“Class-leading stature and stance, combined with bold graphics, sums up the design direction we wanted to take with the SportsCat program. We wanted our design to look strong and purposeful, yet beautifully integrated, and the enhancements we’ve introduced with Series 2 accentuate that theme and deliver a road presence that’s truly distinctive and unique”

Julian Quincey, HSV Chief Designer

Stylish new 18” x 10” 6-spoke forged alloy wheels in matte black, make their debut as standard equipment on both models. These light-weight alloys are wrapped in Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro Sports All-terrain tyres that are a hybrid between a sports-truck tyre and an all-terrain tyre. In addition to their rugged off-road capability, these hybrid tyres were specially selected by HSV’s chassis engineers for their exceptional on-road performance characteristics, especially on tarmac and dirt roads.

Developed specifically for the SportsCat by HSV’s chassis engineers, the rear de-coupling anti-roll bar improves the higher speed road driving performance of the vehicle by controlling rear roll, and thereby improving overall vehicle balance and turn-in transient response.

The de-coupling feature ensures that when heading into rugged 4×4 territory, the vehicle’s suspension settings can be optimised for off-road performance: the system is automatically de-activated upon the driver’s (“shift-on-the-fly”) selection of Four-Wheel Low.

The rear de-coupling anti roll bar comes standard on the SportsCat SV and is available as an option on the SportsCat V.

The same brand as used on the GTSR range, this premium brake package features forged 4-piston fixed head calipers with large brake master cylinders and 362mm x 32mm front rotors to deliver superior pedal feel and braking performance, and comes standard on SportsCat SV and is available as an option on SportsCat V.

Both SportsCat models feature HSV Sports suspension with the front spring rate stiffened to 110 Newtons/mm. This spring rate helps deliver outstanding front-end support with less body roll and more accurate transient response. The vehicle’s MTV dampers have also been tuned to suit this spring rate with the overall result being a more performance-based handling characteristic.

In addition to the increased spring rate, front ride height has been lifted by 25mm. This modification further improves the approach angle of the vehicle, increases ground clearance to the body and reduces the overall rake, delivering a more natural on-road stance.

SupaShock Suspension, as introduced to the Australian market on HSV’s iconic GTSR W1, is available as a factory-fitted option on both SportsCat V and SportsCat SV, taking the vehicle’s suspension capabilities to another level yet again. These linear-style dampers are significantly larger than regular dampers, delivering the lowest frictional losses of any commercially available damper. Their adoption helps deliver superior performance and road grip without compromising ride quality or body control.

Both SportsCat models are powered by a 2.8 litre double overhead cam 4-cylinder common-rail injection Duramax Turbo Diesel engine that offers 147kW of power and up to 500Nm of torque when specified with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard fitment.

SportsCat’s 4WD system features a position shift control switch located on the centre floor console. Key settings include:

• Two-Wheel High – this setting is ideal for driving in most street and highway situations. The front axle is not engaged in Two-Wheel High.
• Four-Wheel High – this setting engages the front axle to help drive the vehicle. Four-Wheel High is useful when you require extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads, or in most off-road situations.
• Four-Wheel Low – this setting also engages the front axle for extra traction. It sends the maximum power to all four wheels and is an ideal selection when heading off-road. It is in this setting that the Rear De-Coupling Anti-Roll Bar is disengaged.

The Load Master cargo management system allows you to partition the gear in the tub of your vehicle for easy access, while preventing it from sliding around and potentially causing damage to the tub and/or your equipment.

The Load Master cargo organiser simply slides into the T-channels on each side of the vehicle tub. An extending frame and flexible hinges on each end of the divider allow for both parallel and angled positioning, while two pockets along the length of the divider provide additional storage for smaller items.

The Load Master is made using high grade steel and fabric which is impact resistant, tough and durable. The clever construction means the Load Master can be adjusted and fixed or removed in seconds to allow maximum flexibility for any sized load.