SV8 to share SV6 body kit

[Fs659717]

As of January 16th 2005

Sent to all Holden dealers
SV8 share the same body exterior with the SV6
Current SV6 wheels
Cloth trim -SV8 will share the SV6 cloth trim

[Nolz]

wow! thats going ot make buying an SV8 a no brainer!!!! talk about a GOOD LOOKING bang for your buck champ. for me its plain jane looks was the only thing holding me back.....potentially

this info is the real deal?....

[fourstar82]

Sounds like SV8 sales are lagging a bit. Better for the consumer though!!!

[Febs]

The death of the manual sleeper. :(

[ABS]

^^^ What Febs said. :(

[Kirium]

And the death of the SS??

[Shazza]

And the death of the SS??

Yeah, basically from the outside the SV8 is now gonna look very similar to an SS. Not exaclty, but to the untrained eye, and even at times trained eye, its gonna look real similar!

Good value all the same :)

[Goggles]

And the death of the SS??

I doubt it - I think the SS has become a good seller for Holden since I see a fair number of them around.

The SS has better seats and other nice touches inside compared with the SV8.

Bodykit move by Holden is a mistake IMHO.

[Rt!]

bring back execgen3!~`

[Zero5]

Can anyone validate this?

I'll be ordering a new car in the next three weeks and this may change my mind on what I order...

[Beardie]

wouldnt it be smarter for holden to put a kit like the HBD one on the SV8 so it looks different to the SS?

[Ricko]

wouldnt it be smarter for holden to put a kit like the HBD one on the SV8 so it looks different to the SS?

Too expensive and would kill add on sales.

Still, no protective side bump strip, smaller & different wheels, no body coloured side mirrors, no side vent and possibly no foggies (remembering the wiring has been taken away) means theres still plenty of difference.
Throw some bigger brakes on the SS and i think that would make things well spaced. After all i think a SV6, and an SV8 should look very similar given the names.

Its still a surprise since there was supposedly arguement over whether or not the first SV8 actually got a spolier or not.!!

[COSMOS]

Can anyone validate this?

I'll be ordering a new car in the next three weeks and this may change my mind on what I order...

YES - i checked with the sales manager of my local friendly holden dealer and he confirmed the date and details are correct. So WAIT to order it after Jan16 or pickup a cheap superceded SV8 sleeper.

t

[Felony]

ACK! And that was the only reason I didn't buy a SV8....cause it looked so plain on the outside. Oh well, too late now.

[Fs659717]

2005 SV8
Inclusion of front fog lamps
Inclusion of exterior mirrors in body colour
Removal of dark tail lamps
inclusion of lower body kit : front, rear and side skirt
Revised front fascia (as per current SV6)
Front grille (as per SV6)
Rear spoiler remains unchanged
Addition of leather wrap steering wheel
Addition of rear power windows
Cloth trim SV8 will share the SV6 cloth trim
Instrument cluster will be revised to match the SV6 cluster
SV8 now has the option of leather (pack) as per SV6
New colours
Impulse metallic (New to SV8)
Heron white (new to SV8)

[jsttry]

I wonder with all those extras if the price will go up too

[Fs659717]

still waiting for price of new SV8 (maybe $43OOO to $45000 + ORC)

[muzza]

Well, Holden just couldn't leave it alone - the whole idea was to have a hot car in a plain wrapper, a "stripper" SS.

Not all of us want all the gear (nor can some afford it) so why mess with what I reckon is a winning combo - specially at $42K retail - beats the XR6 turbo on value with equal performance (and a nice V8 burble!)

I think the real reason is to catch up some of the XR6 sales that Ford are selling a shitload of - and rightly so, they look good.

Personally I would welcome the return of the exec V8.

The only good bit is the extra colours - white is a good one, they should add a blue - (guess that's Impulse).

[Febs]

Personally I would welcome the return of the exec V8.

Amen.
I've got no problems with Holden making the SV8 look sporty...as long as they leave at least one manual sleeper in the range. An LS1 Exec will fill that spot nicely. :)

I mean - even Ford sell an XT V8 (well, I use the term "sell" loosely. Perhaps I should say "offer" :D).

[Kirium]

no side bump strip, smaller & different wheels, no body coloured side mirrors, no side vent and possibly no foggies (remembering the wiring has been taken away) means theres still plenty of difference.
Throw some bigger brakes on the SS and i think that would make things well spaced. After all i think a SV6, and an SV8 should look very similar given the names.

