The enhanced performance VY range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is marketed as the Y Series and it comprised the variants listed below, alphabetically. For the first time, HSV stopped adopting the same series code as the mainstream donor cars in order to further differentiate its products.
Avalanche
The HSV Avalanche is an all-wheel drive crossover SUV that was manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) between 2003 and 2005. Based on the Holden Adventra LX8 crossover wagon, the Avalanche range also incorporated a dual-cab utility model known as the HSV Avalanche XUV. The XUV derived from the Holden Crewman Cross8.
Both HSV vehicles were built in two series, the 2004 VY Series II (the wagon was actually available as of October/November 2003) and an updated version of the VY Series II, which included some of the upgrades found in the newer VZ Series HSV models. These later models are quite rare, with a building life of nine months from April 2005 to December 2005.
As with the related Holden VY all-wheel drive vehicles, the HSV "Y Series" AWD vehicles as built from September 2004 to March 2005 confusingly have "Z Series" compliance and Vehicle Identification Numbers; this correlates to the building of new specification Holden VZ and Z Series HSV non-AWD cars during this period.
The updated Avalanches with some of the VZ Series upgrades can be externally visually differentiated from the VY Series versions by their re-profiled front bumper unit that looks less aggressive and which features a more integrated appearance to the auxiliary driving lights.
The Avalanche vehicles were fitted exclusively with the 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine rated at 270 kW of power and 475 Nm of torque, mated to a four-speed 4L65-E automatic gearbox. Permanent all-wheel drive was calibrated to deliver 62 percent of the power to the rear wheels, thereby maintaining a rear-wheel drive feel to the handling of these vehicles.
Along with Holden's V8 Commodore-based AWD vehicles, the HSV Avalanche series was discontinued in late 2005 due to phasing out of the 5.7-litre LS1 engines because of the Euro III emissions regulations.
Clubsport
VY Clubsport was based on the VY Holden Commodore frame. The V8 5.7litre GEN3 Chevrolet engine was revised to produce 260KW this model was available in 4 Speed auto or 6 Speed Manual.
GTS
VY GTS was a special order only vehicle with very limited build numbers, making it one of the most sought HSV's of the future. Only 100 of these cars were produced
Maloo
HSV's facelifted Y Series (as opposed to VY series in Holden terminology) was released in October 2002. The original Y Series Maloo utility retained the 5.7-litre LS1 engine from the VU, but power was increased to 260 kW. Enhancements such as Climate Control air conditioning and the 'Performance' Brake System were made standard equipment on Maloo, with the 'Premium' Brake system now standard equipment on Maloo R8. New paint colours included Hothouse Green and Turbine Grey. 167 standard Maloo versions and 132 R8 models were produced in the first VY Series.[7]
Y Series 2 was released in October 2003 in concert with HSV's Coupe Series 3 range, with the LS1 5.7-litre V8's engine power now increased to 285 kW. New paint colours for the Maloo range were Syracuse (gold) and HSV Ultra Violet. 312 standard Maloo versions and 361 R8 models were produced in the VY Series 2.[7]
Senator Signature
Following a slight change to the HSV series naming method, the Y Series Senators, based on the VY Commodore debuted in 2003. The Y-series naming method caused confusion with most people still calling it the VY. Featuring even more angular and aggressive styling, the Y series offered both an entry-level grand tourer Senator and high luxury Senator Signature models. Both came standard with a revised Luxury suspension tune, rear parking sensors and 260 kW LS1 engine. In addition to the features found on the Senator, the Senator Signature came with larger 19 in alloy wheels (the Senator came equipped with 18 in wheels), different seats and larger front brakes. The VY Series II update upgraded power to 285 kW.
Some of the features that were introduced on the Y-series Senator include oil and battery gauges on the centre stack, shale leather trim interior trim as well as white backing for the instruments. A leather steering wheel was added to improve grip and feel when turning and more memory options for the front electric seats to cater to different users. HSV redesigned the front seats because of complaints from the customers they were too uncomfortable.
Standard features include a CD stacker, power mirrors and windows, cruise control, climate control, engine immobilizer and remote central locking. A rear DVD player and headphones were added. Front and side airbags were standard across the whole range. Two extra safety features were added: an electric tyre pressure monitoring system and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) driving lights. Once again the fully independent multi-link rear suspension is standard on the Senator. GPS or Satellite navigation and the sunroof are not standard with this model but are available at extra cost.
The engine is a 5.7-litre LS1 V8 pushing out 260 kW at 5600 rpm and 475 Nm of torque. New badging featured on the Senator read "260" reflecting the increased power output. The brake and some of the engine cooling vents located on the front bumper are slightly hidden to keep its luxury well present while viewing the vehicle.
