GM long ago announced that it would be ending Holden production in Australia at the end of 2017. This decision marked the end of an era for Australian car manufacturing, as Holden has been a significant part of the country’s automotive history. However, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has an idea up its sleeve that could make the very last Commodore something very special and very fast. Rumors suggest that HSV is looking to cram the supercharged 6.2L V8 engine from the Corvette ZR1 under the hood of the final Commodore.
The Powerhouse Under the Hood
That big, blown V8 would make 638hp and the car would be called the Commodore GTS-R. This engine is renowned for its performance and has been a staple in high-performance vehicles like the Corvette ZR1. The current hottest Commodore is the GTS, which packs a 577hp LSA V8 under the hood. The reason the GTS-R can’t get a LT family V8 is that V8 won’t fit under the Commodore’s hood. This limitation has led HSV to consider the ZR1’s engine, which not only fits but also significantly boosts the car’s performance.
The inclusion of the ZR1 V8 engine would make the GTS-R one of the most powerful sedans ever produced in Australia. This engine is capable of propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds, making it a formidable competitor in the muscle car segment. The supercharged V8 is known for its reliability and performance, making it an excellent choice for the final Commodore.
Additional Features and Limited Production
Along with the ZR1 V8, the GTS-R might also get the Vette’s carbon ceramic brakes. These brakes are known for their superior stopping power and durability, which would be a significant upgrade over the standard brakes. The carbon ceramic brakes would not only improve the car’s performance but also enhance its safety, making it a well-rounded high-performance vehicle.
Chevy doesn’t have a bunch of the blown V8s left, so the GTS-R would be a very limited edition car with 200 or less expected to be made. This limited production run would make the GTS-R a highly sought-after collector’s item. It wouldn’t be cheap, ringing in at 100,000 Australian dollars, which is about $71,500 in the US. This price point reflects the car’s exclusivity and the high-performance components that it would feature.
The GTS-R would be a serious collector’s item and a great way to say goodbye to an awesome muscle car. For enthusiasts and collectors, owning one of these limited edition vehicles would be a significant addition to their collection. The car’s unique features and limited availability would likely increase its value over time, making it a worthwhile investment.
The final Commodore GTS-R would not only be a tribute to Holden’s legacy but also a celebration of Australian automotive engineering. It would serve as a fitting farewell to a brand that has been an integral part of Australia’s car culture for decades. The GTS-R would embody the spirit of Holden, combining performance, innovation, and exclusivity in a single package.
The final Commodore GTS-R, with its supercharged 6.2L V8 engine and carbon ceramic brakes, would be a fitting tribute to Holden’s legacy. Its limited production run and high-performance features would make it a highly sought-after collector’s item. As Holden bids farewell to car manufacturing in Australia, the GTS-R would serve as a reminder of the brand’s contribution to the automotive world.
via Autoblog
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