HSV eyes the race track

Holden Special Vehicles is going racing - in a monster Commodore-based Monaro it has named the HRT 427.

The go-fast arm of Holden built the limited-edition coupe for the track only. HRT 427 represents the Holden Racing Team and the number of cubic inches the engine displaces.

The 427ci, or 7-litre, engine, a big-block Chevrolet V8, is based on the Corvette CS5 race engine and features HSV-unique pistons, and CNC-machined cylinder heads.

The car is a collaboration between Holden and HSV and will be aimed at HSV owners who take club racing seriously. It will largely be built to order.

Technical highlights include eight individual throttle bodies with carbon-fibre flutes, a heavy-duty clutch to handle the engine's 900Nm of torque, special T56 Tremec six-speed transmission, six-piston brakes, rollcage, Sparco seats, HRT-style steering wheel and Motec instruments.

At 1575kg, the HRT 427 is 100kg lighter than the GTS Coupe, thanks to a 14kg lighter carbon-fibre bonnet, magnesium wheels and the absence of air-conditioning and rear seats.

Tom Walkinshaw Racing - a major HSV shareholder and overall contributor - aims to use the HRT car's A-arm front suspension in future HSV models.