Review: HSV VT XU8 (1999)

Overview

Released in February 1999, the HSV VT Series I (VT.I) XU8 was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the XU8 was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine. Positioned below the VT ClubSport , the XU8 omitted the ClubSport’s performance tyres and front fog lights; the XU8 also had a softer suspension tune.

Drivetrain

The XU8’s 5.0-litre pushrod V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, a 77.8 mm stroke, cross-flow heads, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. Transmission options consisted of a four-speed 4L60-E automatic or five-speed Getrag manual unit.

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the Holden VT Commodore , the VT XU8 was 4919 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase. Similarly, the VT XU8 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms, though the XU8 was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VT XU8 included a driver’s airbag, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

The VT XU8 had 296 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs with twin piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear discs with single piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the VT XU8 included 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 ZR17 Bridgestone tyres, a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, contoured front sports seats with four-way power adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with cruise control.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VT XU8
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VT Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VT