HSV E-Series I GTS (2006-09)

Overview

Released in August 2006, the HSV E-Series I (E-I) GTS was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the GTS range initially consisted of GTS Signature models which were powered by 6.0-litre LS2 V8 petrol engines that were mated to either six-speed Tremec T56 manual or six-speed 6L80E automatic transmissions. In April 2008, however, the 6.0-litre LS2 V8 engine was replaced by the more powerful 6.2-litre LS3 V8. Furthermore, the Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission was replaced by the TR6060 unit in October 2008.

LS2 and LS3 engines

The all-aluminium, Generation IV 6.0-litre LS2 pushrod V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 92.0 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, cast-steel roller rocker arms, roller cam followers, coil pack ignition, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.9:1; maximum engine speed was 6500 mm. Although calibrated to run on 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (PULP), the LS2 engine could also run on 91 RON unleaded petrol with a small loss in power. For the E-Series, the LS2 engine introduced a recalibrated engine control module (with a ‘limp home’ mode) and new tubular extractors which fed into a twin-exhaust system with four outlet pipes.

Compared to the LS2 engine , the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine had a 103.25 mm bore (stroke was unchanged at 92.0 mm), a stronger block, higher-flow cylinder heads and injectors, hollow-stem intake valves, new pistons, a more aggressive camshaft with 14.0 mm lift, a new intake manifold and a lower compression ratio of 10.7:1. As a result of the LS3’s introduction, the six-speed automatic transmission was also recalibrated for faster gearshifts.

Dimensions and suspension

Sharing its new platform with the Holden VE Commodore , the E-Series GTS was 4943 mm long, 1899 mm wide, 1467 mm tall and had a 2915 mm long wheelbase.

The E-Series GTS had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, four-link rear suspension. Like the E-Series Senator , however, the GTS suspension included a ‘Magnetic Ride Control’ system which utilised magneto-rheological fluid in the monotube dampers. When activated by an electric current, the viscosity of the fluid would change, enabling damping rates to be varied according to conditions and driver behaviour.

HSV E-Series I GTS specifications
	Year	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
GTS	2006-08	6.0-litre LS2 petrol V8	6sp man., 6sp auto	307 kW at 6000 rpm	550 Nm at 4400 rpm
GTS	2008-09	6.2-litre LS3 petrol V8	6sp man., 6sp auto	317 kW at 6000 rpm	550 Nm at 4600 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E-Series GTS included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

Developed in conjunction with AP Racing, the VE GTS braking package consisted of grooved and ventilated 365 mm by 32 mm front and 350 mm by 26 mm rear brake discs with four-piston calipers (front and rear).

Features

Standard GTS features included 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/35 R20 front and 275/30 R20 rear tyres, an eleven speaker 230 watt sound system with six-disc CD player and MP3-compatibility, 6.5-inch colour display, dual zone climate control air conditioning, ‘Performance’ leather seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control with speed alert, Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lights, automatic headlights, flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The GTS was also fitted with a limited slip differential.