HSV E-Series I Senator (2006-09)

Overview

Released in August 2006, the HSV E-Series I (E-I) Senator was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the E-Series Senator range initially consisted of Senator Signature models which were powered by 6.0-litre LS2 V8 petrol engines that were mated to either six-speed Tremec T56 manual or six-speed 6L80E automatic transmissions. 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 recalibrated for faster gearshifts.

Dimensions

Compared to the Z-Series Senator , the E-Series Senator was 37 mm shorter (at 4943 mm), 57 mm wider (1899 mm), 17 mm taller (1467 mm) and had a 127 mm longer wheelbase (2915 mm).

Suspension

The E-Series Senator had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, four-link rear suspension. Like the E-Series GTS, however, the Senator Signature suspension included a ‘Magnetic Ride Control’ system which utilised magneto-rheological fluid in the monotube dampers. When activated by an electric current, the viscosity of the fluid would change, enabling damping rates to be varied according to conditions and driver behaviour.

HSV E-Series I Senator specifications
	Engine	Year	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Senator Signature	6.0-litre petrol LS2 V8	2006-08	6sp auto	307 kW at 6000 rpm	550 Nm at 4400 rpm
Senator Signature	6.2-litre petrol LS3 V8	2008-09	6sp man., 6sp auto	317 kW at 6000 rpm	550 Nm at 4600 rpm
Senator	6.2-litre petrol LS3 V8	2009	6sp man., 6sp auto	317 kW at 6000 rpm	550 Nm at 4600 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E-Series Senator included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain 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 E-Series Senator had 365 mm by 32 mm vented and grooved front and 350 mm by 26 mm vented and grooved rear brake discs with four-piston AP Racing calipers front and rear.

Features

Standard features for the Senator Signature included 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 front and 275/35 R19 rear tyres, a 230 watt sound system with eleven speakers, a six-disc CD player and MP3-compatibility, a 6.5-inch colour display, dual zone climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, driver’s seat and mirror memory settings, cruise control with speed alert, Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors, a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Senator Signature was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.

2008 Senator Signature SV08

In October 2008, a limited-run Senator Signature SV08 was released; it was distinguished by its 20-inch ‘Pentagon’alloy wheels, unique sill plates, badging and chrome accents on the side mirrors and door handles.

Entry-level Senator

In February 2009, a price-leading Senator was introduced (omitting the ‘Signature’ moniker). Compared to the Senator Signature, these models omitted Magnetic Ride Control, the ‘Shadow Chrome’ alloy wheels (instead fitted with silver billet wheels), ‘Performance’leather seats (fitted with standard leather seats), rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors and exterior chrome highlights.

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