Review: HSV VT XU6 (1998-00)

HSV VT.I XU6 (1998-99)

Overview

Released in February 1998, the HSV VT Series I (VT.I) XU6 was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the XU6 was powered by a supercharged 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission.

L67 engine

The cast-iron, 3.8-litre L67 pushrod V6 engine was fitted with an Eaton Generation III M90 supercharger, had a 97 mm bore, 86 mm stroke, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.5:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the Holden VT Commodore , the XU6 was 4884 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the XU6 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the HSV VT XU6 consisted of a driver’s airbag and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Features

Standard features for the HSV VT XU6 included 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 ZR17 Bridgestone tyres, a six speaker sound system with CD player, 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 XU6 was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.

HSV VT.II XU6 (1999-00)

Overview

Released in June 1999, the VT Series II (VT.II) XU6 introduced only minor changes relative to its VT.I predecessor.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VT Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VT