Review: HSV VN SV ClubSport (1990-91)

Overview

Released in June 1990, the HSV VN SV ClubSport was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Notting Hill, Victoria, the SV ClubSport was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. Only 410 VN ClubSports were produced before it was discontinued in August 1991.

Compared to the VN Commodore, the SV ClubSport could be identified by its front spoiler, side skirts and SV3800 bootlid spoiler; while the SV ClubSport was initially fitted with VL Group A wheels, later models were fitted with star pattern alloy wheels.

V8 engine

Shared with the Holden VN Commodore , the 5.0-litre pushrod V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 77.8 mm stroke, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. For the SV ClubSport, however, the engine was fitted with an HSV-specific cold air intake (adapted from the VN SV5000 ), dual exhaust system (including an additional intermediate muffler and fabricated heat shielding) and electronic control unit.

Dimensions and suspension

The VN SV ClubSport was 4865 mm long, 1812 mm wide, 1403 mm tall and had a 2731 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1463 kg models with manual transmissions and 1487 kg for models with automatic units.

The SV ClubSport had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower control arms and a live rear axle with lower trailing arms.

Brakes

The VN SV ClubSport had 327 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 278 mm by 20 mm vented rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the VN SV ClubSport included 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, a radio and cassette player, cruise control, a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, central locking and power windows.

Some of the later models produced in 1991 had the same interior trim as the HSV VP LS.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VN ClubSport
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VN Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VN/VG/VQ