- Powerful 5.7-litre C4B V8 engine
- Spacious interior and supportive seats
- Impressive dynamics
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Tremec T56 manual transmission has sloppy action
- Steering lacks feel
- High fuel consumption
Overview
Released in September 2000, the HSV VX GTS was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the GTS was powered by the 5.7-litre Callaway-developed C4B engine which was solely available with a heavy-duty six-speed T56 manual transmission.
Compared to the VT GTS , the VX GTS was distinguished by subtle cosmetic changes, upgraded brakes and revised dampers. As with the Holden VX Commodore range, however, the VX GTS also benefited from the introduction of a dual-damper drive shaft with rubber couplings and foam-filled B pillars for greater refinement.
C4B V8 engine
The aluminium 5.7-litre C4B pushrod V8 engine had a big bore CNC billet-machined throttle body, cast steel roller rocker arms, roller cam followers, titanium valve spring retainers, stainless steel valves, CNC-ported heads, a high-volume exhaust system and a compression ratio of 9.95:1.
Dimensions and suspension
The VX GTS was 4937 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2789 mm long wheelbase, while kerb weight was 1654 kg. Furthermore, the VX GTS had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension with toe control links.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTS | 5.7-litre LS1 C4B petrol V8 | 6sp man. | 300 kW at 6000 rpm | 510 Nm at 4800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the VX GTS included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Brakes
The VX GTS had 343 mm by 32 mm front and 315 mm by 18 mm rear cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs with four-piston calipers (front and rear).
Features
Standard features for the VX GTS included 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/35 ZR19 Bridgestone tyres, a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats, cruise control, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VX GTS
- Wikipedia.org: Holden VX Commodore – HSV
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – VX/VU
