13 Oct 2007
Holden HSV Maloo released in Ozziland
The Middle East is forced to feel content with the 360 hp Chevy-badged Lumina SS, but its Australian maker is really having some fun with it for the domestic market. The 400 hp HSV versions of the Commodore (aka Lumina) sedan were released a year ago in Australia, but this is the first time they have unveiled the HSV version of this Holden Ute pickup derivative, named the HSV Maloo R8.
Add-ons include a body kit, a motorised rear tonneau cover controlled via the key fob and a 405 hp LS2 V8. The only options are an automatic transmission and a performance pack that includes 20-inch wheels and sport seats. The only options are an automatic transmission and a performance pack that includes 20-inch wheels and sport seats.
The Holden HSV Maloo R8 will cost the equivalent of Dhs 200,000 in Australia. This car-based pickup will never ever be offered in the GCC, but if they did sell it here, they’d probably change its name so that it did not refer to a certain segment of the expat Indian population.
by Yousuf, on October 13 2007 @ 12:58 pm
What is the purpose for a car like this?
Which niche does it fall in?
by a fan, on October 13 2007 @ 1:05 pm
lol i doubt that certain segment would even care.
Maloo sounds quite different
by mark, on October 13 2007 @ 7:43 pm
i wont a mercedes this is not beuthivel
by ali, on October 13 2007 @ 9:08 pm
i wish it doesn’t come here,never.it’s one hideous vehicle.
by Yousuf, on October 13 2007 @ 11:00 pm
but i think the idea behind it isnt bad!…
Why would you want a sports coupe which can carry your mountain bike and grocery?
by sq1, on October 14 2007 @ 7:18 pm
bad fu car.
lumina ss superb but gear prb in it.
by Assassin, on October 15 2007 @ 9:39 am
What is wrong with Lumina ss gear? i think 4 speeds auto could be slower than 6 speeds by 0.3 second. which means 4 speeds is good to keep the car cheaper.
by Yousuf, on October 25 2007 @ 4:36 pm
@assasin..
4 speed is out-dated!…
more gears will improve fuel economy, and also increase top speed!
2 extra forward gears can make a HUGE difference in performance!
by sohi, on October 27 2007 @ 2:46 am
by thatsit (mohamad), on October 31 2007 @ 12:04 pm
who said that the 4 speed is good because “its cheaper”
iam really impressed 0.3 lool
by Assassin, on November 4 2007 @ 12:13 pm
Lumina SS 6-speed manual is more expensive than 4-speed auto by 3000 dhs, and if there is 6-speed Auto will be more expensive than 6-speed manual by 5000 dhs.
so we can say, 4-speed automatic is cheaper than 6-speed automatic by 8000 dhs, which can spend as a fuel costs for next 40000 km
by An Aussi, on April 3 2008 @ 12:20 pm
Let me try and explain. Back in Aus the Ute [Utility] is what a lot of trade-people use as both a work and pleasure vehicle. For example, house builders or farmers will use it every day for moving bricks or dirt, and then go out driving into town for fun on the weekend. This is partly because it has been developed into its own unique muscle car niche market. The purpose of this niche market is the same as any other performance car, FUN! The functionality of the Ute is side-lined a little for personal taste; believe it or not, these Utes have been very popular in the past, and some Aussies prefer the Ute to the sedan model. The Maloo itself is at the extreme end of the spectrum and is focussed more at the performance /Ute loving people rather than the heavy working Ute. Also, girls love them and they’re good for circle work
…..Oh and just to clear up that Indian expat name thing, the word Maloo actually comes from the Aboriginal [Australian Native] word for “Thunderâ€. I hope that helps! As for the gear box, I would prefer a manual =)