A very 'Special' breed...

The first Ford Performance Vehicle (FPV) will be launched on Thursday 17th October at the Sydney Motor Show, where a throng of eager scribblers, including us, will be the first to see the new Falcon GT.

But as we all know, the conflict between Holden and Ford has always been very serious. Not to be outdone then, FPV's major competitor, HSV, has just unveiled it's 2003 line-up of big sports sedans a week before the competition.

Before we go any further, it has to be said that the new-look HSV range, which now consists of only medium and high-tune Gen III V8s, is seriously sexy.

We don't like to use the word 'sexy' at the Wombat, but it aptly describes the aggressive, powerful and stylish transformation from the VX series II cars to the new VY-based range.

Sadly, the XU6 is not a part of the HSV 'Y' line-up, but expect it to make a triumphant return in 2004 as the Gerenal gives Holden the refined HFV6 to play with.

It would be fair to say that HSV is already looking at how much boost they'll need from the turbocharger that'll no doubt be bolted to the '04 XU6 in order combat Ford's flying XR6-T.

But back to the current Y-series... From the photos it's plain to see that the new HSV range is a lot more radical than the outgoing crop, with the front wing and huge air-dam obviously taking inspiration the HSV Coupes, but also Formula One cars, would you believe?

Possibly the new range's most prominent styling feature, some will hate the bold wing, with its subtle curve, while others will love it.

We reckon it's a work of art, quite honestly. If you look closely, you'll also notice it's quite steeply raked, probably to aid air-flow. The new Falcon GT is going to have to be quite a looker to beat the HSV GTS and co. in the all-important head-turning department.

All Y-series (except Signature and Senator) benefit from HSV's Touring '3' suspension system, with progressive rate front springs and unique 'touring' damper calibration.

Combine this with the advancements made in the VY Commodore's steering feel, and it's clear to see that HSV has designed the most potent range of hot sedans yet.

Furthermore, linear rate rear springs with matched rear damper calibration helps keep body-roll to a minumum and offer good power delivery via the rear wheels.

Signature and Senator models get HSV's Luxury '3' co-ordinated suspension system, which offers a more relaxed ride.

Engine wise, and things have changed a little, though it's not like the superceded VXII HSVs were lacking in power, either.

All new HSV's get the 5.7-litre Gen III V8 engine, though these are anything but stock 225 kilowatters.

HSV uses its own cylinder heads, valve springs, valves, throttle body, manifold, injectors and all new HSV software for the electronic injection mapping.

Add a new 'tuned' exhaust system to the equation, comprising stainless steel extractors and headers, plus an HSV high flow 'Billet' style twin exhaust outlet, and you've got a recipe for serious power.

HSV claims the changes improve launch - perfect for green light getaways - and mid-range punch, thanks to the increase in torque and power.

Available in two states of tune, all HSVs come with the 260kW LS1, while the psycho GTS gets a 300kW Callaway version of the pushrod V8.

The mid-tune HSV mill cranks out 260kW @ 5600rpm, and 475Nm @ 4000rpm on premium unleaded fuel, while the 300kW engine doesn't benefit from an incrase in power and torque, worth 300kW @ 6000rpm, and 510Nm @ 4800rpm.

That said, the Y-series GTS is expected to complete the quarter mile drag in a howling 13 seconds flat!

Interestingly, the ClubSport ($58,200) and Senator were deliberately developed together, where the Clubby is for those who like to toast the rear wheels, and the Senator more a stylish Grand Tourer of sorts.

Next up is the better-equipped than stock ClubSport R8 ($68,860), which gets funky new five-spoke mags - where the stock Clubby gets last year's wheels - more leather throughout, a better stereo complete with sub-woofer and R8 badging inside and out.

The R8 also benefits from massive 343mm cross-drilled competition brakes, while the standard ClubSports gets 330mm ventilated front discs, while the useful centrally-mounted oil/volt dials are an option for the stock ClubSport.

Both ClubSports get 'optimal' gear-shift lights (plus an audio alert), which we assume would kick in a few hundred revolutions shy of the redline.

The Senator ($73,950) is for those who prefer a little more sophistication and a little less hooliganism on their travels.

