VE SS

The Holden Commodore VE SS: A Blend of Power and Performance

The Holden Commodore VE SS, an iconic model in the VE series introduced in 2006, is a testament to Australian automotive prowess, combining power with performance.

VE SS Commodore

The VE Commodore SS, while retaining the foundational features of the Omega, came with several enhanced and additional features. It was powered by a V8 engine and featured a limited-slip differential and a six-stack CD player. The top-of-the-line SS V set itself apart with 19-inch alloy wheels, a high-quality sound system with eleven speakers, dual-zone climate-controlled air conditioning, leather seats, projector headlights, alloy-faced pedals, and a leather-wrapped gearshift.

The VE SS is equipped with a 6.0-litre V8 engine and a T-56 six-speed manual gearbox. Its distinctive quad exhaust outlets set it apart from the SV6’s dual outlets. This model offers a significantly higher specification level compared to the simpler SV8 that came before it, only lacking a few aesthetic touches from the previous flagship Commodore SS.

An upgraded version of the SS, known as the SS V-Series, marks the first instance of this naming convention being used for Holden vehicles. The badge design on the bootlid is strikingly similar to those found on Cadillac cars. However, while Cadillac uses this design to denote high-performance models, Holden’s V-Series variants are known for their additional features.

The introduction of V-Series variants was largely influenced by the success of a fully-optioned Commodore SS in the VZ range.

The SS V offered more luxury features at a price point similar to its predecessor, the SS. The interior stands out with its metallic-looking pedals and instruments that match the exterior colour. Additionally, the dashboard can be customized with a range of bold colours like bright red, orange, or black. The exterior of the SS V is equally bold, featuring five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels and an option for larger 20-inch wheels – the biggest ever fitted to a Holden car.

VE SS Holden’s King Of Power and Performance

At the heart of the VE SS lies a potent 6.0-litre V8 engine, paired with a T-56 six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic with Active Select.. This powerful combination ensures the vehicle is capable of obliterating the 6.0-second 0-100km/h mark and comfortably shredding the 14.0s 400-metre barrier.

Design and Features

Externally, the VE SS stands apart with its sporty design, while internally, it offers similar equipment levels to the SV6. One notable feature is the SS’s seats which have been praised for providing loads of lateral grip and plenty of support.

The VE Commodore SS incorporates all the features of the Holden VE Commodore Omega, plus standard air conditioning and additional features which include:

Interior

  • The interiors are designed to resemble a sports car cockpit.
  • There’s a unique ‘waterfall’ theme that divides the driver and passenger sections into ‘pods’, separated by a one-of-a-kind centre stack that’s offset from the instrument panel.
  • On the SS V model, there’s a unique longitudinal colour division and vertical door grab handles.
  • A sharp division between the instrument panel and console adds to the sporty feel.
  • Sports instrumentation is complemented by a high-mounted auxiliary display situated above the centre vents.
  • The illumination is in red.

Exterior

  • An exclusive sports grill with a honeycomb texture.
  • A distinctive deep section sports bumper fascia, complemented by matching honeycomb inserts and fog lamps.
  • 18-inch twin five-spoke machine-finished alloy wheels.
  • A unique deep section lower rocker skirt.
  • A rear door badge exclusive to the SS model.
  • A two-piece sports rear fascia with a black diffuser-style lower insert that includes reflectors.
  • A larger body-colour decklid spoiler with a black accent on the SS model (larger than the one on SV6).
  • Quad round chrome exhaust outlets on the SS model.

Holden VE Commodore SS V

What captured the attention ws the new VE Commodore SS V. It seems that Holden had identified a gap between the Commodore SS and the HSV range, and aimed to bridge this gap with the new SS V. Referred to as Holden’s “king of the jungle” and the new hero of their performance range, it came equipped with front, side, and curtain airbags, a multi-function colour LCD screen, a premium stereo system, and the option to select colour-coded interiors. When compared to the SS, the SS V stands out with its larger wheels and taillamps that have a sleek blacked-out look.

