Commodore-based HSV production ends

HOLDEN Special Vehicles (HSV) has built the last ever example of its Holden Commodore-based super sedan, with the final GTSR W1 bringing to a close 30 years of Commodore tuning.

The 275th and final Australian GTSR W1 will be retained by HSV, months after the first example was auctioned for $257,500 – $87,510 above its $169,990 retail price.

HSV started in 1987 as a joint venture between Holden and Tom Walkinshaw Racing and made its debut with the VL Commodore-based Group A SS, which sold a total of 750 units.

To the end of 2017, HSV has sold a total of 90,114 vehicles, with the majority of them Commodore-based variants.

Other Holden models have also received the HSV treatment over the years, including the Astra hatch and reborn Monaro coupe.

With the end of Australian production for the Commodore, Holden will turn its hand to tweaking other models in the General Motors global stable, starting with the Colorado SportsCat, which is due to land at the end of the month.

Other vehicles from American GM subsidiary Chevrolet are set to be offered, including modified versions of the hulking Silverado pick-up, and the iconic Camaro two-door sportscar.

The new range of vehicles will be produced – and converted to right-hand drive in the case of the Silverado and Camaro – at a new facility in Clayton South in Melbourne’s south-east, not far from the existing factory in Clayton.

HSV managing director Tim Jackson thanked all employees who have worked for HSV through its 30-year history, and highlighted an exciting future for the brand.

“For all at HSV, this is a time for great reflection on what the company has been able to achieve to date,” he said.

“Any success we’ve enjoyed has been directly attributable to our passionate staff, our dedicated dealer-body and of course our loyal fans who have helped build this brand through its 30-year journey.

“The last 30-years have set a wonderful foundation for future growth.

“With our recent launch of the Colorado SportsCat, together with our commitment to bringing to market key Chevrolet models including the iconic Chevrolet Camaro, the future is looking very bright.”

The GTSR W1 will go down in history as the most powerful series production car built in Australia to date, with a massive 474kW/815Nm developed from its supercharged 6.2-litre LS9 V8 engine.