Review: HSV Y-Series Avalanche (2003-05)

Overview

Released in December 2003, the HSV Y-Series Avalanche was a large, four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the Avalanche was powered by a 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine that was mated to a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission. The Avalanche was fitted with five seats as standard, although an additional third row of seats were available as an option for seven seats.

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; HSV modifications for the engine included a revised inlet with zip tube, a ‘High Flow’ exhaust system with twin exit stainless steel tips and dual stainless steel extractors. As a result, the Avalanche could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the Holden VY Adventra , the Y-Series Avalanche was 5106 mm long, 1928 mm wide, 1654 mm tall and had a 2948 mm long wheelbase, while ground clearance was 200 mm. Maximum towing capacity for the Avalanche was 2100 kg when fitted with an optional towing package.

The Avalanche had HSV’s ‘Touring Series’ suspension tune with MacPherson strut front suspension, independent rear suspension (with toe control links) and a level ride system. Compared to the VY Adventra , the HSV Avalanche was fitted with a 28 mm front anti-roll bar (up from 27 mm) and a 16 mm rear anti-roll bar (up from 13 mm) which reduced body roll and provided a flatter cornering attitude. 

Post-October 2004 production

Avalanche models built between October 2004 and March 2005 have Z-Series compliance plates and VINs – these vehicles can be identified by their re-profiled front bumpers and more integrated front fog lights.

Cross Trac: permanent four-wheel drive system

The Y-Series Avalanche was fitted with Holden’s ‘Cross Trac’ four-wheel drive system which included a New Venture NV124GM transfer case and three open differentials (front, centre and rear). In normal conditions, the Quad Drive system provided a 38:62 front:rear torque split.

In the event that excessive wheel spin was detected at any wheel, the brakes would be applied to that wheel to redistribute torque to the wheels with more traction – this operation was termed an ‘automatic brake differential’ or ABD by Holden.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Y-Series Avalanche included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Avalanche had 336 mm by 28 mm AP Racing front brake discs with two-piston calipers and 315 mm by 18 mm rear discs with single piston calipers; both front and rear discs were ventilated and grooved.

Features

Standard Avalanche features included 18-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels with 245/45 R18 Bridgestone S-03 tyres, a ten speaker Blaupunkt sound system with a subwoofer, amplifier and six-disc CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, eight-way power adjustable front seats, contoured front sports seats, leather seats, cruise control, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, automatically dipping door mirrors when reversing, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, roof rails, driver seat memory settings, a power sunroof, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Avalanche was also fitted with a separately opening rear tailgate window.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Y-Series Avalanche
• Holden Media Archive: HSV Previews All Wheel Drive Avalanche Sports Wagon (October 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: HSV Y-Series Avalanche
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – Y Series