Holden VE Commodore SS & SS V
July 21, 2006 by Alborz Fallah
Update: Holden Commodore Reviews.
The new Holden Commodore SS will be available soon and while Holden have decided, again, that there is no need to release a competitor to Ford’s immensly succesful XR-6 Turbo, the new VE model SS and the new SS V Commodores are sure to attract attention from the V8 lovers all around Australia.
It seems like Holden doesn’t want to bite the bullet and admit that perhaps having a Turbo charged 6 cylinder is a far better option than a big V8? Or maybe they can’t begin to imagine the idea of shedding their “big V8” image. Whatever the reason, if the sales figures are anything togo by, it seems that people still want big powerful Aussie performance cars, but given the high fuel prices and the fact that its 2006 and not 1995, some are moving away from the big V8 rumblers and more towards the more technologically advanced Australian cars such as Ford’s XR-6 Turbo.
Nevertheless, Holden’s new VE Commodore SS and the brand new VE Commodore SS V are worth a closer look. The Holden VE Commodore SS is powered by an engine more accustomed to HSV cars, the LS2 6.0 Litre V8 producing 270kW of power with a peak torque of 530Nm. The car comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission or for another $2000 you can opt out for the six-speed automatic with Active Select.
The new VE Commodore SS starts at $44,990 for the 6 speed manual and $46,990 with the 6 speed Auto. This is the first time Holden has offered the six-speed automatic for the SS, having previously equiped the old SS Commodore through its ageing four-speed automatic. If you intend to buy a SS Commodore I would highly incourage you to stick with the manual, not that I have my doubts about the European engineered 6 speed auto, but as you should be aware by now, I am not a big fan of Automatics when it comes to performance cars. Click for full pricing on the VE Commodore Range.
The VE Commodore SS comes with everything the Holden VE Commodore Omega comes with (+air conditioning as standard) as well as:
Exterior:
- Exclusive sports grille with honeycomb texture
- Exclusive deep section sports bumper fascia with matching honeycomb inserts and fog lamps
- 18-inch twin five spoke machine finished alloy wheels
- Exclusive deep section lower rocker skirt
- Rear door badge on SS
- Exclusive two-piece sports rear fascia with black diffuser style lower insert incorporating reflectors
- Larger decklid spoiler in body color and black accent on SS (larger in comparison to SV6)
- Quad round chrome exhaust outlets on SS
Interior
- Performance interiors convey sports car cockpit effect
- Vertical ‘waterfall’ theme with driver and passenger compartments split into ‘pods’ by unique centre stack offset to the instrument panel
- Unique longitudinal colour break-up and vertical door grab handles on SS V
- Abrupt interface between instrument panel and console adds to motorsport effect
- Sports instrumentation supplemented by a high-mounted auxiliary display above centre vents
- Red illumination
Holden VE Commodore SS V
The model that has interestead me a little is the new VE Commodore SS V. Obviously Holden has seen a gap between the Commodore SS and the HSV range and hope to fill that gap with the new SS V. Holden refers to the SS V as
Holden’s king of the jungle, the new hero of our performance range. It also delivers front, side and curtain airbags, multi-function color LCD screen, premium stereo system and the ability to choose color-coded interiors
Hmm for the extra $6,000 you will be paying on top of the standard SS (with manual transmission) the SS V starts at $51,990 (extra $2000 for the six-speed auto). Quite a bit for a standard Holden! The equipement level found in the SS V makes me wonder where the extra $6000 has gone? For a start the 19 inch wheels are a nice addition, but what else do you get?
Exterior
- 19-inch five spoke alloy wheels in silver paint finish
- High tech tail lamps with smoky clear outer lens over bright styled bezel with red lens inserts
- Larger decklid spoiler in body color and black accent as per SS
- V decklid badge
Interior
- Unique longitudinal colour break-up and vertical door grab handles
- Large color screen in centre stack
Hmmm… extra $6000? Holden says:
SS V has an aggressive theme taking sport interiors to a new level. Either in Onyx, Ignition or Redhot, colour is applied to the instrument panel and seats for those customers wanting to be expressive and have a sense of customisation
So in otherwords, this car is aimed at those who have an extra $6,000, and really wish they had an HSV! My advice? Stick with the SS, most of those additional features aren’t worth the $6,000! If I bought a Commodore SS I’d sell the wheels on eBay and buy some aftermarket ones for around $3000, much better way of standing out in the crowd!
