KEY POINTS:
Holden Special Vehicles' most powerful sedan yet is expected to be available in New Zealand later this year.
The W427 sedan is a limited-edition model powered by the 7-litre LS7 V8 Chevrolet Corvette engine instead of the 6-litre LS2 unit available across the Holden range.
Production will begin
around June in Melbourne and the first examples are due in HSV showrooms in Australia in the third quarter.
HSV unveiled the W427 at the Melbourne motor show, but it is not the first time it has used the 427 moniker.
In 2003, HSV announced the production of 50 GTS Coupe-based examples of the HRT 427, powered by a 350kW 7-litre V8 based on the Corvette C5R's Chev V8.
The W427 is HSV's 20th birthday present and was painted in the same panorama silver colour as the original Group A SS VL Commodore released at the 1988 Melbourne motor show.
The W427 is still in its final stages of development and final performance figures are yet to be revealed, but HSV says its new VE Commodore-based flagship will develop in excess of 370kW (495bhp) at 6500rpm and 640Nm of torque at 5000rpm.
Power will go to the rear wheels via a new high-strength, six-speed manual transmission LS7 clutch with new actuator and pedal assembly.
HSV managing director Scott Grant said the W427 would be safe thanks to new six-piston front brake callipers providing 50 per cent more pad area, two-piece floating front discs (380mm x 35mm, compared with 365mm x 32mm one-piece units on the GTS), revised stability control calibration, six airbags and new Magnetic Ride Control settings.
The W427 will ride 20mm lower and feature 20 per cent firmer springs than the GTS, as well as stiffer rear suspension bushings.
Featuring an oversized Audi-style single-frame grille including a blacked-out upper section, the W427 also gains a three-piece carbon-fibre rear spoiler, 20-inch machined-face alloy wheels, a red leather interior and unique exhaust outlets.
Grant said the W427 will be accompanied by a unique customer relations programme.
"The W427 will only be produced in limited numbers and we want to reflect that exclusivity in how we connect with our customers," he said.
"We are looking at opportunities to allow owners to visit HSV and view the manufacturing process that goes into building this car.
"Make no mistake, while the specifications of the car unveiled at the motor show may change slightly between now and when production begins, this car is destined to make as big an impact as the original Walkinshaw 20 years ago."
