Revealed! Holden’s track-tuned Commodores arrive

As is often the case with swansong models, Holden looks to have saved its best locally-produced Holden Commodores till last, with a trio of track-focused special-edition cars celebrating the iconic model’s performance legacy.

The Holden Commodore SSV-Redline-based Motorsport Edition, Calais V-based Director and the Magnum ute (based on the SS-V Redline ute) feature a raft of changes intended to make them better suited to extreme road use or track driving.

Holden claims these are the “the most capable Commodores ever”, which may only be small comfort for anyone still reeling from the prospect of local production ending on October 20.

RELATED: Roadtrip to Mount Panorama in a 2017 HSV Clubsport Track Edition

While the trio’s LS3 engine’s output remains at 304kW/570Nm, all three have been given a series of ride, handling and stopping enhancements that sets them apart from other hi-po Commodores. These changes include: 3.25kg lighter ‘floating disc’ front and rear cross-drilled brake rotors, an engine and transmission cooling package and 20-inch split rims and tyres.

The sedan models also feature a drive-mode control system which includes Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers, previously reserved for HSV models. This system allows the driver to change suspension tune via Tour, Sport and Performance driving modes, while the system also capable of automatically adjusting the damper rates up to 100 times a second to suit driving conditions.

2017 Holden Commodore Motorsport Edition

The Motorsport Edition celebrates the Commodore’s racing success over the years and is uniquely styled with red mirror scalps, red DRL surrounds in the front bumper, 20-inch wheels and Motorsport Edition decals.

Priced at $61,790 (manual) and $63,990 (automatic), the Motorsport will be limited to 1200 units and also comes with:

• Magnetic Ride Control suspension
• High-rate rear sub-frame bush
• Cross-drilled brake rotors, front and rear
• charcoal Brembo calipers
• Engine and transmission cooling packages
• Heated performance front seats
• Embroidered instrument panel
• 20-inch Split forged alloy wheels/high-performance tyres
• Motorsport Edition badging and decals
• Unique lip spoiler (optional wing)
• Phantom black roof
• Individual vehicle numbering and unique build option code (KOM, for King of the Mountain)
• Commemorative presentation case
• 1:18 Motorsport Edition Biante model

2017 Holden Commodore Director

The Director is named in tribute to its excellent, if controversial HDT luxury sports sedan namesake and its legendary creator, the late Peter Brock.

Priced at $63,990 (auto only) the Calais V-based Director is limited to 360 vehicles and represents what Holden claims is the “ultimate blend of performance and luxury”.

Key features include:

• Magnetic Ride Control suspension
• Paddle shifters
• Bonnet vents
• Cross-drilled brake rotors, front and rear
• Charcoal Brembo calipers
• Engine and transmission cooling packages
• Heated performance front seats
• Embroidered instrument panel
• 20” Split forged alloy wheels/high-performance tyres
• Unique Director badging and black highlights
• Alloy pedals
• Unique lip spoiler
• Phantom black roof
• Individual vehicle numbering and unique build option code (DIR)
• Commemorative presentation case

2017 Holden Commodore Magnum Ute

The Magnum ute takes its name, curiously, from the Statesman-based Holden Dealer Team car of 1983, and now runs the same FE3 rear suspension tune seen on the SS-V Redline sedan. No Magnetic Ride Control is offered here, due to a packaging conflict with the exhaust system.

Priced at $59,290/$61,490, the Magnum will be limited to just 240 vehicles and comes with:

• Sedan-tune FE3 rear suspension
• Cross-drilled brake rotors front and rear
• Charcoal Brembo calipers
• Engine and transmission cooling packages
• Hard tonneau cover
• New performance front seats
• Embroidered instrument panel
• 20” Split forged alloy wheels/high-performance tyres
• Unique Magnum badging and decals
• Unique Magnum rear window graphic
• Individual vehicle numbering and unique build option code (UTE)
• Commemorative presentation case

Each of these limited edition models are expected to sell pretty fast. Prospective buyers should visit Holden’s Limited Editions webpage or contact their local Holden dealer faster.