Newly Classic - How Holden’s staunch EFI V8 received an extra serve of cubes for the 1994 VR HSV GTS

Holden’s EFI V8 received extra cubes for the 1994 VR HSV GTS

For around a decade, GTS was the badge on Holden’s top-grade full-size sporting cars; first exclusively on the two-door HK Monaro and, from 1973 on two- and four-door HQ models.

Following Holden’s axing of the two-door body stye in 1976, only the four-door wore a GTS badge, with the badge later retired at the end of the HZ series.

The VR Commodore HSV GTS Sedan - Image HSV

For the rebirth of the GTS badge in 1992, HSV created an executive express powered by its high-output 200kW 5.0-litre V8 that was based loosely on Holden’s top-spec VP-Series Calais. Our Kiwi friends will rightly point out that they received a NZ-only Commodore GTS in between these models, but we’re focused here on Aussie variants.

Nicely bolstered leather was all the rage - Image HSV Database

For the new VR series of 1994 HSV went further and faster, with a bigger version of the Holden/HSV V8 installed in an Executive-based GTS with fewer features (and hence less weight).

Developed by Holden (as were all HSV engines) but exclusive to HSV, the 1994 GTS mill featured a longer throw ‘stroker’ crankshaft for a capacity increase from 5.0- to 5.7-litres.

HSV in fine form with the VR GTS - Image HSV

With changes to the fuel-injection system, plus a new free-flow twin exhaust and over-radiator cold air intake, the new engine delivered a claimed 215kW and 475Nm – figures some punters believed to be an underestimate.

To cope with the extra output, a tougher six-speed gearbox was fitted to manual models and the four-speed auto was also beefed up. Also new for HSV GTS was an Australian designed slip-limiting Hydratrak differential to help manage wheelspin and get the car down the quarter mile in the low-14s. All HSV sedans by this stage featured independent rear suspension.

The V8 was good for 215kW and 475Nm - Image HSV database

The brakes for the VR GTS were impressive too, being a revised version of the hardware introduced with 1989’s VN SV5000 and later used on both Holden’s VN SS Group A and HSV’s VP GTS. Made in Melbourne by PBR and good enough to be chosen by Chevrolet for its US-market Corvette, the stoppers boasted 330mm front discs with innovative twin-piston pad-guided calliper, and ventilated rear discs to rein-in the GTS’s prodigious poke.

It’s 30 years since Australia’s Holden Special Vehicles gave its 1994 VR GTS a bigger ticker. In doing so, it created an Aussie muscle car legend

Valuation Timeline 1994 VR HSV GTS 5.7-litre sedan

2005 $23,500

2010 $14,500

2014 $18,500

2019 $45,000

2024 $65,000

Retro Rides Investment Rating 1994 VR HSV GTS 5.7-litre sedan

4/10