HSV Senator

HSV Senator
Production period:	since 1992
Class :	upper middle class
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon
Previous model:	Opel Senator

HSV Senator SV08 Serie E (2008)

The HSV Senator is a sporty luxury limousine that has been manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles in Australia since 1992 on the basis of the Holden Commodore . The cars have rear-wheel drive and the current E-series with the 6.0-liter V8 engine is finally assembled in Clayton (Victoria) from parts manufactured in Elisabeth (South Australia) . For some time there was no direct competitor with a similar car, but in October 2006 Ford Performance Vehicles announced the Ford Falcon Force 6/8 . Other competing models are the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class . The Senator Signature is the luxury model in the HSV range and offers the electrically adjustable MagnaRide chassis , with which a sporty or comfort-oriented setting of the chassis can be selected. Retail prices start at AU $ 76,900.

construction and development

The development and testing of the technology cost HSV approx. AU $ 6 million. The design of the series was in the hands of Julian Quincy and began with a visit by the HSV design team to the Holden design center in Port Melbourne in February 2003, where a finished Holden VE Commodore SS was viewed . So far, there have been few complaints about the design of the current Senator Signature other than the hidden handbrake. The electrically adjustable MagnaRide suspension was used for the first time on an Australian car in the HSV Senator Signature. With a switch on the dashboard, the chassis can be switched from a comfortable set-up to a sporty set-up.

The Senator Signature is the fifth car worldwide with this technology; the first was a Cadillac in 2002 , followed by Audi , Ferrari and Chevrolet . Ian Callum constructed the VR, VS, VT and VX. The aim was to build a car that had a "soft" and pleasant image. You can see this orientation in clubsport and the R8 models, which also competed against some European brands. Over time, these cars became more popular, but because of their high price, they didn't do well in the press. But this didn't scare HSV; nine different models have been made since the first VP. You only see a few of them in everyday traffic, most can be seen in museums and exhibitions. Chrome decorations were also used sparingly on the Senator, if only because its sister models Clubsport, R8 and Commodore are not overly draped with chrome.

Models

VP Senator

VP Senator
HSV VP Senator (1992–1993)
Production period:	1992-1993
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engine : 5.0 liters (180 kW)
Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :
Empty weight :

The story began when the Holden VN Commodore was replaced by the Holden VP Commodore in 1991 . A year later, the first Senator based on the VP model was introduced. The new car was to offer both luxury and sportiness and was to be placed alongside the Holden Statesman models with a long wheelbase. The new Senator had softer styling than the Clubsport and GTS models , but had the independent rear suspension that the better Commodore models and the Statesman also offered. There were only a handful of Commodore-based cars with automatic air conditioning. Other equipment details included leather upholstery, cruise control and limited-slip differential . A three-spoke steering wheel was also installed. The top speed was 220 km / h. The car was available with a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 245 bhp (180 kW), a manual five-speed gearbox or a four-speed automatic from GM. There were two versions: the standard model and the Senator 5000i with more power. A total of 382 vehicles were built.

VR Senator

VR Senator
Image does not exist
Production period:	1993-1995
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 5.0 - 5.7 liters (185 - 215 kW)
Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :
Empty weight :

In 1993 came the significantly revised VR Senator , which was based on the Holden VR Commodore , the first radical revision since the 1988 VN Commodore. At the time, the Senator was the short-wheelbase luxury sedan for wealthy customers and still stood over the Calais . The back seat was from Statesman. Together with the HSV sister models, the Senator was revised by Ian Callum and made leaner and more aggressive. It received the 252 bhp (185 kW) version of the 5.0 l V8. A new chassis was developed - offered as a "Touring Package", which offered driving safety and comfort appropriate to the new performance level. From May 1994 the Senator was also available with the new HSV “Stroker” engine 215i, a 5.7-liter V8 with 292 bhp (215 kW). The handcrafted engine was available as an option for a surcharge of AU $ 10,000. There was also a manually shiftable six-speed gearbox or the well-known four-speed automatic. The 185i accelerated from 0–100 km / h in 7.8 s and the 215i in 6.9 s. A total of 855 vehicles were built from both versions.

