An era ended yesterday as the final Holden VE Commodore rolled from the Adelaide production line.
The final VE, an SS Z-Series, was completed amid the first examples of its VF replacement and early build examples of the VF-based Chevrolet SS export cars.
The “chlorophyll” green SS V Z-Series automatic sports sedan, which retails for a list price of $49,790 and is destined for a Northern Territory dealer, is the last of more than 350,000 sold locally since it started production in July 2006.
The car Holden dubbed its “billion-dollar baby” is soon to be replaced by the VF Commodore on sale next month, the latest in a Commodore line-up of 15 models that number more than 2.9 million produced.
Holden executive director of manufacturing Richard Phillips said the VE was a landmark achievement for Holden and yesterday's end to production of the model was a bitter-sweet moment.
“The company's first true ‘clean-sheet’ design allowed our team to show the world what Holden was capable of and the result was, and remains, a stunning car,” he said.
“It's been such a great product for us but at the same time we're excited about the future and the entire Holden team is energised by the imminent launch of the fantastic new VF Commodore.”
"The VF is the most advanced car ever created in this country, a car that takes the winning values and trademark driving dynamics of the VE and elevates it to a new level of luxury, technology and sophistication,” he said.
The final VE made its journey through the General Assembly plant yesterday, sharing the line with VF pre-production cars including the first pilot-build examples of the Chevrolet SS - many of the workers involved were part of the team that completed the Elizabeth plant transformation for the model when it began in 2006.
Andrew Shaw, 40, has worked for Holden at Elizabeth since 2002 and was hired as part of the VE preparation. “To be part of the VE launch and follow it right through and then end up in here watching it come off the line for the last time, it was a bit of a spinout and good to be part of ... it's been a real buzz for the last few months. “One chapter finishes and another one begins, this one is so important to get our domestic sales back to where they need to be - there's a lot of faith in this car and we're very proud of it,” he said.
Scott Connelly, 38, has been at Elizabeth since 1998, was at the plant throughout VE and was sorry to see it go. “I am sorry to see it go but I'm excited about the VF - it's a better car and looks great, we have Chevrolet SS pilot cars coming through now as well, it's sad to see VE go but it's exciting to see something new,” he said.
Chris Aistrope, 27, has been at Holden just over 10 years and was a little sad to farewell the VE Commodore. “I'm sorry to see it go but I'm looking forward to VF, all the new technology in it, the feeling in here is good, seeing the Chevrolet SS come through now as well,” he said.
Holden has made more than 520,000 VE vehicles for domestic and export markets since it went on sale in late 2006.
Around 170,000 were exported to six continents, including the Middle East, South-east Asia and the US, where it was sold as a Pontiac in both coupe (as a GTO) and G8 sedan form - it returns to the US later this year.
The VF Commodore was revealed earlier this year in Calais and SS V forms, as well as debuting as the exterior for the Chevrolet SS Daytona racecar ahead of its appearance as the Chevrolet SS sports sedan on the US market later this year.
The VE Calais V was Carsguide's Car Of The Year in 2006 and motoring magazine Wheels recently named the VE Commodore as the best Australian-made car yet.
Holden Commodore timeline:
1978 - Holden celebrates 25 years of overall market leadership and launches the VB Commodore, priced from $6513, in October.
1979 - Holden VB Commodore scores 1-2-3 victory in the Repco Round Australia Rally in August
1988 - The VN Commodore is launched in August and is built exclusively at the Elizabeth (SA) plant.
1990 - The 5 millionth Holden, a red VN Calais, is produced, at Elizabeth, S.A.
1997 - Holden's new VT Commodore model range is introduced in September, representing a $600 million investment.
1999 - Holden gives the green light for a Commodore coupe and the Series II VT Commodore range is launched.
2000 - Holden confirms that the Commodore coupe will carry the Monaro nameplate.
2001 - The 6 millionth Holden is produced at Elizabeth. Holden wins total market leadership for 2001 and Commodore is the Australia's top-selling car for the 6th consecutive year.
2002 - Holden first US export program is announced - the Monaro-based Pontiac GTO.
