HSV GTS History
History
The GTS arrived for 1992 on the VP Commodore as HSV's range-topping model, positioned above the ClubSport with more aggressive tuning, higher power output, and stiffer suspension. It inherited the nameplate from the original Holden GTS muscle cars of the late 1960s, carrying that performance legacy into the modern era.
Through successive Commodore platforms — VP, VR, VS, VT, VX, VY, VZ, VE, and VF — the GTS always sat at or near the top of the HSV hierarchy. Key milestones included the transition to the LS1 V8 in the VT Series II (1999) at over 250 kW, the LS2 in the VE (2006) at 307 kW, and ultimately the LS3 in the VF generation at 325 kW.
The final chapter was the 2017 GTSR and GTSR W1 variants (see below), which pushed the GTS name to its absolute limit. Standard VF GTS production ended in 2017 alongside all other Holden-based HSV models.
Generations
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VP/VR/VS series · Early GTS
Launched on the VP platform; 5.0-litre Holden V8 at 180–220 kW; established GTS as HSV's premier model.
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VT/VX series · LS1 GTS
Introduction of the GM LS1 (250+ kW in Series II); sharper chassis and larger brakes.
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VY/VZ series · Mid-era GTS
Refined LS1/LS2 era; VZ GTS introduced the LS2 at 297 kW ahead of the VE's full platform change.
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VE E-Series · Zeta-platform GTS
All-new platform; LS2 then LS3; W427 special edition (2008) sat above the GTS.
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VF Gen-F series · Final GTS
LS3 at 325 kW; topped in 2017 by the limited GTSR and GTSR W1 variants.
Body styles
- Sedan
Notable special editions & performance variants
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GTSR
Final-year VF-based GTSR with supercharged LSA V8 at 430 kW — a farewell high-performance halo above the standard GTS.
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GTSR W1
Ultimate HSV: supercharged LS9 V8 at 474 kW / 815 Nm, Tremec 6-speed manual, AP Racing 6-piston brakes — approximately 300 sedans built; the most powerful production Commodore-based car ever made.
Related models