The equipment level in the SS V includes:

VE SS V Exterior

  • 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with a silver paint finish.
  • High-tech tail lamps featuring a smoky clear outer lens over a bright styled bezel with red lens inserts.
  • A larger body-colour decklid spoiler with a black accent, similar to the SS model.
  • A V badge on the decklid.

VE SS V Interior

  • Unique longitudinal colour division and vertical door grab handles.
  • A large colour screen in the centre stack.

VE SS Commodore Equipment List

Below is the list of VE SS standard equipment and options:

  • 18 inch Alloy wheels
  • Air Conditioning with Pollen Filter
  • Dual front airbags
  • Front side airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Alarm
  • Audio – Aux input socket (MP3, CD, Cassette)
  • Brake assist
  • Bluetooth system
  • Full body kit (front & rear spoiler, side skirt, rear apron)
  • 6 disc CD changer
  • CD player
  • Cornering Braking Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Traction control
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
  • Limited Slip Differential
  • Power steering
  • Power windows (front and rear)
  • DVD Player (Optional)
  • Holden Assist Ultra Telematics Monitoring Unit (Optional)
  • Metallic paint (Optional)
  • Rear park assist (Optional)
  • Full-size spare wheel (Optional)
  • Electric sunroof (Optional)

VE SS V Commodore Equipment List

Below is the list of VE SS V standard equipment and options:

  • 19 inch Alloy wheels
  • Anti-lock brakes
  • Dual Zone Climate Control Air Conditioning with Pollen Filter
  • Dual front airbags
  • Front side airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Audio – Aux input socket (MP3, CD, Cassette)
  • Alarm
  • Bluetooth system
  • Brake assist
  • Full bodykit (front & rear spoiler, side skirts, rear apron)
  • 6 disc CD changer
  • CD Player
  • Brake assist
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Corner Braking Control
  • Rear park distance control
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution
  • Limited Slip Differential
  • Power steering
  • Power windows (front and rear)
  • DVD Player (Optional)
  • GPS (Optional)
  • Holden Assist Ultra Telematics Monitoring Service (Optional)
  • Metallic paint (Optional)
  • Rear parking sensors (Optional)
  • Full-size spare wheel (Optional)
  • Electric sunroof (Optional)

Legacy and Market Reception

The VE SS has carved out a legacy as an iconic vehicle worth holding on to. Its V8 firepower, honed rear-drive dynamics, and Aussie know-how make it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. The VE was the longest running and the highest sold single Commodore model ever, making it a key part of Holden’s history.

VE SS V 60th Anniversary

Released on May 1, 2008, the SS V 60th Anniversary edition offered a step up from the standard SS V model. This anniversary version included enhancements such as 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, a high-mounted rear spoiler, and chrome exterior door handle accents. It also featured “60th Anniversary” badging and floor mats, marking its special status.

VE SS V-Series Special Edition

Following the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand in North America in 2009, the Pontiac G8’s front-end fascia and other elements were incorporated into approximately 1,500 Commodore SS Vs. Unveiled at the 2009 Deniliquin Ute Muster on October 2, sales of the Special Edition began in November. Unlike the G8, which was only available as a sedan, Holden released the Special Edition in utility, sedan, and Sportwagon body types. Due to the popularity of this Pontiac-inspired SS V, Holden announced on January 14, 2010, that production would continue until March 2010. In contrast to the SS, the SS V stands out with its larger wheels and taillamps that feature a sleek blacked-out look.

VE SS V

Thunder VE SS Ute

The Thunder SS Ute offered more than the standard SS, featuring 19-inch alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, an advanced satnav system with camera warning and traffic information, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and partial leather sports seats.

VE SS Conclusion

In conclusion, the Holden Commodore VE SS is a remarkable blend of power and performance. Its robust V8 engine, sporty design, and quality interior features make it a standout in the automotive market. Whether you’re an enthusiast seeking a high-performance car or a collector looking for an iconic piece of Australian automotive history, the VE SS is a compelling choice.

Check out the full list of VE Commodore models

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