I will just add a few rumours and facts to this HSVs base car is now 285kw (382hp), with details to be released on the GTS to be released early next year. The cheapest HSV (Maloo) can be had for US$32k BTW GTS might get a warmed up C4B (rumour est. 330kw ie. 442hp), similar to how the standard cars have got a warmed up LS1. But it is rumoured that when the HRT 427 project was cancelled, the engine part of the project wasn't ie. C5R. It was rumoured in the local rags to make 420kw (563hp) road legal. It wouldn't supprise me if HSV wait for Ford to bring out a big HP GTHO, and smack'em back with the C5R in a GTS of sorts.

A bit off topic, but I don't want to start another thread. Holden insiders say the VE will look similar, inside and out, to the Audi A6

 

Thank you Z284ever.

The main point is that, without SVT, I doubt you would be seeing divisions like HSV or PVO, or even the V series.

As much as you may not like Ford, you have to admit that they are the ones who showed the manufacturing world that a huge conglomerate can make low production, niche products............ and make a profit doing so.

The SVT Focus's claim to fame is it's handling. While some other cars may be faster (not everyone in only concerned with the 1/4 mile), the Focus has the best all around package. Excellent handling with little ride sacrifice, excellent brakes, nice interior upgrades, and good power.

This is what SVT's main focus is............... the all around package.

 

Well those cars that I listed had better handling numbers too.
The V-series is a direct response to the BMW "M" class and the Mercedes AMG, both of which were around before SVT. It seems to me that the SVT formula is dead on with those other two, except that they are applied to less expensive vehicles.

By the way, when was the first HSV vehicle?

 

Numbers alone do not good handling make.

Just read all of the tests of the vehicles mentioned. You will see that pretty much EVERY editor will gush about the SVT Focus's handling.

Some vehicles may have good numbers, however, some of them are really not attainable for anyone except a professional driver. Some may have handling quirks that cause the vehicle to feel very unsettled in handling................ even while achieving good numbers.

I do agree that the Focus needs more power, and it will get it. I do not know if Ford is going to go with a turbo, or a supercharger. There have been test mules out with both.

 

Feb. 1988 with the VL Sedan SS Group A

 

I voted for the V-series mainly because the cars it is spawning are very appealing to me. However, I'm also fond of SVT.

 

Don't sign off the SVT focus just yet.

With the one mule we've seen with the huge bulging hood, the wild 305hp Turbo Focus RS2000 concept, the Turbo Focus RS being available in the Euro market already, and Colletti calling/taunting on the competition and vowing that the SVT focus will protect its turf; a much nicer Focus sounds like is already in the works. I think SVT and Colletti have made it very clear that they don't intend to just sit around. With Bill Ford letting them do what they want, they'll stay very competitive within their classes.

Who knows, they may even surprise us with an AWD 300hp varient of their successful Focus Rally car like Subaru and Mitsu has done.

Even the current SVT focus isn't bad. Prior to the SRT-4 coming out, it used to be ranked 1st among other sports compacts. A recent C&D test had the SVT Focus in 2nd place, with only the SRT-4 getting ranked higher. The Turbo mazda protege, Civic SI, and Sentra SE-R are still ranked behind the SVT.

 

PVO: Director John Fernendez
The only product they have made yet is the SRT-4. The new Viper was made before PVO came about. Infact, PVO in a way is Team Viper given a bigger assignment. They will make cars under the SRT name for Dodge and limited or special editions for the Chrysler division.

I think the idea there is to go toe to toe with SVT in creating the quiest cars ever made. There is a personal friendly competition between the heads of both, so it should be interesting. I can hear it now:

PVO's CEO:"The SRT-10 now takes the mantel of the world's fastest truck"

SVT's CEO:"Only because you waited till the year we didn't make a Lightning...... by the way, how much are you selling those things for anyway? $32,000? (sarcasm)"

If you know the 2 of them, you know this conversation is pretty close to realistic.

GM Performance Division (GXP/SS/V/Redline): Executive Director Mark Reuss
This is all part of GM's performance division, a single entity. The only products so far out of them is the upcomming CTSv, Saturn's Redlines, and the supercharged Monte Carlo and Impala SS. The Bonneville GXP comes this winter. The GXP/SS/V are just model designations for the respective car division. Unlike the others, GMPD also runs concept cars, so next year when you are looking at GM's new concepts, it came through them.

