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HSV GTS limited edition for show


Born from a vicious family split but showing little residual impact, Holden Special Vehicles is now celebrating 25 years in the supercar business and has given the GTS a boost.

At the upcoming Australian International Motor Show in Sydney this month, the HSV stand will have a 25th anniversary limited-edition GTS as its show stand star.

Following on from a refresh of the HSV range last month, which saw the re-introduction of the ClubSport and Maloo nameplates as entry-level models to the line-up, the 25th Anniversary GTS will be available to just 125 Australian buyers. HSV says there's an extra $7500 of extra features for a $2000 price hike above a standard GTS -  the 25th Anniversary GTS six-speed manual will be priced from $84,990.

Power by the 325kW/550Nm 6.2 litre V8, the limited-edition GTS sits on light-weight 20in forged alloy wheels (finished in Satin Graphite) which the low-volume car maker says offers a weight saving in excess of 22kg over the standard GTS wheel set. Bonnet and side vents finished to match the alloys will distinguish the anniversary model, as will (for the trainspotters at least) six-piston brakes, with the safety features list is expanded to include a blind spot monitoring system.

Those not wanting a clutch pedal can pay an extra $2000 for the six-speed auto; also on the options list is a sun roof for $1990, a rear DVD player for $1290 or gas fans can opt for the Liquid Propane Injection system for the engine for an extra $5990. The company celebrated 40 years of the GTS badge in Australia with a - surprisingly - 40th Anniversary limited-edition GTS in late 2008.

A limited-edition GTS-R, available only in a polarising bright yellow colour and with a 215kW/475Nm 5.7-litre V8, was offered by HSV the mid-1990s. HSV marketing and communications manager Damon Paull said the GTS is the hero model of the range. “The MY12.5 was introduced in August, a freshening of the range which involved some specification changes, plus bringing in the Clubsport and Maloo entry level models.

“The introduction of the 25th anniversary GTS model rounds off our whole range realignment,” he said. The 25th Anniversary GTS will be available in Heron (white), Sting (red), Phantom (black) and Hazard (yellow, pictured) and has the obligatory badging and embroidery. Just in case the owner forgets, they can be reminded every time they fire the big V8 up - the Enhanced Driver Interface centre display's start-up screen and an internal ID plate will detail the build number of the anniversary model.

“Twenty-five years is an important milestone in the HSV journey - we believe this 25th anniversary GTS truly embodies all that HSV stands for - race-bred performance, design and technology at a price that represents outstanding value,” said HSV general sales manager Darren Bowler. The limited-edition GTS will be revealed in the metal at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney on October 18 and stock will be available in dealerships the same day.