VS Senator

VS Senator
HSV VS II Senator (1996)
Production period:	1995-1997
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 5.0-5.7 liters (185-215 kW)
Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :
Empty weight :

In 1995 the VS Senator was introduced, which was based on the Holden VS Commodore . This time the body, equipment and aluminum wheels were only slightly redesigned. In the VS Series II, the ISS (Integrated Security System) was introduced as standard by HSV, as were controls for the stereo system in the steering wheel. Customers still had the choice between the 185i and the 215i engine. By December 1995 416 units had been built, 439 less than the predecessor.

VT Senator Signature

VT Senator Signature
Image does not exist
Production period:	1997-2000
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon
Engines:	Petrol engines : 5.0-5.7 liters (195-220 kW)
Length:	4918 mm
Width:	1824 mm
Height:	1404 mm
Wheelbase :	2788 mm
Empty weight :	1720 kg

The new VT Senator Signature from 1997 got the larger, completely new body of the Holden VT Commodore . The station wagon of the Senator Signature, the first station wagon in the HSV model range, was also new . It was sold for AU $ 71,650 when it was released. There was a choice of an improved 5.0-l V8 engine with 265 bhp (195 kW) and a 5.7-l V8 engine with 299 bhp (220 kW). The cars had speed-dependent power steering as standard, which adapts to the road and environmental conditions, and a luxury chassis with Monroe Sensatrac shock absorbers. In contrast to other HSV models, the Senator had a radiator grille with a single chrome clasp, side panels, fog lights and 17 ″ aluminum wheels with 10 spokes. The car was lowered, had leather seats and extensive imitation wood paneling. There was also remote tire pressure monitoring and air conditioning.

The worm steering is similar to that of the Senator of the E series with Variatronic servo. The independent rear suspension and the Sensatrac shock absorbers with an adjustable damping rate ensured comfortable and safe driving characteristics. Door panels that matched the leather seats were also attached. HSV also provided little helpers for the driver, such as a flashlight, a tool to remove the axle caps and a pocket knife. In the Senator of the VT Series II came a new 5.7-liter V8 engine with 340 bhp (250 kW) (the LS1, which was also installed in the Chevrolet Corvette C5), which was now standard, and the station wagon was dropped again .

Special, multi-adjustable seats were introduced to offer the driver even more comfort. Some of the options available were:

High-performance chassis, 18 ″ aluminum wheels from the WH Grange , better brakes and better seats - AU $ 3800, -
Satellite navigation - AU $ 4,277
Premium Sound System - AU $ 2706
electrically operated sunroof - AU $ 1995, -
improved brakes - AU $ 5550, -

The road holding of this version was better than that of the previous version because the cars had better running gear, but the tougher set-up had made comfort a little less. The dimensions were

Length: 4918 mm
Width: 1824 mm
Height: 1404 mm
Wheelbase: 2788 mm
Weight: 1720 kg

The torque of the new V8 engine from the USA reached 473 Nm.

A manually operated six-speed gearbox and a four-speed automatic were offered at an additional cost. Airbags in the front and on the sides, automatic air conditioning and traction control were supplied as standard. The automatic system could be switched to a sport mode with a switch labeled “Power”, in which the gears were turned higher. For small parts there were pockets on the back of the front seats and on the doors, a large glove compartment and a compartment in the center console.

VT Senator Signature Kombi

This car was also called the HSV Senator Signature Estate Wagon . There were two versions: the 195i and the 220i (recognizable by the corresponding labels on the tailgate). The figures indicated the performance in bhp. Some optional extras were: improved braking system, rain sensor for the windshield wipers and a comfortable chassis. Leather upholstery and automatic climate control were standard. The sound system, available at an additional cost, offered 350 W peak power and a six-disc CD changer. Comfort seats from Coulson were also available on request . The 17 × 8 ″ aluminum wheels have ten spokes. Today there are only a few of these vehicles left.

