As promised earlier this year, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is unleashing the hottest European import onto the Australian market in 2006 - the HSV VXR.

Managing Director of HSV, Mr Phil Harding, has welcomed the VXR to the HSV range, saying the first batch of the new cars have now arrived in Australia.

“With HSV now on the world stage we have been seeking ways to increase the size of our brand footprint in Australia”, Mr Harding said.

“The VXR has been on our radar for some time and we are brining it into the market place when hot, small, performance cars are all the rage”.

“We have secured limited numbers of the car that is taking Europe by storm, so I’d urge customers to visit a HSV dealership to test drive as soon as they can, before they are all snapped up”.

Technological highlights of the VXR include a McPherson-strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear axle plus an IDS chassis control system featuring ESP, traction control, ABS and brake assist. The VXR rides on a 19-inch, European styled, 10 spoke alloy wheels, combined with ultra low-profile tyres to provide street style and an ultimate feel for the road.

The VXR’s engine possesses the performance expected of a vehicle wearing the HSV badge. The 2.0i 16v ECOTEC-4 turbo engine punches out 177 kW at 5,600 rpm, with torque reaching 320 Nm at 2,400rpm, which allows the VXR to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.

The interior of the VXR is equally as impressive and includes Recaro sports fitted seats with leather trimmed side bolsters, active safety front seat head restraints and a number of unique finishes that makes the VXR stand out from the crowd.

Phil Harding said he believed the VXR would appeal to traditional HSV buyers, but also introduce a whole new range of customers to the famous high performance car brand.

“I have consistently said HSV will enter the market where we feel we can raise the bar against the competition. The VXR fits our bill, bringing class leading chassis dynamics, class leading performance and class leading safety”.

“We are delighted to welcome it to the HSV family, on the back of the all new E series - one of the most successful launches in HSV history”.

VXR highlights

• 2.0i 16v ECOTEC-4 turbo engine (177kw at 5,600 rpm and 320 Nm at 2,400 rpm)
  Front wheel drive six speed close ratio manual gearbox
• 19-inch European style 10 spoke alloy wheels
• IDS chassis control system featuring ESP, traction control, ABS and brake assist
• Recaro sports fitted seats
• 321mm x 28mm internally ventilated front brake discs and 278mm x 10mm solid rear brake discs

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