HSV GTS 2014 review
The HSV GTS became an instant classic. The fastest car designed, engineered and built in Australia has been on the waiting list for three months or more. If it turns out that this Commodore is indeed the last (which, unfortunately, is very likely), then the HSV GTS will become a suitable exclamation point.
We've already tested the six-speed manual version of the HSV GTS, which has been an enthusiast favorite so far, against the world's fastest sports sedan, the road-storming Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. But after trying the six-speed automatic version of the HSV GTS, we discovered a completely new car.
Value
The automatic transmission adds $2500 to the HSV GTS' $92,990 price, meaning it's worth over $100,000 by the time you're in traffic. This is money well spent. To our surprise, we found (manual fans now look away) that the machine is not only smoother, but also accelerates faster than the manual version.
Technologies
On your $100,000 Holden, you get all the available safety and technology features from the top-of-the-line Holden Calais-V and HSV Senator, as well as a powerful supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, racing brakes, and a Ferrari-like suspension. Tiny magnetic particles in the dampers regulate how the suspension responds to road conditions. The driver also has a choice of three modes, from comfortable to sporty.
There are built-in "trace" maps that record the car's performance (and your lap times) at every race track in Australia. HSV has adapted "torque distribution" technology similar to that used by Porsche. In translation, this means that it will keep the car neat in corners, slowing down slightly as needed.
Design
Plenty of cool air flows into the V8 through a gaping air intake in the front bumper. This is almost twice as much as in the previous GTS.
Driving
HSV claims the new GTS will hit 0 km/h in 100 seconds. The best we could squeeze out of the manual was 4.4 seconds, and it didn't spare the horses. Then a colleague brought an automatic GTS to the drag strip and accelerated to 4.7. Sure, the sticky surface of the drag strip's starting line would have helped, but even on the road, the automatic version of the GTS feels far more playful than the manual version.
Another pleasant surprise is the automatic shift calibration. It's as smooth as a luxury car, though it's trying to tame the wild beast. The only thing that can be improved is the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Its improvement perhaps shouldn't come as much of a surprise, given that this engine and gearbox were also developed for a high-performance Cadillac in the US.
Meanwhile, cornering grip and ride over bumps is excellent despite the massive 20-inch wheels. But the central feel of the electric power steering is still a little blurry at freeway and suburban speeds. All in all, it's a classy move and it would be a shame that Australian designers, engineers and factory workers are unlikely to get credit for such a magical machine in the future. Instead, they will place badges on foreign goods.
With that in mind, it's no surprise that enthusiasts and collectors are snapping up the HSV GTS while it's still around.
Verdict
The HSV GTS automatic is not just an alternative to a manual transmission, it is a completely different car.
