The refreshed 2019 HSV SportsCat Series 2 has launched from $62,490+ORCs…boasting cosmetic and handling tweaks.

The refreshed HSV SportsCat Series 2 has arrived and while the most obvious changes are listed here, there are some key performance tweaks that we’ll detail later in the article:

• Gloss black grille, fascia and lower inserts
• New 6-spoke forged alloy wheel
• New HSV Performance seats
• Sports-profile steering wheel
• Enhanced HSV branding (due to customer feedback)
• Broadened range of options
• New nomenclature

There are two variants to choose from and the model names have been changed to SportsCatV and SportsCat SV, these replaces the SportsCat Look Pack and SportsCat+, respectively.

“Class-leading stature and stance, combined with bold graphics, sum up the design direction we took with the initial SportsCat program,” said HSV’s Chief Designer, Julian Quincey. “We wanted our design to look strong and purposeful, yet beautifully integrated. The enhancements we’ve introduced with Series 2 accentuate that theme and deliver a road presence that’s truly distinctive and unique.”

In terms of ride and handling, the SportsCat has copped a few improvements. Both SportsCat models have had the front spring rate stiffened to 110Newtons/mm. “The modification to the spring rate, and the addition of front strut braces, help deliver a noticeable improvement in the handling characteristics of the vehicle, providing improved front-end support (less body roll) and more accurate transient response. The (MTV) dampers have been tuned to suit the revised spring rate with the overall result being a more performance-based handling characteristic,” HSV said.

In addition to the increased spring rate, front ride height has been lifted by 25mm, HSV said. “When coupled with the overall size of the tyres (285/60 R18), and their rolling radius, total (front) ride height is lifted by 45mm,” HSV said. This modification further improves the approach angle of the vehicle (to 32 degrees), increases ground clearance (to a claimed 251mm).

The top-spec SportsCat SV also now gets a Rear De-Coupling Anti-Roll Bar “the de-coupling rear sway bar improves the higher speed road driving performance of the vehicle by controlling rear roll, and thereby improving overall vehicle balance and turn-in transient response. The de-coupling feature ensures that when heading into rugged 4×4 territory, the vehicle’s suspension settings can be optimised for off-road performance; the system is automatically de-activated upon the driver’s (“shift-on-the-fly”) selection of Four-Wheel Low”.

Changes to tyres and brakes have seen HSV engineers tweak the stability and traction controls. The latter, said HSV, has been tuned to afford a less aggressive intervention on corner exit.

HSV’s Chief Engineer, Trevor Barallon, said, “A major focus of the initial SportsCat program was enhancing the off-road performance of the vehicle whilst at the same time, setting a new bench-mark for on-road driving dynamics. Normally you can’t achieve one without compromising the other. But with the revisions we’ve made to the vehicle’s suspension, combined with the AP Racing brake package, the Rear De-coupling Anti-roll Bar and our exclusive wheel and tyre package, we believe we offer a truly unique driving experience.”

Both SportsCat models continue to be powered by a 2.8-litre Duramax Turbo Diesel engine that makes 147kW and up to 500Nm of torque when specified with the optional six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select. A six-speed manual transmission is standard fit.

Pricing for the Series 2 SportsCat range is unchanged with build due to commence at HSV’s production facility in Clayton South, Victoria, early this month. SportsCat V (manual): $62,490+ORCs; SportsCat SV (manual): $66,790+ORCs.

SportsCat Series 2 Options:

• Six-speed Automatic Transmission with Active Select: $2200
• AP Racing premium brake package (SportsCat V only): $2295
• Rear De-coupling Anti-Roll Bar (SportsCat V only): $2795
• Sailplane (SportsCat SV only): $1300
• SupaShock suspension: $2990
• Tub-liner: $300
• Prestige Paint (Dark Shadow / Mineral Black / Crush): $550
• Delete Hard Tonneau and Sports-bar (SportsCat V only): ($2500)