The HSV Senator was Holden Special Vehicles’ performance-luxury sedan, produced from 1992 to 2017 and based on the Holden Berlina and Calais. It was the most luxurious model in the HSV range when it appeared, and in its last generation it was pitched against the BMW 5 Series and other European luxury cars.
HSV Senator at a glance
| Maker | Holden Special Vehicles, Clayton, Victoria |
|---|---|
| Production | 1992–2017 |
| Basis | Holden Berlina and Holden Calais |
| First model | VP Series Senator and Senator 500i, 1992 |
| Engines | 5.0-litre Holden V8, 5.7-litre LS1, 6.0-litre LS2, 6.2-litre LS3 |
| Signature trim | from the VT Series of 1997 |
| Wagon | Senator Signature wagon, 27 built in 1997 |
| SV300 (2001) | six-speed T-56 manual only, 134 built |
| SV08 (2008) | 20th-anniversary model, 50 built |
| Suspension | Magnetic Ride Control on the E Series Signature |
| End of production | 2017 |
History of the HSV Senator
The SV line and the first Senator
The Senator was introduced in 1992 in VP Series form as the Senator and Senator 500i, the most luxurious model in the HSV range and the replacement for the SV91. It was the fourth iteration of the ‘SV’ series begun in 1988; the first of that line, the SV88, was the first vehicle to wear the HSV badge. The VP car was based on the Holden Berlina and added independent rear suspension, anti-lock brakes, new wheels, a new interior and a body kit.
VR, VS and VT
The VR Series of 1993 brought the Senator 185i and 215i and an optional spoiler. The VS Series of 1995 came with 10-spoke wheels and two suspension choices, Sport and Touring. In 1997 the VT Series introduced the Senator Signature alongside the Senator 195i and 220i; the VTII of 1999 replaced the Holden V8 with the LS1, and a performance pack added new suspension and brakes, seats, 18-inch alloys from the WH Grange, optional satellite navigation, a sunroof and an upgraded sound system. A Senator Signature wagon was also offered in 1997, and 27 were sold.
VX, Y and Z Series
The VX Series Senator Signature 255i appeared in 2000, followed in 2001 by the Senator 300i and the SV300, which was built only with the six-speed T-56 manual and accounted for 134 cars. The Y Series Senator and Senator Signature of 2002 brought 19-inch wheels, the Premium Brake System, cross-drilled and ventilated discs with four-piston calipers and a suspension calibration called ‘Luxury 3’. The Z Series Senator followed in 2004.
E Series, Gen-F and the end
The E Series Senator Signature of 2006 introduced Magnetic Ride Control, set to ‘luxury’ by default with a ‘Performance’ mode available by button, and 19-inch wheels. The E Series 2 of 2009 added daytime running lights, and the E Series 3 of 2010 a petrol/LPG bi-fuel option with liquid propane injection, a blind spot monitor and an optional bi-modal exhaust; in 2010 the Senator also began to be exported to Singapore. HSV marked the 20th anniversary of the SV88 with the Senator SV08 at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show: 20-inch ‘Pentagon’ wheels, a six-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual and 50 cars built, 20 manual and 30 automatic. The Gen-F Senator Signature arrived in 2013 and the Gen-F2 in 2016; the model was discontinued in 2017.
Design and features
- Luxury brief: the Senator was the most luxurious HSV when launched in 1992 and kept that position in the range.
- Berlina and Calais basis: it used Holden’s long-wheelbase luxury bodies rather than the Commodore sports sedan.
- Magnetic Ride Control: the E Series Signature of 2006 offered adaptive dampers with luxury and performance calibrations.
- Bi-fuel option: the E Series 3 of 2010 could run on LPG as well as petrol through liquid propane injection.
- European rivals: the Senator was benchmarked against the BMW 5 Series and Ford Performance Vehicles’ Force and GT-E.
HSV Senator versions
- VP Senator and Senator 500i (1992): the first of the line, with independent rear suspension and anti-lock brakes.
- VS Senator 185i and 215i (1995): 10-spoke wheels, Sport or Touring suspension.
- VT Senator Signature (1997): the first Signature, with a 27-car wagon variant.
- SV300 (2001): six-speed manual only, 134 built.
- E Series Senator Signature (2006): Magnetic Ride Control and 19-inch wheels.
- Senator SV08 (2008): 50 cars for the 20th anniversary of the SV88.
- Gen-F and Gen-F2 Signature (2013–2017): the final versions of the Senator.
The Senator shared its long-wheelbase body with the HSV Grange and its engines with the Clubsport R8; all three are in the HSV collection.
Video: HSV GEN-F Senator Signature Product Overview
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- HSV Senator, English Wikipedia: history by series, engines, special editions, reception
- Holden Special Vehicles, English Wikipedia: the SV line and the place of the Senator in the range
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