Holden SS
| Company type | Performance package |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Founder | General Motors |
| Headquarters | Elizabeth , Australia |
| Products | Performance packages for Holden vehicles, including HQ SS, LX Torana SS, Commodore SS models |
| Parent | General Motors |
The SS designation represented a performance package available on multiple Holden models, characterized by V8 powertrains, distinctive interior designs, aerodynamic body kits, and upgraded exhaust components. These features aimed to deliver a sportier, more aggressive driving experience compared to standard, non-SS variants. The initials SS stand for "Super Sport", a name first introduced in 1961 by General Motors, the parent company of Holden.
The SS V versions of the VE and VF Commodore reflect design influences similar to those found in the Cadillac V series, as indicated by their shared badging.
HQ SS
Introduced in mid-1972 as a limited edition option for the Holden Belmont V8 sedan, the HQ SS was aimed at the affordable sports car segment to rival the Ford Australia Falcon GT. It featured an optional 5.0L Holden V8 engine paired with a standard 4-speed manual gearbox and a 10-bolt Salisbury differential with a 3.36:1 gear ratio—both the differential and driveshaft were uniquely painted white.
Inside, upgrades included a sports-oriented dashboard equipped with a tachometer and dual split gauges monitoring fuel level, oil pressure, temperature, and voltage; a sporty steering wheel; center console; and black vinyl bucket seats with houndstooth fabric inserts.
On the exterior, enhancements consisted of a stripe and decal package supplied by 3M Australia along with Pontiac rally wheels imported from General Motors of Canada. The HQ SS was offered in three distinct colors: Lettuce Alone (a pale green), Infra Red (a reddish-orange), and Ultraviolet (a purplish gunmetal grey metallic).
LX Torana SS Hatch
The LX Torana SS Hatchback was a performance-oriented version of the LX Hatch model, equipped with either a 202 cubic-inch Holden Straight-Six engine or one of two Holden V8 options—253 (4.2L) or 308 (5.0L) capacities. Transmission choices included a four-speed Borg-Warner manual or a three-speed Holden Tri-Matic automatic, supported by a robust 10-bolt Salisbury differential with heavy-duty axles. Many surviving examples of the SS Torana have become highly sought after by collectors and are frequently subject to extensive modifications.
One notable example is an A9X model that recently fetched $500,000 at auction, with forecasts in mid-2021 predicting future transactions could surpass $1,000,000.
Commodore SS models
From the 1980s until Holden ended Australian manufacturing in 2017, the 'SS' badge was reserved for V8-powered iterations of the Holden Commodore—except for one supercharged Ecotec V6 variant—and featured distinctive bodykit styling along with 'SS' emblems on the bootlid and rear doors starting from VY generation models. Positioned above the V6-powered S and later SV6 trims, the SS lineup combined elevated performance with everyday usability across sedan, wagon, and ute configurations.
Throughout its production run, Commodore SS variants utilized an array of GM V8 engines ranging from 253 cubic inches up to 6.2L LS3 units and were available with various manual and automatic transmissions. Manufacturing primarily took place in Elizabeth, South Australia, while earlier assembly occurred in Dandenong, Victoria. The SS heritage followed on from the Holden Torana LX SS Hatchback and HSV VL SS Group A SV models and preceded offerings such as the Holden Commodore ZB VXR.
Commodore SS V
Manufactured between 2006 and 2017 during the VE and VF model runs, the Commodore SS V presented a more polished option compared to the base SS variant. Positioned as a midpoint between the SS and the Calais V, this model incorporated upgraded sporty and luxury features, including leather upholstery, electronically adjustable seating, a thicker steering wheel, and alloy wheels. The SS V designation was influenced by the naming convention of Cadillac's V series.
Engines
| Engine | Specification | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-ADR27A GMH Red '253' V8 | 4.2L Carbureted V8 | HQ SS |
| Pre-ADR27A GMH Red '308' V8 | 5.0L Carbureted V8 | HQ SS |
| ADR27A GMH Red '202' I6 | 3.3L Carbureted Inline-6 | LX Torana SS |
| ADR27A GMH Red '253' V8 | 4.2L Carbureted V8 | LX Torana SS |
| ADR27A GMH Red '308' V8 | 5.0L Carbureted V8 | LX Torana SS |
| Holden 5000i V8 | 5.0L Fuel-Injected V8 | VN through VT Commodore SS models |
| GM LS1 V8 | 5.7L Fuel-Injected V8 | VT, VX, and VY Commodore SS variants |
| GM L76/L98/L97/L77 V8 | 6.0L Fuel-Injected V8 | VZ, VE, and VF Commodore SS editions |
| GM LS3 V8 | 6.2L Fuel-Injected V8 | VF Commodore SS model |
See also
notes
- 1. With the exception of the Torana SS powered by the 202 engine and the third-generation Commodores equipped with the L67 Supercharged V6.
- 2. The Commodore VF Series II featured the introduction of a Bi-Modal exhaust system.
- 3. In high-level motorsport, the HDT occasionally utilized gearboxes from Ford C-series.
- 4. Starting from the VT Series II, earlier models from VN through VT Series I employed a 5L Holden V8.