- 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
- High fuel consumption
Overview
Released in October 1991, the HSV VP SV91 was a large, performance sedan. Manufactured by Holden in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Notting Hilll, Victoria, the VP SV91 was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine that was mated to either four-speed 4L60 automatic or five-speed Borg Warner M78 T5 manual transmissions.
Based on the Holden VP Commodore Berlina, the HSV SV91 could be identified by its ‘Euro Blue’ paint finish and ‘SV91’ bootlid decal. Furthermore, the HSV styling package included front and rear bumper assemblies, an open grille, side skirts, front wheel arch mouldings and a rear deck spoiler with stop lamp. Inside, the SV91 had a ‘Steel Blue’ colour theme and Statesman rear seats (including head and arm rests). Only 103 SV91 models were produced.
V8 engine
The 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder, multi-point fuel injection, a Delco electronic control module and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. Compared to the Holden V8 engine, however, changes for the SV91 included a high capacity air intake system, anti-knock sensor, recalibrated engine control unit and a dual exhaust system.
Dimensions and suspension
The HSV VP SV91 was 4865 mm long, 1812 mm wide, 1403 mm tall and had a 2731 mm long wheelbase.
The SV91 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms; HSV modifications for the suspension included progressive rate springs, revised anti-roll bars and gas dampers.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV91 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
180 kW at 4800 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Brakes
The HSV SV91 had 327 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 280 mm by 10 mm vented rear discs.
Features: HSV SV91
Standard features for the HSV SV91 included 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, Devenish sports front seats with Hervey trim and leather flanks, a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, central locking, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer and an alarm. Models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with cruise control.
As standard, the SV91 was also fitted with a limited slip differential.
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