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

HSV Y-Series I Maloo (2002-03)

Overview

Released in October 2002, the HSV Y-Series I (Y-I) Maloo was a rear-wheel drive, performance utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the Maloo 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. The Y-Series Maloo range consisted of both standard Maloo and Maloo 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 Maloo, 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 and suspension

Compared to the VU Maloo , the Y-Series Maloo was 205 mm shorter (at 4890 mm), 3 mm narrower (1842 mm) and 12 mm lower (1450 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2939 mm). The Y-Series Maloo had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Y-Series Maloo included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

The Maloo was fitted with 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 Maloo R8, however, was fitted with 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 Maloo included 18-inch alloy wheels, a Blaupunkt sound system with six speakers and a six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, four-way power adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a trip computer, soft tonneau cover and an immobiliser. The Maloo was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

The Maloo R8 was further equipped with HSV’s ‘Performance’ seats and a hard tonneau cover.

Brochure

• Brochure: HSV Y Series Range (February 2003)

Related links

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

HSV Y-Series II Maloo (2003-04)

Overview

Released in September 2003, the Y-Series II (Y-II) Maloo introduced a more powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine, 4L65-E heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission and a front strut brace. Inside, there was a new backlit anthracite steering wheel.

To achieve the 25 kW and 35 Nm increased 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, safety equipment for the Y-Series II Maloo was improved to include active front seat head restraints.

Features

Standard features were largely unchanged, although the Maloo R8 was fitted with full leather seats and a cargo liner.

Related links

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