The venerable HSV Clubsport has come a long way. Launching in 1990 with the VN Commodore, the first examples derived 180kW and 400Nm from Holden’s 5.0 litre V8.
Fast-forward to today, 10 models and 25 years later, and the ClubSport is now driven by a mean 325kW/550Nm 6.2 litre V8 – while up-spec R8 versions turn that up to 340kW and 570Nm.
Holden Special Vehicles has turned to that special R8 variant to celebrate the ClubSport badge’s 25th anniversary, announcing a new limited-edition special this week.
Restricted to 100 units for Australia and just eight for New Zealand, the ClubSport 25th Anniversary model picks up a number of styling extras and unique commemorative branding.
Features already standard with the ClubSport R8 include four-piston AP Racing forged brake callipers, HSV Performance seats in Onyx leather trim, the on-screen Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) and a Driver Preference control dial.
For its 25th birthday, the R8 adds lightweight 20-inch SV Rapier forged alloy wheels in a gloss black finish, a Hyperflow Performance spoiler, and a blacked-out finish to the fender vents, mirror caps and badges. There’s also a shadow-chrome finish to the quad exhaust outlets.
Setting the new special a little further apart from the pack is a trio of commemorative identifiers, including ‘25th Anniversary’ sill plates, an ID build plate and a customised start-up screen for the dash display. Each vehicle is, of course, individually numbered.
The 25th Anniversary R8 will be available with either a TR6060 Tremec six-speed manual or the optional 6L80E six-speed auto, which also features Active Select and paddle shifters.
Four colours will be offered: Heron white, Phantom black, Sting red and Nitrate silver.
“Along with GTS, ClubSport has been one of the mainstays of the HSV line-up through its proud history”, said HSV managing director Tim Jackson.
“We’re sure the added value offered with the 25th Anniversary ClubSport R8 will be well received by our fans.”