Gone is the large ClubSport spoiler; a more subdued deck-lid spoiler in its place. It also gets a slightly less racey 'F1' front wing. Luxury-style 18-inch alloy wheels made the cut, shod with low-profile Bridgestone 235/40 ZR18 tyres.

Full leather trim, including steering wheel, comes standard with the Senator, as does copious amounts of chrome and uprated front seats. Offering 8-way adjustment, as opposed to other HSVs with 4-way electric adjust, the Senator is a luxury cruiser with the lot - hence the steeper asking price.

Next in the queue is the Signature ($79,950), which is yet another step up the luxury ladder from the Senator. It gets even better seats than the leather 8-ways found in the Senator, and offer the same mid-level brake package as the R8, with 343mm jobbies up front.

Giant 19-inch alloy wheels also differentiate it from the Senator, with slightly wider 245mm (up from 235) width tyres.

Both Signature and Senator models get rear-bumper mounted proximity sensors, to make parking less of a hassle, and both are the only HSV's in the Y-series to come standard with Holden Assist.

And now it gets interesting as we move to the only two-door Y-series vehicles.

The Maloo ($50,950) and Maloo R8 ($57,950) are both the most cost effective HSVs in the range - both get 260kW of power and, furthermore, both are the only models in the range to get what is arguably the sexiest rear-end in the business.

The Maloo models both get a dedicated dual exhaust system and outlets, with moulded rear bumper, which gives the new utes one of the toughest-looking tail-ends around.

The differences between the Maloo and Maloo R8 are similar in effect to the ClubSport models.

The Maloo gets last years 18-inch mags, while the R8 gets the sportier, lighter 18-inch alloys, and like the R8 sedan, the more expensive Maloo gets an uprated brake package and high-spec Blaupunkt stereo with woofer. The R8 ute also gets a large tray spoiler.

Will the new XR8 Ford ute, also with 260kW of power, pose a problem for the Maloo? We'll have to wait until early next for a comparo to find out.

At 50 large for the base Maloo, it offers amazing value and good practicality, plus a look that takes Australian utes to a new level.

Last in the new HSV Y range is the 300kW GTS ($93,500). The biggest new feature to arrive with the 2003 GTS is an HSV-fettled high-torque four-speed automatic transmission.

This is great news, as anyone who has fiddled with the short-throw manual six-shifter in the superceded model will know it's a bit of a dog at times.

When it comes to the GTS, the things that matter include a HydraTrak LSD, unique 19-inch magnesium wheels, a Callaway-tuned 300kW powerplant, HSV-spec Pirelli P-Zero 245/35 ZR19 tyres, 6-piston front AP calipers with 362mm racing brakes and a top-of-the-line HSV performance suspension for faster handling response (also an option on Clubbies).

And how about the look? Quite simply, we were awe-struck when we first saw the GTS. Not far off supercar status, the GTS (and the rest of the range) offers comfort, boot space and practicality, only with more go and plenty of show compared to regular family vehicles.

The tradition of V8 sports sedans continues in 2003, with the new GTS arguably one of the world's fastest four-door sedans. HSV has really delivered the goods in what should amount to many busy HSV dealerships in the coming months.

To call any of the new breed of HSVs tarted-up Commodores would be folly, because they're not. Obviously the engines have been heavily worked over, the suspension systems overhauled and the aerodynamic bodywork not only reduces drag, but they look hot!

With new interiors, luxury appointments and a fancy new intrument cluster, HSV should be proud. All models come standard with tailored body-kit, xenon front projector headlights, front and side airbags, traction control, a fire-extinguisher (very cool), alloy pedals, HSV exclusive white instrument cluster with 260km/h speedometer, HSV Build Plate (engraved with individual build number), an HSV owner's certificate and even an HSV briefcase and compendium.

When all is said and done, it's kind of strange that talk of Euro-styling in the new Y-series is so prominent. Who cares about Euro-whatever - these are Australian cars with a unique Aussie look and feel, which would put many Germanic sedans to shame in an Autobahn shoot-out.

Sure, HSV may have borrowed some design elements from French and German cars, but the end result is a fantastically home-grown range of performance sedans, sure to get the average Aussie's pulse racing.

And what of FPV - can it compete with such a handsome collection of hi-po rear-wheel drive sedans? Stay tuned as we'll have all the info on the new Falcon GT and Persuit Ute direct from the Sydney Motor Show.