The HSV Maloo is one of the most iconic vehicles produced by Holden Special Vehicles, combining the practicality of a ute with the power and performance of a muscle car. First introduced in 1990, the Maloo name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning “thunder,” perfectly reflecting its V8-powered character. Based on the Holden Commodore ute, the HSV Maloo featured aggressive styling, upgraded suspension, and performance engines that rivalled many sports cars. Later generations, especially the E Series and Gen-F2 Maloo, delivered incredible performance figures, with some versions achieving world records as the fastest production utes. Today, the HSV Maloo stands as a symbol of Australian car culture, blending workhorse utility with HSV’s racing DNA.

25 Questions about HSV Maloo

  • In what year was the HSV Maloo first introduced?

  • What does the word “Maloo” mean in Aboriginal language?

  • Which Holden model was the base for the HSV Maloo?

  • What engine powered the first-generation HSV Maloo?

  • How much horsepower did the later Maloo GTSR produce?

  • What braking system upgrades were standard on the HSV Maloo?

  • How did the Maloo differ visually from the standard Commodore ute?

  • What suspension changes improved the handling of the HSV Maloo?

  • How fast could the Gen-F2 Maloo GTSR accelerate from 0–100 km/h?

  • What was the top speed of the most powerful HSV Maloo models?

  • Did the HSV Maloo ever hold a world speed record for production utes?

  • How many HSV Maloo units were built across all generations?

  • What interior features set the HSV Maloo apart from the Commodore ute?

  • What special editions of the Maloo were released over the years?

  • How did the HSV Maloo compare to Ford’s FPV Pursuit utes?

  • What was the retail price range of the HSV Maloo when new?

  • Was the HSV Maloo exported outside of Australia?

  • How was the HSV Maloo received by automotive journalists?

  • Did HSV ever produce an all-wheel-drive version of the Maloo?

  • What fuel consumption figures were typical for the HSV Maloo?

  • How collectible are HSV Maloo models today?

  • Which generation of HSV Maloo is considered the most iconic?

  • What legacy did the HSV Maloo leave in Australian car culture?

  • Why is the HSV Maloo remembered as both a workhorse and a muscle car?

  • How does the HSV Maloo rank among the most famous HSV vehicles?