VX Senator

VX Senator
Image does not exist
Production period:	2000-2003
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engines : 5.7 liters (250–255 kW)
Length:	4964 mm
Width:	1842 mm
Height:	1450 mm
Wheelbase :	2788 mm
Empty weight :	1710 kg

The VX Senator from 2000 showed a facelift with a more angular design and an eye-catching honeycomb grill, while the VX Senator Series II also received an anti-theft alarm system from Microdot . Most of the changes to the VX-II series compared to its predecessor were only external; the design was again under the aegis of Ian Callum, formerly a designer at Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR). The changes included a chrome frame for the grille, a lower grille with a diamond pattern, a tear-off edge on the roof and a wing on the trunk lid. The engine output of the new LS1-V8 increased by 7 bhp (5 kW) to 347 bhp (255 kW). The VX Senator was based in part on the contemporary Holden Calais . Electronic traction control was part of the standard equipment. The Senator cost 72,881 AU $ and offered, among other things, a CD player with a magazine for 10 CDs, a sound system with two woofers, four airbags, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.

For the first time, the Senator also offered rear parking sensors. On request there was a navigation device or a sunroof. The four-stage automatic transmission was still delivered, as were four disc brakes, internally ventilated at the front. The cars were 4964 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm high and had a wheelbase of 2788 mm. The weight was 1710 kg and the gasoline consumption in the city was 18.1 l / 100 km. The petrol tank held 75 liters. There was a level control at the back, a CD player with a magazine for 6 CDs and a sound system with 8 speakers. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control ensured increased safety. The interior was equipped with leather and the dashboard was clad with dark imitation wood. On request and at an additional cost, there was also an improved braking system, a navigation device and an even better sound system.

Senator Series Y

Senator Series Y
Image does not exist
Production period:	2003-2004
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 5.7 liters (260–285 kW)
Length:	4964 mm
Width:	1842 mm
Height:	1450 mm
Wheelbase :	2788 mm
Empty weight :

The new, on the Holden Commodore VY -based Senator from 2003 was now called Senator Y series . The new nomenclature confused many customers who still called the new car VY Senator. The design became even more angular and there was a basic model Senator and the better equipped Senator Signature. Both versions had an improved chassis, rear parking sensors and an LS1 V8 engine with 354 bhp (260 kW) power. In addition to the features of the basic model, the Senator Signature offered 19 ″ aluminum wheels (instead of 18 ″ in the normal Senator), different seats and larger brakes on the front wheels. In the Senator Series Y / II, the engine output increased to 388 bhp (285 kW).

Some of the additional equipment details in the Y series were: on-board voltage and oil pressure display in the central instrument, leather interior and displays with a white background. A leather steering wheel for better grip and memory functions on the electrically adjustable front seats have been introduced to make it easier to adjust to different drivers. HSV also revised the upholstery of the front seats after complaints about lack of comfort.

As standard, the cars were equipped with a CD magazine, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, electric window lifters, cruise control, air conditioning, immobilizer and central locking with remote control. There was also a DVD player and headphones built into the rear. Front and side airbags were standard equipment across the entire model range. Two safety details have also been added: electronic tire pressure monitoring and xenon discharge lamps as dipped and main beam. Multi-link independent rear suspension was offered in series, but not a navigation device and a sunroof, which were supplied at an additional cost.

The engine was the well-known 5.7-liter V8 LS1, which developed 354 bhp (260 kW) output and 435 Nm torque. The car was therefore named Senator 260. The ventilation openings for the brakes and engine cooling are covered to emphasize the luxurious character of the vehicle. The visible air inlets at the front are covered with wire mesh. The lower edges of the fenders and spoilers, as well as the underside of the exterior mirrors, were painted in satin gray, the rest in body color. The well-known Senator emblems can be seen on the sides of the vehicle, on the rear of the vehicle and on the rear doors below.

