{{short description|Australian performance coupé utility}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Holden Special Vehicles Maloo | image = 2014 HSV Maloo (Gen-F MY14) R8 utility (2015-08-07) 01.jpg | caption = HSV Maloo R8 (Gen-F) | image_size = | manufacturer = {{ubl | Holden Special Vehicles }} | related = Holden Commodore<br/>Holden Utility<br/>Holden Ute<br/>HSV ClubSport<br/>HSV Grange<br/>HSV GTS<br/>HSV Senator | assembly = Australia: Notting Hill, Victoria<br />Clayton, Victoria | production = 1990–2017 | aka = Vauxhall Maloo | class = Full-size | body_style = 2-door coupé utility | platform = {{ubl |GM V platform (1990–2006) |GM Zeta Platform (2007–2017) }} | engine = * 5.0L ''5000i'' HEC V8 * 5.7L ''LS1'' V8 * 6.0L ''LS2'' V8 * 6.2L ''LS3'' V8 * 6.2L ''LSA'' supercharged V8 * 6.2L ''LS9'' supercharged V8 (GTSR W1) | transmission = {{ubl |5-speed manual |6-speed manual |4-speed automatic |6-speed automatic }} | successor = Holden Special Vehicles SportsCat | predecessor = Holden Sandman Ute }} The '''Holden Special Vehicles Maloo''' ('''HSV Maloo'''), is a performance coupé utility vehicle produced by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) from 1990 to 2017. As Holden's designated performance vehicle division HSV introduced the Maloo model in 1990, based on the Holden Utility (VG), offered with the 5.0-litre Holden V8 engine. The VU Series Maloo was the first with the LS1 engine and introduced the Maloo R8 specification.
In 2006 a Z Series Maloo R8 driven by Mark Skaife set the Guinness World Record for the fastest production utility / pickup truck with an average speed of {{cvt|271.44|km/h}}.
The 'Maloo' name comes from a word in an Aboriginal language for "Storm" or "Thunder". == History == The HSV Maloo was released in October 1990, with the VG Series Maloo. It used a 5.0-litre Holden V8 engine at {{cvt|180|kW|hp|0}}, 135 units were produced.<ref name=autopian>{{cite web|last=Day|first=Lewin|url=https://www.theautopian.com/the-history-of-australias-wildest-v8-utes-named-for-thunder-and-built-for-speed/|title=The History Of Australia's Wildest V8 Utes, Named For Thunder And Built For Speed|access-date=1 September 2025|website=theautopian.com |date=August 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/1990-hsv-vg-maloo-for-sale/|title=1990 HSV VG Maloo – Todays Tempter|access-date=29 August 2025|website=tradeuniquecars.com.au |date=21 September 2020 }}</ref><ref name=motortrend/> In 1992 the VP Series Maloo launched, with the same power.<ref name=20years>{{cite web|url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hsv-celebrates-20-years-of-thunder-21746/|title=HSV celebrates 20 years of thunder|access-date=29 August 2025|website=carsales.com.au}}</ref> The name 'Maloo' originated from a word in an Aboriginal language for "Storm" or "Thunder".<ref name=autopian/>
In 1993, the VR Series Maloo released, with a reworked interior and a 5.0-litre Holden V8 at {{cvt|185|kW|hp|0}}. The VS Series was launched in April 1995, in the VS, VS II Series, and 'VS II at VT' the power was unchanged from {{cvt|185|kW|hp|0}}.<ref name=20years></ref> In 1999 the VS III Maloo launched, with a 5.0-litre Holden V8 at {{cvt|195|kW|hp|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kenwright |first=Joe |url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/used-car-advice-hsv-maloo-1990-2000-1714/ |title=Buying a used HSV Maloo (1990-2000) |date=31 August 2006 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=carsales.com.au}}</ref> It was the last car in the Holden Special Vehicles range to use the 5.0-litre Holden V8 engine.<ref>{{cite web|last=Newman |first=Scott |url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/australias-best-hsv-collection |title=Australia’s best HSV collection |date=16 July 2017 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Motor}}</ref>
The VU Series Maloo was released in March 2001, with a 5.7-litre LS1 engine at {{cvt|255|kW|hp|0}}. The VU series saw the introduction of the HSV Maloo R8 specification, in this series it included a hard tonneau with a spoiler, and 18 inch wheels, while the regular Maloo had a soft tonneau.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://club.shannons.com.au/club/news/retro-road-tests/hsv-vu-maloo-you-bloody-beautey/|title=HSV VU Maloo: You Bloody BeaUTEy!|access-date=29 August 2025|website=club.shannons.com.au}}</ref>
