Review

Review: HSV E-Series Maloo (2007-13)

3.5 stars

  • Powerful 6.0-litre LS2 and 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engines
  • Impressive dynamics
  • Supportive seats
  • TR6060 and 6L80E transmissions work well
  • Tremec T56 manual transmission has heavy action and clunky 1-2 shifts
  • Firm ride
  • Hard tonneau cover impairs rear visibilty
  • Impractical for commercial use

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
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.

Related links

HSV E-Series II Maloo (2009-10)

Overview

Released in September 2009, the E-Series II (E-II) Maloo introduced improved safety equipment, fuel economy, additional features and a cosmetic update. There was also a ‘Competition Mode’ for the electronic stability control and ‘Extended Cruise Control’, which provided a speed-limiting function for downhill driving; manual models were also equipped with ‘Intelligent Launch Control’.

Visually, the E-II Maloo could be identified by its twin nostril bonnet, daytime LED running lights and new alloy wheel designs. In March 2010, a limited-run GXP variant was added to the range.

HSV E-Series II Maloo specifications
  Years Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
Maloo R8 2009-10 6.2-litre LS3 petrol V8 6sp man.,
6sp auto
317 kW at 6000 rpm 550 Nm at 4600 rpm
Maloo GXP 2010

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment was improved with the introduction of front side airbags and curtain airbags.

Features

Standard features included an upgraded 170 watt sound system with two additional eight-inch rear speakers.

2010 Maloo GXP

Released in March 2010, the GXP was introduced as a price-leading variant which utilised various components from Holden’s discontinued Pontiac export program. As such, the Maloo GXP had a unique suspension tune, soft tonneau cover with HSV logo and Brembo braking package with 355 mm ventilated front discs with four-piston calipers and 324 mm rear discs with single-piston calipers.

Brochure

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HSV E-Series III Maloo (2010-13)

Overview

Released in September 2010, the E-Series III (E-III) Maloo introduced an updated interior with additional features. The 6.2-litre V8 engine was also available with a dual-fuel liquid propane injection (LPI) system which provided identical performance to the petrol-only V8. The LPI engine would start on petrol but switch to LPG for low and mid-range driving; from approximately 5300 rpm – depending on conditions – the engine would revert to petrol for full power.

Inside, the E-III Maloo R8 was fitted with a new ‘Oracle’ dashboard with binnacle gauges and piano black trim on the centre console and steering wheel; there was also an ‘Enhanced Driver Interface’ with a touch-screen display that could provide performance data.

August 2012 update (‘MY12.5’)

In August 2012, the range was expanded with the introduction of an entry-level Maloo and peak power for the Maloo R8 was increased to 325 kW.

HSV E-Series III Maloo specifications
  Years Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
Maloo 2012-13 6.2-litre LS3 petrol V8 6sp man.,
6sp auto
317 kW at 6000 rpm 550 Nm at 4600 rpm
Maloo R8 2010-12 6.2-litre LS3 petrol V8 6sp man.,
6sp auto
317 kW at 6000 rpm 550 Nm at 4600 rpm
2012-13 6.2-litre LS3 petrol V8 6sp man.,
6sp auto
325 kW at 6000 rpm 550 Nm at 4600 rpm

Features: Maloo R8

Standard features for the E-III Maloo were extended to include satellite navigation (with touchscreen), iPod connectivity and a reversing camera.

From August 2012, the Maloo R8 was fitted with 20-inch ‘SV Performance’ forged alloy wheels (finished in Blade Silver) and leather seats as standard.

Features: Maloo

Compared to the pre-August 2012 Maloo R8, the standard Maloo was similarly equipped, but fitted with 20-inch ‘Pentagon’ alloy wheels and omitted the Enhanced Driver Interface.

20 Years of Maloo

To coincide with the E-III Maloo, a limited run ’20 Years of Maloo’ edition was released; these models were distinguished by their 20-inch GTS alloy wheels, bonnet scoops, bi-modal exhaust system and blind spot alert.

2011 Maloo SV Black Edition

In September 2011, limited-run SV Black Editions were released. Inside, the SV Black Editions featured Onyx leather trim, special sill plates and a unique finish for the console, instrument panel and steering wheel. Furthermore, the SV Black Editions were fitted with HSV’s performance suspension package and bi-modal exhaust system. Visually, the SV Black Editions could be identified by their forged black gloss alloy wheels, matt-black exterior highlights, including the front fascia, side vents, side stripes and ‘Vector’ bonnet scoops.

Brochure

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