In the interior there were aluminum pedals, new colors, a new four-spoke steering wheel with remote control for the sound system, instruments with a white background and smaller displays in the middle of the dashboard. The multi-function screen shows the HSV logo and the chassis number when the vehicle is started. Automatic air conditioning and a 6-disc CD changer from Blaupunkt (with 8 speakers) are standard equipment. The finish of the interior is made of carbon fiber and leather. The base price for this Senator was AU $ 74,000.

Senator Z series

Senator Z series
Image does not exist
Production period:	2004-2006
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engine : 6.0 liters (297 kW)
Length:	4984 mm
Width:	1842 mm
Height:	1450 mm
Wheelbase :	2788 mm
Empty weight :

In 2004 the Senator Series Z came , but without the signature model, which was no longer available. The car was based on the Holden VZ Commodore and featured a softer, finer design and 19 ″ aluminum wheels as standard. The drive was a new 6.0-liter V8 engine from the LS2 series with 404 bhp (297 kW), as in the Corvette C6. The new exhaust ends gave the car a lower engine noise. The weight increased to 1735 kg; The car accelerated from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.0 s and the speed was limited to 273 km / h. The gasoline consumption was officially 10-12 l / 100 km, but could increase to 18-22 l / 100 km in the city.

The cars were 1450 mm high, 4984 mm long, 1842 mm wide and had a wheelbase of 2788 mm.

Optional extras were a sunroof (AU $ 2390, -), a navigation device (AU $ 3800, -), a DVD player for the rear seat passengers (AU $ 3900, -), xenon headlights (AU $ 1800, -) -) and an electronic tire pressure monitor (AU $ 1395, -) available. The seats were covered with nappa leather. The brakes were equipped with ABS and the front brakes had perforated discs and two pistons. The rear independent suspension was equipped with level control so that the Senator did not hang down to the rear when pulling a trailer, for example. This equipment was also adopted in the current Senator Signature of the E series.

As a sign of luxury, the radiator grille was also given a chrome frame and ten-spoke aluminum wheels. The interior was available in suede on request. The Senator cost about the same as the club sport . The brakes received a generation 8.0 ABS from Bosch . With the new engine (see above), the Senator was the fastest car made in Australia.

Senator Series E

Senator Series E
HSV Senator Serie E (2009)
Production period:	since 2006
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engine : 6.0 liters (307 kW)
Length:	4944 mm
Width:	1899 mm
Height:
Wheelbase :	2915 mm
Empty weight :	1844 kg

The current Senator Signature Series E is based on the Holden VE Commodore and was presented in August 2006 with an engine output of 417 bhp (307 kW). Again it is a 4-door sedan with 5 seats and a gross vehicle weight of 1600 kg. The car is equipped with an automatic transmission and leather seats as standard. The development costs of the E series exceeded those of the VT, VX, Y and Z series combined. Overall, the HSV Senator Signature is much more luxurious than the correspondingly priced Holden Calais.

The Series E Senator is 4943 mm long and 1899 mm wide. The braking distance from 100 km / h is approx. 36 m. The car is equipped with 19 ″ aluminum wheels with chrome applications. The interior features accents made of carbon fibers and imitation metal. For the first time there is no imitation wood, as with its predecessors. The rear lights are fully equipped with LEDs and are positioned 120 mm lower to distinguish them from the contemporary Holden Commodore. The development costs of the Series E were AU $ 3.0 million. The designers made the Senator more luxurious than aggressive. The starting price is AU $ 76,990, approx. AU $ 4,000 less than the predecessor.

Like the GTS of the E series, the Senator has the electronically adjustable MagnaRide chassis , which can be adjusted for comfort or performance. This is done by changing the viscosity of the MRF with which the shock absorbers are filled. This system also has advantages when braking, as it reduces pitching movements of the vehicle. The development took 3 years and cost HSV AU $ 4.5 million.

As standard, the car is equipped with automatic air conditioning , a Blaupunkt sound system, an on-board computer, a parking assistant, traction control, driving dynamics control (electronic stability program, ESP), electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and power windows. The displays for oil pressure, vehicle electrical system voltage, oil temperature and cooling water temperature are now digital. The interior is in light beige, white or black. The carpets remain dark as in the contemporary Holden Calais model. There is also a range of optional extras, such as a DVD player mounted under the roof, a parking assistant for forward parking, a rain sensor for the windshield wipers and courtesy lights. A built-in navigation device is also available.

