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
