In Europe, the high performance version of Opel->ke65 models are sold under the OPC name, in Britain Vauxhall->ke92 opted for VXR->ke2828 and, in Australia, they have Holden->ke33 Special Vehicles. Their latest creation is a special edition GTS built to celebrate the company's 25th anniversary. This special edition GTS will be limited to only 140 units: 125 for Australia and 15 for New Zealand.

2012 HSV GTS 25th Anniversary Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 HSV GTS 25th Anniversary Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 435
  • Torque: 52 @ 0
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The new GTS 25th Anniversary edition has received a unique Satin Graphite treatment and will be identified thanks to its vector hood scoops and side vents, a superflow rear spoiler, and a new set of 20" forged alloy wheels in Satin Graphite. Also, both headlights and tail lights are equipped with wind-intercepting LED rings and inbuilt reflex reflectors that deliver maximum presence in all driving conditions.

For the interior, the coolest feature is the Enhanced Driver Interface which connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance data to the touch screen display.

Interior features:

-Satellite Navigation

-Tire Pressure Monitors

-USB Input and MP3 Hard Drive

-Unique 25th Anniversary treatment

-HSV Oracle Instrument Cluster

-Dual Zone Climate Control

-Rear Park Assist

Engine

Under the hood, HSV has kept the same engine as in the standard GTS: a 6.2 liter, LS3 V8 engine that delivers a total of 435 HP. This engine combines improved aerodynamics and lighter weight to deliver new levels of efficiency.

Prices

The new GTS 25th Anniversary will debut at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show in October. It be limited to only 140 units: 125 for Australia and 15 for New Zealand. With $7,500 worth of added features, the special edition is a steal at only $2,000 more than the standard GTS: $84,990.

Manufacturer’s list prices:

Six-speed manual $84,990
Six-speed automatic $86,990


Options:

Liquid Propane Injection $5990
Sunroof $1990
DVD player $1290


Competition

There are many alternatives for the HSV GTS on the Australian market, but we'll be focusing on the FPV GT. The Ford Performance Vehicles muscle car is powered by a 5.0 V8 supercharged alloy quad cam engine producing 449 HP at 5,750–6,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque between 2,200 and 5,500 rpm. This leaves it ahead of the HSV GTS in terms of power, but the HSV may be a tick ahead when it comes to performance due to the weight-saving measures used on the GTS 25th Anniversary Edition.

The HSV GTS' European alternative is the Vauxhall VXR8. The British version is powered by the fourth generation 6.2-liter LS3 unit that delivers an impressive 431 HP, sprinting the VXR8 from 0 to 60mph in 4.9 seconds, while hitting a top speed limited to 155mph.