Holden Special Vehicles Senator

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Holden Special Vehicles Senator
2010 HSV Senator (E Series 2 MY10) Signature sedan (2015-07-24) 01.jpg
2010 HSV Senator Signature (VE II)
Overview
Manufacturer Holden Special Vehicles
Production1992–2017
AssemblyAustralia:
Notting Hill, Victoria
Clayton, Victoria
Body and chassis
Class Full-size car
Body style
Platform GM V platform (1992–2006)
GM Zeta Platform (2006–2017)
Related Holden Commodore
HSV ClubSport
HSV Grange
HSV GTS
HSV Maloo
Powertrain
Engine
Chronology
Predecessor HSV SV91

The Holden Special Vehicles Senator (HSV Senator) is a performance-luxury sedan produced by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) from 1992 to 2017.

Contents

It was based on the Holden Berlina and Holden Calais. [1]

Background

When introduced in 1992 the Senator was the most luxurious model in the HSV range, replacing the HSV SV91. [2] The fourth iteration of the 'SV' series of models which started in 1988. [3] The first iteration of the series, the HSV SV88, was also the first vehicle to be badged under the Holden Special Vehicles marque. [4] In 2008 a 20th anniversary model celebrating the SV88 was released, the Senator SV08. [5]

History

The VP Series Senator and Senator 500i were released in 1992, based on the Holden Berlina. It added independent rear suspension and an anti-lock braking system, new wheels, interior, and a body kit. [2] [6] In 1993, the VR Series Senator 185i and 215i were released. It added the option for a spoiler. [7] [8] [9] In 1995, the VS Series Senator 185i and 215i were released. It came with 10-spoke wheels and two suspension options; Sport and Touring. [10] [11]

The VT Series Senator Signature was released in 1997, with the Senator 195i and Senator 220i. [12] [13] The VTII Series Senator was released in 1999, replacing the previous model's Holden V8 engines with the LS1 V8. A performance pack option added new suspension, brakes, seats, 18-inch alloy wheels from the WH Grange, optional satellite navigation, sunroof, and sound system. [14] [13] The Senator Signature wagon was released in 1997, selling 27 total units. [15] [16]

The VX Series Senator Signature 255i was released in 2000 with the Senator 300i releasing in 2001. [17] [12] [18] The SV300 was released in 2001. The SV300 was only produced with the six-speed T-56 manual gearbox, 134 units were produced. [17] [12] [5] . The Y Series Senator and Senator Signature were released in 2002. The Signature came with 19-inch wheels, the Premium Brake System, a calibrated suspension called 'Luxury 3', cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs, and four-piston calipers. [19] [20] The Z Series Senator was released in 2004. [21]

The E Series Senator Signature was released in 2006. It included Magnetic Ride Control, with calibration was set to 'luxury' by default with a 'Performance' able to be enabled by a button, and 19-inch wheels. [22] [23] [24] The E Series 2 was released in 2009 and added daytime running lights. [25] The E Series 3 was released in 2010, adding a petrol/liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bi-fuel option with liquid propane injection (LPI), a blind spot monitor, and optional bi-modal exhaust. [26] [27] [28] Alongside other HSV models, the Senator began export to Singapore in 2010. [29]

2008 HSV Senator Signature SV08 2008 HSV Senator (E Series MY09) Signature SV08 sedan 02.jpg
2008 HSV Senator Signature SV08

HSV unveiled the limited run Senator SV08 at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show for the 20th anniversary of the HSV SV88. It used six-speed Tremec TR-6060 for the manual transmission. It came standard with 20-inch 'Pentagon' wheels. 50 units were produced, 20 manual and 30 automatic. [30] [31] [32]

The Gen-F Senator Signature was released in 2013. [33] [34] The Gen-F2 Senator Signature was released in 2016. [35] [36] The Senator was discontinued in 2017. [37] [38] [2]

Reception

The Senator competed with BMW 5 Series and other European luxury cars. [39] [6] It also competed against Ford Performance Vehicles' Force, [40] [41] and its replacement model the GT-E. [42]

