- Responsive 5.0-litre V8 engine
- Competent dynamics
- Four-speed automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
- Impractical as an actual utility
- Limited interior storage
- Below average interior fit and finish
Overview
Released in March 1992, the HSV VP Maloo was a rear-wheel drive, performance utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Notting Hill, Victoria, the Maloo was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Only forty-nine (49) VP Maloo utes were produced; of these, fifteen (15) were of the ‘Fifth Anniversary Edition’ models and the final eight (8) were ‘All-Black’ editions.
V8 engine
Shared with the Holden VP Commodore , the 5.0-litre 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 VG Maloo, however, the engine was fitted with an HSV-specific cold air intake (adapted from the SV5000), dual exhaust system (including an additional intermediate muffler and fabricated heat shielding) and electronic control unit.
Dimensions and suspension
Based on the Holden VP Ute , the VP Maloo was 4903 mm long, 1812 mm wide, 1512 mm tall and had a 2822 mm long wheelbase; payload was 592 kg.
Largely unchanged from the VG Maloo , the Maloo had MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-link live rear axle with coil springs – while the front suspension settings were based on the VN SV5000 , the specially-developed rear end had springs similar to those used in the Holden VL Commodore wagon.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VP Maloo | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
180 kW at 4400 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Brakes
The VP Maloo had 327 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 278 mm by 20 mm vented rear discs.
Features: VP Maloo
Standard features for the VP Maloo included 16- by 8-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli tyres, a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, contoured front sports seats, a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel and a soft tonneau cover.
As standard, the Maloo was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.
Related links
