- Powerful 7.0-litre LS7 V8 engine
- ‘Magnetic Ride Control’ contributes to excellent dynamics
- Spacious interior and supportive front seats
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Peaky power delivery means LS7 is outgunned by supercharged LSA
- High fuel consumption
- Thick A-pillars impair forward visibility
Overview
Released in August 2008, the HSV E-Series W427 was a high performance, rear-wheel sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the W427 was powered by a 7.0-litre LS7 V8 petrol engine – also used in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – which was mated to a six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission. Production of the W427 was limited to 138 units.
LS7 engine
Hand-built in Wixom, Michigan, the 7.0-litre LS7 V8 pushrod engine had a 104.8 mm bore and 101.6 mm stroke, forged steel crankshaft and main bearing caps, forged titanium connecting rods, hypereutectic pistons, dry sump lubrication, a cold air induction system, two valves per cylinder (including titanium intake valves) and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. For its application in the W427, HSV developed a new clutch, differential and exhaust.
Dimensions and suspension
The HSV W427 was 4974 mm long, 1899 mm wide, 1462 mm tall and had a 2915 mm long wheelbase.
The W427 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, four-link rear suspension. Like the E-Series GTS and Senator , the W427 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. Compared to the GTS, however, the W427 rode 20 mm lower and its springs were 50 per cent stiffer.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W427 | 2008-09 | 7.0-litre LS7 petrol V8 | 6sp man. | 375 kW at 6500 rpm | 640 Nm at 5000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the HSV W427 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 HSV W427 had 380 mm by 35 mm two-piece floating front rotors with six-piston calipers and 350 mm by 26 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers..
Features: HSV W427
Standard features for the HSV W427 included 20-inch machined-face alloy wheels with 245/35 R20 front and 275/30 R20 rear tyres, a 230 watt sound system with eleven speakers, a six-disc CD player and MP3-compatibility, 6.5-inch colour display, dual zone climate control air conditioning, red leather interior with ‘Performance’ leather seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control with speed alert, Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lights, automatic headlights, a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
The W427 was also fitted with a limited slip differential and three-piece carbon-fibre rear spoiler.
Brochure
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV E-Series W427
- HSV Press: HSV Unveils Seven Litre Supercar The W427 (February 2008)
- HSV Press: Key Features Of The W427 (June 2008)
- HSV Press: HSV W427 Launched (July 2008)
- HSV Press: HSV W427 Specifications (July 2008)
- HSV Press: HSV Confirms Final Build Numbers For W427 (December 2008)
- Wikipedia.org: Holden VE Commodore – HSV
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – E Series
