Review: HSV VX XU6 (2000-02)

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• Responsive supercharged 3.8-litre L67 V6 engine
• Competent dynamics
• Comfortable and spacious interior

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• V6 engine coarse above 3000 rpm
• Four-speed automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
• Steering lacks feel
• Poor standard of interior fit and finish

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Review: HSV VX.I XU6 (2000-01)

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Overview

Released in September 2000, the HSV VX Series I (VX.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 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission.

L67 Engine

Shared with the Holden VX Commodore , 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 styling

Compared to the VT XU6 , the VX XU6 was 53 mm longer (at 4937 mm), though width (1842 mm), height (1450 mm) and wheelbase length (2788 mm) were unchanged. Furthermore, the VX XU6 provided greater refinement through the introduction of a dual-damper drive shaft with rubber couplings and foam-filled B pillars.

Visually, the VX XU6 could be identified by its restyled body kit – designed by Ian Callum – which included a deeper front bumper, more pronounced grille, smaller nostril slots and a new rear spoiler with a centre-mounted integral stop light.

Suspension

The VX.I XU6 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms; toe-control links, however, were introduced for the VX.II XU6 (see ‘HSV VX.II XU6’, below). [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VX XU6 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

he XU6 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 XV XU6 included 17-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels with 235/45 ZR17 Bridgestone tyres, six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control 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, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Review: HSV VX.II XU6 (2001-02)

Overview

Released in September 2001, the VX Series II (VX.II) XU6 was fitted with HSV’s ‘Touring 2’ 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.

Visually, the XU6 could be identified by its black headlight bezels, new indicator stalks, instrument graphics and chrome interior door handles. 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. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment and features

Compared to its VX.I predecessor, standard safety equipment and features for the VX.II XU6 were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VX XU6
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VX Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VX/VU