Highlighted on the Clubsport R8 E Series 2 tested here are the new very bright LED daytime running lights. They are especially effective when combined with the black paint of the car, and tend to intimidate people who get out of the way when the Clubsport R8 is approaching. Also new are the bonnet vents, reminiscent of the vents on the Pontiac G8, which shares the same underpinnings as the HSV Clubsport R8 – the V8 Holden Commodore. Unlike the Commodore though, the NZ$84,090 Clubsport R8 has an LS3 6.2 litre V8 engine that has been specially adapted by HSV to produce 317kW (425 horsepower). That is the same as the E Series 1 cars, but the top GTS model is boosted to 325kW (435 horsepower), with the same 550Nm (405 lb ft) of torque as the engine in the Clubsport R8. The term ‘effortless performance’ is often bandied about but in the Clubsport R8 that is exactly what owners get – massive torque from low rpm and hard hitting power in the upper reaches of the rev range. For this Series 2 car, many changes were carried out under the skin. These include a new launch control system on manual gearbox equipped cars, and extended cruise control which allows the driver to set a maximum speed the vehicle will not exceed unless the throttle is pushed hard to the floor in an emergency acceleration situation. The stability control system now has a more extreme ‘Competition Mode’ which is intended for track days where more extreme driving conditions are experienced. The ride height has been lowered by 10mm for a lower centre of gravity and improved handling, although it does make it easy to scrape the front bumper on kerbs. It could be assumed that a car with such a massive and powerful engine would use large amounts of fuel, and in certain circumstances this is so. In town fuel consumption is high, but out on the open road at 100km/h (62mph) the car will sit comfortably in sixth gear with the engine barely turning over at 1600rpm, which is approximately only twice the idling speed. In this situation it is possible to get 600km (372 miles) from the 73 litre (19 gallon) fuel tank. This car has the six-speed manual gearbox which, as in the Series 1 cars, is heavy, but smooth. The previous generation of HSVs had a much more rustic feel to the gearshift, with an extremely notchy gearchange. The clutch is still heavy though, requiring a large force to be exerted every time the driver changes gear. Most buyers will no doubt opt for the six-speed automatic version. As this is the entry level ClubSport R8 the suspension lacks the technologically advanced adjustable suspension standard on the GTS. But that is not a problem, as HSV has worked hard on the suspension tune, and it is a good compromise between stiff performance handling and absorbent ride. This car is running on the slightly smaller 19 inch wheels rather than the optional 20 inch wheels, which doubtless contributes to the ride quality by allowing a slightly higher and compliant sidewall on each tyre. The HSV E Series 2 ClubSport R8 is a good improvement on the Series 1, both in the apperance and performance of the car thanks to the detail changes under the skin. The only problem is the heavy clutch pedal, but as mentioned before, most owners will opt for the six speed automatic. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society