Holden Special Vehicles will work its engineering and performance tuning magic on the Colorado dual-cab ute.
HSV has also refreshed its Lion & Helmet logo to look more slim, sharp and with a textured black background.
The two HSV-tuned Colorado variants will be called the SportsCat and SportsCat+ with cosmetic enhancements like new bumpers, grilles and headlights and LED foglights, plus functional tow hooks on the former. The Sportscat+ will add a well-endowed bonnet bulge, with roof rails and quick-release mechanism, flared wheelarches and 18-inch forged alloys with 285/60 all-terrain Cooper rubber which add 20mm of ride height.
Inside, HSV has upped the stakes with red-stitched heated front sports seats wrapped in leather and suede, which migrates to the dashboard.
Leather wraps itself around the steering wheel, doors and branded floor mats add to cabin changes.
Underneath, HSV’s boffins have raised the 210mm ride height by 25mm specifically at the front to improve approach and rake angle, and spring rates have been stiffened with MTV dampers added for better performance handling. To that end, an anti-roll bar is fitted to the SportsCat+, with SupaShock suspension an optional factory addition, as used on the GTSRW1 super sedan.
AP Racing brakes will pull the SportsCat+ up thanks to four-piston front calipers biting down on 362mm rotors.
The traction control system has also been reconfigured to permit more aggressive corner exits allowing more slip than a regular Colorado.
Power will come from the stock 2.8-litre Chrevrolet Duramax turbo diesel with 147kW and 500Nm, coupled to the six-speed manual as standard, or optional six-speed semi-automatic.
HSV managing director Tim Jackson says the company is excited about the new range, although the engine remains the same.
“Some of our traditional customers will expect more power, and if the opportunities present themselves, we will look at powertrain enhancements where it makes sense,” he says.
“SportsCat is a great example of how we can deliver improved on-road and off-road driving dynamics, and combine a great new look with improved vehicle capability and versatility,” Jackson adds, “The segment is about much more than drag-strip times.”
The SportsCat and SportsCat+ will be available in New Zealand when production starts in its new Clayton, Melbourne workshop from late January 2018. Pricing will be revealed closer to availability.
Holden has announced the Camaro and Silverado will be sold in New Zealand as Chevrolet.
