Were evaluating our options [regarding greener cars], says HSV managing director Scott Grant of moves by HSV to reduce its environmental footprint. Weve got to consider changes in the market conditions and certainly diesel is becoming an important part of our future.
HSV still believes it is largely immune to a strong consumer backlash against larger, thirstier cars, but admits the company must evolve, especially for the all-important younger generation, which is generally more environmentally conscious than those over 30.
Using around 15 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres travelled 50 per cent more than an average family car the performance-oriented, Holden-based
HSV V8 range includes some of the
thirstier cars on the market.
Grant says HSV is conducting feasibility studies on a range of alternative engines.
Were still in the feasibility stage so were nowhere near confirming what direction well go [diesel, hybrid, etc], says Grant, while confirming that the added maturity of diesel engines may ultimately make them more appealing to HSV.
Diesel engines typically have much more torque (pulling power) than petrol engines.
Were looking at what diesel propositions might be available within the GM network and outside the GM network, says Grant. Were looking at cost and the business case that would need to go with it and also the right timing to introduce that change.
General Motors recently unveiled a turbo-diesel V8. As well as some 230kW of power (well shy of the 300-plus kilowatts from current HSVs) the diesel V8 musters 700Nm of torque, about one-third more than the current V8 petrol engines.
Grant also says HSV is evaluating hybrid engines, although he thinks the added maturity of diesel technology may ultimately make it a more logical choice.
ZR1 is lighter. Carbon Fiber everything makes sure of that...................right?
