The XW GT ushered in the era of the real muscle car GTs, the first with the big 351 engines combined with powerful, aggressive styling and large bonnet scoop. Again, it was the first Australian car to feature standard bonnet locking pins, racing exterior mirror, anti-glare bonnet rally panels, styled fuel cap, separate dual exhausts exiting at each corner, styled 12-slot sports wheels, baggy 70-series radial tyres, long distance fuel tank and large ventilated front disc brakes. The XW also saw the introduction of the Phase I and II GT-HO homologation models, which were the first local performance cars to feature a full-width front spoiler.

The earlier 351 Windsor V8 was replaced by the famed 351 Cleveland engine during the XW model life. The standard XW GT, launched in June 1969, was joined by the Windsor-engined Phase I GT-HO in August and, one year later by the Cleveland-powered Phase II GT-HO.

The XW GT also introduced the Super Roo as performance was what the four barrel 351 was all about while the HOs were out-and-out race homologation specials developed for the Touring Car Championship. Engine power jumped dramatically, braking and handling were also greatly improved and racing fans soon had heroes like Moffat and the Geoghegans to cheer for.