In October 2002, the Y Series Maloo launched with a LS1 engine at {{cvt|260|kW|hp|0}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Butler |first=Glenn |date=1 October 2002 |title=HSV VY Series 2002 Review |url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hsv-vy-series-3661/ |access-date=29 August 2025 |website=carsales.com.au}}</ref> The 'Performance' Brake system came standard on the Maloo, and the "Premium' Brake System standard on the Maloo R8. The Y Series 2 released in October 2003, with a LS1 engine at {{cvt|285|kW|hp|0}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fincham |first=Chris |date=1 September 2002 |title=HSV VY Series II 2003 Review |url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hsv-vy-ii-4785/ |access-date=29 August 2025 |website=carsales.com.au}}</ref> The Z Series Maloo was released in October 2004, with a 6.0-litre LS2 V8 engine at {{cvt|297|kW|hp|0}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fincham |first=Chris |date=1 October 2004 |title=HSV VZ Range |url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hsv-vz-range-4786/ |access-date=29 August 2025 |website=carsales.com.au}}</ref>
In May 2006 the Z Series HSV Maloo R8 set the Guinness World Record for the fastest production utility / pickup truck.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.hspn.com/articles/519/1/HSV-sets-new-World-Land-Speed-Record-for-PickupUtility-Truck/Page1.html |title= HSPN reviews|access-date=29 August 2025|website=news.hspn.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116142535/http://news.hspn.com/articles/519/1/HSV-sets-new-World-Land-Speed-Record-for-PickupUtility-Truck/Page1.html |archive-date=16 January 2014}}</ref> The Maloo was driven by Mark Skaife, in the Woomera Prohibited Area, at {{cvt|265.72|km/h}} with headwind and {{cvt|277.16|km/h}} with tailwind for an average speed of {{cvt|271.44|km/h}}, beating the previous world record holder, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 by more than {{cvt|20|km/h}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cordony|first=Louis|url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/2006-hsv-vz-maloo-r8-fast-car-history-lesson|title=2006 HSV VZ Maloo R8: Fast car history lesson|access-date=29 August 2025|website=Motor |date=3 February 2019 }}</ref> The Z Series Maloo still holds the record as of March 2025.<ref>{{cite web|last=Margeit|first=Rob|url=https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/australia-once-built-the-fastest-ute-in-the-world-it-still-is/|title=Australia once built the fastest ute in the world. It still is.|date=27 March 2025|access-date=1 September 2025|website=drive.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article259482716 |title=Woomera zooms|newspaper=Air Force (newspaper) |location=Canberra, Australia |date=27 July 2006|access-date=15 November 2025|page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
The E Series Maloo released in October 2007, was only available in the Maloo R8 specification. It was initially offered with a 6.0-litre LS2 engine at {{cvt|307|kW|hp|0}}, later transitioning to a 6.2-litre LS3 engine at {{cvt|317|kW|hp|0}} in 2008. The E Series 2 released in August 2009, adding daytime running lights and adding two vents on the bonnet of the Pontiac G8. The E Series 3 released in 2011, it introduced the option of a bi-fuel option using liquid propane injection (LPI) to run on LPG and petrol.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hammerton|first=Ron|url=https://www.goauto.com.au/new-models/hsv/e-series-3/first-drive-hsv-holds-e3-price-rise-to-1000/2010-09-21/16312.html|title=First drive: HSV holds E3 price rise to $1000|date=21 September 2010|access-date=17 October 2025|website=goauto.com.au}}</ref>
In August 2013 the Gen-F Maloo was released, with a LS3 engine at {{cvt|317|kW|hp|0}}, the Maloo R8 with a LS3 at {{cvt|325|kW|hp|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Newton|first=Bruce|url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hsv-gen-f-2013-launch-review-36998/|title=HSV GEN-F 2013 Review|date=7 June 2013|access-date=19 November 2025|website=carsales.com.au}}</ref> The Maloo MY15 had a LS3 at {{cvt|325|kW|hp|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Taylor|first=Aiden|url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/hsv-gen-f-range-updated-for-2015|title=HSV Gen-F range updated for 2015|date=16 October 2014|access-date=19 October 2025|website=Motor}}</ref> Production of the Maloo ended in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dowling|first=Joshua|url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/motoring-news/hsv-gtsr-w1-production-ends-last-australianmade-car-rolls-off-holden-special-vehicles-assembly-line/news-story/7ceafbd2ec35e58516ba445123c77881|title=HSV GTS-R W1 production ends: last Australian-made car rolls off Holden Special Vehicles assembly line|date=3 January 2018|website=News.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brogan |first=Matt |title=HSV GTSR W1 2017 Review |url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hsv-gtsr-w1-2017-review-105705/ |date=1 February 2017 |access-date=2 October 2025 |website=carsales.com.au |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name=motortrend>{{cite web|last=Hunting|first=Benjamin|url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/pickup-trucks-america-never-got|title=15 Legendary Pickup Trucks America Was Never Allowed to Buy|date=31 October 2025|access-date=17 November 2025|website=Motor Trend}}</ref>
