The Big Bang Commodore

The Big Bang Theory probably best describes the way the final Aussie-built Commodore is going to go, says Damien O’carroll.

Taking the approach that you may as well go out with a bang, Holden decided to jam the big, angry 304kw/570nm 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 from the HSV Clubsport into the SS Commodore to ensure maximum noise, fury and, of course, power, in the last of the V8 Commodores. And the results are truly special indeed. The Commodore SS-V Redline is easily the best expression of what the Commodore is and can do. Powerful, fast, comfortable and, thanks to the excellent Redline suspension mods, remarkably adept at pounding through the corners as well. The biggest criticism of the previous iteration of V8 Commodore was the lack of anything in the way of a proper V8 sound. With the revised version, Holden has gone well out of its way to ensure that the SS sounds like a V8 should. This includes installing a “mechanical sound enhancer”, or in other words; a tube that stretches from the intake manifold to the firewall, channeling the V8 bellow directly into the SS’S cabin, as well as a version of HSV’S switchable bi-modal exhaust system, which sees a valve open or close depending whether you want to let the neighbours sleep in or shake them out of bed. In addition to these two changes, Holden has also introduced the “Baillie Tip”. Developed by (and named in honour of) Holden engineer Dr David Baillie, who died of leukemia last year, it is a unique opening in the exhaust that reverberates sound back towards the cabin, increasing the overall sound level by up to 10 per cent. This, added to the LS3’S aggressive power and the fabulous banging and popping drama on the overrun, transforms the SS from a sadly quiet performance sedan into a full-blown V8 muscle car. While the addition of noise and drama are a massive improvement, all the things that the SS-V Redline did exceptionally well in the first place are still very much present and accounted for; the ride is impressively comfortable and compliant, while still maintaining excellent body control through the winding bits. The drivetrain is capable of being extremely refined and civilised, despite all the power and aggression it is capable of and the interior is still nicely built and very comfortable indeed. The SS-V comes with Holden’s excellent Mylink infotainment system, but misses out on the current version’s Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration. What it does get, however, is a new 19inch alloy wheel and a revised tune of the FE3 sports suspension, along with a new brake package that adds Brembo stoppers on the rear to match the fronts. The last of the Australian-produced is most certainly the best one, and the improvements made to the SS-V in the twilight of its career have only served to make it even better. The mighty noise and performance added to the fine handling, ride and thoroughly excellent build quality make the SS-V Redline one of the bargains of the performance sedan world. Whatever Holden decides to hang the Commodore name on next will have to be a damn fine car indeed, if it is to live up to the standards set by the last Aussie car to wear the name.