HSV E-Series I Maloo (2007-09)

Overview

Released in October 2007, the HSV E-Series I (E-I) Maloo R8 was a rear-wheel drive, performance utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the E-Series Maloo range initially consisted of the Maloo R8 models which were powered by 6.0-litre LS2 V8 petrol engines. Transmission options consisted of the six-speed Tremec T56 manual and six-speed 6L80E automatic units. In April 2008, however, the 6.0-litre LS2 V8 engine was replaced by the more powerful 6.2-litre LS3 V8. Furthermore, the Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission was replaced by the TR6060 unit in October 2008.

LS2 and LS3 V8 engines

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. For the E-Series, the LS2 engine introduced a recalibrated engine control module (with a ‘limp home’ mode) and new tubular extractors which fed into a twin-exhaust system with four outlet pipes.

Compared to the LS2 engine , the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine had a 103.25 mm bore (stroke was unchanged at 92.0 mm), a stronger block, higher-flow cylinder heads and injectors, hollow-stem intake valves, new pistons, a more aggressive camshaft with 14.0 mm lift, a new intake manifold and a lower compression ratio of 10.7:1. As a result of the LS3’s introduction, the six-speed automatic transmission was also recalibrated for faster gearshifts.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Z-Series Maloo , the E-Series Maloo was 150 mm longer (at 5040 mm), 57 mm wider (1899 mm), 30 mm taller (1480 mm) and had a 71 mm longer wheelbase (3009 mm). Furthermore, the E-Series Maloo had MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link, independent rear suspension.

HSV E-Series I Maloo specifications
	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Maloo R8	2007-08	6.0-litre LS2 petrol V8	6sp man., 6sp auto	307 kW at 6000 rpm	550 Nm at 5100 rpm
Maloo R8	2008-09	6.2-litre LS3 petrol V8	6sp man., 6sp auto	317 kW at 6000 rpm	550 Nm at 4600 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E-Series Maloo included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Maloo R8 had 365 mm by 32 mm front and 350 mm by 26 mm rear ventilated and grooved disc brakes with four-piston AP Racing calipers (front and rear).

Features

Standard features for the Maloo R8 included 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 front and 275/35 rear tyres, five speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats with suede bolsters, a power adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control with speed alert, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, a lockable hard tonneau cover with remote release, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Maloo was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

HSV E-Series II Maloo (2009-10)