Review: HSV VT Manta (1997-99)

HSV VT.I Manta (1997-99)

Overview

Released in September 1997, the HSV VT Series I (VT.I) Manta was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the VT.I Manta was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed Getrag 260 manual or four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission.

V8 engine

As with the VS Manta , the 5.0-litre pushrod V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 77.8 mm stroke and two valves per cylinder, though sequential fuel injection was introduced and the compression ratio was increased to 8.8:1 (previously 8.4:1).

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the Holden VT Commodore , the VT Manta had an all-new chassis and, compared to the VS Manta , was 58 mm longer (at 4919 mm), 48 mm wider (1842 mm), 47 mm taller (1450 mm) and had a 57 mm longer wheelbase (2788 mm). As before, however, the VT ClubSport had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VT.I Manta included a driver’s airbag, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

TheVT.I Manta had 296 mm by 28 mm ventilated front discs with twin piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear discs with single piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the VT.I Manta included 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 ZR17 SO-2 Bridgestone tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, contoured front sports seats with four-way power adjustment, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

As standard, the Manta was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VT Manta
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VT Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VT