Review: HSV Z-Series Maloo (2004-07)

HSV Z-Series I Maloo (2004-06)

Overview

Released in October 2004, the HSV Z-Series I (Z-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 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 Maloo range consisted of both standard Maloo and Maloo R8 models.

LS2 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.

Dimensions and suspension

Like the Holden VZ Ute on which it was based, the Z-Series Maloo also had a new power steering pump, electronic throttle control and Bosch 8.0 ABS and traction control systems. Like the Y-Series Maloo , however, the Z-Series Maloo was 4890 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2938 mm long wheelbase.

The Z-Series Maloo had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension.

Safety equipment

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

Brakes

The Z-Series Maloo 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 Maloo R8, however, was fitted with cross-drilled front and rear discs (350 mm by 32 mm and 332 mm by 24mm, respectively) with four-piston calipers.

Features: Z-Series Maloo

Standard features for the HSV Z-Series Maloo included 19-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lamps, 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 Maloo was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

The Maloo R8 added leather seats, a cargo liner and hard tonneau cover.

2005 Maloo R8 15^thAnniversary

Released in August 2005, the 15th Anniversary Maloo R8 could be identified by its Devil Yellow paint finish; production was limited to fifty vehicles.

Maloo Dealer Team Spec: Stage 1 and 2

In July 2005, HSV introduced optional ‘Dealer Team Spec’ packages for the Maloo and Maloo 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); and,
• HSV Tyre Pressure Monitoring.

Unlike Dealer Team Spec 2 packages for the Z-Series ClubSport and Z-Series GTO Coupe , the Maloo was not available with adjustable Ohlins suspension.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Z-Series I Maloo
• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Z-Series I Maloo R8
• HSV Press: Yellow Thunder – 15th Anniversary Maloo R8 (May 2005)

HSV Z-Series II Maloo (2006-07)

Overview

Released in July 2006, the Z-Series II (Z-II) Maloo introduced minor cosmetic changes. Visually, the Z-II Maloo could be identified by its 19-inch VY GTS-style billet silver alloy wheels, black vent spears, matt black side skirt accents, front and rear silver mesh inserts. The Z-II Maloo R8 was further differentiated by its open mesh vents as per the SV6000.

Safety equipment and features, however, were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Z-Series II Maloo
• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV Z-Series II Maloo R8
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VZ Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – Z Series