2005 HSV Avalanche XUV – Today’s Workmate Tempter

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 01.06.2017

Don’t see many of these anymore

Here’s one of the more oddball models ever to bare the Holden Special Vehicles badge, the HSV Avalanche XUV.

Based on the Holden VY Crewman Cross 8, the XUV or ‘X-Treme Utility Vehicle’ was a dual-cab powerhouse built in Holden’s Elizabeth plant in South Australia and then fettled at HSV’s headquarters in Clayton.

The Avalanche packed Chevy’s 5.7lt ‘LS1’ V8 that pumped out 270kW and a whopping 475Nm. Despite a weight of almost two tonne, this oomph was enough to propel the XUV from rest to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds, a time that is still respectable today.

Power from the LS1 went to a 4-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, codenamed 4L60E. The 4-speed auto was the only transmission option made available to the XUV, there was no manual version offered.

The Avalanche’s power was distributed to all four wheels via Holden’s ‘Cross Trac’ permanent four-wheel drive system which featured a New Venture transfer case and three open differentials at the front, middle and rear.

The ‘Cross Trac’ permanent four-wheel drive system sent a constant torque split of 38:62 front to rear in normal conditions. Holden engineers decided on this figure to ensure the Avalanche still felt rear-biased when being driven in an enthusiastic manner.

This particular Avalanche looks to be in great condition with a very low 37,600 kilometres on the clock.

These might even end up being a future collectable, as you don’t see too many of these things on the street anymore.

The seller is asking $45,000 for the XUV, and if you’ve got a hankering for this V8-powered, go anywhere, 4WD ute then you can check out the full listing here.

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