The first of a new generation… no longer powered by a locally built engine
The arrival of HSV’s GTS 300 in April, 2000 was a big moment in local motoring history. It was the first HSV model produced with a small-block US V8 under the bonnet that was not a crate engine lifted straight from a US model.
For the first HSV GTS powered by a Gen III LS1 V8, HSV set out to develop a special Gen III engine totally unique to Australia, which resulted in a working relationship with Corvette hot shop, Callaway, to develop a benchmark powerplant for the Australian unique breed of heavy premium muscle performance sedans. With the LS1 engine being extensively modified internally over the base LS1 offered by Holden. The results, a C4B LS1 5.7L V8 engine that delivered a genuine 300kW (402hp) and 510Nm of torque.
| Quick Details | |
|---|---|
| Years Produced | 2000 |
| Number Produced | 117 |
| Manuals Produced | |
| Automatics Produced |
The VT Series II represented a major update for HSV through the introduction of the new GENIII LS1 V8, which saw Wheels name the GTS as the fastest Holden ever at the time. The VT GTS 300 presented many unique features such as a Callaway tuned 300 kW version of the LS1, 3.91 final drive ratio and the addition of toe-control links to its IRS design to help control camber on the rear wheels under heavy acceleration.
HSV set out to develop a special Gen III engine totally unique to Australia, which resulted in a working relationship with Corvette hot shop, Callaway, to develop a benchmark powerplant for the Australian unique breed of heavy premium muscle performance sedans. With the LS1 engine being extensively modified internally over the base LS1 offered by Holden. The results, a C4B LS1 5.7L V8 engine that delivered a genuine 300kW (402hp) and 510Nm of torque.
Number Built: 117
Engine: 5.7L LS1 C4B V8
Power: 300 kW @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 510 Nm 4800 rpm
0-100 km/h (60 mph) 5.1 secs
Standing 400m (1/4 mile) 13.3 secs
Top Speed: 250 km/h+
- First HSV/Holden to feature the 300kw C4B LS1 V8
- Outright winner of the 3 hour Bathurst GT Production race in 2000
VT GTS 300 Images
