Holden Special Vehicles will not let the VF Commodore based, Gen-F2 range of souped up Australian muscle cars go quietly into the night.
Months prior, we heard mumblings of HSV securing a handful of 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 V8s for a special project, although the news was never confirmed. What is certainly more probable is the return of the “GTS-R” nameplate, and the latest patent filing suggests it is indeed making a return.
Uncovered by Car Advice, filings show General Motors has officially trademarked the “GTS-R” nameplate for both land and motor vehicle and merchandise. The patent was filed on December 2, 2015.
The GTS-R badge was last seen 20 years ago, and graced the 1996 Holden VS Commodore, which HSV appropriately hopped up with extra power from its 5.7-liter V8, real carbon fiber bits, a bespoke yellow paint hue and more to mimic the current V8 Supercars road racer at the time.
The original GTS-Rs remain a hot vehicle for many Holden and HSV fanatics, with one example being sold of for $200,000 AUD recently. For some perspective, HSV asked only $75,000 AUD at the time of production.
While it remains unseen what will become of the trademark, it seems all but confirmed a proper sendoff HSV model for the Zeta-based sports saloon will occur. Whether it features LS9 power or not remains to be seen, knowing HSV spent lengths of time ensuring the LSA became standard equipment for its latest vehicles.
Comments
If they do make one Sean you should import one to the states for yourself and get it converted to LHD. I had a “normal” HSV GTS for 12 months and it was one of the best V8 muscle cars money can buy.
David,
You know me so well. Forever a Holden and HSV fanboy! Currently in the process of securing a Chevrolet SS for myself this coming year!
As always, cheers!
-Sean