2017 HSV VF GTSR

Some carmakers have learned the hard way not to take historical kudos for granted. Just look at Chevrolet’s Impala and Malibu, both having shed historical credibility over the years on a journey to become sedate retiree-transporters. Where HSV has been concerned, there has been no such problem — not with reviving the hallowed GTS badge for its top-of-the-range king hitters, and especially not with the sacred GTS-R nameplate. For its latest incarnation, HSV has left nothing on the table, equipping the latest GTSR — note the missing hyphen — with a functional raceinspired front bumper, wider front fenders, the latest incarnation of the MRC electronic damping system, massive AP Racing monobloc calipers, and lightweight 20x9-inch and 20x10inch SV Panorama forged alloys. While it’s nowhere near as exuberant as its VS predecessor, it doesn’t need to be. Just looking at it, you know that it means business, and that’s confirmed by the supercharged 6.2-litre LSA, good for 435kW (583hp) and 740Nm (509lb·ft), channelled through a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual. If ever an HSV was worthy of bearing the GTSR badge, this is it. This one is owned by a bloke named Hugh, who was unable to make it to our photo shoot. Fortunately, he has a petrolhead brother who didn’t need to be asked twice to drive it there. Having only recently taken possession of the GTSR, Hugh is no doubt going to be hard to prise out of its sculpted, Alcantara-swathed driver’s seat.