Review: HSV Y-Series ClubSport (2002-04)

HSV Y-Series I ClubSport (2002-03)

Overview

Released in October 2002, the HSV Y-Series I (Y-I) ClubSport was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the ClubSport was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission or an upgraded four-speed 4L60-E automatic unit. Furthermore, the Y-Series ClubSport range consisted of both standard ClubSport and ClubSport R8 models.

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 Y-Series ClubSport, calibration changes resulted in a peak power increase of 5 kW to 260 kW. 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

Compared to the VX ClubSport , the Y-Series ClubSport was 43 mm longer (at 4980 mm), but width (1842 mm), height (1450 mm) wheelbase length (2789 mm) were unchanged.

Suspension

The Y-Series ClubSport had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with toe control links. Changes for the Y-Series, however, included new steering components and a new suspension tune which included digressive shock absorbers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Y-Series ClubSport included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

The ClubSport had a PBR braking package – HSV’s previously optional ‘Performance Braking System’ – which consisted of grooved 330 mm front and 315 mm rear discs with two-piston calipers (front and rear). The ClubSport R8, however, had HSV’s ‘Premium Brake System’ with cross-drilled 343 mm front and 315 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers (front and rear).

Features

Standard features for the ClubSport included 18-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, contoured sports seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer, cargo net and an immobiliser. The ClubSport was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

The ClubSport R8 was further equipped with a nine speaker sound system, HSV’s ‘Performance’ front seats and automatic (i.e. light-sensitive) headlights.

Brochure

• Brochure: HSV Y Series Range (February 2003)

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Y-Series I ClubSport
• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Y-Series I ClubSport R8

HSV Y-Series II ClubSport (2003-04)

Overview

Released in September 2003, the Y-Series II (Y-II) ClubSport introduced a more powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine, 4L65-E heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission, a front strut brace and, for the R8 variant, HSV’s ‘Performance’ suspension tune. Inside, there was a new backlit anthracite steering wheel.

To achieve the 25 kW and 35 Nm increases in peak power and torque, changes were made to the intake, extractors and engine calibration. Specifically,

• the lower air box was redesigned with a bigger opening and the ‘zip’ tube (which directed air into the air box) had its ‘bellows’ section replaced with a tube that had less airflow resistance; and,
• new primary 44 mm pipes (previously 41 mm) were matched to the exhaust ports, the four-into-one collectors were redesigned and a 63 mm down pipe was introduced (previously 57 mm).

Safety equipment

Compared to its Y-I predecessor, standard safety equipment was extended to include active front seat head restraints.

Features

Standard features were largely unchanged, although the ClubSport R8 was fitted with full-faced leather seats.

2004 ClubSport SE

In July 2004, the limited-run ClubSport SE was released. The ClubSport SE had stiffer suspension, binnacle gauges and a colour-coded body kit as per the R8. Furthermore, the ClubSport SE was fitted with cross-drilled 343 mm front brake discs with four-piston calipers (like the ClubSport R8) and 315 mm rear discs with two-piston calipers (like the standard ClubSport).

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Y-Series II ClubSport
• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Y-Series II ClubSport R8
• Press Release: HSV Y Series II and V2 III Coupe (September 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VY Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – Y Series