The Designer series package was another vehicle from the post Holden era and was built on the SL and was the least expensive HDT in the range. The Exterior Kit consisted of Calais Sports rear deck spoiler, grille and front air damn, HDT 15×7 Aero Alloy Wheels, body coded bumpers, side mouldings, plus Designer series badging. Like the ‘Corsa’, the ‘Designer Series’ offered no engine modifications over the standard Commodores but offered the HDT improved exterior goodies as standard.
Interior appointments were limited to only a HDT/Momo leather steering wheel and Dash Badge. Pricewise, the Designer Series Kit added a further $3450 to the price of a base SL which meant a five speed equipped designer series would have cost $20,552.
Note: HDT Build plates were not issued to the Designer Series Range of Vehicles.
VEHICLE FACTORY SPECS
ENGINE
Option 1. Nissan RB30E 3.0L EFI Straight Six. Overhead cam, 2 valves per cylinder; Bore x Stroke (mm): 86.0 x 85.0; Compression ratio: 9.0:1 Maximum Power: 114kW; Max Torque: 247Nm
Option 2. Nissan RB30ET 3.0L Turbo straight six, Overhead cam, 2 valves per cylinder, Water cooled Garrett AiResearch T3 turbocharger, strengthened camshaft, strengthened pistons, larger oil pump, detonation sensor, two mode fuel injection system, and pressure relief valve in the inlet manifold. Bore x Stroke (mm): 86.0 x 85.0 Compression ratio: 7.8:1; Maximum Power: 150Kw; Max Torque: 296 Nm
Option 3. 4.987 Litre (304 Cubic Inch) HDT modified pushrod V8, Overhead Valve – 2 valves per cylinder; Bore x Stroke (mm): 101.6 x 77.8; Maximum Power: Unknown; Maximum Torque: unknown
INDUCTION
RB30E and RB30ET: Multipoint Electronic Fuel Injection with Ram tuned intake manifold and HDT Modified air intake.
V8: 4 barrel Rochester Carburettor with port matched inlet manifold. HDT Cold Air Inductiion
TRANSMISSION
5-speed manual (Turbo only) or 4-speed automatic (3 speed on V8’s)
Ratios – 4 speed Automatic
1st: 2.45:1
2nd: 1.45:1
3rd: 1.00:1
4th: 0.68:1
DIFFERENTIAL
3.45:1 Six Cylinder Models
3.08:1 V8
CLUTCH
Single Dry Plate (Torque Convertor in non turbo auto)
STEERING
Power assisted Rack & Pinion
SUSPENSION
Front: Fully independent. Macpherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Live axle located by trailing arms and Panhard rod. Coil springs and anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Power assisted front and rear discs.
WHEELS & TYRES
15 x 7JJ” HDT Aero alloys
COLOURS
Any Holden Colour
FUEL TANK
63 Litres
NUMBER BUILT
Unknown
PRICES
Base five speed $20,552.
KERB MASS
1354Kg (Six)
1383Kg (Turbo Six)
1407Kg (V8).
