- Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 6.1 sec

- 5.7 litre engine

HOLDEN SPECIAL VEHICLES took centre stage at the Sydney International Motor Show today with the unveiling of a classy all wheel drive coupe that showcases Australian performance engineering prowess.
The 'all paw' HSV Coupe 4 is evolved from Australia's favourite sports car, the Holden Monaro, which made its own high-profile debut at the Sydney Motor Show two years ago.

The first all wheel drive (AWD) sports coupe to be produced in this country, the Coupe 4 is the dynamic result of a creative collaboration between HSV and Holden powertrain, chassis engineering and design specialists.

No futuristic concept, the HSV Coupe 4 goes on sale in June 2004. It will be priced under $95,000.
Holden Special Vehicles Managing Director, John Crennan, said technologically advanced vehicles such as the HSV Coupe 4 and the Avalanche AWD wagon, also unveiled in Sydney, signposted the new directions being taken by his company and Holden as they accepted the challenge of automotive change.

"For the astute driving enthusiast, the HSV Coupe 4 is a sports performance dream come true. It's the first of the Lion clan to show the sensational results that can be achieved when you apply advanced, home grown, all wheel drive technology to a low ride height, high performance vehicle. Believe me, it's an exhilarating driving experience," he said.

"The Coupe 4 gives us entry into a new performance vehicle category. We are confident that it will appeal to people who have traditionally chosen European marques and be responsible for bringing many first-time buyers to the HSV brand.

"Our current plans are to produce just 100 examples next year, which makes this a rather exclusive machine. Mind you, we will be happy to build more if that's required." Mr Crennan said.

The Coupe 4 is equipped with an HSV-enhanced, 270kW 5.7 litre LS1 V8, matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. Power is transferred to the tarmac through all four wheels via a traction control-based HSV Quad Drive permanent all wheel drive system, which is calibrated to provide exceptional grip in wide range of surface conditions.

"While the Coupe 4 packs plenty of punch with 270kW, it is proof that performance is not merely to do with outright kilowatts – it's about getting the available power to the ground. During testing, the Coupe registered a nought to 100 acceleration time of 6.6 seconds – on gravel. Given this degree of traction, the Coupe 4 is able to handle most driving situations in a controlled and confidence-inspiring manner." Mr Crennan said.

The HSV Coupe 4 is equipped with a HSV Performance braking system comprising 336x32mm ventilated and grooved front discs and 315x18mm ventilated and grooved rear discs. Its 19x8 inch alloy wheels are shod with Pirelli P-Zero directional tyres, and HSV's unique AWD 'low ride' sports series suspension set-up delivers a flat, supple ride quality that complements its prodigious inherent handling abilities.