- Responsive 5.0-litre V8 engine
- Capable dynamics
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Four-speed automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
- Poor standard of interior fit and finish
- Basic live rear axle suspension
- High fuel consumption
Overview
Released in September 1989, the HSV VN SV5000 was a limited-production performance sedan. Manufactured by Holden in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Notting Hill, Victoria, the SV5000 was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
The HSV SV5000 could be identified by its SV89 front and rear lower air dams and Group A-style front wheel arch extensions. The side skirts, grille and bootlid spoiler, however, were unique to the SV5000. Only 359 models were produced before production was discontinued in September 1991.
LB9 engine
The 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder and multi-point fuel injection. HSV modifications, however, included flat-top pistons, a higher compression ratio of 9.0:1, bigger valves, a revised camshaft, special throttle body, knock sensor, modified induction system (including a cold air intake), special extractors and a recalibrated engine management system.
Dimensions and suspension
The HSV SV5000 was 4865 mm long, 1812 mm wide, 1403 mm tall and had a 2731 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1460 kg. To accommodate its eight-inch wide wheels, the SV5000 was fitted with a narrower rear axle that was originally produced for the VL range.
The SV5000 had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower control arms and a live rear axle with lower trailing arms. Initially, the front suspension included a 27 mm diameter anti-roll bar, though this increased to 28 mm from July 1990 for a 16 per cent increase in roll stiffness.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV5000 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 200 kW at 5400 rpm | 410 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Brakes
The SV5000 had 327 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs with heavy duty twin-piston calipers (as per the Corvette ZR-1), while the 278 mm by 20 mm vented rear brakes were based on front Commodore discs that were specifically cast to fit the rear.
Features: HSV SV5000
Standard features for the HSV SV5000 included 16 x 8.0J alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, leather seat trim, central locking, power windows, power mirrors and a trip computer. From April 1990, the SV5000 was fitted with climate control air conditioning.
The SV5000’s interior was similar to that of the VN Calais but featured modified Statesman seat pads.
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VN SV5000
- Wikipedia.org: Holden VN Commodore – HSV
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – VN/VG/VQ
