When the C6 Corvette ZR1 arrived on the scene with its supercharged LS9 6.2-liter V8 engine, jaws dropped. The immense power produced by the engine, 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque to be exact, provided a homegrown, American challenger to some of the fastest of super cars from the around the world.
But, if insiders have their facts straight, the LS9 V8 could be making the jaunt down under, as Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is rumored to be bringing the engine to a final, limited-edition GTS, according to Drive. Currently, the VF Holden Commodore based GTS uses a Camaro-sourced LSA engine, and the LS9 will fit nice and tidy under the bonnet, unlike the latest LT-branded engines.
Should an LS9-powered HSV come to fruition, it would be the most powerful engine ever sold in an Australian-produced car, a lofty title as manufacturing continues to wind down, and cease, by 2017.
We already knew HSV would not let the Zeta-based, performance sedans go quietly into the night, as we received word superchargers were inbound for the entire lineup, but the LS9 would make for a mighty hero vehicle for the end of an Australian era.
General Motors is said to have a very short supply of the LS9 V8 on hand, meaning this would be an extremely exclusive model, most likely pushing the price tag north of $100,000 AUD.
Now, excuse us while we make importation arrangements for such a beast.
Comments
any chance the SS gets a similar send off?
Eric,
We can only hope but, time is running out.
Cheers,
Sean
Odds are the last year of the SS will get this engine as the engine. Be forewarned that it will not be cheap if it happens.
The Club Sport has the best grill and front facada. Chevrolet would look great like this.
Let’s hope Vauxhall brings this to the UK as a bow-out special edition of the mighty VXR8 GTS (576 BHP).
Previous special iterations to grace these shores include the 2006 Monaro VXR 500 (503BHP) and the 2009 VXR8 Bathurst (545 BHP).
Thoroughbred HOLDEN … sadly soon to be gone – but never forgotten!