Lightning strikes special edition Commodore

Lightning may have been a popular suggestion in a recent special-edition Holden Commodore sedan and ute naming competition, but there was only one winner out of the 1000 or so entrants.

Eu Wyn Wong was first across the line in the competition, run via Holden's Facebook page in January, with the suggestion that "Lightning" would be a pretty snazzy name for a special edition run of SV6 Commodore sedans and utes.

The Lightning edition SV6 Commodores are specified and priced differently depending on whether they are in sedan or ute form: Sedan versions come with 20-inch forged alloy wheels, black side decals and a general application of extra external bling including a gloss black lip spoiler, plus more gloss black in the front guards and grille surrounds.

Auto transmission versions get alloy floor pedals.

Specify a ute version and you’ll also get a hard tonneau cover on top of the other Lightning gear.

This obviously has a big impact on the price: Where you’ll pay a $1500 premium over a regular V6 sedan to step up to a Lightning edition, the added cost if you’re wanting a ute is $4000. Prices start at the following:

SV6 Lightning sedan $38,290
SV6 Lightning ute $37,490

Holden’s Executive Director of Marketing, Bill Mott, talked about the new name in glowing terms.

"Lightning is an exciting and energetic name, and I congratulate Mr Wong on an inspired suggestion. I would also like to thank the many other people that entered the competition, once again demonstrating Australia’s love and interest in the Holden brand," he said.

The Lightning Commodore will go on sale in late March.