- Powerful 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine
- ‘Quad Drive’ all-wheel drive system provides immense traction
- Spacious interior and supportive seats
- Four-speed automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
- Heavy steering lacks precision
- High fuel consumption
- Tight rear seat access and rear occupants sit below glass
Overview
Released in October 2004, the HSV Z-Series Coupe 4 was a four-wheel drive, performance coupe. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the Coupe 4 was fitted with HSV’s ‘Quad Drive’ four-wheel drive system and powered by a 5.7-litre LS1 V8 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed 4L65-E automatic transmission.
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 Z-Series 4 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
Dimensions
While other HSV Z-Series models reflected developments from the Holden VZ range, the Z-Series Coupe 4 was substantially the same as the V2 Coupe 4 . As such, the Z-Series Coupe 4 was 4789 mm long, 1841 mm wide, 1397 mm tall and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1830 kg.
Suspension
The Z-Series Coupe 4 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe 4 | 5.7-litre LS1 petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 270 kW at 5700 rpm | 475 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Quad Drive: permanent four-wheel drive system
The Coupe 4 was fitted with HSV’s ‘Quad Drive’ four-wheel drive system. Based on Holden’s ‘Cross Trac’ system, Quad Drive 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 Coupe 4 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Brakes
The Coupe 4 had ventilated and grooved 336 mm by 32 mm front brake discs with two-piston calipers and 315 mm by 18 mm rear discs with single-piston calipers.
Features
Standard features for the Coupe 4 included 19-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero 245/35 ZR19 tyres, a 200 watt Blaupunkt sound system with eight speakers, two subwoofers and a ten-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, contoured leather sports seats, eight-way power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory settings, cruise control, xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, luggage net, an alarm and immobiliser.
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Z-Series Coupe 4
- Wikipedia.org: Holden Monaro – VZ
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – Z Series
