Review: HDT VK Group A Retro (2009-12)

Overview

Released in October 2009, the HDT VK Group A Retro was based on the Holden VE.I or VE.II 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 A Retro, however, engine modifications included an HDT-engineered camshaft with 1 ⁷/₈-inch headers, cool air inlet, a ceramic-coated twin 3-inch exhaust system and a recalibrated ECU. The six-speed T-56 Tremec manual transmission was retained from the Commodore SS.

The VK Group A 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 A Retro had double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link, independent rear suspension. For the VK Group A Retro, however, the suspension was modified with Bilstein suspension package which included monotube gas shock absorbers.

Visually, the VK Group A Retro could be identified by its ‘Formula Blue’ paint finish, letterbox front grille, rear-facing bonnet scoop, 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 available in four- or five-seat configurations.

Safety equipment

As per the post-March 2008 Holden VE Commodore SS, standard safety equipment for the VK Group A 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 A 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.

Brochure

• Brochure: HDT VK Retro (June 2012)