== Special editions == The VS series had limited production '10th Anniversary' editions in 'anniversary bronze'.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pettendy|first=Marton|url=https://www.goauto.com.au/car-reviews/hsv/maloo/r8-2-dr-utility/2002-08-02/32626.html|title=HSV has delivered some very tidy performance cars and the Maloo ute is one of them|date=2 August 2002|access-date=2 September 2025|website=goauto.com.au}}</ref> thumb|right|2010 HSV Maloo GXP
In 2010 the '20 Years of Maloo R8' limited edition was released, equipped with; bonnet scoops, 'Vector E' vents on the front guards and bi-model exhaust, blind spot warning system, backup camera, and parking sensors.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stevens|first=Mike|url=https://www.drive.com.au/news/hsv-20-years-of-maloo-r8-limited-edition-announced/|title=HSV 20 Years Of Maloo R8 Limited Edition Announced|date=13 September 2010|access-date=1 September 2025|website=drive.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hagon|first=Toby|url=https://www.drive.com.au/news/20th-anniversary-for-hsv-maloo-20100913-157r8/|title=20th anniversary for HSV Maloo|date=13 September 2010|access-date=3 September 2025|website=drive.com.au}}</ref> In 2010 a limited edition Maloo GXP launched, with Pontiac styling with the front bumper and bonnet.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dowling |first=Joshua |date=10 March 2010 |title=HSV GXP 2010 Review |url=http://www.motoring.com.au/reviews/2010/large-passenger/holden-special-vehicles/hsv-gxp-18612 |website=carsales.com.au}}</ref>
In 2014 the Maloo GTS was released, being powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre LSA engine at {{cvt|430|kW|hp|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hsvdatabase.com.au/hsv-vf-maloo/|title=HSV Gen-F Maloo – HSV Database|access-date=29 August 2025|website=hsvdatabase.com.au}}</ref> In 2016 the Maloo R8 SV Black released, having a LS3 at {{cvt|340|kW|hp|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nikolic|first=Trent|url=https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2016-hsv-maloo-r8-sv-black-review/|title=2016 HSV Maloo R8 SV Black review|date=24 November 2016|access-date=1 September 2025|website=drive.com.au}}</ref>
In 2017 the Maloo GTSR released, with a supercharged LSA at {{cvt|435|kW|hp|0}},<ref>{{cite web|last=Casey|first=Kez|url=https://www.drive.com.au/news/untouched-hsv-gtsr-maloo-utes-listed-for-auction/|title=‘Untouched’ HSV GTSR Maloo utes listed for auction|date=30 October 2021|access-date=1 September 2025|website=drive.com.au}}</ref> the Maloo R8 LSA released with a supercharged LSA at {{cvt|400|kW|hp|0}}, the Maloo R8 LSA 30th Anniversary with a supercharged LSA at {{cvt|410|kW|hp|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Newman|first=Scott|url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/hsv-maloo-r8-lsa-review|title=HSV Maloo R8 LSA review|date=27 April 2016|access-date=29 August 2025|website=whichcar.com.au}}</ref>
In 2017, a Ute version of the limited production HSV GTSR W1 was launched, with only 4 units total being produced. These were not sold to the public and were instead only sold to select people.<ref>{{cite web|last=Heagney|first=Kian|url=https://www.streetmachine.com.au/news/hsv-gtsr-w1-market-analysis-what-are-they-actually-worth|title=HSV GTSR W1 market analysis – what are they worth?|access-date=29 August 2025|website=Street Machine |date=24 June 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Maric|first=Paul| url = https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/hsv-gtsr-w1-maloo-ute-review | title = HSV GTSR W1 Maloo ute review | date = 19 February 2021 | website= CarExpert}}</ref> The HSV GTSR W1 Maloo was powered by a 6.2-litre supercharged LS9 engine outputting {{cvt|474|kW|hp|0}}.<ref name="autopian"></ref> The colours of the four units produced are, in build order 000-004: matte metallic grey (Son of a Gun Grey), pale yellow (XU3 Yellah, a nod to the original HSV VS GTSR produced in 1996), gold (Light My Fire) and red (Sting Red).<ref>{{cite web|last=Dowling|first=Joshua|url=https://www.drive.com.au/news/hsv-gtsr-w1-maloo-sells-for-1-05-million-new-auction-record-for-an-australian-made-car/|title=HSV GTSR W1 Maloo sells for $1.05 million: new auction record for an Australian-made car|date=30 January 2021|access-date=19 November 2025|website=drive.com.au}}</ref> In 2021 the gold model sold for $1.05 Million, in 2025 the yellow model sold at auction for $1.2 Million.