2006 - Holden launches its billion-dollar baby, the all-new VE Commodore, in July, after $532 million upgrade to the Vehicle Operations plant at Elizabeth, SA. The VE wins Carsguide’s Car Of The Year.
2007 - VE Commodore awarded 2006 Wheels Car of the Year. New export market for VE sedans announced SS Commodore to be sold in the US as Pontiac G8.
2008 - Holden celebrates 50 years at Elizabeth, its 60th anniversary and announces exports Pontiac G8 sedan and ute range to North America. GM Holden builds its seven millionth vehicle - a 60th Anniversary Commodore - and Commodore marks 30 years on Australian roads.
2009 - Holden announces it will build Chevrolet-badged Caprice Police Cars for the US market, but loses Pontiac G8 export program.
2011 - Commodore marks 15 years as top car in Australia and the Cruze rolls off the Elizabeth production line in February.
2012 - Commodore loses top spot to Mazda3, Commodore and Cruze both finish 2011 in top five.
2013 - Holden unveils the heavily-revised VF Commodore and says it will not be the last to wear the nameplate, despite continued sales shrinkage.
Production figures:
1978 Commodore VB Total built: 95,906
1980 Commodore VC Total built: 121,807
1981 Commodore VH Total built: 141,018
1984 Commodore VK Total built: 135,705
1986 Commodore VL Total built: 151,801
1988 Commodore VN Total built: 215,180
1991 Commodore VP Total built: 111,770
1993 Commodore VR Total built: 165,262
1995 Commodore VS Total built: 277,774
1997 Commodore VT Total built: 303,895
2000 Commodore VX Total built: 207,339
2002 Commodore VY Total built: 241,909
2004 Commodore VZ Total built: 228,788
2006 Commodore VE Total built: 520,000
Total 2.92 million
The last VE:
SS Z-Series sedan in “Chlorophyll” green
List price: $49,790
Engine: a 6-litre 90-deg V8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, rear wheel drive
Power: 260kW @ 5600rpm
Torque: 517Nm @ 4400rpm
Fuel economy: 12.3l/100km combined-cycle, 292g/km
As part of the launch of its new GEN-F range, Australia's leading performance car manufacturer, HSV, today released full specifications of its luxury/sport models - Senator Signature and Grange.
Both models receive a complete interior re-design, a raft of new technologies and an all-new powertrain, with the Senator Signature also benefiting from a full exterior styling makeover.
Senator Signature
The exterior styling make-over starts at the front end with the Senator Signature featuring a unique, single opening grille with chrome surround that distinguishes it from the rest of the GEN-F range. A deep fascia houses updated Daytime Running Lamps that can now operate in unison with the headlamps.
Updated styling also extends to the wheels with all-new 20" luxury forged alloys (8.5" at the front and 9.5" at the rear) finished in Dark Stainless. Wrapping the wheels are Continental 5P tyres that combine to deliver improvements in grip and ride comfort.
At the rear, a new decklid is complimented by a luxury lip spoiler and distinctive HSV LED tail lamps. The new "diffuser" style rear fascia houses the bold, quad exhaust outlets.
The interior make-over is just as significant as the exterior. An upgraded instrument panel with suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console, appliques’ and door trims combine to further enhance Senator Signature’s appointment levels.
The vehicle features all-new HSV Performance seats wrapped in Onyx leather trim with 8-way electric adjustment and seat heaters for both the driver and front passenger. The driver’s seat also features 3 position memory while a premium, 9- speaker BOSE audio system completes cabin ambience.
As with the rest of the GEN-F range, Senator Signature features a raft of new technologies including:
Side Blind Zone Alert (with Reverse Traffic Alert)
Electric Park Brake
Electric Power Steering
Passive Entry/Push Button Start (with Remote Start available with the automatic transmission)
Automatic Park Assist
Front & Rear Park Assist
AP radical forged 4-piston brake calipers with ventilated discs
In keeping with its luxury/sport positioning, Senator Signature also picks up a bevy of additional driver convenience and performance technologies.
The driver environment benefits from the inclusion of four additional safety and convenience technologies - Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Head Up Display and Rain Sensing Wipers.
From a ride and handling perspective, the vehicle is also fitted with third generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) featuring two independent settings - Touring and Sport.
