[Express]

Originally Posted by olds

http://www.drive.com.au/new-car-revi...21-gvptw9.html

I'll expand olds link to add the photos.

It's not overly attractive but I'd still own one but not in that revised version of an old hero colour, yuk.

HSV GTSR W1 new car review


This is the most focused, purposeful and driver-oriented model in Australian history.



21 April 2017

David McCowen



SEE LINK FOR VIDEO: 2017 HSV GTSR W1 video review
Behind the wheel of Australia's greatest performance car.



?This could have been a sticker pack.

With a couple of badges, a splash of colour and maybe a few extra kilowatts, Holden Special Vehicles could have called it a day.

The last run of Australian V8s was always going to sell out - so it would have been perfectly understandable for HSV to roll the arm over, phone it in and deliver a safe, predictable package.



HSV's GTSR W1 is the ultimate Australian muscle car. Photo: Mark Bean


Instead, it delivered the greatest-ever Australian performance car in a fitting farewell for the local manufacturing industry.

The HSV GTSR W1 represents a genuine attempt to transform the humble Holden Commodore into the best possible performance car. Engineers negotiated with Chevrolet to get hold of the engine used in the ultimate version of the previous-generation Corvette ZR1, a supercharged 6.2-litre motor that delivers 474kW and 815Nm outputs - well more than any other Australian-built car.



2017 HSV GTSR W1 - Photo: Mark Bean


Dubbed LS9, the motor features titanium internals, a race-spec dry-sump lubrication system and beefed-up six-speed manual transmission

The W1 treatment goes far beyond extra power.



2017 HSV GTSR W1 - Photo: David McCowen


There are wider front guards to accommodate bigger front wheels wearing fat Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R tyres, arguably the most extreme rubber available on any new car today.

The rears are wider too, while the regular GTS' magnetic ride control suspension has been flicked in favour of Australian Supashock suspension as used by some V8 Supercar teams.

A beefed-up braking package includes 410mm two-piece front discs clamped by six-piston calipers, the seats, steering wheel and gear knob are now wrapped in Alcantara trim and there are genuine carbon fibre finishes to the rear spoiler, front guard vents and underbonnet air intake.

In short, there's plenty of equipment to justify the extra spend required to get hold of a W1.

Factor in development costs, a tiny 300-odd vehicle build run and the fact that there is zero possibility of amortising the investment across future models, and it seems no small miracle that this vehicle exists.

But we're so glad it does.



2017 HSV GTSR W1 - Photo: Mark Bean


Slipping into the driver's seat, the W1's cabin will be instantly familiar to anyone who has driven a late-model HSV. You sit in a generously proportioned seat with large yet soft bolsters, gripping a chunky steering wheel and stubby little gear shifter.

Prod the starter button and you're rewarded with a purposeful bark followed by a menacing, restless idle. Step on the stiff clutch pedal, shove the gearbox into first and you find surprisingly high gearing for a Holden - that Corvette sourced transmission is good for 60mph, just short of 100kmh - in first gear, so it's not exactly comfortable trawling around car parks or stop-start traffic at walking pace.

Traffic certainly isn't a strong point for the W1, which has no automatic transmission option and no stop-start fuel saving system. Like an athlete requiring thousands of calories each day to maintain their physique, the W1 burns almost 3L/100km of fuel at idle.

That economy doesn't improve on the open road, where the W1's enormous power and short gearing result in real-world fuel use well over 15L/100km (double that if you push the car hard) as the engine ticks over at more than 2000rpm on a 110km/h cruise.



2017 HSV GTSR W1 - Photo: David McCowen


While we're whinging, buyers prepared to pay $170,000 for a performance car should expect genuine carbon fibre interior trim in place of cheap-looking print, and they should also expect to benefit from modern safety features such as autonomous emergency braking or active cruise control, neither of which is available on the W1. Our test example, a pre-production prototype, also felt a little tired, with a few bumps and rattles you wouldn't expect from a car with just 5000km on the clock.

Those quibbles are unlikely to bother customers of HSV's sold-out flagship. And if they did, sales staff could be forgiven for suggesting they find another 450kW-plus car for less than $200,000, before calling the next name on a no-doubt lengthy waiting list.

Because the GTSR W1 is sensational to drive.



2017 HSV GTSR W1 - Photo: Mark Bean


That motor is truly magnificent, with a hard-edged bark that feels much more purposeful than HSV's usual fare. It revs harder than a normal GTS, feeling significantly stronger than its little brother at every point on the tacho.

There's a delicious soundtrack with all manner of growls, grunts and crackles that lend charming character to match its staggering shove.



2017 HSV GTSR W1 - Photo: David McCowen


The brand's engineers have done a beautiful job of integrating that laundry list of upgrades, resulting in a cohesive machine that isn't overwhelmed by the engine.

It's a confidence-inspiring machine, one you can really lean on when driving hard. Those new tyres and race-bred shocks lend the car outstanding grip and composure at pace, keeping the car hooked-up and in control. It flows beautifully on a demanding road, unfazed by camber, crests, potholes or patchy surfaces - ripping along with far more poise than lesser models in the range.

The W1's quick reflexes and taut control make for a magnificent combination. It feels keyed into the road in a way that no Australian car can match with aggressive rubber that rips into the road surface under brakes, on turn-in and power-down. You feel the potential of its purchase on the road and you can see graphically displayed on the in-dash G-force readout.

This is the most focused, purposeful and driver-oriented model in Australian history.

A hell of a lot more than a sticker pack.



2017 HSV GTSR W1 - Photo: Mark Bean



2017 HSV GTSR W1 pricing and specifications


On sale: Now (production begins in April)

Price: From $169,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8 petrol

Power: 474kW at 6500rpm

Torque: 815Nm at 3900rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

Fuel use: 16.5L/100km



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