Reviews
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Of Holden’s three final special editions, the Motorsport Edition will probably be the popular choice since it’ll be available in manual form and aims to celebrate all that the Commodore has achieved on track.
Based on the Commodore SS-V Redline, the Motorsport builds on that stout 304kW-and-Brembos mechanical package with a revised rear suspension-cradle bush aimed at keeping the rear end in line under big stresses.
Cross-drilled rotors are added to the Brembo calipers and with aluminium top-hats in a two-piece design, these decrease unsprung mass across the front end by 3.5kg.
There are three modes; Tour, Sport and Performance with an increase in stiffness from what amounts to FE2 up to FE3-and-a-bit. In Track mode, ESP is disabled and everything else such as the steering assistance, throttle sensitivity and the exhaust’s bi-modal activity is also linked to the mode switch.
The package includes auxiliary oil coolers for both the engine and either manual or auto tranny and, with these fitted, the Motorsport Edition gains GM’s global Level 3 Track Readiness tick of approval.
The drive is as good as you’d imagine, too. The Magnetic Ride stuff does the trick in giving the car multiple personalities (not in a `Here’s Johnny!’ way) and the presentation is subtle but different enough to get the car noticed.
SPECS Engine: 6162cc V8, OHV, 16v Power: 304kW @ 6000rpm Torque: 570Nm @ 4400rpm Weight: 1793kg 0-100km/h: 4.9sec (est.) Price: $61,790/$63,990 (manual/auto)
