Commodore’s sports-themed send-off
Limited-edition V8 models will see the Commodore out with a bang this year.
reports
Holden has announced its last hurrah for the Australian-built rear-drive Commodore.
The company has developed three limited-edition models based around the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine: the SS-V Redline Motorsport Edition ($85,290, a near-$10k premium over the standard car), the Calais V Director ($85,290) and a Redline ute-based model called Magnum ($74,290).
The limited-edition names are designed to pay tribute to those who have made considerable contributions to Commodore history.
The Motorsport Edition celebrates the car’s 460 motorsport victories, Director is the name of the last-ever (and highly controversial) HDT vehicle produced by Peter Brock and Magnum revives a name last used by HDT in 1983.
The models are mechanically identical between New Zealand and Australia, save the option of a manual transmission across the Tasman. But Kiwis are getting specific build numbers intended to celebrate a Kiwi Holden hero: fourtime Bathurst champion Greg Murphy.
Murphy’s best-known racing number is 51: there will be 151 Motorsport Edition models available for NZ, 51 Directors and 51 Magnums.
Separate Australian production numbers are 1200 for the Motorsport Edition, 360 for the Director and 240 for Magnum.
Buyers will have the opportunity to select a specific build number when they pay a deposit, although a few vehicles have been put aside to be auctioned, with proceeds going to a new road safety initiative to be announced by Holden later this year.
"We anticipate considerable interest in #5 (the racing number of the late Peter Brock), #88 (six time Australian Supercar champion, Jamie Whincup), and our own Supercar champion, #97 of Shane Van Gisbergen," says Kristian Aquilina, managing director of Holden NZ.
"It goes without saying, the number 51 will also prove popular – although I think one of the models might already have a particular racing driver’s name against it."
There’s no more power for the new models. Instead, the focus has been on handling and braking.
Holden engineers have employed 3.25kg lighter "floating disc" front and rear cross-drilled rotors, an engine and transmission cooling package and 20-inch split wheels and tyres for all three limited edition models.
The sedan models come with a drive mode control system including the first Holden-badged Magnetic Ride Control system. Using three settings (Tour, Sport and Performance), drivers have the option to switch between different suspension tunes depending on the scenario.
Already used by HSV, the Magnetic Ride Control system employs suspension position sensors on each corner of the vehicle to read road conditions and adjust dampers up to 100 times a second.
The Motorsport Edition also uses a high-rate subframe bush.
Magnum has gained the same FE3 rear suspension tune as the SS-V Redline sedan.
"We’ve developed engine and transmission cooling packages to meet ’GM Level 3’ track performance, says limited-edition lead development engineer Daniel Pinnuck.
"Commodore now joins the likes of Corvette, Camaro and Cadillac CTS as among the most track-capableGMvehicles."
All models feature special exterior trim and unique badging/ decals. The keys come in a commemorative presentation case and buyers will also receive a car cover and 1:18 Biante model of their purchase.
Those determined to treat their cars as collector items can even opt to have them delivered with the factory-applied protective plastic lining for the interior still in place.
Production of the Australian Commodore ends on October 20.