- Powerful 6.0-litre L98 V8 engine
- Impressive dynamics
- Spacious interior with supportive seats
- Accurate, well-weighted steering provides excellent feel
- Thick A-pillars impair forward visibility
- Awkward handbrake position and operation
- High fuel consumption
Overview
Released in April 2010, the HDT VK Group 3 Retro was based on the Holden VE Commodore SS (or SS-V) but fitted with an extensive after-market package developed by HDT. As such, the VK Group A Retro was powered by General Motors’ 6.0-litre L98 V8 pushrod engine which had all-aluminium construction, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder, external knock sensors and a compression ratio of 10.4:1. For the VK Group 3 Retro, however, performance modifications included an HDT cat-back exhaust system which included HDT extractors and twin three-inch stainless exhaust tips. The six-speed T-56 Tremec manual transmission was retained from the Commodore SS.
The VK Group 3 Retro was 4988 mm long, 1899 mm wide, 1416 mm high and had a 2915 mm long wheelbase. Like the VE Commodore SS, the VK Group 3 Retro had double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link, independent rear suspension. The VK Group 3, however, was fitted with Sports gas pressure shock absorbers and HDT coil-springs.
Visually, the VK Group 3 Retro could be identified by its white or silver paint finish, letterbox front grille, unique front bumper, Aero-look alloy wheels, rear bumper spats and three-piece boot spoiler. Inside, there were re-bolstered and re-trimmed leather seats.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power (est.) | Peak torque (est.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VK Group 3 Retro | 6.0-litre L98 petrol V8 | 6sp man. | 350 kW at 6000 rpm | 610 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
As per the post-March 2008 Holden VE Commodore SS, standard safety equipment for the VK Group 3 Retro included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features
As per the Holden VE.I Commodore SS, standard features for the VK Group 3 Retro included a seven speaker sound system with a six-stack CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, automatic headlights, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser. The VE Commodore SS was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.
The VE.I Commodore SS V-based models were further equipped with an eleven speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, projector headlights and a leather-wrapped gearshift lever.
For the Holden VE.II Commodore SS, standard features were extended to include a ‘Holden-iQ’ system with enhanced Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming and touch-screen dialing, as well as dual-zone climate control air conditioning. Beyond this, the VE.II Commodore SS-V gained a full-colour navigation system with voice control and real-time traffic information, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
