HSV's Race Track Special: The GTSR

By Feann Torr - 15/10/04

You won't see Holden Special Vehicle's (HSV) latest performance coupe rumble up to the traffic lights on a Friday night, even though it's being considered for production.

HSV's objective for the eye-catching GTSR is to bring it to the race track instead of the road, in a one-make race series where all cars would be mechanically identical.

HSV learnt its lesson with the ballooning costs of the HRT 427 road car, which is now resting in the automotive hereafter.

Rather than again trying to get a massively powerful vehicle to adhere to all the ADRs (Australian Design Rules) in order for it be driven legally on the street, HSV has simply decided to create a track special with a roll cage, fat wheels, an aerodynamic bodykit and a beefed up version of the General's LS2 6.0-litre V8.

Based on the 2-door HSV Coupe/Holden Monaro bodyshell, tweaks to the body work include a new front fascia with twin 'nostrils' and aggressive xenon projector headlights, plus a unique 'active' carbon fibre spoiler adorns the boot.

The GTSR's chassis has been given a thorough once over as well, to ensure it can take a beating when its being pushed to its limits, lap after gruelling lap.

Sitting lower to the ground than other HSVs, the front struts have been replaced with adjustable Öhlins struts together with cast aluminium lower control arms, while at the rear Öhlins dampers are used.

Sitting on 19-inch ROH-branded racing alloys, with 245/35ZR19 and 275/30ZR19 aspect ratio racing tyres front and rear respectively, bigger AP racing brakes are also used.

Gigantic 374mm cross drilled carbon ceramic discs with 6 piston calipers adorn the front axles, while 343mm cast iron discs with 4 pot calipers combine to offer frightening levels of deceleration.

Lurking under the bonnet of the muscular GTSR is the same 6.0-litre LS2 V8 that ships with the new range of HSV Z Series performance cars, but rather than outputting 297kW and 530Nm like the road-going models, the Gen IV engine has been given a good tickling and now outputs a hefty 335kW @ 6200rpm and 605 Nm @ 4800rpm.

The significant increase in power was made possible thanks to a number of powertrain upgrades, including a recalibrated ECU, forged pistons with billet rods, double row timing chains and high lift camshafts, a carbon fibre cold air intake and a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

The standard 297kW LS2 exhaust system was also overhauled and replaced with a freer breathing system that comprises 1¾-inch stainless tubular extractors and 2½-inch stainless steel dual exhausts with trick-looking side pipes.

The practical uses for the new GTSR are wide ranging, and beyond pure promotion of the HSV brand, a one-make race series in Australia that would potentially help foster talent for the country's premier racing class - V8 Supercars - has been put forward. The 335kW beasts may also be used for racing series abroad and thrill rides on the Phillip Island race track to boot.

The name 'GTSR' and 'Malagara' were both trademarked by General Motors in Australia in September '04, and while this cements the GTSR's place on the production line, it throws another mystery into the mix. Perhaps the Malagara will be a de-tuned homologation special of the GTSR? Or maybe it's an all-new HSV model, one that sits outside the Commodore range. A manical V6 Alloytec-powered Barina perhaps?

As it stands, four GTSRs have already been ordered for Phillip Island and two for the Malaysian Grand Prix Commission's evaluation, while HSV says other possibilities include a high rollers 'reality racing' program, costing perhaps $150,000 per season to lease the cars.

Though HSV's 427 supercar sadly never made it to production, the Australian company has shown great determination in producing the GTSR, and the idea of it being a track special race car may even increase its appeal and desirability.