It was with excitement but some sadness I prepared to road test arguably the best car ever built in this country. The sad news is it will be a part of our motoring history by the end of 2017.
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The VF Commodore has been lauded far and wide, and deserves the accolades.
This car is the swansong of a model that has served Australia well for almost 40 years.
The test car was the top of the line SSV Redline version, sadly the last Australian built muscle car.
The Redline has an all-alloy, LS3 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 304kW (408bhp) and 570Nm of torque; up 34kW and 40Nm over the previous V8's best.
Power is transmitted to the road via a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts.
It'll fly to 100km/h in just 5.0 seconds.
As I've said in previous tests safety should be at the top of any buyer's shopping list. Here the Redline meets expectations.
It carries a five star ANCAP rating.
Active and passive safety technology includes six airbags, reversing camera, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, reverse traffic alert, front and rear park assist.
Almost mandatory for credentialed sports sedans are Brembo brakes.
The Redline has them on all four wheels.
The brakes come with ABS and brake assist.
The Redline carries numerous other electronic aids including the very good heads up display, showing speed and other data on the windscreen.
Disappointingly the car is not equipped with adaptive cruise control only standard cruise control.
Other additions include 19 x 8.5-inch front alloy wheels and 19 x 9-inch rear alloy wheels with a full sized alloy spare.
Giving the car a luxury feel is a leather appointed interior, a premium nine-speaker Bose audio system, and an electric tilt and slide sunroof and rain sensing wipers.
Don't buy this car if fuel economy is a priority.
The Redline on my test averaged just over 12L/100Ks (22mpg).
But it is a 6.2litre V8!
This car is all about driving. Handling is precise and predictable, with little body roll and no unexpected nasties.
Ride is firm but acceptable. The chassis accepts the 304Kw of power easily. In city traffic the car is docile and pleasant, but plant the right foot and it emits the traditional V8 roar Aussies love.
This car is an open road warrior.
RRP $50,690 As I said at the start this is arguably the very best car ever built in Australia and I have got to say I agree.
My rating for the Holden Commodore SSV Redline 9/10. Goodbye to a great Aussie citizen.
POSTSCRIPT: This car, I'll predict will buck the trend and appreciate in value when the end of Australian production arrives.
V8 Holden Commodore muscle cars. particularly HSVs and SSV Redlines will become real collectibles.
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