HSV GTS 25th Anniversary will go fast

The limited edition HSV 25th Anniversary car will be launched at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney on October 18 and be available in HSV dealerships from that day. But we suggest you contact your favourite dealer as soon as possible as stocks are limited to 125 cars and they are likely to disappear quickly.

The HSV 25th Anniversary GTS has a recommended retail price of $84,990, plus on-road costs. This is just $2000 more than the standard GTS. HSV tells us the value of the special equipment is about $7500 of added extras (including the added extra LCT they attract). Should you want the convenience of a six-speed automatic transmission add another $2000 to the rrp.

It’s hard to believe that 25 years have passed since the infamous falling out between the late great Peter Brock and Holden stunned the Australian muscle car scene. One positive result of that public affairs disaster was the setting up of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) to replace Brock’s Holden Dealer Team (HDT). As part of its ongoing celebration of an impressively successful 25 years in business HSV is releasing the limited edition GTS.

The HSV 25th Anniversary GTS features a number of styling, performance and technology upgrades. These include all-new, lightweight, 20-inch forged-alloy wheels finished in Satin Graphite. These forged wheels give a weight saving of 22 kilograms over the standard GTS wheels. The weight saving is, of course, in the most important area of all, because reducing unsprung weight improves on the limit handling as well as making for a better ride.

What HSV calls its “Vector” bonnet scoops and side vents also get the distinctive Satin Graphite that makes the new forged alloys stand out. HSV has added six-piston brakes with a huge 50 per cent increase in pad area. While many drivers will never experience the better brake on the road, those who take the hot Holden HSV GTS to track days will certainly appreciate the benefits in lowered lap times.

Interior additions for the special HSV include seat embroidery, exterior badging, sill plates and an EDI start-up screen. It’s hard to imagine that any drivers of HSVs don’t adjust their door mirrors correctly, but just in case, HSV has added General Motors’ Side Blind Zone Alert to the 25th Anniversary GTS.

This is a genuine limited edition car and only 125 units will be built for sale in Australia, Each with a build plate that’s individually numbered. HSV’s 25th Anniversary GTS will be available in a range of stand out paint colours: Heron, Sting, Phantom and Hazard.

HSV’s general manager - sales, Darren Bowler is justifiably proud of his hot new GTS special edition, telling us that, “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.”