Walkinshaw unleashes 547kW monster

Only a couple of weeks after HSV launched its new MY16 GEN-F2 range -- including the 400kW supercharged 6.2-litre LSA V8-powered ClubSport, Senator and Maloo -- Walkinshaw Performance Products (WPP) has let rip with an insane 547kW package.

As the name suggests, the W547 pack hikes outputs to a rampant 547kW and 880Nm, and is compatible with anything powered by GM's naturally aspirated LS3 V8 -- meaning all Holden MY16 VFII Commodore SS models and all MY2012-2015 HSVs except the GTS.

That's right, for $25,990 supplied and fitted, WPP's latest supercharger package offers a V8 Supercar-beating 730hp-plus power output, whether it’s in a 340kW HSV or a 304kW Holden Commodore SS.

As with all of Walkinshaw's W Series packs – of which almost 2000 have been sold and fitted -- the W547 comes with a WPP driveline warranty.

Walkinshaw seldom reveals 0-100km/h acceleration times, but based on the fact we managed 4.3 seconds in the W507 – which comes with a 'mere' 507kW – the new W547 pack could see your humble Commodore deliver exotica-rivalling acceleration, if it can get its power to the ground.

Given this month's VFII Commodore SS comes standard with the LS3 6.2 V8 for which the W547 is designed, the most affordable way to gain W547 power is via a $40,990 Ute SS manual, taking the price to $66,980 plus on-road costs.

Alternatively, a W547-powered Commodore sedan will cost $44,490 for the VFII SS manual plus $25,990 for the kit, taking the price to $70,480 plus ORCs.

That compares to the $80,990 plus ORCs price of the new 400kW HSV ClubSport R8, meaning a saving of just over $10,000. However, the HSV benefits from a number of driveline updates, including the larger 9.9-inch diff from the GTS.

Walkinshaw, which owns both WPP and HSV, makes no modifications to the gearbox (six-speed manual or auto) or driveline as part of the W547 pack and says its WPP Drive Line Warranty lasts the duration of the manufacturer's warranty.

As well as the addition of an Eaton Twin Vortice 2300 Series supercharger, requisite plumbing and the fitment of a water-to-air intercooler, the Chevrolet-sourced V8s get new internals including upgraded camshafts, cam sprockets, crank bolts, valve spring retainers, valve stem locks and a new exhaust system -- see the full list below.

"With the launch of VFII it makes sense for WPP to release one of its most exciting W Series packages yet," said the company's general manager Tony Harris, noting the package took years to develop.

The WPP boss said that while the 547kW power figure is an incredible achievement, he observed that "It's not necessarily about the power and torque, it's really about how well the package is put together and how well it drives," he said.

The first 50 customers for the W547 W Series Package will snaffle a special 'Launch Package' including a yellow supercharger and gloss yellow cast aluminium coil covers. The same 50 early adopters also get hot laps in a V8 Supercar, with a signed and framed photo of the car driven by Lee Holdsworth.

Walkinshaw V8Supercar team owner Charlie Schwerkolt commented: "This is the newest and most powerful Walkinshaw Performance package ever made, and the lucky customers who purchase one of these upgrades will have more power at their hands than what is experienced in our race car."

W547 Package features:
WP230 Supercharger
Large high-flow injectors
Eaton Twin Vortices 2300 Series (TVS) Gen VI rotors
Water-to-air intercooler package
Custom moulded heater hoses
Cast aluminium coil covers
Unique Walkinshaw Performance injection moulded cold air intake package
Heavy duty serpentine belt drive system with Goodyear ‘Gatorback’ belt
12-inch long intake runners
Custom moulded intercooler hoses
Self-contained oil system
WP Camshaft and Valve Spring Upgrade
OEM Spec Camshaft
Cam Sprocket
Crank Bolt
Camshaft Bolt Set
Valve Spring Retainers
Valve Stem Locks
Valve Springs Beehive Style
WPP Ceramic Coated Headers
WPP Dual Active Cat Back Exhaust
WPP Drive Line Warranty
W547 Badging
W547 Certificate of Authenticity
Full dyno tune from an authorised Walkinshaw Performance Centre