First look: HSV goes racing with GTS/R

HSV didn’t just content itself with launching the 6.0-litre Z Series at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last week, it also showed this aggressive GTS/R racing project.

The GTS/R combines a sexed-up version of the Coupe 4 all-wheel drive’s body, a hot 335kW/605Nm 6.0-litre LS2 drivetrain and a race-tuned chassis into a package that HSV hopes can form the basis of one make series for aspiring V8 Supercar drivers.

However, is at pains to stress the car is not a replacement for the ill-fated HRT 427 that was shown in Sydney two years ago and later killed off when the cost of bringing it to production blew out.

The difference here is that GTS/R is not going to be a road-going project. HSV forecasts opportunities including racing series here and overseas, as ‘thrill’ ride cars in a new venture with Phillip Island racing circuit, in an executive-based ‘reality racing’ program and as investments for wealthy individuals.

The race orientation of the GTS/R is reflected by the engine’s forged pistons with billet conrods, double row timing chains, high lift camshaft, roller rockers and recalibrated ECU.

The suspension includes light-weight chrome-moly tubular front crossmember, light-weight cast aluminium lower control arm and knuckle, relocated top strut mount and Öhlins struts incorporating rebound and low and high speed compression adjustment.

The braking system is provided by AP Racing and includes 374mm front Carbon Ceramic cross-drilled rotors clamped by six piston callipers.

Filling the wheel arches are 19 x 9-inch and 19 x 9.5-inch three piece ROH wheels with Bridgestone 245 x 35ZR19 and 275 x 30ZR19 performance/race tyres. Above the left rear wheel arch is race style dry brake fuel filler.

The first orders to be filled are two cars for the Malaysian Grand Prix Commission and four cars for Phillip Island. They will be delivered within three months ate an anticipated cost of between $150,000 and $200,000.