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70kW performer set to shake the luxury all-road market

Holden Special Vehicles has demonstrated its intention to enter the all wheel drive (AWD) market for the first time with a preview showing of the new Avalanche sports wagon.

Due to roll into HSV retailer showrooms in December, the Avalanche blends trademark HSV high performance capability and high visibility styling with surefooted grip, all-road versatility and luxury-level specification.

HSV has invested more than $4.5 million in the development of the crossover Avalanche V8 sports wagon, which utilises Holden's advanced Cross Trac permanent AWD system. It offers 270kW of power, courtesy of HSV's 5.7 litre LS1 V8, teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission and complemented by an HSV performance braking system.

Holden Special Vehicles Managing Director, John Crennan, says this brand of multi-purpose muscle will give the company's first AWD market entrant a real advantage in the luxury Euro wagon segment.

"Avalanche is one of the best examples yet of our value for money performance and prestige philosophy at work. In outright performance terms, it has no credible class competitor under the $200,000 mark. In terms of style, safety, performance and luxury, it delivers a remarkable range of features as standard.

"Because it gives HSV buyers a new kind of choice, we believe that Avalanche will see the emergence of the two-car HSV household, " Mr Crennan added.

"It is part of an exciting era of product development at HSV - and further evidence of the creative synergy which characterises our association with Holden.

"We are well on the way to establishing Holden Special Vehicles as the Australian automotive ideas leader, a process which will see us introduce technological innovations unmatched in any car produced here.

"As an example, the Avalanche will offer LED interior ambient lighting and options such as Xenon High Intensity Discharge driving lamps, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a roof-mounted DVD player," Mr Crennan said.

Avalanche buyers will also appreciate the model's exclusivity - HSV intends to produce just 500 examples in 2004.

Performance and Chassis Dynamics

While Avalanche delivers all the exhilarating V8 performance that HSV customers have come to expect, the way that power translates to the tarmac via all four wheels is something else again.

The traction control-based, permanent all wheel drive Cross Trac system offers precise, controlled, confidence-inspiring handling over a wide range of roads and tracks, under all manner of surface conditions. Bitumen, gravel, sand, snow, ice, steep ascents and descents - it grips and it goes.

Specifically calibrated to suit the Australian driving environment, Cross Trac uses automatic brake differential (ABD) software and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) to achieve optimum levels of traction across all wheels.

To match the capability of Avalanche's 5.7 litre V8 powerplant, which produces 270kW of power and 475Nm of torque, there's the class-leading stopping power of an HSV performance braking system, comprising AP racing ventilated and grooved 336mm front and 315mm rear discs.

To demonstrate the system's effectiveness, in testing Avalanche recorded a zero to 100km/h and back to zero time in about 8.5 seconds.

An all wheel drive torque split of 38 per cent front and 62 per cent rear gives Avalanche a characteristic rear-drive bias that enthusiast drivers will appreciate. The HSV AWD Touring Series-tuned suspension incorporates a level ride system.

With its crisp chassis dynamics complemented by a supple, cushioned ride quality and wide track stability, Avalanche is an all wheel drive wagon with a decidedly sporty feel.

The Avalanche benefits from an energetic design treatment emphasised by a striking front facia, fog lamps, flared body-coloured wheel arches over unique 18-inch chrome shadow alloys, chrome shadow* lower facia highlights and a distinctive rear tailgate treatment. An elevated ride height, wide stance and cleverly integrated underbody protection plates underline its multi-purpose nature. On top, there's a rear spoiler with full width LED stop lamp, a Euro-style roof rack and tailored sunroof.

Inside, Avalanche's luxury character shows up in Senator-style touches like leather seat and door trim - in Anthracite, Ochre or Red, depending on exterior colour choice - front sports seats with active head restraints and eight-way power adjustment (driver's seat with memory); alloy pedals, leather-wrapped sports profile steering wheel, centre mounted sports binnacle, unique instrument cluster, console and instrument panel surrounds. Unique LED interior effect lighting, exclusive to HSV, emits a soft green glow to the cabin interior when night driving.