Powertrain

Powertrains
ModelEnginePowerTorqueTransmission
VP Senator (1992–1993)5.0-litre Holden V8 engine 180 kW (241 hp)400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) [43] four-speed automatic
six-speed manual
VP Senator 5000i (1992–1993)5.0-litre HEC 5000i V8 engine 200 kW (268 hp)411 N⋅m (303 lb⋅ft) [43] four-speed automatic
VR Senator 185i (1993–1995)5.0-litre Holden V8 engine 185 kW (248 hp)400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) [8] four-speed automatic
six-speed manual
VR Senator 215i (1993–1995)5.0-litre Holden V8 engine 215 kW (288 hp)475 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft) [8] four-speed automatic
six-speed manual
VS Senator 185i (1995–1997)5.0-litre Holden V8 engine 185 kW (248 hp)400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) [11] automatic
five-speed manual
VS Senator 185i (1995–1997)5.0-litre Holden V8 engine 215 kW (288 hp)475 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft) [11] six-speed manual
VT Senator 195i (1997–1999)5.0-litre Holden V8 engine 195 kW (261 hp)430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft) [44] four-speed automatic
six-speed manual
VT Senator 220i (1997–1999)5.7-litre HSV Stroker V8 220 kW (295 hp)475 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft) [44] four-speed automatic
six-speed manual
VTII Senator and Senator Signature (1999–2000)5.7-litre LS1 V8 250 kW (335 hp)473 N⋅m (349 lb⋅ft) [13] automatic
six-speed manual
VX Senator 255i (2000–2002)5.7-litre LS1 V8 255 kW (342 hp)475 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft) [17] automatic
VX Senator 300i and SV300 (2000–2002)5.7-litre LS1 V8 300 kW (402 hp)510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) [17] six-speed manual
VY Senator (2002–2003)5.7-litre LS1 V8 260 kW (349 hp)475 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft) [45]
VYII Senator (2003–2005)5.7-litre LS1 V8 285 kW (382 hp)510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) [45]
VZ Senator (2005–2007)6.0-litre LS2 V8 297 kW (398 hp)530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) [46]
VE Senator (2007–2008)6.0-litre LS2 V8 307 kW (412 hp)550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) [47] six-speed automatic
six-speed manual
VE Senator (2008–2010)6.2-litre LS3 V8 317 kW (425 hp)550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) [47]
VE Senator (2010–2013)6.2-litre LS3 V8 325 kW (436 hp)550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) [47] six-speed automatic
six-speed manual
VF Senator (2013–2016)6.2-litre LS3 V8 400 kW (536 hp)570 N⋅m (420 lb⋅ft) [48] six-speed automatic
manual
VFII Senator (2016–2017)6.2-litre LS3 V8 400 kW (536 hp)671 N⋅m (495 lb⋅ft) [35] six-speed automatic
six-speed manual
VFII Senator '30 years' (2017)6.2-litre LS3 V8 410 kW (550 hp)691 N⋅m (510 lb⋅ft) [49] six-speed automatic