For full pricing and optios on the new Holden VE Commodore SS and SS V range click here.
Click for Full Features list of the Holden Commodore VE Range
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Hi i have been loking on different websites regarding the VE commodore i can not find any actual performance figures for the ssv and ss Ve does anybody know of such a site please
Thanks John
Just in relation to the $6000 dollar question between the VE SS and the VE SS V, a big lump of the $6K might be sucked up by the STANDARD leather trim on the SS V. The SS comes with cloth trim as standard. There are also a few other bits not mentioned like Zennon headlamps.
lets not forget climate control, take-off lights and an extra inch of good quality sports tyre
holly shit! . . look at that interior . . how much is it again? :P
starts at 52g
so about 55 on road
I have just bought a VE SS, wonderful car goes like a rocket. As for getting SSV I think NOT 6k extra i dont think it’s worth the wait. I think old mate is right with selling wheels and opting for aftermarket wheels considering $2100 you can get 19s with rubber shipped to Darwin. And add another $800 you can get a mafless tune to get 320+rwkw giving better fuel economy. Then when your side by side with a HSV you know you have the more aggressive weapon and the extra 30k in your pocket.
If you are more of a laid back driver but want to drive in style/comfort you get the *Calais or *Berlina-(can’t afford calais).
If you got money to spend or if you are a rich pig you get the *Hsv.
If you dont have money to burn and just want to get reliability v6 get the standard *Omega.
If you want a sporty look and don’t want a v8 you get the *Sv6.
If you got money to spend and want the lot like sports interior/leather etc.. but don’t want a hsv you get the *SS-V.
If you want a sporty look but the v8 muscle you get the *ss.
Who agrees?
I bought the ss with 20 inch wheels, alloy pedals ,alarm upgrade, rear park assist, flip key, sunroof, ss mats, towbar, sports colour coded steering wheel and gear lever for less than the ssv
I have recently bought a SSV, and I will say it’s the best looking, greatest performing car I’ve ever driven. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to invest in.
i brought mine and im happy with it!! i put chrome 2o’s on it, and a new big stereo. and also a bigger exhaust!!!! iam so glad that i bought one
The VE SS Commodore is a great car. I’ve had the privellige of driving it and it does impress me. Though I have also driven a XR6 Turbo and now realise that the Ford is a better car in terms of engine and handling.
i dont have one but am thinkin of buyin one they are one of the most best lookin cars u can get at the moment
I just got a new R8. It is awesome, though it is a slight hinder on the lifestyle, but if you are an enthusiast, then this is the car.
What does anyone think about the new special edition Commodore Lumina???????
Oh my gosh, i’m on second year p’s and have only every dreamed of driving a ve ss.. But my mate let me drive his.. Holy cow and the power it awesome as… Not only does it look sporty she goes like the clappers too…
how does the ssv compare to a porsche 997 performance wise
Which 997 though. This is a Commodore not in the same league as a 997 Porsche.
hve both fpv 290 GTP with heaps done to get it to handle and stop, as well as a VE SSV the ford has cost me almost $25,000 more to get it to perform almost as well as the SSV. very soon I will get rid of the GTP as it is not up to scratch with what holden has put together,its like driving a 10 year old car compared to the holden.The SSV is brilliant in every way great to look at superior style less road noise better handeling, tighter in the body, and dosn’t feel like an ocean liner to drive (unlike the ford)
The FPV you’re talking about is an older car, still that doesn’t mean it’s that worse than a VE it’s like driving an ocean liner.
Not all the SSV’s come with two-tone leather (thank God!!)
Mine is ‘Crunch’ in colour and has basic black interior. I like the paint colour, interesting as it changes as the light conditions do. Kinda cool and it does grow on you.
Someone mentioned Xenon headlamps. Whilst they are a projector style headlamp, I’m not sure they’re Xenon. I imagine you could upgrade to a Xenontype with this setup lamps though.
I just bought a ve ss and im impressed,any 1 that has anything bad to say about it is jealous.
I agree with Les. I just bought an SS and it is awesome!! Very easy to drive considering the dimensions and the mass of the vehicle.
