Based off the Holden Commodore and Berlina models, the enthusiasm generated by the original Y bodied cars is a significant factor in HSV reaching record sales levels for the first seven months of 2003. Now, an injection of tempting enhancements for Y Series 2 is set to ensure that trend continues.

In August of 2003, Australia’s Holden added refinements across their range of Y Series cars. Products such as the Commodore, Berlina, Ute and One Tonner benefited from styling and performance enhancements. These upgrades have been reflected in the new range of HSV cars.

Y Series 2 Engine

The changes relate to the HSV enhanced LS1 V8 and the raw numbers make impressive reading – maximum power has been boosted to 285kW @ 5800rpm (292kW DIN) while maximum torque soars to 510Nm @ 4800rpm. What’s even more impressive is the increased spread of power and torque throughout the rev range, resulting in even stronger bottom end and mid range thrust.

Revisions to the lower airbox and the zip tube, which directs air from the airbox to the engine, headline the changes on the intake side. Replacing the zip tubes current bellows section with a tube sporting a smoother internal shape – similar to that employed on HSV’s C4B 300kW engine – has resulted in less disruption to intake airflow at all engine speeds.

Similarly, the alterations to the lower airbox are designed to provide the engine with a plentiful supply of air. A larger opening allows a greater volume of air to enter the airbox and a relocation of the intake to increase isolation from engine heat. That’s an important factor in limiting the negative effect heat soak has on engine launch performance, particularly after the vehicle has remained stationary – for example at traffic lights.

To take maximum advantage of the more efficient intake system HSV’s unique exhaust system also came in for a rework and, here, engineers set themselves the challenge of designing the ultimate set of extractors. There’s a common misconception that simply increasing pipe diameter will increase exhaust system efficiency, however, it actually relies on a wide variety of factors.

To take maximum advantage of the more efficient intake system HSV’s unique exhaust system also came in for a rework and, here, engineers set themselves the challenge of designing the ultimate set of extractors. There’s a common misconception that simply increasing pipe diameter will increase exhaust system efficiency, however, it actually relies on a wide variety of factors.

Firstly, each primary pipe was precisely matched to its corresponding exhaust port in the cylinder head. Then, the eight primary pipes were subtly curved to achieve ideal gas flow into the redesigned four-into-one collectors. Pipe diameters were also optimised for maximum efficiency – primary pipes increase from 41mm to 44mm, collectors to catalytic converters go from 57mm to 63mm as do the converter outlets.

All modifications were extensively road tested and the new system passed strict ADR drive by noise regulations. A side effect of the engine revisions sees the original gutsy exhaust note now joined by a perceptibly deeper intake note.

Y Series 2 Suspension

With Y Series Touring and Luxury suspension packages receiving so many plaudits for their ride and handling combination the focus was turned to HSV’s Performance suspension tune. R8 sedan now joins GTS in featuring this suspension package as standard, while it’s also optional on ClubSport sedan.

The aim was to maintain the outstanding handling characteristics while, at the same time, adding a further degree of ride comfort. Front springs were revised, rear rebound control increased and more digressive shock absorber valving incorporated (a major factor in improving ride quality on Y Series Touring and Luxury suspension), as HSV chassis engineers sought to eliminate pitching motion and maintain all-round body control. Pirelli’s high performance 19-inch tyres, which accompany the HSV Performance suspension package, also contribute with a more compliant sidewall design that assists ride quality.

Dubbed HSV Performance 3 suspension, the result combines tightly controlled body roll and sharp handling response with a ride quality that’s still supple enough not to induce impact harshness. So good is the new package that HSV engineers deemed it the quickest they had ever lapped Holden’s Lang Lang ride and handling circuit to date.

R8 Clubsport

As a track-inspired four door tourer, the R8 sports many enhancements over the standard Clubsport. Specific features of the R8 include exceptional handling with 19 x 8 chrome shadow alloy wheels wearing Pirelli P-Zero 245/35 ZR-19 tires and the HSV Performance suspension. An optional fully adjustable performance suspension will be available in early 2004 when the range topping GTS is released.

R8’s exclusive interior comes with HSV’s sports binnacle and new full leather seats featuring 8-way power adjustment with active head restraints.

Story by Holden Special Vehicles & Supercars.net