IMAGINE the look on our faces when a quartet of unreleased and undisguised Holden ZB Commodores appeared at the petrol pumps next to us in Melbourne’s outer northern suburbs yesterday morning.

The upcoming VF Commodore replacements were being driven by Holden employees for “pre-production evaluation” accompanied by two examples of the Holden Equinox SUV, which goes on sale in Oz later this year.

Each of the four Commodores spied was different, including two which were fitted with RSV badges. That variant of the ZB was unknown until now.

It is understood the eventual line-up of ZB Commodores will include three sedan grades powered by atmo V6 engines when the range goes on sale in February next year.

The complete Commodore range will be fleshed out by 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo models, diesel engine models and a wagon body style in various trim levels, including a jacked-up, armour-clad version.

From the back, the RSV is near identical to the ZB Calais V, including matching twin tailpipes. From the front, RSV and VXR share matching bumpers and headlights.

This is the first time the VXR has been seen in Holden guise without any camouflage. It has outputs of 230kW and 370Nm from a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6, which powers a locally tuned all-wheel drive system through a nine-speed auto.

“We are currently testing the whole ZB Commodore range in Australia,” said a Holden spokesperson. “Eagle-eyed people will spot many more of them getting around.”

Up to 30 ZB Commodores are already in Australia for local testing.

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