Test drove the manual+auto ss-v the other day. Very nice handling, sweet exhaust sound and love the interior. Ordered an SS-v manual, maunal way better, the auto feels lazy/slow to pick up in first. Awesome car!!!
Johnny L, why did you prefer it over a XR6T or XR8?
GEE WHAT A LEADING QUESTION FROM A HOLDEN GUY….LOL
SHAKER, are you talking to me or Johnny L?
With the turbo there a slight turbo lag when coming out of corners short windy roads and the major issue I had was the fact that ford was going to stop production of the inline 6 in 2010. XR8 the performance seem a bit lacking especially when you try the turbo and the SS. Personally I just found the interior and exterior of the SSv more appealing and I liked the note of a V8. Performance and styling wise in my opinion the SS V just seem like a better package.
Inside is awesome! great to drive.
BE CAREFULL when buying the new ss-v atomic green as the bumper bars are different colours one of my friends pointed it out to me after i bought a new one. NOT HAPPY!! and they are having troubles matching paint. Two modules have to be replaced and ive only had it for 2 and half months and its been back to the dealer 4 times. So just be careful fellow australians cause they have also stuffed me around.
We bought the ssv 2008 early this year. We have had a knocking noise from the front right. It has been back to the dealer now five times and each time comes home with the same noise. They have replaced bushes ans shimmied the brakes to no avail. It is starting to piss us off that they cannot fix their problem.
Has anyone esle ahd the same problem. We are starting to think that it is the suspension.
Which is Faster and Powerfull ?
XR6 Turbo 07 or the SSV VE 07
The VE SSV is faster and more powerful than the BF XR6T
VE SSV 270KW manual 0-100 5.2-6 sec aprox
BF XR6T 245KW ZF-auto 0-100 6 sec aprox
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They raced the VE SSV and the F6 typhoon over a 1/4 mile on top gear and the typhoon came out in front. A little dissapointing since i am a holden supporter but still a great car!
VE Calais V V8 review Mid 2008 Update Model.
I purchased my VE Calais V V8 (it is the update model with the 10 spoke 18″ wheels) with FEII Suspension, Full size spare, HD tow pack, Sat Nav and Power outlet in the boot in Aug 2007.
I am very happy with it, I have driven to Sydney and back from Bendigo averaging 9.6 lts per 100kms for the whole trip. Not bad for a 1750 kg vehicle full of fuel and luggage with 2 adults and 1 child.
The car has now done around 12,000kms.
I have only added a few little things to the car since Aug 2007 such as:
Ashtray / Power Outlet in the rear of the centre console – Holden deleted the door on the rear of the centre console. (I am not a smoker, just wanted the extra Power Outlet, HSV Chrome Wheel nut covers – The standard grey ones are crap. Also added moulded boot liner $99 off ebay – genuine Holden is just too expensive.
Added Radiator cover – this was deleted by Holden due to cost – it stops bugs getting stuck on top of the radiator and added a couple on plastic clips under bonnet up near the firewall – also deleted by Holden.
Other items deleted by Holden were Hinged front door bins and the light in the centre console bin.
Engine cover also reads V8 not 6.0 lt V8.
- Does anybody know of anything else that was deleted by Holden ?
Wish List – Fuel Lts remaining (trip computer only displays Lts used).
Sat Nav unit should have been mounted underneath rear parcel shelf in boot to create more room in glove box.
TV tuner to complement built in DVD display front and rear.
Av input for Rear Dvd Player needs to be mounted in rear of centre console – not in the roof unit.
Independant vent controls for rear seat passengers.
Under Bonnet Light.
What else I wish to add soon – Alarm Upgrade, Window Tint, Lock Nuts. Also run a patch so that front display can be used to watch DVDs while driving (front seat passenger only of course :-)
Future Upgrades – Maffless Tune, Bigger Exhaust, Cold air intake etc. maybe a suspension upgrade.
Small issues that I have found – Sat Nav display not correct – quick fix – Reboot (happened once).
Front display turns off – turn key off and restart (happened once).
Fuel remaing on trip computer not as accurate after driving the car really hard. (this has let me down twice).
Notes: I have run this V8 vehicle on Regular Unleaded, E-10 and 98 Octane with no noticable difference to power or economy.
