SS: It's an eight, mate

ALERT: for Holden's just-announced pricing and spec details on new VE click

For the VE Commodore, Holden abandoned the previous SV8 and redefined the SS as a V8 version of the SV6 that slots in between the SV6 and the wild new SS V above it.

Like the SV6, the SS builds on the aggressive sports look established by the VZ Monaro CV8 at the front. A deep open grille filled with black honeycomb mesh is joined by an extended front fascia filled with vertical fog light sections and a deep open-mouthed lower intake also filled with black mesh. Extended side skirts highlight the VE’s flared wheelarches.

The SS has a matching deep rear fascia which houses a contrasting black centre diffuser section with mesh highlights and reflectors and acts as a frame for two sets of polished dual exhaust outlets. These quad exhaust tips are a first for a Holden since the exclusive 1969-70 HT-HG Monaro GTS 350 models. The side vents on the front guards were introduced on the previous SS and the rear bootlid spoiler with its black accent has a higher profile than the SV6 item.

The 18-inch alloy wheels match the SV6 items with their twin-section five-spoke design. Like all VE models, the standard spare is a space saver but a full-sized wheel is optional.

Inside, the SS features Holden’s Performance dash design which extends the centre console through the centre of the dash and over the top of the dash pad. It gives it a structural race car look. An auxiliary display above the centre vents supplements the sports instrumentation, all lit in red. It divides the cockpit into more intimate sections for passenger and driver.

There is a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the trim features dark and brooding colours compared to the Omega for a sportier look. Compared to the SV6, the SS front seats are upgraded with a more aggressively-contoured sports design and the rear seat gains a centre armrest. A reach and tilt adjustment steering column completes the sports environment. Leather seat and door trim is optional.

The SS CD player is further upgraded over the SV6 with a six-stacker CD and comes with Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity. As for the SV6, the SS has seven speakers compared to the Omega’s six. Air-conditioning, ESP and side impact airbags are standard.

Under the bonnet is the new L98 Generation IV engine upgraded from the L76 fitted to the previous VZ SS. It delivers 270kW/5700rpm and 530Nm/4400rpm. The six-speed manual is the close-ratio M10 version of the Tremec T56 and is the best yet fitted to a Holden V8 model. It builds on the improved M12 gearbox fitted to the export Pontiac GTO and final VZ Monaro and features triple synchronizers on first and second gears, double synchronizers on third, fourth, fifth and sixth gears. The shift rods feature bearings instead of bushes for a slicker, more accurate change.

The big news is the new 6L80E six-speed auto transmission which is lifted from the Corvette and top-shelf Cadillac models and delivers the same performance as the six-speed manual. Like the SV6, it features Holden’s new Active Select sequential manual function where the lever is flicked forward for downshifts, back for upshifts.

The lowered Sports suspension is configured for the V8 engine. The SS also has the latest ZF multi-plate clutch limited slip differential and the larger V8 brake specification.

Fuel consumption for the improved manual is 14.4 litres/100km compared to 14.6 for the previous SS while the new auto delivers 14.3 litres/100km compared to an even 14 for the previous model.