Following a slight change to the HSV series naming method, the Y Series Senators, debuted in 2003. The Y-series naming method caused confusion with most people still to today calling it the VY. Featuring even more angular and aggressive styling, the Y series offered both an entry-level grand tourer Senator and high level luxury Senator Signature models. Both came standard with a revised Luxury suspension tune, rear parking sensors and 260 kW (Series I) and 285kw (Series II) LS1 engines. In addition to the features found on the Senator, the Senator Signature came with larger 19 inch alloy wheels (the Senator came equipped with 18 inch wheels), different seats and larger front brakes. The Y Series II update upgraded power to 285 kW.
Some of the features that were introduced on the Y-series Senator included oil and battery gauges on the centre stack, shale leather trim interior trim as well as white backing for the instruments. A leather steering wheel was added to improve grip and feel when turning and more memory options for the front electric seats to cater to different users. HSV redesigned the front seats because of complaints from the customers they were too uncomfortable.
Quick Details | |
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Years Produced | 2002 – 2005 |
VY Senator Produced | 136 |
VY Senator Signature Produced | 158 |
VYII Senator Produced | ? |
VYII Senator Signature Produced | ? |
Standard features include a CD stacker, power mirrors and windows, cruise control, climate control, engine immobilizer and remote central locking. A rear DVD player and head phones were added. Two extra safety features were added: an electric tyre pressure monitoring system and High Intensity Discharge (HID) driving lights. GPS or Satellite navigation and the sunroof are not standard with this model but are available as options.
New badging featured on the Senator read “260 and 285” reflecting the increased power output. The brake and some of the engine cooling vents located on the front bumper are slightly hidden to keep its luxury well present while viewing the vehicle. Mesh cloth is located at the front air dams. Some of the side skirts front and rear air dams and the lower parts of the exterior mirrors are coloured in a satin finish grey. The rest is finished in the body colour. The famous “Senator” name plates are featured on the side skirts, rear and at the bottom of the rear doors.
Some of the interior changes include alloy pedals, new colours, a re-designed four-spoke steering wheel with remote audio controls, white finish instrument dials and minor gauges now in their own dedicated binnacle in the centre of the dash. The multi-function read-out has been re-programmed to show the HSV logo and the vehicle build number and identification during start-up. Automatic climate control and a Blaupunkt 6-disc CD stacker are standard and 8 speakers. Carbon-fibre trim is found throughout the cabin as well as light shale leather trim. The starting price for the Senator at the time was $74000.
Series I
- 5.7 litre LS1
- 260kW @ 5600 rpm
- 475Nm @ 4000 rpm
Series II
- 5.7 litre LS1
- 285kW @ 5800 rpm
- 510Nm @ 4800 rpm
Senator Series I
Engine: Ls1 5.7L
Power: 260kw
Torque: 475nm
Weight: 1730
o-100km/h = 6.1
0-400m = 14.0 sec
Senator Series II
Engine: Ls1 5.7L
Power: 285kw
Torque: 510nm
Weight: 1730kg
o-100km/h = 5.8 sec
0-400m = 13.7 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 | 2002 – 2005 |
VY Senator Produced | 136 |
VY Senator Signature Produced | 158 |
VYII Senator Produced | ? |
VYII Senator Signature Produced | ? |