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.
What is the purpose for a car like this?
Which niche does it fall in?
lol i doubt that certain segment would even care.
Maloo sounds quite different
i wont a mercedes this is not beuthivel
i wish it doesn’t come here,never.it’s one hideous vehicle.
but i think the idea behind it isnt bad!…
Why would you want a sports coupe which can carry your mountain bike and grocery?
bad fu car.
lumina ss superb but gear prb in it.
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.
@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!
who said that the 4 speed is good because “its cheaper”
iam really impressed 0.3 lool
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
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 =)
HSV listed a LHD Chevrolet Lumina SS-400 Coupe 2004-4 Model Year based on the HSV GTS Auto Coupe Chevroletarabia even produced a small 4 page brochure for the model. Can any one tell me any were actually sold.
Thanks
Norm
Interesting info. Such a car was never offered in the UAE.
it is not highly demanded in UAE because of the fact that Ute or Maloo isn’t suitable for off-roads drive, if it was little bit higher it may make a difference, but it is still a great car if u put off-road concept a side.
I’m from bahrain and i have a lumina ss 4-door saloon 2006 model automatic and its a great car! but this version is really nice as well, i would not mind having one like this because its different, and its always nice to stand out. but i am having a problem which is that i can not find any accessories for my lumina, as in bodykits (front and rear bumpers and side skirts) ive looked on the internet but not lots of ppl outside the middle east know wat a lumina is!!
plz if any1 has any idea’s or advice, im all ears, thnx and this IS a nice car
uh!!! ute is the car. u have to kno the speed, then u’ll love it.. here in Botswana we raced, it outrun the 320Series and 325 BMW in the long run.. i lower my heals for it.
the Ute is speedy… here in Botswana it outrun the BMW 325 and 320 Series in long run speed track… lu gotta feel the excellerato pedal
bring it on !!!!!!!!!!!!we want this in SA. i havethe older vers. LOVEY no mater whether its man or auto its only giving problems if you abuse it