The HSV Senator has a revised 6.0 liter V8 engine LS2, of 418 bhp (307 kW) at 6000 min ^-1 and a torque of 550 Nm at 4400 min ^-1 to write. Acceleration from 0-100 km / h is less than 5.1 s and the top speed is 273 km / h.

Special models

Senator 300

Senator 300
Image does not exist
Production period:	2001-2004
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engine : 5.7 liters (300 kW)
Length:	4964 mm
Width:	1842 mm
Height:	1450 mm
Wheelbase :	2788 mm
Empty weight :

This model was presented in 2001 together with the VX series and was also offered together with the successor series Y. Some details of the standard equipment were: 10-way CD changer, 8-way electrically adjustable front seats, wood imitation on the dashboard, electric windows, automatic air conditioning, ABS and side and front airbags. This top model cost AU $ 98,850. The Senator 300 was unveiled to the public at the Melbourne International Motor Show . A total of only 33 pieces were built, 7 of which were exported to New Zealand . The V8 engine was tuned by Callaway and delivered 408 bhp (300 kW). It could only be combined with a manually operated six-speed gearbox. ABS and first-class brakes with perforated discs were mounted in the 18 ″ aluminum wheels with chrome applications. The car accelerated from 0-100 km / h in just 5.3 s and it covered the quarter mile in under 13.9 s.

Senator Skaife Signature Series Z

Senator Skaife Signature Series Z
Image does not exist
Production period:	2004-2006
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engine : 6.0 liters (297 kW)
Length:	4984 mm
Width:	1842 mm
Height:	1450 mm
Wheelbase :	2788 mm
Empty weight :

This car is a special model based on the Senator Z series with specialties designed by V8 supercar driver Mark Skaife . The car was equipped with a four-speed automatic as standard. The specialties mentioned above included a new paint job called “Phantom Black” and aluminum wheels with chrome applications. Inside, the vehicle offered imitation wood, a remote release for the tailgate, ABS, a music system with eight loudspeakers and a DVD player for the rear seat passengers.

Web links

Commons : HSV Senator - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

swell

Official Senator Signature Brochure (PDF file; 2.84 MB)

Wheels magazine: 2006 Collector's Edition VE Commodore: The Full Story

Senator Signature Series VX at Hsv.com.au

HSV Senator Signature Serie Z at Drive.com.au

`` A lion in sheep's clothes: HSV's Senator '' at Lawyersweekly.com.au

Senator Series VX (2000): Short test drive (English)

Senator Serie VR (1993) at HSV classics

Fast Money at Drive.com.au

Individual evidence

↑ VP Senator ( Memento from August 29, 2007 in the Internet Archive )

↑ The Arrival of the VR ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.@1@ 2Template: Dead Link / www.hsv.com.au
↑ VR Senator ( Memento from August 29, 2007 in the Internet Archive )
↑ RACQ Test Report 1999 (English) ( Page no longer available , searching web archives ) Info: The link is automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.@1@ 2Template: Dead Link / www.racq.com.au
↑ VT Senator Signature Wagon ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.@1@ 2Template: Dead Link / www.hsv.com.au
↑ VX Senator (2001) ( Memento from December 19, 2006 in the Internet Archive )
↑ VX Senator ( Memento from December 5, 2006 in the Internet Archive )
↑ HSV Senator Series Z
↑ ^a ^b 2006 Collector's Edition VE Commodore: The Full Story , Wheels Magazine
↑ A Lion in Sheep's Clothes: HSV's Senator , Lawyers Weekly ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.@1@ 2
↑ First Drive: HSV's E Series is all Class , Discountnewcars.com.au ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.@1@ 2
↑ HSV Press Release: Senator 300
^ Racing Spirit Celebrated in Special HSV Models , HSV.com.au

[1] VP Senator ( Memento from August 29, 2007 in the Internet Archive )