Modern Aussie Icon: JoeViscosi’s HSV Clubsport R8

The Holden stirs passion and pride among Aussie enthusiasts. Their powerful sedans, homegrown performance, and legacy of motorsport dominance left an unforgettable mark on Australian automotive
history. Among the final chapters of this legacy was one of the most thrilling factory-built sedans ever produced: the 2016 Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) Clubsport R8 LSA GEN-F2.

For Joe Viscosi, a former Holden employee and proud car enthusiast, owning this car wasn’t just about performance, it was personal. It’s a symbol of his connection to the Holden brand, a celebration of local engineering and his piece of history.

The birth of a powerhouse

The HSV Clubsport R8 LSA GEN-F2, launched in 2016, was a high-performance sedan that represented the pinnacle of Australian muscle car design. Fitted with a supercharged 6.2L LSA V8 engine, it produced 400kW of power and 671Nm of torque straight from the factory floor.

The Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) was known for taking already powerful Holden models and turning them into aggressive, track-ready beasts. With the GEN-F2 update, HSV added more performance, a sharper body kit, upgraded suspension, and enhanced interior finishes. However, what made it truly special was that it was among the last HSVs ever produced before Holden shut down its Australian manufacturing operations in 2017.

Unlike earlier Commodores (from VB to VZ), which were based on Opel platforms, the VE and VF series were 100% Australian-designed and engineered, making the GEN-F2 a true-blue Aussie legend.

A deal too good to miss

As a former Holden employee, Joe Viscosi received a unique opportunity. An email from Holden’s head office offered current and former staff a one-time-only chance to buy a new HSV at a 23% discount. There was a catch, it had to be showroom stock, and buyers had just four weeks to secure their vehicle.

Joe visited six or seven HSV dealerships before finding a GEN-F2 Clubsport R8 that checked all his boxes. With the VF series marking the end of Holden manufacturing and this particular model boasting a factory-supercharged V8, the decision was simple.

Investing in a performance upgrade

Eighteen months into ownership, Joe decided to enhance the performance. Through contacts in the HS Owners Club of Victoria, he connected with Dale Peterson’s Motorsport in Tullamarine, a workshop known for its expertise in LS and HSV engines. Together, they opted for a performance package that included:

• Full DiFilippo exhaust and headers
• 18% bottom pulley to increase boost
• Harrop air intake
• Lid spacer
• A full dyno tune, resulting in an extra 100 rear-wheel kilowatts

The transformation did wonders for the car, impressing Joe so much that he said, “This is how it should be from the factory”. It’s been five years since now, and according to Joe, the HSV Clubsport “still runs
like a dream”

More than a car, a community

But beyond the power and the prestige of owning the HSV, Joe has received another fun bonus, a community. He got connected with other car enthusiasts through the HSV Owners Club of Victoria. Initially founded in 1986 as the HDT Owners Club, the group regularly hosts a Show’ n’ Shine event and other social gatherings on weekends. It’s where Joe built friendships, attended events, and became part of a bigger community passionate about keeping the HSV spirit alive.

If you’re also a proud owner of an HSV, consider joining the club to earn membership benefits, including exclusive merchandise, access to club events, and an invitation to a factory tour.

Share your Ryno Rides story

We’re proud to give the spotlight to long-time clients like Joe Viscosi, whose stories remind us of why we fell in love with cars in the first place, especially with Aussie legends that left the world behind in a cloud of smoke and horsepower.

How about you? Got a ride you’ve restored, or can’t stop showing off? Share your car story with us and be featured in an upcoming edition of Ryno Rides!

Visit rynoinsurance.com.au for more car restoration stories. And if you’re preserving your piece of Australian motoring history, make sure it’s protected. Request a free quote from us! We specialise in classic and performance car insurance designed for car enthusiasts like you.