Holden Special Vehicles GTS

The Holden Special Vehicles GTS (HSV GTS) is a performance vehicle produced by Australian company Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), the performance division of Holden, manufactured from 1992 to 2017. It was HSV's flagship model.[1]

History

Before the introduction of the HSV GTS in Australia the HSV GTS V6 was a New Zealand-exclusive export, launched in 1990 during the VN, continuing to 1992 with the VP series. Both models utilised the 3.8-Litre Buick V6 engine.[2][3]

The HSV GTS was introduced in 1992 with the VP series as a flagship model for the HSV brand, featuring more luxury fittings, along a higher output 5.0-litre Holden V8 engine at 200 kW and stronger running gear.[4]

The VR series GTS, introduced in 1994 used the 5.7-litre stroker 5000i Holden V8 at 215 kW. The VS Series GTS, launched in April 1995 with the same power, improved the brakes, and added electronic rear suspension levelling.[5]

In 1996, in the VS Series the HSV GTSR was released, as a limited production run featuring a worked engine, custom interior and unique XU3 Yellah paintwork. These cars have since sold for upwards of A$1,000,000.[6]

In 1997 the VT series GTS released, originally with the 5.7-litre Holden V8 stroker at 220 kW. The VT II series GTS 300 released in April 2000 with a Callaway-tuned C4B engine at 300 kW, based on the LS1. Both the VX series, launched in November 2000 and Y series GTS, launched in 2002 retained the 300 kW C4B.[7] There was no Z Series GTS made.[8][9]

The E series GTS, launched in 2006 was offered with a LS2 at 307 kW, shared with the rest of the HSV E series range.[10] The E Series 2 GTS, launched in September 2009 was powered by a LS3 at 325 kW, it also introduced twin bonnet scoops, daytime running lights, and a competition setting for the electronic stability control.[11] The E Series 3, launched in September 2010 was powered with a LS3 at 325 kW, and introduced a bi-fuel option using LPG and petrol.[12][13]

The Gen-F GTS, launched in 2013 powered by a supercharged LSA at 430 kW.[14] The HSV GTSR nameplate was returned for HSV's Gen-F 2 series in 2015, powered by a supercharged LS9 at 435 kW.[15]

In 2017, HSV announced the HSV GTSR W1, of which 275 examples (250 for Australia, 25 for New Zealand) were produced.[16] The GTSR W1 featured a supercharged 6.2-litre LS9 at 474 kW, with custom carbon fibre parts, and interior.[17] Additionally, four examples of the HSV GTSR W1 Maloos were produced.[18] The GTS was discontinued in 2017.[19][20]