References

  1. ↑ Rosenholtz, Jared (17 February 2020). "These Were The Best Cars Holden Ever Built". carbuzz.com. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 Carey, Dave (14 June 2018). "Holden models A-Z - part two". Street Machine . Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  3. ↑ "In for special treatment". The Canberra Times . Canberra, Australia. 22 November 1991. p. 19. Retrieved 22 November 2025– via National Library of Australia.
  4. ↑ "The history of HSV: 1987-2018". Street Machine . 18 July 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2025.
  5. 1 2 Affat, Alex (12 July 2020). "HSV SV300: Fast Car History Lesson". Motor . Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  6. 1 2 "Senator wins poll position". The Australian Jewish News . Victoria, Australia. 4 December 1992. p. 19. Retrieved 12 October 2025– via National Library of Australia.
  7. ↑ "Advertising". The Canberra Times . Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 27 October 1995. p. 17. Retrieved 12 October 2025– via National Library of Australia.
  8. 1 2 3 "HSV VR Senator 185i and 215i". hsvdatabase.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  9. ↑ "Motoring Holden's flash new Senator". The Canberra Times . Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 10 September 1995. p. 18. Retrieved 12 October 2025– via National Library of Australia.
  10. ↑ Carey, John (28 September 2017). "1995 Holden Commodore: Refining the roar". Wheels . Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  11. 1 2 3 "HSV VS Senator 185i and 215i". hsvdatabase.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  12. 1 2 3 "HSV: A timeline of Aussie-made muscle - carsales.com.au". carsales.com.au. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  13. 1 2 3 "HSV VTII Senator and Senator Signature". hsvdatabase.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  14. ↑ Mathers, Jim (October 1999). "HSV Senator Signature review". racq.com.au. Archived from the original on 28 August 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  15. ↑ "HSV special feature: A wagon and a six-cylinder HSV (1997-1998)". drive.com.au. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  16. ↑ Fallah, Alborz (18 December 2008). "2008 HSV Clubsport R8 Tourer First Steer". drive.com.au. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  17. 1 2 3 4 "HSV VX Senator". hsvdatabase.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  18. ↑ "HSV Press Release - Senator 300". hsv.com.au. Archived from the original on 1 April 2001. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
  19. ↑ Carey, John (1 February 2003). "HSV Senator 2003 Review". carsales.com.au. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  20. ↑ "HSV VY Series 2002 Review - carsales.com.au". carsales.com.au. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  21. ↑ "HSV Senator". drive.com.au. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  22. ↑ "R8, GTS and Senator lead E-Series charge". carsales.com.au. 21 August 2006. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  23. ↑ "Buying a used HSV E Series (2006-2009)". carsales.com.au.
  24. ↑ "HSV introduces LS3 - carsales.com.au". carsales.com.au. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  25. ↑ Ottley, Stephen (10 September 2009). "Senator from HSV has the floor". carsales.com.au.
  26. ↑ Hagon, Toby (3 October 2016). "Quick spin: HSV Senator Signature". drive.com.au. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
  27. ↑ Hammerton, Ron (21 September 2010). "First drive: HSV holds E3 price rise to $1000". goauto.com.au. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
  28. ↑ Brogan, Matt (29 September 2010). "HSV E3 Series 2010 Review". carsales.com.au. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  29. ↑ Pettendy, Marton (26 November 2010). "HSV heads to Singapore". goauto.com.au. Retrieved 15 November 2025.
  30. ↑ "HSV Senator SV08 review". Motor . 1 March 2008. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  31. ↑ Fallah, Alborz (9 October 2008). "HSV GTS 40th and Senator SV08 2008 AIMS". drive.com.au. Retrieved 15 November 2025.
  32. ↑ Klose, Steane (11 October 2008). "2009 HSV Senator Signature SV08 And 40 Years Of GTS Limited Editions". drive.com.au. Retrieved 15 November 2025.
  33. ↑ "HSV Senator new car review". drive.com.au. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  34. ↑ DeGasperi, Daniel (6 June 2013). "HSV Gen-F Senator Review". drive.com.au. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  35. 1 2 "2016 HSV Senator Signature LSA Review". drive.com.au. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  36. ↑ Newman, Scott (15 November 2016). "2016 HSV Senator Signature review". Motor . Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  37. ↑ Ottley, Stephen (3 January 2018). "HSV builds final Commodore". drive.com.au. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
  38. ↑ "HSV Senator". CarsGuide . Retrieved 17 November 2025.
  39. ↑ ""Senator should be shopped against Euros" -- HSV boss". carsales.com.au. 24 August 2006. Retrieved 15 November 2025.
  40. ↑ Sinclair, Mike (26 October 2006). "FPV Force gunning for Senator". carsales.com.au. Retrieved 15 November 2025.
  41. ↑ Newman, Scott (18 March 2018). "2006-2007 FPV Force 6/8: Fast Car History Lesson". Motor . Retrieved 15 November 2025.
  42. ↑ Gratton, Ken (5 June 2008). "FPV GT 2008 Review". carsales.com.au. Retrieved 15 November 2025.
  43. 1 2 "HSV VP Senator and Senator 5000i". hsvdatabase.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  44. 1 2 "HSV VT Senator 195i and 220i". hsvdatabase.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  45. 1 2 "HSV VY Senator". hsvdatabase.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  46. ↑ "HSV VZ Senator". hsvdatabase.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  47. 1 2 3 "HSV E Series Senator and SV08". hsvdatabase.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  48. ↑ "HSV Gen-F Senator". hsvdatabase.com.au. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  49. ↑ Gardner, Daniel (31 March 2017). "2017 HSV Senator Signature 30 Years". Wheels . Retrieved 11 September 2025.
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