Hardware and software improvements combine to deliver greater body control, sharper handling and significant improvements in ride quality over the E3 model.
To assist the driver in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems at his disposal, Senator Signature now comes standard with a Driver Preference Dial.
Located conveniently behind the gear shifter, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts the vehicle's ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission only), Electric Power Steering, MRC and Bi-Modal Exhaust according to three distinct pre-set modes – Touring, Sport and Performance. In doing so, the vehicle’s handling characteristics instantly change.
Senator Signature also receives a power and torque upgrade to 340kW and 570Nm, thanks to the addition of some unique componentry to the LS3 engine including a Bi- Modal Air Intake system, high-flow headers and catalytic converters, a high-flow zip tube and a high-flow Bi-Modal exhaust system.
"We know our Senator Signature customer expects high levels of luxury and a slightly more subtle presentation", said HSV's Managing Director, Phil Harding. "We're confident that the styling, technology and feature enhancements offered with the new model, together with the upgrade in power, will really hit the mark".
Grange
In keeping with its similar luxury/sport positioning, HSV"s flag-ship long-wheel-base model also receives the powertrain upgrade and all of the interior feature upgrades to be introduced on the GEN-F Senator Signature.
Exterior enhancements are confined to the new 20" luxury forged alloy wheels in Dark Stainless.
"Grange has historically operated on a different product life-cycle to our short- wheel-base and utility variants", said Harding. "But, given the depth of the make- over to the balance of the range, we felt it was too good an opportunity to pass up. The extensive interior and powertrain upgrade to Grange helps complete the GEN-F make-over and we're confident our very exclusive customer-base will appreciate the added refinements", Harding said.
As part of the launch of its new GEN-F range, Australia’s leading performance car manufacturer, HSV, today released full specifications of its new Maloo models.
Available in two variants - Maloo and Maloo R8, each vehicle receives a significant exterior and interior make-over and a raft of new technologies.
Maloo
The exterior styling make-over starts at the front end of the Maloo which is now distinguished by a new, twin-nostril grille and a deep fascia with updated Daytime Running Lamps that can now operate in unison with the headlamps.
Updated styling also extends to the wheels with all-new 20" cast flow-form alloys (8.5" at the front and 9.5" at the rear) with a silver finish. Wrapping the wheels are Continental 5P tyres with higher walls and greater width that combine to deliver improvements in grip and ride comfort.
At the rear, a new "diffuser" rear fascia - now signature across the GEN-F range - houses the bold, quad exhaust outlets. A slim-line, soft tonneau cover with concealed latchings delivers flexibility and load carrying versatility.
The interior has undergone a complete make-over with new sports seats, instrument panel, clusters, gauges, centre console and appliques' delivering a premium look and feel.
From a powertrain perspective, the new Maloo carries over the 6.2L LS3 Generation IV V8 from the E-Series model which generates 317 kilowatts of power and 550 Newton-metres of torque. The powertrain is matched to a TR6060 Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox with the 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select available as an option.
Matched to the powertrain are HSV’s new AP radical forged 4-piston brake calipers with larger ventilated discs and larger brake pads. These improvements lower unsprung mass, improve pedal feel and deliver greater stopping power via an improved strength-to-weight ratio and caliper rigidity.
One of the biggest make-overs for Maloo is the standard fitment of a raft of new technologies including:
Side Blind Zone Alert now with Reverse Traffic Alert
Electric Park Brake
Electric Power Steering
Passive Entry/Push Button Start (with Remote Start available with the automatic transmission)
Automatic Park Assist
Front & Rear Park Assist
To assist the driver in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems at his disposal, HSV has also introduced a Driver Preference Dial.
Located conveniently behind the gear shifter, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts the Maloo's ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission) and Electric Power Steering according to three distinct pre-set modes - Touring, Sport and Performance. In doing so, the vehicle’s handling characteristics instantly change.
Maloo R8
The Maloo R8 features a long list of additional content over and above the already impressive standard fare on the Maloo.
Power output increases to 325kW thanks to the fitment of a Hi-flow intermediate exhaust system, while the Bi-Modal muffler delivers a throatier engine note.
