HSV Maloo R8 (2007): first official pictures

By Damion Smy

First Official Pictures

15 October 2007 10:45

What the hell is a Maloo?

A Ute. And if you’ve never been to Australia then you’ve missed out. Imagine a BMW 5-series-sized car with a huge pick-up style boot, but quite utilitarian and you’re nearly there. Utes are the Aussie answer to the American pick-up, and (like the Yanks) they have an affinity for high-performance versions. The latest is the new Maloo R8, which comes with big wheels and a bodykit. Oh, and a 6.0-litre Corvette engine…

It’s essentially the Vauxhall VXR8 (which in turn starts life as a HSV ClubSport R8) with a tray. HSV’s Scott Grant calls it 'a two-door coupe with a bloody big boot!' Adding to the 'weekday workhorse, weekend warrior' marketing campaign of the VE Ute range, the Maloo offers a sheet-moulded custom rear tray, differentiating it from the regular Holden VE offerings, plus an automatic release hard-tonneau, rear parking sensors and an AP Racing 4-piston brake package.

By Damion Smy