2017 Holden Maloo Muscle Truck Has 580 Horsepower Supercharged GM V-8
Classics
American
The 2017 Holden HSV Maloo R8 LSA is a high-performance variant of the Holden Ute produced by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). Australian enthusiast media referred to them as “swansong models,” marking the end of HSV’s 30 years of performance tuning. The HSV Maloo R8 SLA recently sold on eBay is an immaculate, low-mileage example that may be the only one in the US.
What’s a Ute?
Americans don’t call them utes, but we are familiar with the concept. Car/truck hybrids date back to 1920s roadster pickups. Ford revived the sedan body/truck bed idea with the Ranchero - opens in new window or tab. in 1957. Chevrolet launched its version, the El Camino - opens in new window or tab., in 1959. Both petered out during the Malaise era.
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These were low-volume vehicles in the US. Down under, utes are far more popular, dating back to Ford Australia’s mid-1930s Coupe Utility. Holden, a GM subsidiary, began producing its Coupe Utility in 1951.
Utes were initially designed for agricultural or livestock station duty. But their powerful engines and rear-wheel drive make them prime candidates for muscle car-type modifications. HSV, founded in 1987, built its first performance ute in 1990. Its name, Maloo, is the Aboriginal word for thunder.
Special Edition
HSV stopped producing vehicles in 2017. During that final year, it released several “HSV 30 Years” commemorative limited-edition vehicles, including the Maloo R8 LSA.
GM’s 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V-8 powers the Maloo. HSV calibration tuning increased its output to about 580 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, according to Chicago Auto Sports, the dealer selling the Maloo. A GM 6L90E six-speed automatic transmission routes that power to a limited-slip differential with HSV-specific gear ratio and electronic torque vectoring.
The Maloo’s chassis is equipped with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control Suspension - opens in new window or tab.. A driver preference dial on the center console controls electronic vehicle functions like traction control, torque vectoring, electric power steering calibration, and the bi-modal exhaust. HSV promises to “increase performance with every clockwise turn.”
HSV installed four-piston AP Racing disc brakes - opens in new window or tab. at all four corners. Continental ContiSportContact 5P - opens in new window or tab. tires are mounted on 20-inch machine-faced alloy wheels, which are 8.5 inches wide in the front and 9.5 inches wide in the rear.
This Maloo Is Fire
The hot ute is painted in a handsome orange color called Light My Fire. HSV body modifications include:
- Body kit with front fascia splitter
- Projector headlights
- Unique tailgate
- Remote locking hard tonneau with performance sailplane
- Rocker panel skirts
- Pitch Black trim accents
The ute’s interior features HSV performance seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, leather HSV dashboard accents, and HSV 30 Years door sill plates. The steering wheel and shift lever are also leather-covered. An 8-inch multifunction entertainment screen controls the Bose six-speaker audio system and provides a backup camera display.
The Maloo shows 6,760 kilometers on the odometer—about 4,200 miles. Its immaculate, near-showroom condition was reflected in its $129,800 Buy-It-Now price. It was imported from Australia in 2023 and titled as a kit car, so it has a “reconstructed” title. Chicago Auto Sports - opens in new window or tab. believes this is the only HSV Maloo R8 LSA in the US. That makes it a unique addition to any car show, cruise, or Cars & Coffee gathering.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.