The driver environment benefits from the inclusion of four additional safety and convenience technologies – Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Head Up Display and Rain Sensing Wipers, while comfort gets a boost with the fitment of HSV Performance Seats wrapped in Onyx leather trim with 4-way electric adjustment of the driver seat.
HSV's Enhanced Driver Interface, with a larger screen, updated graphics and improved display resolution, also comes standard on the Maloo R8.
The new Maloo R8 also features a newly styled Remote Locking Hard Tonneau and Performance Sail Plane. A 20" cast-flow-form alloy wheel with a machined face and gloss black accents combine with unique HSV side-skirts to deliver impressive street appeal.
R8 SV Enhanced Option
HSV has also announced the introduction of a new "SV Enhanced" option to be available exclusively on its R8 models.
The "SV" option includes a power and torque upgrade to 340kW and 570Nm, achieved through the addition of some unique componentry to the LS3 engine including a Bi-Modal Air Intake system, high-flow headers and catalytic converters, a high-flow zip tube and a high-flow Bi-Modal exhaust system.
Unique styling cues are provided in the form of a 20" SV Performance forged wheel in Satin Graphite and unique "pitch black" accents on the fender vents and mirror scalps. New "R8 SV" and "340" badges adorn the tail-gate.
"We're confident our customers will really embrace the new features, styling and technologies available on the GEN-F Maloo", said HSV's Managing Director, Phil Harding.
"While the vehicle still delivers all the versatility and flexibility our customers have come to expect, the level of power, performance and creature comforts in our new GEN-F models make these easily the best performance utes we’ve ever offered", said Harding.
As part of the launch of its new GEN-F range, Australia's leading performance car manufacturer, HSV, today released full details of its new ClubSport models.
Available in three variants - ClubSport, ClubSport R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer, each vehicle receives a raft of new technologies and features including the availability of an optional power and torque upgrade to 340kW and 570Nm.
ClubSport
The exterior styling make-over starts at the front end of the ClubSport which is now distinguished by a new, twin-nostril grille and a deep fascia, with updated Daytime Running Lamps that can now operate in unison with the headlamps.
Updated styling also extends to the wheels with all-new, 20" cast flow-form alloys (8.5" at the front and 9.5" at the rear) with a silver finish. Wrapping the wheels are Continental 5P tyres that deliver improvements in performance through better grip and ride comfort.
At the rear, a new decklid is complimented by a body-coloured lo-line spoiler and distinctive HSV LED tail lamps. The "diffuser" rear fascia - now signature across the GEN-F range - houses the bold, quad exhaust outlets.
The interior has undergone a complete make-over with new sports seats, instrument panel, clusters, gauges, centre console and appliques' delivering a premium look and feel.
From a powertrain perspective, the new ClubSport carries over the 6.2L LS3 Generation IV V8 from the E-Series 3 model which generates 317 kilowatts of power and 550 Newton-metres of torque. The powertrain is matched to a TR6060 Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox with the 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select available as an option.
Matched to the powertrain are HSV's new AP radical forged 4-piston brake calipers with larger ventilated discs and larger brake pads. These improvements lower unsprung mass, improve pedal feel and deliver greater stopping power via an improved strength-to-weight ratio and caliper rigidity.
One of the biggest make-overs for ClubSport is the standard fitment of a raft of new technologies including:
Side Blind Zone Alert (with Reverse Traffic Alert)
Electric Park Brake
Electric Power Steering
Passive Entry/Push Button Start (with Remote Start available with the automatic transmission)
Automatic Park Assist
Front & Rear Park Assist
To assist the driver in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems at his disposal, HSV has also introduced a Driver Preference Dial.
Located conveniently behind the gear shifter, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts the ClubSport’s ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission) and Electric Power Steering according to three distinct pre-set modes – Touring, Sport and Performance. In doing so, the vehicle's handling characteristics instantly change.
ClubSport R8 & ClubSport R8 Tourer
Available in sedan and tourer variants, the two R8 models feature a long list of additional content over and above the already impressive standard fare on the ClubSport.
Power output increases to 325kW thanks, in part, to the fitment of a Hi-flow intermediate exhaust system, while the Bi-Modal muffler delivers a throatier engine note.
