Review: HSV Z-Series Coupe (2004-06)

Overview

Released in October 2004, the HSV Z-Series Coupe was a rear-wheel drive, performance coupe. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the Z-Series Coupe range consisted solely of the GTO Coupe (the Z-Series Coupe 4 has been reviewed separately) which was powered by a 6.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission or four-speed 4L65-E heavy-duty automatic unit.

LS2 V8 engine

The all-aluminium, Generation IV 6.0-litre LS2 pushrod V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 92.0 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, cast-steel roller rocker arms, roller cam followers, coil pack ignition, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.9:1; maximum engine speed was 6500 mm. Although calibrated to run on 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (PULP), the LS2 engine could also run on 91 RON unleaded petrol with a small loss in power.

Development and dimensions

As with the Holden VZ Commodore range, however, the Z-Series Coupe had a new power steering pump, electronic throttle control and Bosch 8.0 ABS and traction control systems. The Z-Series Coupe had the same dimensions as the V2 Coupe which preceded it and, as such, was 4789 mm long, 1841 mm wide, 1397 mm tall and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase.

Suspension

The Z-Series Coupe had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for GTO Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, traction control, active front seat head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners and anti-submarining seat ramps.

Brakes

The GTO Coupe had ventilated and grooved 330 mm front brake discs and 315 mm rear discs, both fitted with two-piston PBR calipers.

Features

Standard features for the Coupe GTO included 19-alloy wheels, a 260 watt Blaunpunkt sound system with eight speakers, two subwoofers and a six-stack CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, contoured leather sports seats, eight-way power adjustable front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, cruise control, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Coupe GTO was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

2006 GTO Coupe LE

In 2006, LE editions of the GTO Coupe were released; these were distinguished by their 19-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, four-piston front and rear brake calipers, Bluetooth connectivity, Anthracite leather steering wheel, roof spoiler, white instrument cluster and distinct exterior paint and interior trim combinations.

2006 GTO Coupe Signature

In August 2006, a limited-run of 70 Signature edition GTO variants were released to commemorate the end of the Coupe. These models were distinguished by their 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers, power sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, Sting Red paint finish and ‘Gloss Black’ accenting on the front and rear fascia.

GTO Coupe Dealer Team Spec: Stage 1 and 2

In July 2005, HSV introduced optional ‘Dealer Team Spec’ packages for the GTO Coupe models with manual transmissions. The HSV Dealer Team Spec Stage 1 package included:

• 18-inch black OZ Racing wheels: these ‘Crono Le Mans’ wheels were designed to minimise weight, while maintaining strength through a titanium-enriched alloy construction. The production process incorporated heat treatment plus a shot peening technology. As a result, each wheel weighed 8.2 kg, providing an unsprung weight saving of over 20 kg per vehicle;
• HSV Modified Performance Suspension;
• Pirelli P-Zero Corsa Asimmetrico 235/40 ZR18 semi-competition tyres (customers could also purchase regular Pirelli 19-inch tyres);
• HSV Leather Short Shifter for the M12 Tremec transmission;
• HSV Linear Steering Rack: developed by HSV, the linear ratio provided sharper ‘on-centre’ steering response and greater accuracy;
• HSV Power Steering Cooler: maintained oil temperature within limits and provided the required amount of backpressure required for precise steering feel and feedback; and,
• HSV Six-Piston Brake System: developed in conjunction with AP Racing, the braking package included 362 mm cross-drilled and grooved front brake discs with six-piston calipers and 343 mm cross-drilled and grooved rear discs with four-piston calipers.

Visual cues for the HSV Dealer Team Spec stage 1 option included special badges on the bootlid and dashboard, and unique HSV fender vents which incorporated matt black strakes.

In addition to the Spec 1 items, the HSV Dealer Team Spec Stage 2 package added:

• HSV Ohlins Adjustable Performance Suspension: with adjustable remote-canister gas pressurised damping units (front and rear);
• HSV Tyre Pressure Monitoring; and,
• HSV’s Dynamic Driver Interface (DDI) which enabled a PDA to provide satellite navigation and access vehicle data.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Z-Series GTO Coupe
• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Z-Series GTO Coupe LE
• HSV Press: Coupe Signs Off With A Signature (August 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden Monaro – VZ
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – Z Series