Review: HSV Z-Series ClubSport (2004-06)

HSV Z-Series I ClubSport (2004-05)

Overview

Released in October 2004, the HSV Z-Series I (Z-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 6.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission or four-speed 4L65-E heavy-duty automatic unit. The Z-Series ClubSport range consisted of both standard ClubSport and ClubSport R8 models.

LS2 V8 engine

The all-aluminium, Generation IV 6.0-litre LS2 pushrod V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 92.0 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, cast-steel roller rocker arms, roller cam followers, coil pack ignition, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.9:1; maximum engine speed was 6500 mm. Although calibrated to run on 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (PULP), the LS2 engine could also run on 91 RON unleaded petrol with a small loss in power.

The Z-Series ClubSport could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and 5.1 seconds for the manual and automatic models, respectively.

Development and dimensions

As with the Holden VZ Commodore range, however, the Z-Series ClubSport had a new power steering pump, electronic throttle control and Bosch 8.0 ABS and traction control systems. Like the Y-Series ClubSport , the Z-Series ClubSport was 4980 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase. 

Suspension

The Z-Series ClubSport had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with toe control links.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Z-Series ClubSport included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, anti-submarining seats, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

The Z-Series ClubSport had grooved and ventilated front and rear disc brakes (330 mm by 32 mm and 315 mm by 18mm, respectively) with two-piston calipers (front and rear). The R8 variant, however, had cross-drilled front and rear discs (343 mm by 32 mm and 315 mm by 18mm, respectively) with four-piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the Z-Series ClubSport included 19-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser. The ClubSport was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

The ClubSport R8 was further equipped with HSV’s performance suspension package and a ten speaker sound system (including two subwoofers).

ClubSport Dealer Team Spec: Stage 1 and 2

In July 2005, HSV introduced optional ‘Dealer Team Spec’ packages for the ClubSport and ClubSport R8 models with manual transmissions. The HSV Dealer Team Spec Stage 1 package included:

• 18-inch black OZ Racing wheels: these ‘Crono Le Mans’ wheels were designed to minimise weight, while maintaining strength through a titanium-enriched alloy construction. The production process incorporated heat treatment plus a shot peening technology. As a result, each wheel weighed 8.2 kg, providing an unsprung weight saving of over 20 kg per vehicle;
• HSV Modified Performance Suspension;
• Pirelli P-Zero Corsa Asimmetrico 235/40 ZR18 semi-competition tyres (customers could also purchase regular Pirelli 19-inch tyres);
• HSV Leather Short Shifter for the M12 Tremec transmission;
• HSV Linear Steering Rack: developed by HSV, the linear ratio provided sharper ‘on-centre’ steering response and greater accuracy;
• HSV Power Steering Cooler: maintained oil temperature within limits and provided the required amount of backpressure required for precise steering feel and feedback; and,
• HSV Six-Piston Brake System: developed in conjunction with AP Racing, the braking package included 362 mm cross-drilled and grooved front brake discs with six-piston calipers and 343 mm cross-drilled and grooved rear discs with four-piston calipers.

Visual cues for the HSV Dealer Team Spec Stage 1 option included special badges on the bootlid and dashboard, and unique HSV fender vents which incorporated matt black strakes.

In addition to the Spec 1 items, the HSV Dealer Team Spec Stage 2 package added:

• HSV Ohlins Adjustable Performance Suspension: with adjustable remote-canister gas pressurised damping units (front and rear);
• HSV Tyre Pressure Monitoring; and,
• HSV’s Dynamic Driver Interface (DDI) which enabled a PDA to provide satellite navigation and access vehicle data.

Related links

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

HSV Z-Series II ClubSport (2006)

Overview

Released in February 2006, the Z-Series II (Z-II) ClubSport introduced subtle cosmetic updates. Visually, the Z-II ClubSport could be identified by its matt black side skirt accents and rear silver mesh inserts. Whereas the ClubSport also had 19-inch Y-Series GTS -style alloy wheels in billet silver and black vent spears, the R8 variant was also differentiated by its open mesh vents as per the SV6000 .

Features

Standard features were largely unchanged, except for the ClubSport R8 which was also fitted with rear parking sensors.

2006 ClubSport HRT and HSV Dealer Team editions

In March 2006, limited-run ClubSport HRT and HSV Dealer Team Editions were solely available with a six-speed manual transmission and featured 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with semi-competition 235/40 R18 tyres, HSV performance braking packages and suspension packages. The HRT Edition was distinguished by its Sting Red paint finish, ‘White’ five-spoke alloy wheels and HRT Lion logos on the rear spoiler; the HSV Dealer Team had a Phantom Black paint finish, orange body accents, five-spoke ‘Iron Frost’ alloy wheels and HSV Dealer Team logos on the rear spoiler.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Z-Series II ClubSport
• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Z-Series II ClubSport R8
• HSV Press: ClubSport and ClubSport R8 Updates (February 2006)
• HSV Press: Racing Spirit Celebrated In Special HSV Models (March 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VZ Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – Z Series