The E Series Clubsport R8 takes its fundamental body structure from the mainstream VE Commodore. It is also the standard model in the HSV line-up. With the deletion of lower lines of V8 HSV models the Clubsport slipped down to the entry level HSV V8 sedan, on a par with the Manta of the VR-VS-VT series. As such the sales of E Series Clubsports has been over shadowed by the sales of the E Series GTS.
The Original E-Series Clubsport was released in September 2006. The Clubsport had LED taillights and vertical front fender grilles only found on HSV E-Series models. Cloth trim was standard on Clubsport models with leather trim being an option.
In September 2008, the Clubsport R8 Tourer was released. The Tourer is a wagon version of the R8, based on the Sportwagon. The two Clubsport models were powered by the 307 kW LS2 6.0 L V8 and Tremec T56 six-speed manual gearbox, capable of doing 0–100 km/h in 5.8 seconds with the manual gearbox and 5.9 seconds when fitted with the auto transmission and having a top speed of 160 mph (260 km/h). From April 2008, all HSV models use 6.2 L LS3 (317 kW and 550 N⋅m V8s), instead of the previous LS2.
The HSV E Series 2 range was released 2010 and was the most major update since the release of E Series HSVs. Prices on the E2 Clubsport models started at $65,990 for the Clubsport R8 and $66,990 for the Clubsport R8 Tourer. The range received many cosmetic changes with new front and rear bumpers, twin-nostriled bonnet (from the Pontiac G8) and a new range of wheel designs.
| Quick Details | |
|---|---|
| Years Produced | 2007 – 2013 |
| E Series Clubsport R8 |
4016 |
| E Series Clubsport “20th Anniversary” |
100 |
| E Series Clubsport R8 “Murph Special Edition” (NZ Only) |
41 |
| E Series II Clubsport R8 |
955 |
| E Series II Clubsport R8 “GXP” |
400 |
| E Series III Clubsport R8 (Including My12.5) |
2204 |
| E Series III Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition (100 E Series III built for AUS, with 15 for NZ) |
115 |
| E Series III Clubsport R8 Tourer SV Black Edition |
25 |
| E Series III Clubsport R8 SV-R (“Response” built for Queensland Police) |
4 |
The Series 2 has a very distinctive looking set of daytime running lights standard across the E2 range. New is the intelligent launch controls, competition mode ESC and extended cruise control systems which are all standard for E2 models excluding intelligent launch control which is only available with a manual transmission.
HSV E Series 3 or E3 commenced sales in 2011. Model changes for the E series 3 include an option for LPI system (for an extra $5990) allowing the vehicle to run on LPG and unleaded petrol; the LPI system is not available on the ClubSport R8 Tourer. Cosmetic changes include a new spoiler and revised exhaust tips. HSV E Series 3 models reach 0-100kmp in 5.5 seconds. The HSV E Series 3 introduced the new HSV Enhanced Driver Interface; it has the same interface as the Holden IQ (found in VE Series II Commodores) but with added function. The system allows users to access the car’s computer and monitor fuel consumption, stability, g-force and vehicle dynamics. Other functions include data logging options, digital gauge displays, stopwatch, driver and racing options, along with controls for the Grange’s Bi-Modal exhaust and Side Blind-Zone Alert. The HSV Enhanced Driver Interface and satellite navigation is standard across the E series 3 range. The My12.5 update also seen the higher rated 325kw GTS engine being used in the Clubsport.
E-Series I
- 6.0 litre LS2
- 307kW @ 6000 rpm
- 550Nm @ 4400 rpm
This engine debuted in the Z series. It is a GM built LS2 V8 customized for HSV’s usage. One of the main reasons that this engine was used is that the LS1 V8 does not meet ADR 79/01 (Euro III) emissions regulations. This new engine also has connections to the L76 6.0-litre used in the VZ and VE Holden Commodores.
2008 and onwards models
- 6.2 litre LS3
- 317kW @ 6000 rpm
- 550Nm @ 4400 rpm
This engine debuted in the E Series. It is a GM built LS3 V8 customized for HSV’s usage. The transition from LS2 to LS3 was primarily to meet impending Euro IV emissions requirements being introduced in Australia on 1 January 2009 and to compete against 2008’s 315 kW (428 PS; 422 hp) FPV GT.
MY12.5 Update
- 6.2 litre LS3
- 325kW @ 6000 rpm
- 550Nm @ 4400 rpm
0-100km/h = 5.5 sec
0-400m = 13.5 sec
*All performance times are to be used as a guide only as many variable factors can change the outcome of each cars perfomance times.
| Years Produced | 2007 – 2013 |
| E Series Clubsport R8 |
4016 |
| E Series Clubsport “20th Anniversary” |
100 |
| E Series Clubsport R8 “Murph Special Edition” (NZ Only) |
41 |
| E Series II Clubsport R8 |
955 |
| E Series II Clubsport R8 “GXP” |
400 |
| E Series III Clubsport R8 (Including My12.5) |
2204 |
| E Series III Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition (100 E Series III built for AUS, with 15 for NZ) |
115 |
| E Series III Clubsport R8 Tourer SV Black Edition |
25 |
| E Series III Clubsport R8 SV-R (“Response” built for Queensland Police) |
4 |
HSV E Series Clubsport Images
