Six Fun Facts About The 2017 HSV GTSR W1
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There’s a lot to love about the 2017 Holden Special Vehicles GTSR W1, but there’s even more you probably don’t know about the beast from Down Under. And since those of us in North America will likely never even encounter one of these cars, we’ll take all the info we can get.
Wheels has compiled a list of six facts surrounding the HSV GTSR W1 for inquiring minds. Some you may know, some you may not, but there’s no denying the GTSR W1 was an all out labor of love from the Walkinshaw-backed performance arm.
The hassle of sourcing an LS9
Foremost, HSV sourced the 6.2-liter LS9 supercharged V8 engine from General Motors’ Performance Build Center in Michigan. HSV had to do some serious finagling to get just 300 engines for the GTSR W1 since the engine has been out of production for some time.
Standard, aggressive, sticky rubber
The GTSR W1 is the only vehicle in the world to feature Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires as standard. This set of aggressive rubber is offered as an option on the Acura NSX and McLaren P1, but HSV decided to make them standard equipment. Crazy blokes.
SupaShock replaces the MRC system
HSV tapped its wealth of V8 Supercars knowledge to get the suspension just right. Magnetic Ride Control was out, and the team brought in SupaShock dampers, which also supplies dampers for the Holden Supercars team, too.
Wider stance
If the HSV GTSR W1 looks wider, that’s because it is. HSV made the front guards for the GTSR W1 nearly a half inch wider, and they’re constructed from polypropylene instead of aluminum. Along with a restyled front fascia, it helps create the W1’s sinister stance.
Codename P860HP
HSV did its best to hide the GTSR W1 from the public, and to do so, the car was referred to as “P860HP” during its development. There’s absolutely no significance to the codename, despite seeming like a horsepower figure.
It’s the quickest HSV product ever
The GTSR W1 has been confirmed to have lapped Winton Raceway four seconds faster than an HSV GTS. The W1’s power figures also make it the most powerful Australian built car ever. It’s likely a title the GTSR W1 will hold onto for quite some time.
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IMHO, the Chevrolet SS should’ve received the same send off as the Holden GTSR. Unfortunately, it went away with no additional options or special editions. 🙁
Take a base SS, send it to a good shop and get them to drop in an LS9, some upgraded suspension and a few pretty panels. I’m sure they could do the lot for less than the AUD170,000 (USD130,000) the GTS-R W1 is costing.
Yes that would cost a lot less. Then if you love the result and keep it for 5 years you will get a couple thousand more than a base SS when you sell it. This GTSR W1 will go the way most collectable cars will go. On blocks in a secure location. With only 300 made, most, if not all were pre-sold before it was officially for sale. What a great looking car. RIP Holden
I agree- pretty sad to see the SS go out as such an unknown in the USA.
I glad to have purchased my 2017 SS last month. Enjoying It greatly so far.