- Responsive 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable front seats
- Four-speed automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
- Below average interior fit and finish
HSV VP.I SV ClubSport (1991-93)
Overview
Released in October 1991, the HSV VP Series I (VP.I) 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.
V8 engine
Shared with the Holden VP 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.
Steering and suspension
The VP SV ClubSport was 4865 mm long, 1812 mm wide, 1403 mm tall and had a 2731 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the VP SV ClubSport had MacPherson strut front suspension and, unlike the VN ClubSport , independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV ClubSport | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
180 kW at 4800 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Brakes
The VP ClubSport had 327 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 280 mm by 20 mm vented rear discs.
Features
Standard features for the VP SV ClubSport included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, contoured front sports seats, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, central locking, power windows, power mirrors and an alarm.
The ClubSport was also fitted with a limited slip differential.
HSV VP.II SV ClubSport (1993)
Overview
Released in February 1993, the VP Series II (VP.II) was a minor update for the SV ClubSport. To coincide with its release, 5th Anniversary editions were released which were distinguished by their five-spoke alloy wheels.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV ClubSport | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
180 kW at 4800 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| SV ClubSport 5000i | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 200 kW at 5200 rpm | 410 Nm at 3600 rpm |
SV ClubSport 5000i
Released in May 1993, the 5000i was fitted with HSV’s ‘black motor’ with the VN Group A engine four-bolt engine block, ‘D’ port heads, crankshaft, connecting rods, flat-top pistons, increased compression ratio (9.0:1 rather than 8.6:1), double row roller timing chain, Crane roller rockers and larger diameter lifter bores. The 5000i was also fitted with 17- by 8-inch alloy wheels, 330 mm front discs with twin piston PBR calipers, ventilated 289 mm rear discs with PBR calipers and ABS.
Production of the 5000i was limited to fifty vehicles. Visually, the 5000i could be identified by its Alaskan white paint finish with grey side skirts, grey lower bibs on the front and rear bars, ‘5000i’ decals on the rear of the car and under the side indicators on the front guards; the build number is also printed on the boot of the vehicle.
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VP ClubSport
- Wikipedia.org: Holden VP Commodore – HSV
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – VP
