- Powerful 6.0-litre L98 V8 engine
- Impressive dynamics
- Spacious interior with supportive seats
- Accurate, well-weighted steering provides excellent feel
- 3.6-litre LY7 V6 engine lacks refinement
- Thick A-pillars impair forward visibility
- Awkward handbrake position and operation
- High fuel consumption
Overview
Released in October 2008, the HDT VH Retro was based on the Holden VE Commodore SV6, SS or SS-V variants but fitted with an extensive after-market package developed by HDT. The Group II variants were based on the VE Commodore SV6 variants and powered by 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 engines which had aluminium construction, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable camshaft phasing (for the inlet and exhaust camshafts), a dual stage intake manifold and a compression ratio of 10.2:1.
The Group III and Group IV variants, however, were based on the SS and SS-V variants and powered by the 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 VH Retro, however, performance modifications included an HDT cat-back exhaust system which included HDT extractors and twin three-inch stainless exhaust tips.
The VH Retro was 4988 mm long, 1899 mm wide, 1416 mm high and had a 2915 mm long wheelbase. Like the VE Commodore SS, the VH Retro had double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link, independent rear suspension.
The VH Retro was the second of HDT’s VE Commodore-based ‘Heritage Series’ models, following the release of the VC Retro in March 2008. Visually, the VH Retro could be identified by its red or white paint finishes, 19-inch Irmscher-look alloy wheels, HDT front grille, unique front bumper, rear bumper spats and four-post boot spoiler. Inside, there were re-bolstered and re-trimmed leather seats.
| Base | Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV6 | Group II | 3.6-litre LY7 petrol V6 | 6sp man. | 195 kW at 6500 rpm | 340 Nm at 2600 rpm |
| SS | Group III, Group IV |
6.0-litre L98 petrol V8 | 6sp man. | 280 kW at 5700 rpm (est.) | 530 Nm at 4400 rpm (est.) |
| SS-V | Group III Stage 2, Group IV Stage 2 |
6.0-litre L98 petrol V8 | 6sp man. | 280 kW at 5700 rpm (est.) | 530 Nm at 4400 rpm (est.) |
Safety equipment
As per the post-March 2008 Holden VE Commodore, standard safety equipment for the VH 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 SV6, standard features for the VH Retro included a seven speaker sound system with a 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.I Commodore SS-based models were further equipped with a six-stack CD player and limited slip rear differential. Beyond this, the 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.
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