The HSV Senator is a performance-luxury sedan produced by Holden Special Vehicles from 1992 to 2017. It was based on the Holden Berlina and Holden Calais.
Contents
Background
When introduced in 1992 the Senator was the most luxurious model in the HSV range, replacing the HSV SV91. The fourth iteration of the 'SV' series of models which started in 1988. The first iteration of the series, the HSV SV88, was also the first vehicle to be badged under the Holden Special Vehicles marque. In 2008 a 20th anniversary model celebrating the SV88 was released, the Senator SV08.
History
The VP Series Senator and Senator 500i were released in 1992, based on the Holden Berlina. It added independent rear suspension and an anti-lock braking system, new wheels, interior, and a body kit. In 1993, the VR Series Senator 185i and 215i were released. It added the option for a spoiler. In 1995, the VS Series Senator 185i and 215i were released. It came with 10-spoke wheels and two suspension options; Sport and Touring.
The VT Series Senator Signature was released in 1997, with the Senator 195i and Senator 220i. The VTII Series Senator was released in 1999, replacing the previous model's Holden V8 engines with the LS1 V8. A performance pack option added new suspension, brakes, seats, 18-inch alloy wheels from the WH Grange, optional satellite navigation, sunroof, and sound system. The Senator Signature wagon was released in 1997, selling 27 total units.
The VX Series Senator Signature 255i was released in 2000 with the Senator 300i releasing in 2001. The SV300 was released in 2001. The SV300 was only produced with the six-speed T-56 manual gearbox, 134 units were produced.. The Y Series Senator and Senator Signature were released in 2002. The Signature came with 19-inch wheels, the Premium Brake System, a calibrated suspension called 'Luxury 3', cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs, and four-piston calipers. The Z Series Senator was released in 2004.
The E Series Senator Signature was released in 2006. It included Magnetic Ride Control, with calibration was set to 'luxury' by default with a 'Performance' able to be enabled by a button, and 19-inch wheels. The E Series 2 was released in 2009 and added daytime running lights. The E Series 3 was released in 2010, adding a petrol/LPG bi-fuel option with liquid propane injection (LPI), a blind spot monitor, and optional bi-modal exhaust. Alongside other HSV models, the Senator began export to Singapore in 2010.
HSV unveiled the limited run Senator SV08 at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show for the 20th anniversary of the HSV SV88. It used six-speed Tremec TR-6060 for the manual transmission. It came standard with 20-inch 'Pentagon' wheels. 50 units were produced, 20 manual and 30 automatic.
The Gen-F Senator Signature was released in 2013. The Gen-F2 Senator Signature was released in 2016. The Senator was discontinued in 2017.
Reception
The Senator competed with BMW 5 Series and other European luxury cars. It also competed against Ford Performance Vehicles' Force, and its replacement model the GT-E.