In this job us MOTORists are lucky enough to drive all sorts of fast, exotic cars, so the realisation that the most powerful car I’ve ever driven is a relatively humble Commodore raises a wry smile.

With 557kW/930Nm, the Walkinshaw W557 is more powerful than a Ferrari F12 (545kW/690Nm), Lamborghini Aventador (515kW/690Nm) or Rolls-Royce Wraith (465kW/800Nm); in fact, it’s Walkinshaw’s most powerful package ever, pipping the 550kW/980Nm Racing Edition, which come to think of it occupies spot two on my personal power list.

2017 Walkinshaw W557 front

The scale of the modifications is surprisingly modest given the earth-spinning power on offer, beginning with a new intake and cat-back exhaust, ceramic-coated headers, 1000cc injectors and a cam upgrade, while a solid isolator coupling, beehive-style valve springs and new bolts for the cam and crank add some peace of mind.

2017 Walkinshaw W557 side profile

For new vehicles the package costs $12,990 with used vehicles adding $1000, while existing Walkinshaw W507 owners can upgrade for $4990 (new) or $5990 (used). All prices include GST and fitting. If you’re extra keen, Walkinshaw’s, erm, eye-catching decals and VH SL/E-style burgundy trim (with contrasting orange stitching no less) are available at extra cost.

2017 Walkinshaw W557 interior

It’s amazing how right the GTS feels with this level of power; while the standard car’s attributes all feel nicely in harmony, the W557 swings the pendulum firmly back in favour of power. We’ve never had an issue with the quality of Walkinshaw’s work, however its cars haven’t always felt as fast as the headline numbers suggest – this is not the case with the W557.

2017 Walkinshaw W557 engine

It doesn’t have the sudden mid-range punch of the latest turbocharged V8s; instead it just builds linearly with a never-ending push. Accelerate for even the briefest moment out of a corner and large numbers appear on the head-up display very quickly.

2017 Walkinshaw W557 turbocharged

More than useable, in fact. The W557 is tractable in traffic with no coughs or hesitations and the only time its higher state of tune makes itself known is on a cold start, where it needs a couple of seconds to compose itself. Hop straight in and select drive and it’ll stall.

2017 Walkinshaw W557 rear

But what’s a little fuel between friends? Walkinshaw’s W557 package turns the HSV GTS from a weapon into a monster and a GTSR would be even better again. Almost $130,000 might be a lot of money for a Commodore, but it’s practical, comfortable, useable and capable of giving a $250,000 Mercedes-AMG E63 a fright in a straight line.

Have we mentioned how much we’ll miss cars like this?

4.5 out of 5Specs Engine: 6162cc V8, OHV, 16v, supercharger Power: 557kW @ 6200rpm Torque: 930Nm @ 4000rpm Weight: 1903kg 0-100km/h: 3.8sec (tested) Price: $114,480 (based on new automatic GTS)