Further comfort and convenience features include a premium audio system with six disc CD player, subwoofer and 260W amplifier, dual zone electronic climate control, heated exterior mirrors, passenger side mirror which dips when reverse is selected and electronic rear park assist.

HSV Avalanche buyers can also choose the option of a Tyre Pressure Monitoring system, which uses radio frequency to check the temperature and pressure in each tyre and sounds an alarm when critical levels are reached. High Intensity Discharge driving lamps, which operate when high beam is selected, are also optional.

* Motor Show display car only. Production models will have 'black chrome' accents

The Avalanche safety system is optimised to minimise occupant injury risks. Passenger, driver and side airbags are fitted, along with front seat pyrotechnic seatbelt pre-tensioners, force limiters and active head restraints, anti-submarining ramps in the front seats and child restraint anchor points.

Thoughtful extras include a fire extinguisher and vehicle security is enhanced by the inclusion of HSV's DNA data dot theft deterrent system with individual vehicle ID.

Practicalities

With a ride height of 200mm, 80mm higher than a conventional wagon, Avalanche provides a commanding driving position, easier entry and exit and a conveniently accessible rear cargo floor. The lower rear facia conceals a towbar and hitch.

Rear tailgate glass lifts separately for simple stowage or small items, and an aircraft-style rail system on the cargo floor gives tie-down security and flexibility. Integrated rear storage compartments also house cupholders and an auxiliary power outlet and flexible straps are provided for drink container storage.

With fitment of an optional front-facing third row seat, Avalanche's well-appointed interior can accommodate up to seven,

The entire load floor can be covered by a retracting roller blind, and a handy pull-on storage net adapts to a variety of uses. Rear seats have a 60/40 split fold feature and fold down to provide 2683 litres of cargo space. This load carrying ability is supplemented by Avalanche's integrated roof rack, which includes a carrying frame and a tie down grid with an aluminium track.

Colour Selection

Phantom, Turbine, Shanghai, Quicksilver ­­­- and the HSV-exclusive colours of HSV Racing Green, and Ultra Violet.

On Sale

1 December 2003

HSV 5.7 litre LS1 V8 (270kW @ 5700rpm, 475Nm @ 4000rpm)
Revised HSV inlet with new zip tube inc. HSV logo and lower airbox
HSV modified exhaust system with 'High Flow' twin exit stainless steel tips.
Dual stainless steel extractors (41mm primaries, 63mm secondaries)

Cross Trac

Full time all wheel drive, with ABD and EBD and 38% front, 62% rear torque split

ABD - Automatic brake differential
EBD - Electronic brake force distribution

Performance:

Transmission

HSV performance calibrated 4L65 4-speed electronic automatic

Dynamics

HSV multi-link independent rear suspension
HSV Strut brace
HSV AWD Touring series suspension with level ride system
Increased ride height with 200mm minimum ground clearance at kerb weight
Anti Lock Braking System
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Four wheel traction control using Automatic Brake Differential
AWD Performance Braking System: 336 x 32mm 'AP Racing' ventilated and grooved front discs/ HSV embossed twin piston front calipers in HRT red. 315 x 18mm ventilated and grooved rear discs
HSV Avalanche 18x8inch alloy wheels in Chrome Shadow (x5)
AWD specific Bridgestone 245/45 R18 SO3 directional tyres

Features

Driver, passenger and side impact airbags
HSV DNA Data Dot theft deterrent system with individual vehicle ID
HSV 'ESS' Embedded security system and immobiliser
Rear park assist
LED interior effect lighting
Centre-mounted instrument binnacle with oil pressure, voltmeter gauges
Dual zone climate control air conditioning
Passenger side mirror dips when reverse gear selected
Alloy driving pedals
Leather and satin chrome handbrake and auto shift levers

Selected Options and Accessories

Holden Assist
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Xenon High Intensity (HID) driving lamps
6-stack DVD player with roof-mounted 7" screen, remote control and headphones
Third row 'Plus 2' child seats in matching leather
Roof mounted bike carrier
Roof mounted cargo pod
Roof mounted ski carrier: scissor type or universal
Off road recovery kit