Review: HDT VL Group A Retro Plus Pack (2011-12)

Overview

Released in October 2011, the HDT VL Group A Retro Plus Pack 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 VL 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 VL 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 VL Group A Retro Plus Pack was 4988 mm long, 1899 mm wide, 1416 mm high and had a 2915 mm long wheelbase. Like the VE Commodore SS, the VL Group A Retro had double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link, independent rear suspension. For the VL Group A Retro, however, the suspension was modified with Bilstein suspension package which included monotube gas shock absorbers.

Visually, the VL Group A Retro Plus Pack could be identified by its Permanent Red paint finish, unique front fascia with fog lamp covers, prominent bonnet ‘scoop’, five-star Momo-style alloy wheels, rear bumper spats, three-piece rear spoiler and Peter Brock signature on the front guards. Under the bonnet, the VL Group A Retro was also fitted with an Energy Polariser as per the original 1986 HDT VL Group A Plus Pack. Inside, there were re-bolstered and upholstered seats with leather and suede trim, as well as leather and suede door trims.

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 VL Group A Retro Plus Pack, 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

Standard features for the VL Group A Retro Plus Pack included 20-inch five-star alloy wheels with 245/35 R20 Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport 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, 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.

Brochure

• Brochure: HDT VL Retro (September 2011)