For a V8 it is a little quite – seems to be about half as loud as a VZ V8 – Standard exhaust seems restrictive.
Road noise a little loud for rear seat passengers – when radio etc. is turned off.
I love the power and handling of this vehicle – I can not fault it in any other way.
Thank you Holden for the concealed boot hinges – about time. Also thanks for the abitly to turn off the front displays for night driving.
I also drive a 2007 Ford Falcon BF MKII Company Car – Too many faults to menton :-(
I just picked up my brand new ve ss…..all i can say is anyone who doesn’t have one should be jealous. The car is a treat to drive! I am a religious SS owner, this is my 3rd and all i can say is they are getting better everytime!! You can really feel the 270kw under the hood and if your serious about V8’s please go for the manual, you won’t be disappointed, I’m not!! For those with concerns over buying a full size spare, don’t! Its the way you negotiate, remember you are in the box seat, you want the car and they want to sell it and will do anything to get you to sign or else they will lose the sale to another dealer! I got a full size spare, metalic paint, flip key, genuine ss mats, # plate covers and paid next to nothing for them! Its called shopping around and standing your ground, they will give in!
l love the SS l have a VT SS and l love it goin to buy a VE SS and give my son my ss cant wait love the VE so awesome looking sound so HORNY
Yeh….um…. hope i dnt start n arguement lol but…. The ss holdens n hsv for amader of fact, is gonna get a big shake up july next year with the xr8 v8 n fpvs new v8 comes along. 6.2ltr V8 baby!!!! Check out my comment about it in the FG F6 310 review. Sorry, but holdens n hsv r in for a big wake up call lol. Go the fords n fpvs. N the current ford V8 mightnt go as hard as the holden hsv V8, but good does it sound so much better then anything on offer from anything under the g brand!!!!!!!
Hi
I am planning to buy the new holden commodore VE but not too sure to buy!! in terms of Weekly costs.. obviusly the V8 will cost more but a lot more? can some one who owns SS give me some figure for the weekly cost for fuel?
How about the speeding tickets.. as you know.. you tend to go a bit faster when you have a faster car.
Short and simple.. if you have $50,000 would you buy the V6 or V8? I dont generally drive fast.. but i do want a car with muscle, cheaper on fuel and dont get me in trouble with the law… I do like the VE SS but also the SV6
Can somebody give me some proper advice please…..
Mate, the speeding tickets are up to you. I own a VE SS and am very happy with it. Its not that thirsty if you drive it sensibly and you can run it on normal unleaded. Of course if you want to have a little fun with it then it will guzzle the fuel. We average around 400 to 500 out of a tank. 13s around town and 11s on the hwy. Ring around for insurance. There are some good deals. The answer to your question is a no brainer, I would definately go the 6sp manual SS.
I own a 2008 SS V and its awesome! I cant get 12ltrs around town and 9ltrs on the highway, and even it you drive it hard 13ltrs is the worst ive gotten.
It awesome and Il never go back to a V6 again!!
The performance, handling and look is 2nd to none!!
Its definatley worth the extra $6000, the normal VE SS just looks like an VE SV6. And you cant option climate control and the different headlights & tail lights on the standard VE SS. You also get better stereo and leather for your money!
I’m picking up my new SS-V next Tuesday. I test drove a six spd manual the other day and made my mind up after 5 mins. My first V8 and I’m 42 years old. Boys and thier toys.
Oh, and the Bridgestone tyres are $400 each not $900 at Barloworld. I just replaced one which blew. And I picked up a new 19″ rim for $290 at the dealer which had been taken off another brand new SSV cos they wanted HSV Rims. Standard price for a RIM is $421 trade or $550 retail. Only problems after 12 months. Squeaks in suspension fixed with upgraded bushes and wheel alignment out since new. They adjust it off factory spec now so it does not chew the rear tyres out with the stability crap. Aircon software upgraded under warranty otherwise still goes like the powers. You can also get RIMS repaired for $190 if they have been scraped on the curb. Only thing I don’t like is it is hard to see past the A Pillars and the rear spolier is just too damn big. They are extra wide for the USA crash test market and can block a whole car out just left or right of vision.
Sory that was $51,990 not $15,990!