Holden Commodore VE SS-V
The Holden Commodore VE, launched in 2006, represented the most significant leap forward in the Commodore's four-decade history. For the first time, the Commodore was designed and engineered entirely in Australia from a clean sheet, using GM's Global Architecture rather than being adapted from an overseas platform. The VE was longer, wider, and more rigid than any previous Commodore, and it finally replaced the live rear axle that had been a feature of every Commodore since 1978 with a sophisticated independent rear suspension. At the top of the range, the SS-V combined this new chassis with the thunderous LS2 6.0-liter V8, creating what many consider the finest all-round Australian performance sedan ever built.
The LS2 engine was a masterpiece of modern V8 engineering. Displacing 5,967 cubic centimeters and constructed entirely from aluminum, it produced 362 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque through a combination of generous displacement, efficient cylinder heads derived from the Corvette C6's LS2, and a cathedral-port intake manifold that generated excellent mid-range torque. Mated to either a precise Tremec T56 six-speed manual or a smooth 6L80E six-speed automatic, the SS-V could sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds — supercar territory for a full-size family sedan.
The VE's chassis was the real revelation. The double-wishbone front suspension was a first for any Commodore, replacing the MacPherson struts that had served since 1978. At the rear, a multi-link independent setup with isolated subframe provided the ride quality and handling balance that previous Commodores could never achieve. The SS-V added FE2 performance suspension with firmer spring and damper rates, larger anti-roll bars, and AP Racing four-piston front brake calipers gripping 355mm ventilated discs. The result was a car that could carry four adults in genuine comfort while also humiliating sports cars on a twisting road.
Holden's design team, led by Peter Hughes, created a body that was both aggressive and sophisticated. The VE's proportions were muscular, with wide haunches, a long hood, and a forward-leaning stance that conveyed speed even at rest. The SS-V added a bodykit with deeper front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear diffuser, along with 19-inch alloy wheels that filled the wheel arches convincingly. Inside, the SS-V received sport seats, leather trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a trip computer that displayed oil temperature, boost pressure, and lap timing functions.
The VE SS-V also formed the basis for Holden's V8 Supercars campaign, and the racing program fed development back into the road car. Suspension geometry, brake cooling, and chassis stiffness were all influenced by the demands of Australia's premier motorsport category. The SS-V's combination of V8 power, rear-wheel drive, and composed handling made it a favourite among driving enthusiasts and police forces alike.
As a collectible, the VE SS-V is increasingly recognized as the high-water mark of Australian automotive manufacturing. Holden closed its Australian operations in 2017, and the VE generation represents the most capable Commodore ever built by Australian hands. Manual transmission SS-V models in low-production colors are particularly sought after, as are the limited-edition Redline and Clubsport variants that offered even higher levels of performance. The LS2 engine's proven reliability and massive aftermarket support ensure the VE SS-V will remain a practical and rewarding ownership experience for decades to come.
Series I (2006-2010) uses the LS2 6.0L while Series II (2010-2013) uses the more powerful LS3 6.2L — both are excellent. Manual transmission cars are rare and command premiums of 20-30%. Check for timing chain rattle on startup. Inspect the differential for wear, especially on manual cars that have been driven hard. The 6L80E automatic can develop torque converter shudder. Look for evidence of track use — AP Racing brake rotors are expensive to replace. Check the independent rear suspension bushings for wear. Air conditioning compressors fail regularly. Original SS-V 19-inch wheels are prone to gutter rash.
The VE series was produced from 2006 to 2013, with a Series II facelift arriving in 2010 that brought the LS3 6.2-liter engine to replace the LS2. The SS-V was the flagship variant before HSV models. The VE was also sold as the Pontiac G8 in the USA (2008-2009) and as the Chevrolet Lumina in the Middle East. The platform later underpinned the Chevrolet Camaro (5th generation). Total VE production exceeded 200,000 units across all variants.