- Powerful 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine
- Impressive dynamics
- Spacious interior and supportive front seats
- Firm ride
- Tremec T56 manual transmission has sloppy action
- Four-speed automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
- Steering lacks feel
- High fuel consumption
HSV VX.I ClubSport (2000-01)
Overview
Released in September 2000, the HSV VX Series I (VX.I) ClubSport was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the VX ClubSport was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed T56 manual or four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission. The VX ClubSport range consisted of the standard ClubSport and more ClubSport R8 models, with the latter fitted with HSV’s ‘Performance’ braking package and suspension tune.
LS1 V8 engine
The all-aluminium 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. For the VX ClubSport, the engine was fitted with a redesigned inlet manifold, fuel injectors and reprogrammed engine management software for a flatter torque curve. Although calibrated to run on 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (PULP), the LS1 engine could also run on 91 RON unleaded petrol with a small loss in power.
Dimensions and suspension
The VX ClubSport was 4937 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2789 mm long wheelbase, with MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms. Compared to the VT ClubSport , the VX ClubSport was more refined due to the introduction of a dual-damper drive shaft with rubber couplings and foam-filled B pillars.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClubSport, ClubSport R8 |
5.7-litre LS1 petrol V8 | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
255 kW at 5600 rpm | 475 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the VX ClubSport included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. Models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with traction control.
Brakes
The ClubSport’s braking package consisted of 296 mm by 28 mm ventilated front discs with two piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear discs with single piston calipers. The ClubSport R8, however, had 330 mm by 32 mm front and 316 mm by 18 mm rear discs; all discs were ventilated, grooved and matched with upgraded brake pads.
Features
Standard features for the ClubSport included 18-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, contoured sports seats with a four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. The ClubSport was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential as standard.
The ClubSport R8 was distinguished by its chrome interior highlights and trip computer.
HSV VX.II ClubSport (2001-02)
Overview
Released in September 2001, the VX Series II (VX.II) ClubSport introduced HSV’s multi-link independent rear suspension which had revised rear control arm assemblies and toe-control links for more even tyre wear and safer handling over uneven surfaces. Other changes included the fitment of Bridgestone S03 high performance tyres as standard and the application of DataDot security identifiers to components throughout the vehicle.
Like the Holden VX.II Commmodore , the VX.II ClubSport’s rear suspension was fitted with toe control links for improved tyre wear and safer handling on uneven surfaces; the ClubSport R8 was also fitted with a larger rear anti-roll bar. Visually, the VX.II ClubSport could be identified by its black headlight bezels, new indicator stalks, instrument graphics and chrome interior door handles.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClubSport, ClubSport R8 |
5.7-litre LS1 petrol V8 | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
255 kW at 5600 rpm | 475 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Features
Compared to its VX.I predecessor, standard features for the ClubSport were extended to include a ten-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning and a trip computer.
The ClubSport R8 gained an eight speaker sound system and ‘twilight sentinel’ headlights which automatically shut-down after 60 minutes of inactivity.
2002 HSV ClubSport 15th Anniversary edition
In June 2002, limited-run ClubSport 15th Anniversary edition models were released; these models were distinguished by their Delft Blue paint finish, power-operated sunroofs, stainless steel scuff plates and floor mats.
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VX ClubSport
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VX ClubSport R8
- Wikipedia.org: Holden VX Commodore – HSV
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – VX/VU
