HSV - Response R8 by Malibu

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has veered off the bitumen and onto the water with the release of the first HSV skiboat.

A joint project between HSV and skiboat manufacturer Malibu, the muscle-craft made a roaring debut in front of invited media guests at its launch at Mulwala Water Ski Club (NSW) recently.

Dubbed the HSV - Response R8, the concept boat is the culmination of around six months work between the two companies. Based on the popular Malibu 'Response' (SV23 Diamond hull) and packed with HSV features, including an enhanced LS1 V-eight engine, the boat is the aquatic equivalent of the ClubSport motor vehicle.

HSV General Manager Chris Payne said the boat, which was to form part of HSV's 'lifestyle' display at the Sydney Motor Show as this issue went to press, was a "perfect fit" with HSV owners' lifestyles.

"Traditionally HSV owners are very much into outdoor activities; we know that as well as their obvious affection for motorsport, watersports and family activities feature prominently in their leisure activities," Payne said.

"As such, it will be interesting to see if we get orders for the HSV version of the Response."

The 6.01m craft, beam 2.28m, is of 100% fibreglass construction - comprising a patented fibreglass engine chassis system (FibECS) and a laminated one-piece floor system. Other features include a custom raked and tinted windscreen, rack and pinion steering, 'Zero Friction' throttle and shifter cables, customised stainless steel underwater gear and Kysor medallion servo driven gauges.

The 5.7lt Indmar/Malibu alloy LS1 Corvette engine produces 280kW at 5200rpm / 533Nm at 4800rpm, and is exhausted by HSV 'D ouble D' quad rear exhaust outlets. Drive is a Hurth marine FNR transmission via a double-tapered 1 1/18 shaft and 13in x 13in custom tuned stainless steel Mad Dog prop.

Sporting a custom paintjob - inspired by the graphics of the HRT racecar, a full custom interior finished in black, purple and silver defines the craft as a truly 'special vehicle'. A stylish HSV dash houses all gauges and switches and is complemented by a sporty HSV steering wheel, while driver and observer are spoilt with HSV performance seats. Passengers are entertained by a quality CD stereo system, while a closed-circuit video system takes place of a rearview mirror to display the skier/boarder on a small TV screen in view of the driver!

HSV logos are present everywhere, right down to the fuel cap and the corporate badge moulded into the transom. Even the trailer has been HSV 'enhanced'. Boasting HSV prototype wheels - colour-matched with HSV four-piston premium brakes and Bridgestone SO-3 tyres, the calipers and pads are even HSV embossed.

The boat also sits much lower into the V of the fully-lined tandem trailer which, apart from looking very sleek, is said to improve handling while under tow.

On the water the water the 'HSV - Response R8' was quick, quiet, vibration-free and (as its name suggests) responsive. Easy to handle, with the hand throttle, it truly does drive like a performance vehicle...

More so than any other currently on the market.

Production of the 'HSV - Response R8', in a limited run or otherwise, will depend entirely on the public's reaction to the super sporty concept craft. If visitors to the Sydney Motor Show and readers of this magazine are of the same opinion as myself, Malibu and HSV can expect to be bombarded with orders of 'I just want one!'