HSV's 25th Anniversary ClubSport R8 limited edition

TWENTY-FIVE years ago an Aussie nameplate icon was born with the VN ClubSport.

To commemorate, HSV has released a 25th Anniversary ClubSport R8 limited to 100 vehicles, with a further eight destined for New Zealand.

At $73,290, recommended price for the limited edition model is no different to a standard ClubSport R8, tempting enthusiasts and collectors to open their wallets to secure a special one.

So what goodies are involved? For starters the 25th Anniversaries get 20-inch SV Rapier alloys in gloss black finish, matched to "pitch black" exterior accents for the door, bonnet and boot-lid badges, fender vents and mirrors.

A Hyperflow Performance rear spoiler adds a dash of raciness, backed up by quad exhaust outlets with shadow-chrome tips.

Uniquely branded sill plates also feature, and collectors can go all mushy for each car's individual number and de rigueur I.D. plate.

Sadly there are no performance upgrades to tempt further, but the standard R8's 340kW LS3 V8, AP Racing four-piston callipers, HSV Performance seats and Enhanced Driver Interface should help owners feel special enough.

Transmission choice is also as-you-were, with a Tremec six-speed manual and six-speed auto with Active Select and paddle-shifters your options.

Things have moved on a fair bit for the ClubSport badge in the past quarter-century. The Anniversary model has almost twice the power offered by the 1990 VN ClubSport: the 180kW from its 5.0-litre V8 the same as you'll find in today's four-cylinder 2.0-litre Hyundai Sonata family sedan.

HSV says the technology and performance may have changed in 25 years, but the level of passion remains the same.

Build of the 25th Anniversary models begins this month, with colour choices limited to Heron, Phantom, Sting and Nitrate.