Review: HSV VN Commodore SS Group A SV (1990-91)

Overview

Released in November 1990, the HSV VN Commodore SS Group A SV was a limited-run performance sedan. Produced to satisfy Group A homologation requirements, the Group A SV was powered by 5.0-litre pushrod V8 engine with fuel-injection, an upgraded four-bolt main engine block with special pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft profile and a double row timing chain. The engine was mated to a six-speed ZF S6-40 manual transmission (as used on the Corvette ZR-1).

Despite a planned production run of 500, only 302 vehicles were produced. The VN SS Group A was the last of the homologation vehicles to be produced by HSV. The SS Group A had a ‘Durif’ red paint finish – although two were produced in black – and an aerodynamic body package reduced the vehicle’s coefficient of drag from 0.34 to 0.30 Cd.

Like the VN Commodore, the SS Group A had MacPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle, though the SS Group A was distinguished by its higher rate front and rear springs, heavier anti-roll bars and Bilstein shock absorbers.

Brakes

The VN Commodore SS Group A had 327 mm by 28 mm vented front disc brakes and 278 mm by 20 mm vented rear disc brakes.

Features

Standard features for the VN Commodore SS Group A included 17 x 8-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 ZR 17 Goodyear Eagle tyres, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, contoured sports seats, central locking, power windows and an alarm.

The SS Group A had ventilated front brake discs with heavy duty twin-piston calipers (as per the Corvette ZR-1), while the rear brakes utilised ventilated front Commodore discs that were specifically cast to fit the rear. The SS Group A was also fitted with a limited slip differential (LSD).

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VN SS Group A
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VN Commodore – VN
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VN/VG/VQ