In reality, the only thing that people will notice is the wheels and maybe the side vents. it'd take a die-hard commodore spotter to notice the lack of bump strips, and body coloured mirrors. The SV8 will have the fog lights, and the lack of a ricey, fake side vent is a plus to me.

That makes the only tangible difference different wheels, SS badging and trim.

For my mind, Holden should slap Monaro brakes and 260kw LS1+ in the SS to make it worthwhile. otherwise you're paying around $8000 for bigger wheels, 50cent badging and shithouse side vents.

It's going to make selling an SS to someone who's not into Holdens in a big way extremely hard.

Buyer: So what's the difference between these two V8's??
Salesman: Well sir, the SS has distinctive badging, 1 inch larger wheels, these side vents, body coloured mirrors, different trim and these side bump strips.
Buyer: so how much will that cost me??
Salesman: about $8000 more than that model.
Buyer: .............. Are you shittin' me???

[btaffeLS1]

In reality, the only thing that people will notice is the wheels and maybe the side vents. it'd take a die-hard commodore spotter to notice the lack of bump strips, and body coloured mirrors. The SV8 will have the fog lights, and the lack of a ricey, fake side vent is a plus to me.

That makes the only tangible difference different wheels, SS badging and trim.

For my mind, Holden should slap Monaro brakes and 260kw LS1+ in the SS to make it worthwhile. otherwise you're paying around $8000 for bigger wheels, 50cent badging and shithouse side vents.

It's going to make selling an SS to someone who's not into Holdens in a big way extremely hard.

Buyer: So what's the difference between these two V8's??
Salesman: Well sir, the SS has distinctive badging, 1 inch larger wheels, these side vents, body coloured mirrors, different trim and these side bump strips.
Buyer: so how much will that cost me??
Salesman: about $8000 more than that model.
Buyer: .............. Are you shittin' me???
LMAO, yeh... probably right, I wonder if SS sales will drop. I reckon the people just looking for a 'nice car, with power' will opt for the cheaper but still attractive SV8 now. Shame really, as everyone is saying, what are people who want a real sleeper gonna buy? Calais are a bit dear for a sleeper, and are only auto, so thats not really a choice. I personally thought it was a good idea to drop the Exec V8 and create the SV8.

But now with the SV6 and SV8, both looking like an SS... does anyone think it's gonna make our SS's any less... street credible??

[Timson]

Give me the sleeper any day
For me it was pay an extra $8000 for an SS over the SV8 AND more insurance, plus the fact that no-one notices an SV8 driving down the road.
One of my mates has had two SS's and both of them have been keyed, now he has a monaro which stays in the garage, at least I can take mine to the shops without having to worry.



Its still a surprise since there was supposedly arguement over whether or not the first SV8 actually got a spolier or not.!!
I have removed the rear wing on my car to give it an even more standard look, I would have liked the option of leaving it off when I bought the car. (Still need to find some-one with a standard bootlid to swap over).

For me its a backwards step with the body but a forward step with the interior pacakge, I would definately have gone with leather.
I just love it when people finally catch me at the next set of lights and say "gee I had no idea that was an eight".

[Devil CV8]

2005 SV8
Inclusion of front fog lamps
Inclusion of exterior mirrors in body colour
Removal of dark tail lamps
inclusion of lower body kit : front, rear and side skirt
Revised front fascia (as per current SV6)
Front grille (as per SV6)
Rear spoiler remains unchanged
Addition of leather wrap steering wheel
Addition of rear power windows
Cloth trim SV8 will share the SV6 cloth trim
Instrument cluster will be revised to match the SV6 cluster
SV8 now has the option of leather (pack) as per SV6
New colours
Impulse metallic (New to SV8)
Heron white (new to SV8)
Damn, Holden better bloody give the SS more power, better brakes, and increased luxury level (ie high end dash etc) or else SS sales will drop

[Kirium]

Damn, Holden better bloody give the SS more power, better brakes, and increased luxury level (ie high end dash etc) or else SS sales will drop

I said that the SS should have the LS1+ like the Monaro and better brakes around the time the new Monaro came out. I stand by that even more now that there's almost no difference between the SV8 and SS.

[PJK]

Maybe the SS will end up with LS1+ or LS2 plus a few extra bits and a price rise (hopefully better wheels)

Sounds like the SV8 will be what the SS used to be - an exec with grunt and some spoilers

[Shazza]

I'm assuming the price to insure a new SV8 is gonna jump very close to SS territory now? Currently the price to insure an SV8 compared to an SS is diry cheap!

