Holden Foreshadows VF SS Series 2 Performance Addtions

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Holden has foreshadowed what additions lie in store for its iconic V8-powered Commodore, and the news is all good for Aussie enthusiasts.

In a direct upshot from Holden’s new export program to the US, which formally commenced this month, the local car maker has revealed it is now evaluating sharing exclusive parts with the Chevrolet SS. The additional features will more than likely make their way to the Australian-spec Commodore once a Series II version is made available – possibly in 2015 - or even in the form of a special edition package.

The US-only Chevy SS caused a stir when it was unveiled with extra accessories that aren’t available on the standard V8-powered Commodore in Australia. The key updates include steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for its six-speed automatic and a shark fin antenna, which could potentially replace the archaic bumble bee design aerial fitted to the VF Commodore.

The US-spec Chevrolet SS is similar in spec to the VF Commodore SS-V Redline, but it gets the bigger, more powerful 6.2-litre engine from the HSV ClubSport. It also receives a Bose stereo system only available locally on the higher-spec Calais V models.

What’s more the Chevrolet SS is cheaper than the flagship SS-V Redline, priced at $44,470 plus on-road costs.

Speaking with Drive this week, Holden’s national sales and marketing director, Philip Brook, said the US accessories would eventually be shared with Australian models.
“The shark fin antenna has a reception issue for us here, so that’s why we go with the bee sting offering instead,” he said.

“There are other options there as well; and yes, stuff will eventually flow through at some stage.”

Asked on the timing of such additions, Brook said: “It will be down the track.

“We’re always looking at things like that and that’s one of the good things about having other customers [outside of Australia]; some things they need and it makes it easier to share the costs and get them in.”

The developments come as General Motors apparently considers importing more Commodore and HSV variants from Australia. If that move proceeded, it could ultimately bear positive ramifications for Australian buyers as well.

Chevrolet Performance Cars marketing manager John Fitzpatrick indicated to US site Automotive.com that more Australian-made derivatives could be offered if there’s enough demand.

“People say all the time, ‘Why don’t we have a six-speed manual? Why just one engine?’” Fitzpatrick is quoted as saying, before letting on that sales volumes are the key - only 3000 units are expected to be sold each year.

Brook welcomed the prospect of more Australian models being shipped to the US, but reiterated that decision would be dictated by Chevrolet, not Holden.

“They said that they’d have to see how things go. If they think there’s some opportunity, they put that back into the system and everyone will take a look at it,” Brook said.

“We’re very proud of the fact that we’re shipping cars over there; it’s exciting. Whenever we read something good about our cars we’re always excited. It’s great.”

Brook said that ‘mum and dad buyers’ were taking up the new VF Commodore in spades, with 40 per cent of Commodore sales over the past three months going to private buyers. He said ute sales were growing after a slow start.

“This market has definitely slowed since September and since the end of August but we’re bopping along OK,” he said.

“The ute market is down a bit across the whole 4x2 market, but 4x4s are booming.

“We had an encouraging month last month for utes and orders are travelling along well.

“The car’s competitively priced as it is but sometimes it can take some time for cars to find their groove and I think that’s probably the case with the ute.”