Despite a limited home market and the rising tide of engine downsizing in favour of lower emissions motoring, the Auzzies won’t let go of their beloved V8 Commodores, or Ford Falcons for that matter. In 2010 Holden celebrated 20 years of their Commodore-based Maloo UTE and now it’s the turn of the Commodore itself, as the company celebrates 25 years of sedan’s success.
The Holden Commodore HSV GTS 25th Anniversary Edition remains unchanged beneath the bonnet, which is hardly a disappointment considering the HSV GTS already boots out 325 kW and 550 Nm of torque from its 6.2-litre lump. Paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, the HSV GTS is capable of a 0 – 100 km/h sprint of 5.0 seconds. Other mechanical tech includes an active exhaust, a track mode for the electronic stability control, as well as 20-inch forged alloy wheels and adjustable magnetic ride control suspension.
To separate the 25th Anniversary Edition from the rest of the GTS line up, Holden have given the car unique 20-inch alloy wheels finished in ‘Satin Graphite’, which are 22 kg lighter than those of the standard GTS. The ‘vector’ bonnet scoops and side vents are matched with the Satin Graphite finish of the wheels. Six-piston brakes that offer a 50 per cent larger pad area promise to improve stopping performance, while a blind spot warning monitor has also been added to enhance the safety credentials.
The interior offers 25 Anniversary logos on the leather seats together with a numbered plaque on the dashboard, which also houses a central monitor and reversing camera system.
Holden will produce 125 examples of the HSV GTS Anniversary Edition for the Australia and 15 units for New Zealand.