[Devil CV8]

I said that the SS should have the LS1+ like the Monaro and better brakes around the time the new Monaro came out. I stand by that even more now that there's almost no difference between the SV8 and SS.
The SS needs to return to its roots, and be a 4 door monaro in all aspects...
otherwise, why would anyone bother with one... the sv8 is even getting leather for f&^ks sake

[Goggles]

The SS needs to return to its roots, and be a 4 door monaro in all aspects...
otherwise, why would anyone bother with one... the sv8 is even getting leather for f&^ks sake

Agree totally.

If a revised SS got the LS1+ motor, would there not be a problem with exhaust packaging, or would the fuel tank be moved?

then again a simple tune would get 260kW out of the LS1 without a proper twin system.

[SSJB]

all it does is turn the SV8 into the same spec as a VX SS ie an executive donor model instead of the current SS which is now a Berlina donor model.

[Zero5]

all it does is turn the SV8 into the same spec as a VX SS ie an executive donor model instead of the current SS which is now a Berlina donor model.

I'm not so sure that the Berlina is the donor model for the SS. The berlina comes standard with climate control for example. I think the SS interior specs fit somwhere between the berlina and the standard machine, there is no exact donor car.

I agree with the comments about the SS becoming a 4 door Monaro. That's how it was in the days of the original Monaro/Kingswoods for example and it still makes sense today (especially now the SV8 us been up spec'd).

I think it's a sensible move.

[Devil CV8]

all it does is turn the SV8 into the same spec as a VX SS ie an executive donor model instead of the current SS which is now a Berlina donor model.
check the VIN on a VY SS, the luxury level is still executive level, not sure about the VZ, anyone want to check their's. There are 3 levels of luxury, executive, Berlina, Calais according to the VIN.

[SSFreak]

check the VIN on a VY SS, the luxury level is still executive level, not sure about the VZ, anyone want to check their's. There are 3 levels of luxury, executive, Berlina, Calais according to the VIN.

VYII SS says luxury level is Executive. So what's a Berlina got that an SS hasn't got in terms of luxury?

[SSJB]

If I'm wrong about that I apologise. At the time of the model change it was something which I heard discussed and thought it was carried through.
It was the justification I heard as to why the vx SS is short of things like the 6 disc and the fuel displays.
Anyway, my point is this. a new SV8 with leather( option)with the spots and the body kit as noted here is effectively the same spec as a VX II SS is it not .

[Febs]

\So what's a Berlina got that an SS hasn't got in terms of luxury?

Climate control for one.
Also more luxurious seat cloth.

[Kirium]

Nothing that can't be changed with leather optioned...

[Devil CV8]

Anyway, my point is this. a new SV8 with leather( option)with the spots and the body kit as noted here is effectively the same spec as a VX II SS is it not .
Actually I'd say slightly higher spec... sunglass holder for one


AS to what the Berlina has..
single zone climate control, calais gets dual zone

I think the Berlina gets extra interior lighting (not sure on that point)

[F6 Hoon]

Damn, if I was an VZ SS buyer (luckily I'm not) I'd feel like I'd been had. The $8k difference between the SV8 and SS cannot be justified, unless like other have mentioned, it either comes out with the 260kw LS1 or better still the LS2. I'm sure Holden could stretch the difference out to $10k - $12k over the SV8 if they offered the LS2 in a SS model.

[Goggles]

2005 SV8
New colours
Impulse metallic (New to SV8)
Heron white (new to SV8)

does this mean the SV8 has the same number of colours as the SS or more?

Holden has to be planning some changes to the SS in view of the changes to the SV8.

[Ricko]

Buyer: So what's the difference between these two V8's??
Salesman: Well sir, the SS has distinctive badging, 1 inch larger wheels, these side vents, body coloured mirrors, different trim and these side bump strips.
Buyer: so how much will that cost me??
Salesman: about $8000 more than that model.
Buyer: .............. Are you shittin' me???

If the projected changes to the SV8 are correct, your spot on. I couldnt see the extra money in the VY versions, but i thought the SS interior trim was garish and have thrown on an SS front bumper. Give me the body kit and the other proposed changes, and unless the SS gains a few worthy things, i cant see why you would buy one.