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smy |first=Damion |url=https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/hsv-gtsr-w1-maloo-secret-hotted-up-holden-ute-heads-for-massive-auction-price |title=HSV GTSR W1 Maloo: 'Secret' hotted-up Holden ute heads for massive auction price |date=19 December 2025 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=CarExpert}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Misoyannis |first=Alex |url=https://www.drive.com.au/news/hsv-gtsr-w1-maloo-ute-sells-for-1-2-million-sets-new-holden-road-car-auction-record/ |title=HSV GTSR W1 Maloo ute sells for $1.2 million, sets new Holden road-car auction record |date=24 December 2025 |access-date=1 January 2026 |website=Drive}}</ref>
== United Kingdom == thumb|right|Vauxhall Maloo {{see also|Vauxhall VXR8}} In 2011 the E Series Maloo started to be exported to the United Kingdom under Vauxhall's performance division VXR as the Vauxhall Maloo with a LS3 engine at {{cvt|317|kW|hp|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Barry|first=Ben|url=https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/holden/hsv-maloo-e3-ute-2011-review/|title=HSV Maloo E3 ute (2011) review|date=26 January 2015|access-date=1 September 2025|website=carmagazine.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Nightengale|first=Will|url=https://www.whatcar.com/news/2012-vauxhall-maloo-review/n8906|title=2012 Vauxhall Maloo review|date=5 March 2012|access-date=23 September 2025|website=What Car?}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://frontseatdriver.co.uk/2012/07/driven-vauxhall-maloo-vxr8-road-test/|title=First Drive: Vauxhall Maloo VXR8 – Front Seat Driver|access-date=23 September 2025|website=frontseatdriver.co.uk |date=4 March 2013 }}</ref> In 2017 the Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo LSA was introduced with the 6.2-litre supercharged LSA producing {{cvt|400|kW|hp|0}} and {{cvt|671|Nm|lbft|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Trott|first=Nick|url=https://www.evo.co.uk/vauxhall/vxr8/18736/vauxhall-maloo-vxr8-lsa-review-tiff-needell-drives-the-brute-ute|title=Vauxhall Maloo VXR8 LSA review - Tiff Needell drives the brute ute|date=22 February 2017|access-date=1 September 2025|website=evo.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wong|first=James|url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hsv-maloo-gts-storms-uk-100639/|title=HSV Maloo GTS storms UK |date=18 December 2015|access-date=23 September 2025|website=carsales.com.au}}</ref>
{{clear}}
== Concepts == In 2001 Holden Special Vehicles produced the Maloo-based concept car 'HSV HRT Maloo'. The HRT Maloo concept had a Callaway tuned 6.2-litre LS6 engine at {{cvt|350|kW|hp|0}}, 20-inch wheels and a wider body.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nally|first=Steve|url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/2001-hsv-hrt-edition-maloo-concept-detailed-classic-motor|title=2001 HSV HRT Ediiton Maloo concept feature: classic MOTOR|access-date=3 September 2025|website=Motor |date=15 July 2019 }}</ref>
In 2003 the 'HSV Maloo Cab Chassis' concept was shown at the 2003 Australian International Motor Show, it was powered by a LS1 producing {{cvt|260|kW|hp|0}}. It was a cab chassis model based on the Holden One Tonner.<ref>{{cite web|last=Newton|first=Bruce|url=https://www.goauto.com.au/future-models/holden/commodore/ute/first-look-one-tonner-back-in-black/2003-02-28/15896.html|title=Reborn cab-chassis One-Tonner leads a workhorse flood at Holden|date=28 February 2003|access-date=19 November 2025|website=goauto.com.au}}</ref>
<gallery widths="150"> File:2001 HSV Maloo (VU) HRT Edition utility, concept (2015-08-29).jpg|HSV Maloo HRT concept (VU) File:2003 HSV Maloo (Y Series) cab chassis, concept (2015-08-29).jpg|HSV Maloo Cab Chassis (VY) </gallery>
== Production == '''Holden Special Vehicles Maloo production'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hsv-celebrates-20-years-of-thunder-21746/|title=HSV celebrates 20 years of thunder |date=22 September 2010|access-date=21 September 2025|website=carsales.com.au}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" ! Series ! Units ! Years |- |VG |132 |1990–1992 |- |VP |49 |1992–1993 |- |VR |156 |1993–1995 |- |VS |? |1995–2000 |- |VU, VU II |301, 483 |2000-2002 |- |VY, VY II |499, 673 |2002–2004 |- |VZ |1995 |2004–2006 |- |VE |1795 |2007–2013 |- |VF |? |2013–2017 |}
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{Holden Special Vehicles}}
Category:Cars of Australia Maloo Category:Coupé utilities Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Category:Cars introduced in 1990 Category:Cars discontinued in 2017 Category:2000s cars Category:2010s cars