Could this hi-po Camaro spawn a super-hot HSV?

The power war is over, for now, but HSV is likely up to something
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The unveiling of a supercharged Camaro in North America has sparked speculation that the same engine could appear in a Holden Special Vehicles super sedan.

With 415kW out of the box, the Camaro ZL1's 6.2-litre supercharged V8 has the potential to blow the 335kW supercharged Falcon to the weeds -- and give twin-turbo Mercedes-Benz AMGs a run for their money.

Given that the Camaro and Commodore are twins under the skin and share many vital components, including engines, it's not beyond the realms of possibility.

But so far no-one at Holden or its performance car division is confirming or denying anything -- about the supercharged Camaro engine or any other engine in the General Motors warehouse.

When contacted by the Carsales Network for comment, HSV general manager of marketing Tim Jackson was short and to the point: "It would be premature to make any speculation. We have our product plan in place but we don't discuss future product plans."

Holden's executive director of engineering Greg Tyus, who is also on the HSV board, told the Carsales Network this week that, as part of Holden's and HSV's normal product planning process, vehicles are continually improved.

"I think it's a matter of when, not if [there is a performance upgrade], but you can say that about any vehicle," he said.

"I wouldn't say there is a need to respond to anything. To be honest we are very happy with the current package. It's a world-class performance car and I don't think anyone can say it is lacking in power. Numbers are one thing but you need to look at the whole performance package."

In recent comparison tests by motoring magazines, the 0 to 100km/h acceleration times of HSVs have been line-ball with or slightly slower than the supercharged Ford -- but HSVs have generally been regarded as having superior handling.

Tyus said it would be up to HSV to decide what performance upgrades, if any, would apply to future models.

"We don't tell HSV what to do, they are a separate company," he said. "We know what the competition is doing, HSV knows what the competition is doing, and they know how to get there.

"It's just a matter of getting it done. The guys at HSV are very sharp. They're not a step behind anyone. They know what needs to be done."

Although HSV is a separate company, Holden still has a strong influence over its performance car partner and HSV closely relies on General Motors powertrains.

The current HSV range is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 also used in the Corvette and Camaro. Because Holden warrants the engines and drivetrains fitted to HSV cars, it must approve any performance upgrades and ensure they meet Holden's durability standards.

Meanwhile, it's all quiet on the power-war front between Ford and Holden since the supercharged Falcon GT stormed onto the scene late last year.

Ford Performance Vehicles sold 1100 vehicles last year as it ramped up production of its supercharged car.

HSV sold triple that amount, notching up 3300 sales, a 20 per cent increase on the previous year, on the back of its E3 upgrade, which included an integrated race-car-style computer and tracking system.

Despite Ford winning headlines with the fastest and most powerful Falcon ever built, HSV still has the sales lead at the start of this year.

According to figures supplied by the car makers, HSV sold 220 vehicles in January 2011, up 70 per cent on the same month the previous year, when 130 vehicles were sold. FPV sold 120 Falcons, up 50 per cent on the same month the previous year, when 80 vehicles were sold.

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