The driver environment benefits from the inclusion of four additional safety and convenience technologies - Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Head Up Display and Rain Sensing Wipers. Comfort gets a boost with the fitment of HSV Performance Seats wrapped in Onyx leather trim with 8-way electric adjustment for both the driver and front passenger. The ClubSport R8 also features a premium, 9- speaker Bose audio system.
HSV's Enhanced Driver Interface, with a larger screen, updated graphics and improved display resolution, also comes standard on the R8s.
A 20" cast-flow-form alloy wheel with a machined face and gloss black accents combine with unique HSV side-skirts to deliver discernible exterior styling differentiation.
R8 SV Enhanced Option
HSV has also announced the introduction of a new "SV Enhanced" option to be available exclusively on its R8 models.
The "SV" option includes a power and torque upgrade to 340kW and 570Nm, achieved through the addition of some unique componentry to the LS3 engine including a Bi-Modal Air Intake system, high-flow headers and catalytic converters, a high-flow zip tube and a high-flow Bi-Modal exhaust system.
Unique styling cues are provided in the form of a 20" SV Performance forged wheel in Satin Graphite, unique "pitch black" accents on the fender vents and mirror scalps and, for the sedan variant, a lo-line spoiler, also finished in distinctive Satin Graphite. New "R8 SV" and "340" badges adorn the decklid.
"The ClubSport range has formed the back-bone of much of the sales success HSV has enjoyed over the years", said HSV's Managing Director, Phil Harding. "Combine enhanced styling and a raft of new technologies with the availability, for the first time, of the 340kW SV Enhanced option on the R8 models, and we have every reason to be confident that ClubSport will continue to be a popular choice for HSV enthusiasts", said Harding.
Australia's leading performance car manufacturer, HSV, has announced the introduction of the fastest, most powerful performance production car ever built in Australia.
The company has finally confirmed full details of its ground-breaking new GTS which will be powered by a 6.2 litre LSA supercharged V8 that delivers 430 kilowatts of power and 740 Newton-metres of torque.
The LSA engine features a raft of unique componentry:
Eaton 4 lobe rotors, 9psi boost, 1.9 litres of air per revolution
Stand-alone water to air charge-air cooling system
Stand-alone transmission and differential cooling system
Water to oil engine oil cooling system
Bi-Modal air intake system
Hi-flow exhaust system with cross-pipe intermediate and Bi-Modal mufflers
Hi-flow exhaust manifold and catalytic converters
Unique rear suspension module with 9.9" differential, upgraded drive and prop shafts
TR6060 (MG9 spec) 6-speed manual transmission with oil cooler and twin plate clutch
Optional 6L90E 6-speed heavy duty automatic transmission with oil cooler
"The imminent production of the LSA powered GTS is the culmination of nearly four years of development and testing by our design and engineering divisions. We're excited that our work has almost come to fruition", said HSV's Managing Director, Phil Harding.
Complementing the new engine are some significant technologies and upgrades that make GTS the complete package.
GTS' braking capacity has been dramatically increased with AP radical forged 6- piston brake calipers with two-piece rotors front and rear now fitted as standard equipment. Combined with increased brake rotor diameters, the calipers, forged from 6061 T6 aluminium, offer a vastly improved strength-to-weight ratio and deliver noticeable improvements in brake modulation and feel. Rear brake pad size has also been increased by 12%.
"Australia's most powerful production engine demands a premium braking package, and this was a key program priority right from the outset. With our new forged calipers, larger rotors and increased pad size, we're confident the GTS brake package is the equal of anything in the world", said HSV Chief Engineer, Joel Stoddart.
In a first for an Australian made vehicle, the new GTS will also be fitted with brake Torque Vectoring. Currently only fitted to a few exclusive global marques, HSV's brake Torque Vectoring helps reduce understeer by generating a "rotational moment" in the rear axle when the vehicle is under power. The vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system detects the understeer event, applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel.
The vehicle also receives third generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) featuring three independent settings – Touring, Sport and Track. Hardware and software improvements combine to deliver greater body control, sharper handling and significant improvements in ride quality over the E3 model.
To assist the driver in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems at his disposal, HSV has introduced a Driver Preference Dial.
