What is claimed by Vauxhall to be the UK’s fastest pick-up truck will be even more potent in future.
The Maloo LSA, which comes out of Vauxhall owner GM’s magnificent Australian outpost, Holden, is inspired by the sport of V8 Ute racing down under, is gaining a power increase of more than 100bhp.
Now Vauxhall’s only pick-up, the Maloo is replacing its LS3 V8 engine of 424bhp with the supercharged LSA V8 unit fitted to its sister the VXR8 GTS saloon, and also the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
The new power output is 528bhp, along with a torque increase of 74lbft to 495lbft, which makes the Maloo more potent than a Porsche 911. The truck will complete a 0-62mph sprint in 4.6 seconds, while remaining capable of taking a half-tonne payload.
The engine modifications include an Eaton four-lobe supercharger, stand-alone water-to-air charge-air cooling system and high-flow exhaust system with bi-modal exhaust function.
To cope with the extra power the Maloo’s chassis is also upgraded, the changes ranging across stiffer spring and damper rates, and a modified rear suspension module to both improve stiffness and braking efficiency.
Other changes to the new Maloo include the fitting of Launch Control to manual models only, a limited slip differential, sat-nav, Bluetooth, Onyx leather trim, and an EDI (Enhanced Driver Interface).
Some styling upgrades have been added too – the front end is redesigned with a subtle splitter and pitch-black bonnet air vents. This black theme is also applied to the mirror backs and wing vents, while a new 20-inch, five-spoke alloy wheel design completes the package.
The new Maloo is available in two extra colours, dubbed Slipstream (a vibrant blue) and Some Like it Hot (metallic red).
And while it may be the UK’s fastest commercial vehicle, the Maloo is indeed classed as a CV, which means businesses buying one can claim back the VAT from its £54,500 on-the-road price…
