped

rant over - What will Ford's/FPV's response be ?

They don't have a response...


yet...

[Grippy]

Thumbs up to HSV for giving their fans something to get excited about

[ea90gl]

I would really love to see Ford make some sort of Hi po GT, doesnt have to hold the HO name (probably a good idea to leave it alone and let it RIP) all it needs is the blown 5.4 from the Shelby in a limited run of 500 or so. Without carrying the HO name it wont spark contraversy over it being blown and it wont have to live up to huge expectations, just needs to be good enough to take out the W427. With the 400KW the blown 5.4 makes it should leave the W427 in its rear vision mirror. OR they could take an F6, wick up the boost a bit and get some fatter rears and you'll have a much cheaper sedan which would probably beat the W427. The F6 idea would be alot easier but if you do this FPV please dont leave the 245's on the rear!

[T-Pak Addict]

it kinda gives me a giigle when I see this and amazed at the same time.. We have come full circle.... Remember the big 351 V8 of old on the mountain being beaten by a 6 cyl..... which was then toted as being the fastest 4 door production car in the world.

My Question is Ford going to pull the same trick that holden did to ford back in the 70's??? makes you wonder. with the Turbo 6 pulling pretty high number able to outgun this new kid on the block in a lighter, better handling body????

and who says history never repeats..............................

[Sprint347]

I'd personally take the brand new V8 BMW M3 for that sort of money... but good on them for building something that'll make history, unlike Ford's attempts of the last 30 odd years...

[Carby]

Is this the boom before the bust? F6, GT, R8 GTS and now W427 all under 14 sec. cars (under 13 sec for the W427) all great handlers with good brakes and you can drive them as everyday practical drivers - how long can this last?, we really are spoilt for choice - I love it!

[Ives]

The Walrus427 looks horrendous.

[outback_ute]

Paying that amount of money for any vehicle is not a logical decision, the rule of diminishing returns is well & truly in effect. It is an emotional decision. Personally like many I would be looking at the AMG C63 or BMW M3 sedan, not only are they $10-15 cheaper, but they are ~200kg lighter and smaller which would have to make for a better driving experience while still having reasonable rear seat room for occasional use, and I bet they would be cheaper to own than the W427.

[FordFella]

Originally Posted by outback_ute

Paying that amount of money for any vehicle is not a logical decision, the rule of diminishing returns is well & truly in effect. It is an emotional decision. Personally like many I would be looking at the AMG C63 or BMW M3 sedan, not only are they $10-15 cheaper, but they are ~200kg lighter and smaller which would have to make for a better driving experience while still having reasonable rear seat room for occasional use, and I bet they would be cheaper to own than the W427.

Plus you don't look like a bogan. : And for all of those who say "But the HSV has more room" its not like any of the blokes who buy these who have 15 Monaro's in their barn are going to be carting round a family. People don't buy these for the performance, they buy them because of the exclusitivity of the performance. If that makes sense.

[Wally]

Originally Posted by outback_ute

Paying that amount of money for any vehicle is not a logical decision, the rule of diminishing returns is well & truly in effect. It is an emotional decision. Personally like many I would be looking at the AMG C63 or BMW M3 sedan, not only are they $10-15 cheaper, but they are ~200kg lighter and smaller which would have to make for a better driving experience while still having reasonable rear seat room for occasional use, and I bet they would be cheaper to own than the W427.

Of course it's an emotional decision, otherwise we would all be driving compact ugly sensible cars that get from home to the bus and back again everyday.

If you were in a financial position to own any of those three cars, you wouldn't be bagging any of them.

[4Vman]

I really cant see any point with questioning the "value" in the purchase or questioning people's sanity because of the purchase or bringing up pointless comparrisons to "bench mark" the purchase.. the point is people are buying them, some need to get over that.
Its no different to suburbs or realestate, its personal choice and preference.

[outback_ute]

Fordfella, you would have to weigh up the HSV-bogan factor against the Euro- factor... (only half-serious here everyone!!!)

4Vman if that was directed at me, you have to question the value in anything you purchase and part of that is comparing with alternatives if any. I see the 2 cars mentioned as direct alternatives being high-powered sedans around the same price point.

Wally, I doubt too many W427 drivers will be using their car to get to the bus/train stop! (same applies for any FPV/HSV driver) If you were implying I was bagging the cars, that is not the case. I don't think anything needs to be said re the Euros, and as for the HSV I agree with Luke's post #10 it is something to hold up as a benchmark of what the Aussie industry can do, just as you have to be happy with the Vauxhall VXR8 review shown on Top Gear the other night.