Located conveniently behind the gear shifter, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts the vehicle's ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission), Torque Vectoring, Electric Power Steering (another new addition to the GEN-F range), MRC and Bi-Modal Exhaust, according to four distinct pre-set modes – Touring, Sport, Performance and Track. In doing so, the vehicle’s handling characteristics instantly change.
"With so many electronic systems at the driver's disposal, we wanted to reduce complexity and assist the driver by taking the guess-work out of manipulating the various settings at his disposal", said Stoddart. "The Driver Preference Dial does just that: the vehicle's performance characteristics can be adjusted with a simple clock- wise turn of the dial", he said.
In addition to an all-new engine and vehicle dynamics improvements, the vehicle also receives a complete exterior and interior make-over and a raft of new technologies.
The new front-end design features bold graphics and shallow ramp angles that emphasise width and stance. Central to the new look is a "twin-nostril" grille and an all-new fascia, unique to the GTS, that helps deliver both an aggressive look and the air intake surface area required to cool the powertrain.
"The LSA program posed a number of design and packaging challenges none the least involving engine, transmission and differential cooling", said Stoddart. "For starters, we required almost 130,000 square millimetres of open frontal surface area to deliver the level of cooling the package requires which is roughly 75% more than that offered with the E3 GTS. I think our designers have done a wonderful job in fulfilling the needs of the engineering team but also in delivering a front end that is signature HSV", said Stoddart.
Contributing to the bold front-end design are new Daytime Running Lamps that can now function when the headlamps are in operation.
The vehicle also features new light-weight 20" "Blade" forged alloy wheels finished in Satin Graphite which are wrapped in Continental 255/35 R20 (front) and 275/35 R20 (rear) tyres. The wider front tyres deliver improved grip while the higher tyre walls contribute to a noticeable improvement in ride comfort.
"After an extensive development and testing program, we have chosen Continental tyres as standard fitment on GTS and, in fact, across our entire GEN-F range", said Stoddart. "The new tyres, custom tuned for HSV, deliver exceptional performance in wet and dry conditions. And, our testing around Winton Raceway in Victoria, piloted by HRT driver, Garth Tander, has seen the Continental tyres deliver significant improvements in lap-times”, he said.
The rear of the new GTS receives just as significant a make-over as the front end.
Prominent are the new, distinctive LED tail lamps while the "diffuser" rear fascia houses quad exhaust outlets finished in shadow-chrome. GTS also features a unique body-coloured "super-flow" performance rear spoiler with black accents.
An all-new interior signals a new era for HSV.
An upgraded instrument panel with suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console, appliques’ and door trims combine to deliver a more premium look and feel.
All-new HSV Performance seats are wrapped in Onyx leather trim and feature 8-way electric adjustment and seat heaters for both the driver and front passenger.
The new GTS also features the most significant array of technologies ever offered in an HSV.
In addition to Side Blind Zone Alert with Reverse Traffic Alert, Automatic Park Assist, Front and Rear Park Assist, Satellite Navigation with Reversing Camera and Passive Entry/Push Button Start - features now standard across the entire HSV range - GTS also picks up a number of additional driver convenience and safety technologies.
GTS features a Head Up Display - technology originally introduced on fighter jets - that displays a raft of driver information on the windscreen such as vehicle speed, G- forces and engine temperature.
Forward Collision Alert is another technology fitted standard on GTS. A camera, located above the rear view mirror, scans the road ahead up to 14 times per second. When a crash is predicted, the driver is alerted with an audible tone and a visible alert in the Head Up Display. Anticipating hard braking, the system applies sufficient brake pressure to close the space between the brake pads and rotors, thus delivering a quicker brake response time.
Using the same camera technology, GTS also features Lane Departure Warning. Designed to help combat driver fatigue and/or distraction, a warning indicator and audible sound will alert the driver to any unintentional lane departures.
"We are extremely proud of the new GTS - our hero model and the one we view as the pinnacle of the HSV GEN-F range", said Harding. "We firmly believe that the standard technology and performance of GTS make it the greatest performance production car ever built in Australia and a real testament to the skill and dedication of our team at Clayton", said Harding
The company confirmed that production of the new GTS will begin in late August with vehicles due to arrive in HSV showrooms early September.
