In 1996 HDT’s Len Pennisi unveiled the new Aero. This machine was destined to become a collectable. The suspension package used Munroe gas dampers, variable rate springs and front and rear sway bars. To free up the Air flow to the motor a Hi-flo air filter was used while the memcal chip not only increased power, but also allowed the EFI motor to run more efficiently, this in turn gave the TH700 Auto a revised set of shift points. Like the VC HDT this vehicle ran cleaner than the standard V8.
Externally the Aero sported a ten piece colour coded body kit consisting of a one piece front bumper, mesh inserts, side skirts, individual door panels, newly designed rear bumper and a two piece rear deck wing. Colour Coding continued to the engine bay where the strut bar and engine covers were also coloured.
Vehicles were ordered from the factory with a Live Rear End, due to restrictions with the IRS camber modifications available at the time. The factory also supplied the cars with manual windows, HDT then refitted the GMH Switchgear and replaced the motors, for smoother operation. Slate Grey was the trim colour, and saw HDT’s magic also, with the fitment of newly bolstered Leather front buckets with matching rears, velour door trims and the four spot Momo Wheel. Woodgrain items were sourced by A German AMG/Mercedes Benz supplier, and extend around the center console and gear lever. Exhaust was of the standard GMH variety with the exception of the 63mm headers and the 75mm stainless tip.
VEHICLE FACTORY SPECS
ENGINE
HDT Improved 304 Cubic Inch (5.0 Litre) V8, overhead valves, 2 valves / cylinder Bore x Stroke (mm): 102.0 mm bore and 77.0mm stroke, 9.5:1 compression. Max Power 195kw
INDUCTION
Electronic Multi-point port fuel injection.
TRANSMISSION
Turbo HydraMatic 700 (THM700) Automatic or T5 5 Spd Manual.
Ratios: (T5 only) First: 2.950 Second: 1.940 Third: 1.340 Fourth: 1.00 Fifth: 0.730
DIFFERENTIALS
3.08:1
CLUTCH
Single Dry Plate
STEERING
Power assisted Rack & Pinion. 2.8 turns lock to lock. 10.4m turning circle.
SUSPENSION
Front: Fully independant. Macpherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar
Rear: Live axle located by upper and lower trailing arms and Panhard rod. Coil springs and anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Split circuit hydraulic system with power booster.
Front: 287mm Ventilated discs.
Rear: 279mm Discs.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Bosch 5.3
WHEELS & TYRES
Milano 17″ x 8.0″ with Sumitomo HTRZ2J 235/45 tyres.
PERFORMANCE
Uknown
FUEL TANK
85 Litres
NUMBER BUILT
100
PRICES
Around $60000
