- Powerful 6.0-litre L98 V8 engine
- Impressive dynamics
- Spacious interior with supportive seats
- Accurate, well-weighted steering provides excellent feel
- Thick A-pillars impair forward visibility
- Awkward handbrake position and operation
- High fuel consumption
Overview
Released in October 2012, the HDT Interceptor was based on the Holden VE.II Commodore SS (or SS-V) but fitted with an extensive after-market package developed by HDT. As such, the Interceptor 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 Interceptor, 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 Interceptor was 4988 mm long, 1899 mm wide, 1416 mm high and had a 2915 mm long wheelbase. Like the VE Commodore SS, the Interceptor had double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link, independent rear suspension. For the Interceptor, however, the suspension was modified with coil-over springs.
The Interceptor was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the annual Bathurst race at Mount Panorama and production was limited to ten (10) vehicles. Visually, the Interceptor could be identified by its custom yellow paint finish, 20-inch five-star color-coded wheels, Interceptor bonnet scoop, HDT grille, rear bumper spats and boot spoiler; under the bonnet, there was also a custom engine cover and eight engine billet caps. Inside, the Interceptor had four-seats in leather/suede trim, carbon-fibre dashboard trim an Interceptor floor mats.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power (est.) | Peak torque (est.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDT Interceptor | 6.0-litre L98 petrol V8 | 6sp man. | 350 kW at 6000 rpm | 610 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
As per the Holden VE.II Commodore SS, standard safety equipment for the VL Group A Retro Plus Pack 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.
The HDT Interceptor, however, had an upgraded braking package which consisted of 365 mm ventilated front brake discs with four-piston calipers and 324 mm ventilated rear discs with single piston calipers.
Features
For models based on the Holden VE.II Commodore SS, standard features for the HDT Interceptor included 20-inch five-star alloy wheels with 245/35 R20 Kumho tyres, a seven speaker sound system with CD player, six-stack CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Holden-iQ system with 6.5-inch colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, audio streaming and touch-screen dialling, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.
For models based on the Holden VE.II Commodore SS-V, standard features also included an eleven speaker sound system, full-colour navigation mapping with voice control and real-time traffic information, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, projector headlights and a leather-wrapped gearshift lever.