[caseyp]

ACK! And that was the only reason I didn't buy a SV8....cause it looked so plain on the outside. Oh well, too late now.
The SV8 may look plain, it still has the same running gear as the SS.
Remenber the old saying, " you don't look at the mantle piece when you are stoking the fire"

[Kirium]

If the projected changes to the SV8 are correct, your spot on. I couldnt see the extra money in the VY versions, but i thought the SS interior trim was garish and have thrown on an SS front bumper. Give me the body kit and the other proposed changes, and unless the SS gains a few worthy things, i cant see why you would buy one.

Like DevilCV8 and I have said.... Now the SV8 has become 95% SS, it'd be great to see the SS take a step up as a sports/luxury 4-door. The Monaro is the 2-door sports luxury, and making the SS it's 4-door stablemate with 260kW LS1+, uprated brakes, revised T56 M6, leather standard (delete option), climate control standard and 6 disc CD would easily set the SS apart from the SV8. hopefully we see a memo come out in the near future saying just this... :D effective Jan 16 :D

[Devil CV8]

and 6 disc CD would
SS already has the 6 disc cd, but could do with the extra speakers, ala monaro/calais.
as for the rest, yep I agree.

[Redhot_57]

I always thought the idea of SV8 was a cheaper (sorry guys, less expensive!) V8 sleeper. No way Id pay another $8000 give or take for an SS over SV8 with only minor differences. Sure, the SS may have better long term resale, but $8000 better?? Nah. If they go down this route, then as someone else said, 260kw for SS.

Bring back the exec V8 I reckon, or at least give the SV8 and SS a wider choice of colours. This is one area where Ford has it ALL over Holden. At least you can order an XR8 (if you wanted one..) in a stack of colours, but if you want an SS, sorry, you can choose from just 5.. Can anyone explain this?? :( How good would an SS look in Odyssey..

[Kirium]

That's something i noticed looking on FPV's website... how many colours they've got...

4 different shades of blue alone!!! Holden's colour options are absolute crap.

[slickholden]

Ford need more color options to try and sell more, Since BA thats whats they have tryed hard to do. Because thats where holden beat them,
So when you see fords line up of colors what you see is so many that look like holdens colors past and present.

[Nobby]

Ford need more color options to try and sell more, Since BA thats whats they have tryed hard to do. Because thats where holden beat them,
So when you see fords line up of colors what you see is so many that look like holdens colors past and present.

In fairness to Ford, there's only so many colours to choose from. :-D

[Evil LS1]

I agree, whatever you think of Ford, their colour range is excellent and innovative; while Holdens is very weak ( and they still have the worst paint quality).

I don't know why anybody would get an SS anyway. Most of the stuff on it I would want to replace: wheels, seats, body kit, brakes. Start with the SV8 and go from there. That's why I bought an exec VT V8 M6 LS1. Why pay for crap you don't like. Want leather seats; go aftermarket and get good quality leather not the crap Holden uses. Only thing missing would be climate control - but if the AC works well that's all that really matters.

Better still, buy a 1 year old R8 for the same money as a new SS. Can't ever bring myself to buy a brand car that depreciates so fast.

[slickholden]

I agree, whatever you think of Ford, their colour range is excellent and innovative; while Holdens is very weak ( and they still have the worst paint quality).

I don't know why anybody would get an SS anyway. Most of the stuff on it I would want to replace: wheels, seats, body kit, brakes. Start with the SV8 and go from there. That's why I bought an exec VT V8 M6 LS1. Why pay for crap you don't like. Want leather seats; go aftermarket and get good quality leather not the crap Holden uses. Only thing missing would be climate control - but if the AC works well that's all that really matters.

Better still, buy a 1 year old R8 for the same money as a new SS. Can't ever bring myself to buy a brand car that depreciates so fast.
That's a personal preference doesn't meen everything is shit.

But as for the colors till BA ford only had Blue, Monaro comes out and its like skittles colors:p It was one area where Ford had to catch up and they did with BA.

[brchi17]

As a VY series I SV8 owner, I've got to say if the rumor I read in this thread are true, then I'm a little disappointed.

The thing that attracted to me, was that the SV8 was all the good go fast bits of the SS in a package that didn't scream out at everyone, saying look at me, for a price that made it too good to miss.

And yes if I had the money, I would have bought the SS, but I didn't & therefore the SV8 got me into the awesome world of the GENIII, for a dam nice price.

With the SV8 becoming identical to the SV6, I'd suggest the price will have to go up as well, pushing it towards current the SS territory & perhaps moving it away from the group in which it was intended to be it's focus.

