Holden SS Commodore

Australians love their V8s big and driven through the rear wheels. This has been an Australian tradition and one that Holden were not prepared to walk away from. In the VE family, the performance models consist of the SV6 and the V8- powered SS and SS V. For this test we drove the SS, which shares the same sports body kit as the SS V, high mount rear spoiler and potent Gen 4 6.0-litre V8. Our test vehicle also had the latest Genuine Holden Accessory - the 1970s era body stripes that you either love or hate! Notwithstanding, they certainly drew attention to our Hot Red machine. The SS Commodore is powered by a 6.0-litre V8 that delivers 270kW of power at 5700 rpm and a stump pulling 530Nm of torque at 4400rpm. Power is directed through a 6-speed manual or auto box. Unfortunately, our test vehicle was fitted with the manual which simply isn't in the same league as the auto. The gear shifts are not intuitive nor fluent, and often one gets the impression that the gear change is just harder than it should be.

Once engaged however, the six-speed is a good box that pulls well across the range. Given its head, the SS is a potent machine. Power is awesome and with foot to the floor, tyres spin, the engine roars and the car launches forward with amazing thrust. Yes this is a true performance machine, yet this is not about celebrating power and speed. Certainly the SS is all of those things, but driven more sedately, it is a fine street car that delivers acceptable fuel economy, while a latent lion sleeps under the bonnet. The SS is a great car to drive and delivers an enthralling ride - far superior to the VZ SS it replaces. Ride is balanced, build is solid and performance rates it with the best Australian muscle cars. Holden have built a performance car that is safer than before and, when driven hard, demonstrates an impressive suspension setup, steering acumen and sports dynamics that are hard to fault. Body roll is controlled and stability control waits in the wings to correct minor driver errors. The engineering that underpins the VE range is first class, with rigid chassis, bigger footprint and a solid feel that imparts confidence.

Turn the key and the SS has a lovely low growl, and in our test model a nagging vibration as if the engine was impatient to be moving. Once mobile, engine noise is not intrusive, with Holden allowing just enough growl to please the driver and turn heads if the throttle is gunned! There is still something intrinsically raw and coarse about the SS, from the rear wheel drive to the huge power reserves, but this is what a muscle car is all about. There are smoother performance cars on the market, and the powertrain setup is not perfect. Externally, it has a powerful presence. The wide guards, body spoiler and low front body cowl all accent this Holden's power and poise. Inside, the SS does not have the leather trim of the SS V. The red dash lights are difficult to read, while the white lettering on a grey background for some instruments is also too hard to read. Seats are first class and, as per other VE's, the A pillar is wide and intrusive. There are large footwells, plenty of interior space, and safety credentials are first class. These include front and side airbags, standard stability control and massive engineering improvements. The SS rides on 18-inch rubber and, at just a tad under $45,000, is great value.

Brian Tanner