Holden Commodore SS-V Redline

Holden's PR machine went into overdrive to launch the 2015 Holden Commodore update. First they secured with considerable effort exclusive access to the Bathurst racetrack on the Thursday before Australia’s greatest race, for a handful of media (Wheels included) to test updated Commodores. They also tapped star driver and Holden totem Craig Lowndes to create a special-edition sports model in honour of his 20th anniversary in V8 Supercars.

Wheels drove the Lowndes Commodore, which gets a variety of visual enhancements over the SS-V Redline on which it is based, last issue. In short, for about $6K more you get uprated Brembo brakes, 20-inch staggered wheels and tyres, black panel decals and Craig’s signature on the dash.

We also travelled to Bathurst to throw the Lowndes road car and other V8-powered MY15 Commodores across the mountain, at considerable speed, although we were limited to 140 km/h on Mountain Straight and Conrod Straight.

Now that we know everything there is to know about the MY15 Commodore, it’s obvious why Holden’s PR machine worked so hard. The changes for the 2015 model year are minimal at best, a fact reflected in Holden’s decision not to change pricing.

Most of the mods go to the V8 models, which are a considerable and growing slice of Commodore sales. SS-V Redline autos get steering wheel mounted gear change paddles like their US Chevrolet counterparts, and a black valance in the rear bumper.

There are also two new colours, spelling the end of Fantale Orange. The headline change for V6 models is the inclusion of a full-size spare wheel. And that’s it.

About the only thing that impacts the way Commodore drives is a steering calibration adjustment that Holden says “enhances on-centre feel and precision”. Not exactly front page news, especially given the Commodore’s electric steer was already better than good.

It’s probably not fair to give Holden a pull-through for the paucity of change with the MY15 update. The Commodore range was great value before this, and nothing needed fixing. It’s also a fair bet that the funds set aside for further development of a car with two to three years life left in it was minimal, so significant mechanical or panel changes were never likely.

Still, it’s a minor update, even for V8 fans. Question is, will it be enough for Commodore to hold sway against Ford’s aggressive new Falcon pricing?

Great eights
ONE-THIRD of VF Commodore models sold since launch have been V8s, one-quarter carrying the SS initials. Holden expects the V8 mix to increase further as sentimental Aussies secure a slice of home-grown V8 motoring before it disappears forever in 2017. That’s why the lion’s share of the MY15 ‘upgrade’ budget was spent on the 6.0-litre versions, including paddle shifters.

 Engine - 5967cc V8 (90°), ohv, 16v
Max power - 260kW @ 5700rpm
Max torque - 517Nm @ 4400rpm
Transmission - 6-speed automatic
Kerb weight - 1780kg
0-100km/h - 5.6sec (estimated)
Economy - 11.8L /100km
Price - $53,690
On sale - Now