HSV E-Series 2 ... or is it?
The Age
Saturday August 15, 2009
IMAGES of the new HSV E-Series 2 have leaked on the internet through enthusiast websites but sources suggest they are not of the final car that will be revealed next month.In an embarrassing leak for performance car brand HSV, pictures of the soon-to-be-unveiled E-Series 2 €” or E2 as it's being called €” have raced around the internet.There's only one catch €” the pictures of the updated HSV are not believed to be of the final car that will be officially unveiled.Sources told Drive that the leaked images are not of the final design for the HSV E2.While elements of the design are right, it's understood the leaked photos are design mock-ups that were used during the development stage of the most unique HSV to date.Indeed, the noses of the two cars circulating the web €” one is a red wagon and the other a silver sedan €” are noticeably different.This suggests HSV was evaluating different looks and undergoing internal clinics as to which would be best suited the important new model.HSV spokesman Simon Frost hinted that the leaked pictures were not of the finished HSV E2."Pictures and commentary purporting to show the final design and specification of HSV's E-Series 2 should be treated with caution," he said.However, the Pontiac G8-style bonnet is believed to be one element the new HSV E-Series 2 will adopt when it goes on sale.The unique tail lights will remain, while more radical bumpers and the vented bonnet will further differentiate the cars from regular Holdens.HSV is believed to be investigating how the photos €” which were generated by HSV €” were leaked.Frost refused to speculate on how the photos made it out of the design studio.The updated HSV E-Series 2 is also expected to get more power from its 6.2-litre V8, codenamed LS3.The tweaked V8 is expected to get 325kW of power, up from the outgoing car's 317kW.It is also expected that HSV will announce some significant fuel economy savings for its new range.HSV has already started a teaser advertising campaign for its new HSV E2 at hsv.com.au/areaE2 -- TOBY HAGON
© 2009 The Age