HSV W427 raises the bar for Australian performance cars
The guessing game is over – HSV has confirmed its all new high performance flagship will be called W427. At least that’s the name in its show-car guise.
The HSV W427 is one of the stars of the 2008 Melbourne motor show and here at Drive we’ve been given exclusive access to the HSV team that brought the car to life. Our exclusive special feature covers everything from the design to the massive engineering effort required to make the W427 a success.
And, of course, we have full details on the race-inspired 7.0-litre V8 (complete with 370kW of power) that is the heart of the fastest, most expensive Australian muscle car ever built.
The W427 will begin production – possibly using a different name – around mid-2008 and first customer deliveries are due around September.
Dealers have already been taking deposits for some months and, unlike the stillborn HRT 427, HSV is adamant the W427 will make it to the showroom. And we can’t wait to finally get behind the wheel.
The W427 is an exciting performance car and one that’s set to earn its place in the rich Australian muscle car history.
On paper it looks to have the goods to take on Europe’s best, such as the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and Audi RS6.
It’s a big challenge but one HSV looks set to take on.
So, what do you think of the HSV W427? Do you like the unique design? Should it have a bigger rear wing? Does the 370kW, 7.0-litre V8 have what it takes? And can the HSV W427 compete with Europe’s finest?
Toby Hagon