Is this the ultimate Australian muscle car?
Potentially, but the mystique and exclusiveness cannot be denied if one is lucky to own HSV’s GTSR W1.
It was the last hurrah for the Australian developed performance model as Toyota, Ford and Holden pulled out of local manufacturing one-by-one.
As disappointing as it was to standby and watch this occur, it did produce some lasting models, with this being one of them.
The last hurrah also demonstrated the amazing Australia engineering capabilities local revheads have taken advantage of since the 1960s.
HSV describe the GTSR W1 as ‘bringing true race-track performance to the road’ focusing not just on power, but also lightness, braking, suspension and grip.
Carbon fibre features through the fender vents, airbag and Aeroflow Performance rear spoiler.
Badging is prevalent throughout the exterior to ensure everyone knows this is something truly special as just 300 were produced.
The Zeta platform used by Holden since the VE Commodore was developed to house the 6.2-litre, supercharged LS9 Generation IV alloy V8 as HSV also fettled to upgrade the titanium connecting rods and inlet manifolds in addition to a dry sump soiling system. Add to this a supercharger containing twin four-lobe rotors pumping 2.3 litres of air per revolution to help produce 474kw and 815Nm.
A six-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels.
The interior features eight-way electrically adjustable HSV Podium front seats covered in Alcantara, which is also used to wrap the steering wheel plus the gear lever.
W1 branding continues through the unique ID plate, key fob, sill plates and headrests making sure the owner gets the full experience.
Is it worthy of a grand finale? Absolutely, but it is lamentable Australia hardly produces models of its own design anymore.