- Powerful 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine
- ‘Quad Drive’ all-wheel drive system provides immense traction
- Spacious interior and comfortable front seats
- Four-speed automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
- Upright rear seats and limited rear legroom
- Heavy steering for low-speed manoeuvres
- Weight blunts dynamics and fuel economy
Overview
Released in March 2004, the HSV Y-Series Avalanche XUV (‘X-Treme Utility Vehicle’) was a dual-cab, four-wheel drive utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the Avalanche XUV was powered by a 5.7-litre LS1 V8 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission. Production of the Avalanche XUV was limited to 300 vehicles.
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.
The Avalanche XUV could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.
Dimensions and suspension
Based on the Holden VY Crewman Cross 8 , the Avalanche XUV was 5323 mm long, 2046 mm wide, 1542 mm tall and had a 3207 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, ground clearance for the Avalanche XUV was 200 mm and the cargo tray measured 1463 mm (long) by 1438 mm (wide).
The Avalanche XUV had HSV’s ‘Touring Series’ suspension tune with MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with toe control links. Maximum towing capacity for the Avalanche XUV was 2100 kg when fitted with an optional towing package.
Post-October 2004 production
Avalanche XUV 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.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche XUV | 5.7-litre LS1 petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 270 kW at 5700 rpm | 475 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Cross Trac: permanent four-wheel drive system
The Y-Series Avalanche XUV 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 Avalanche XUV included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, active front seat head restraints front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Avalanche XUV had 336 mm by 28 mm 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 features for the Avalanche XUV included 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 R18 Bridgestone S-03 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, four-way power adjustable front seats, contoured front sports seats, leather seats, cruise control, front fog lights, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Y-Series Avalanche XUV
- Holden Media Archive: HSV’s Mr Versatility (February 2004)
- Wikipedia.org: HSV Y-Series Avalanche XUV
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – Y Series
