Media Release - THE 1996 HSV LIMITED EDITION GTS-R
Media Release - HSV GTS-R STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS
Media Release - UNIQUE GTS-R FEATURES
Media Release - HRT - SPECIFICATION FOR OPTIMISED ENGINE
Media Release - CUSTOMER RECOGNITION PACKAGE
Based on the 5.7litre, 215kW GTS model, the GTS-R builds on that dynamic philosophy with carbon-fibre component, Holden Racing Team input an dstunning visual package that highlights the car's race track heritage.
Only 75 GTS-R's will be sold in Australia and each buyer will be flown to Melbourne to take delivery of the car and tour the HSV and HRT facilities. An additional press evaluation car will be built plus 9 cars for HSV's New Zealand market taking the total build to 85.
The GTS-R is proof that HSV builds this country's most exciting road cars, while its link with TWR in England and the Holden Racing Team provides know-how for this race-track inspired model.
HSV Expects most GTS-R buyers to opt for the optimised engine option which sees the Holden Race Team Engineers strip and rebuild the locally produced 5.7 litre engine to optimised tolerances.
Combustion chambers are matched, compression ratios equalised at 8.85:1, camshaft timing optimised and all reciprocating parts balanced as part of the blueprinting process.
GTS-R's with the optimised option carry identification to ensure exclusivity.
The rest of the mechanical package consists of HSV's premium braking, Hydra-trak differential, independant rear suspension and six speed manual transmission.
The GTS-R's exhast system has been modified for improved flow and less back-pressure.
The stunning rear wing is an adaption of the design currently used on the Holden Race Team's Group A race cars and features carbon-fribre winf and end plates.
Other carbon-firbe parts include the lower-grille air intake, side skirt trims, rear decor panel, rear bumper highligh and wheel centre caps. HSV early this year eestablished a joint venture with the CSIRO to develop aramid fibre technology including the carbon-fibre components of the GTS-R.
The rest of the external package revolves around the "XU-3 Yellah" colour scheme which includes colour-coding of the door handles, yellow and black corporate badging, model badging and the GTS-R's unique grille.
Wheels are charcoal coloured 17-inch, three spoke alloy units shod with Bridgestone Expedia high-performance tyres.
Inside, the black and yellow theme is continued with unique black dashboard, door trim panels and yellow highlight stitching on the black steering wheel, centre console and one-piece gearshift boot and knob.
The seats and door trim inserts with uniqye GTS-R monogrammed cloth were designed in TWR's UK based design studio by Ian Callum.
Driver's side air bag is standard.
For buyers, the GTS-R will represent a complete car delivery experience. Each buyer will be flown to Melbourne and taken to HSV's Clayton facility where the cars are built.
They will be accomodated overnight and invited to lunch with HSV engineers and executives before being introduced to their new car via technical explanation and driving demonstration. A delivery pack including specifications of the vehicle and a range of HSV apparel is part of the package as is a souvenir photograph commemorating their visit to the HSV/HRT and their vehicle handover.
The GTS-R will be unveiled at the Sydney Motor Show and orders will be taken prior to production starting in February, 1996. HSV's John Crennan said that judging by the initial reaction of HSV Retailers all vechiles will be pre-sold prior to Christmas.
Crennan said the inspiration fot his limited edition car came from a focus group meeting of customers who suggested HSV should, from time to time, offer a product to a particular niche of enthusiasts who have no inhibition about the level of attention their cars would attract. This feedback came particularly from loyal Group A owners looking to upgrade with a strong and aggressive product statement from HSV.
The price-tag is expected to be around $76,000.00 with and extra $10,500.00 for the optimised option.
** For further information please contact John Harvey on (03) 9265 9500
The engine is built using all new rings, bearings and gaskets.
The GTS-R introduces a unique customer satisfaction initiative in which each buyer will be flown to HSV Melbourne for a series of VIP activities including the following:-
NOTE: Selected Retailer sales personnel are welcome to accompany GTS-R buyers, however the responsibility for costs will be with the Retailer.