FAQ: Holden Commodore VXR

Holden has announced a VXR-badged model will head up the performance line-up of the new-generation ZB Commodore due on sale in February. Much to the chagrin of a legion V8 fans, the SS replacement will not get a large-capacity V8 engine and nor will it be rear-wheel drive or available in wagon or ute forms. Instead, it will be an all-wheel drive liftback fitted exclusively with a V6 automatic powertrain.

What is VXR?
VXR is the ‘new’ performance badge Holden will employ for its first imported Commodore, which is built in Germany and based on Opel's latest Insignia. It is a nameplate GM’s UK marque Vauxhall has used for its performance models. Locally, Holden and HSV have also used the VXR nameplate – the latter for its Astra-based hot hatch. The VXR badge will replace the SS as Holden’s top-grade performance Commodore.

What is under the bonnet of the new Commodore VXR?
Holden has confirmed the Commodore VXR will feature a 235kW/381Nm naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre petrol V6 matched solely to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Like cheaper Commodore RS-V models, the VXR comes with unique HiPer Strut front suspension and its adaptive AWD system features a special torque-vectoring electric differential. Apart from a sports body kit, unique features include multi-mode Continuous Damping Control (CDC), front Brembo brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels and performance leather sports seats, among other items.

Why is there no longer a Commodore SS?
The SS 'died' with the end of local Commodore production in October 2017. While the outgoing car is unique to Australia and features longitudinal engine and rear-drive, the new Commodore is fully imported and built in Opel, Buick and Vauxhall versions for sale in various markets around the world. It features a (conventional for front-drive) transverse engine and will be sold in front and all-wheel drive variants.

How much will the VXR cost?
When the VXR goes on sale alongside the rest of the new generation Commodore range in February 2018, it will be priced at $55,990 plus on-road costs -- $1000 more than Holden's outgoing VFII Commodore SS-V Redline sedan flagship.

Is there a higher output version of the VXR coming?
Holden says there are no plans to offer a higher-output version of the VXR in the near future. Suggestions that HSV may offer a tuned version of the VXR are also wide of the mark, with the Holden hot-shop confirming it will not offer versions with bespoke suspension and body kits, let alone the mooted twin-turbo V6 powertrain. In Europe, the powered-up Opel/Vauxhall Insignia GSi AWD Gran Sport (liftback) and Sports Tourer (wagon) are fitted with 191kW turbo-petrol and 155kW turbo-diesel 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines. However, there are rumours of a hotter Insignia to directly replace the old Opel Insignia OPC and Vauxhall Insignia VXR.

What about the twin-turbo V6 that Holden is using in its Supercar?
GM sources have been clear that a twin-turbo version of the 3.6-litre V6 will not fit in the new Commodore. The engine being tested by the Red Bull HRT is a longitudinally-mounted version of the twin-turbo V6 Cadillac uses in its rear-drive CTS-V coupe racer in the US. It has no practical application to the Commodore road car.