They aren't just a hot rod organization like the others, and aren't especially focused on being best in performance. Theirs is a more measured approach, based on the division they are making the vehicle for and it's purpose. To see an example, look at the Silverado SS. The more powerful 6.0 comming won't be much quicker either. At the same time, the Supercharged Solstice is supposed to be blisteringly quick.

HSV: Managing Director John Crennan,
Holden Special Vehicles is basically a racing division that also makes cars for the street down under, unlike any other division mentioned. The closest comparason is Ford's Performance Division that covers Ford's race efforts as well as SVT.

SVT: Director of Programs John Coletti
Of all US "Performance" programs, this one is actually run by someone who has gasoline in his blood. Besides a history in Drag Racing, John Coletti also can be credited with keeping the Mustang alive when in the early 90s CEOs Don Peterson then Alex Trottman tasked him with quietly finding a way to keep Mustang alive. He's well versed in doing some incredible things on the cheap.

SVT is now under Ford's Performance Division that covers Racing, Aftermarket Products, and SVT which develops cars only for the Ford name (Lincoln, Mercury, and non SVT cars like the Mach1 are done under FPD, not SVT). SVT is closest to HSV in that they are an entity to themselves, and are responsible for making and marketing their own products! You buy an SVT product, and you have almost your own dealer & service network. You can directly contact the division on questions and issues, and the vehicles they make hold their value.

Unlike GMPD, SVT's motto is each model is faster than the one before it, and SVT's and PVO are about to get into a major slugfest over their trucks (both have stated their truck will beat the other's) and the next Cobra is likely to be faster than the next Corvette.

Overall, I'd place my vote with SVT as the best "Performance Division" because of their support network, the fact that they actually make their own profits, and the fact they have hand picked car guys and racers actually running the place. They have had support from their company for years instead of being an afterthought.

PVO's only man-on-the-street car is the SRT-4, GMPD only makes made to order cars based on what each division manages to get approved by GM's upper management & product people, and HSV's going to be a GTO and Chevy sedan aftermarket supplier here in the US for the immediate future.

 

I can't believe that people didn't vote for PVO but voted for SS. It is pretty obvious to me that the SRT-4 is more of a performance vehicle than any SS model that is currently available. I know this is a Camaro board but please lets be impartial and speak the truth.

 

I just wanted to make a comparison between the Grand Prix Comp G and the Impala SS. This comparison is to show that the SS choice in the poll doesn't deserve any of the votes it has received. I know this is a Camaro board but I thought we could impartial. I guess not. Iam not against SS but Chevrolet has to do a better job.

The GP comp G (not even the GPX version....if there will even be one)
3800 V6 260hp/280ft-lbs
17" lightwieght wheels
Tap shift
3.29 axle ratio
HUD
Big brakes
Revised suspension

The Impala SS
3800 V6 240hp/280ft-lbs
17" wheels
2.93 axle ratio
Big brakes
Revised suspension

GP comp G $30,045
options
Comp G
Sunroof
Premium sound
Leather

Impala SS $30,420
options:
SS group 2
sunroof
premium sound
(leather is standard)

As you can see the Impala SS can't even compete with the standard GP much less a GPX version if it ever comes out.
The GP offers more performance equipment than the SS for a lower price. I don't see any reason what so ever for the Impala not to have all the extra performance equipment and still cost more. So what do you think of SS now?

 

Don't get too upset yet. The SS name has been around for 40+ years, while PVO is still unknown to anyone who doesn't keep up with the industry. Besides, I don't know why we are comparing PVO to SS anyway. SS is a division designation, PVO does vehicles for the whole organization. SS and SRT is a better comparison.

 

As much as I like Chevy, I'm going to have to say SVT. I think Chevy has been throwing around the SS badge all over the place.

 

SS has been around for 40 years and in the past the performance options that were available on the SS package were great. Now I think they are doing a crappy job. Just look at my example above there is no excuse for this. I know that SS is a model designation like SRT. I think that Chevrolet is putting SS on all their "special" cars like Ford with SVT Dodge with PVO and Cadillac with the V. So that is why Iam comparing the two.

 

guionM-------FPG---Ford Performance Group


I am aware of you knowing it.But Im sure you like to be exact.

 

I also feel that Chevrolet is watering down the SS name, with the idea that putting those 2 letters on everything without anything special to back it up (performance or special dealer network) will create the same mystique SVT does, while charging an extra arm for it in the process.

SVT is the only performance group that puts it's name on it's cars. Both PVO and GMPD create performance cars for multiple divisions.


My keyboard must have stuck again.