I guess in time we'll know, but I kind of like the idea of a discrete looking performance rocket.

cheers. :)

[slickholden]

Hey think how the guy feels who just bought a VZ SV8 off the show room floor. It's cruel and i can see why you would be pissed a little to.

[GM350]

I want to see an LS2 VE EXECUTIVE, we need more sleepers.

[Goggles]

VZ Lumina has the SV8 wheels on it:

http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/*query?04VZLumina&source=holden

[COSMOS]

VZ Lumina has the SV8 wheels on it:

http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/*query?04VZLumina&source=holden

i saw that last night - if i had one it would be enough to make me get aftermarket rims... i think the fact the lumina has the sv8 rims is the deathknell of the v8 sleeper

t

[TimVYSS]

Any ideas yet on whether or how much the price of the SV8 will rise to accomadate the feature increase?

Also any ideas on when the VZ series 2 should be due out next year?

Thanks

[ABS]

Yep, the fact that the SV8 wheels have shown up on a limited edition Lumina model means the current SV8 is dead. The lmitied editions always borrow wheels from earlier models. Such as the VY Series 1 Calais alloys on the last Equipe.

[Fs659717]

Contacted Melbourne Holden dealer on the 3/12 04. No pricing has been sent to them so far. They seem to think that holden will want to clear the 2004 SV8 model before this side of January, New SV8 pricing will be on Holden web site in early January 2005

[Fs659717]

New pricing for new SV8 $43.990 +ORC = With the SV6 body, LSD and 5.7 V8.

Test drove an SV6, 4,600 on clock, city driving and open free way, I noticed what some people have posted on web about the noise from the timing chain, you only notice it when in low gears, but out on the open road the noise disappears. The engine revs freely , (but harse at high revs). driven at around 2,OOO rpm this should not be a problem, power wise compared to super charged V6 the 190 has more power at high revs, were as the S charged V6 has it at lower revs. Over all very happy with looks and handling (cant wait to see a V8 under bonnet)

[Holden]

We'll be making a formal announcement on this today (20 December) including some pix.

[Goggles]

We'll be making a formal announcement on this today (20 December) including some pix.

cool how will this affect the SS?

[Zero5]

Pictures are up here: http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/*query?holden&source=all

[Phido]

Holden should really up the mark with the SS..

SS should get single zone climate and premium audio. After all the XR8 gets premium (or prestige) audio now.. And anything you want is a option (dual zone, colour TFT screen, big brakes etc)

Also putting the upgraded brakes on the SS would be a no brainer. But then I guess it would start putting pressure on the low end HSV's.. Put in too much luxury and it starts inpinging on the Calias. HSV's I belive are belina spec.

Its becoming increasingly crowded in that market, SV6, SV8, SS, Monaro, Clubsports, XR6, XR6 turbo, XR8, GT, Typhoon.. $45-$60k bracket is just over flowing with aussie sport models.

Where the SS fits is anyones guess, someone who doesn't want a HSV but wants something that looks much better than a SV8.

[Holden]

To answer Phido's question and others previously, here's the press release FYI -

NEW-LOOK 2005 COMMODORE SV8 COMES ON STRONGER
Powerful sports styling, more special features

Holden is giving the Commodore SV8 a makeover to match the striking looks of its new six-cylinder performance sibling, the SV6. To be released in February, the competitively priced Commodore SV8 also benefits from an increase in standard specification to better align with the SV6. The decision reflects customer feedback that most Holden performance car enthusiasts want to make a statement rather than blend into the crowd.

Alan Blazevic, Holden’s Marketing Manager Passenger Cars, said the move to give the Commodore SV8 the same sporty design cues as the popular Commodore SV6 was consistent with the company’s market-responsive philosophy. “The Commodore SV6 has immediately struck a chord with buyers – so much so that our S car sales in November were 95 per cent up on the same month last year,” Mr Blazevic said. “It’s very much our business to anticipate changes in customer demand. Performance car buyers are becoming more particular about what they want in these high profile vehicles, and we’re determined to retain our winning edge in this market segment. “We’re delighted with the response to our 190kW VZ Commodore SV6 and we are confident that V8 enthusiasts will be quick to appreciate what a great deal they’re getting with this revitalised Commodore SV8 sports package.”

The performance of Commodore SV8’s high output 250kW Gen III V8 engine will be highlighted by more overt sports styling cues –a deep front facia with fog lamps, large air dam with hexagonal mesh insert, mesh grille, black bezel headlamps, side and rear skirts and sports styled five-spoke alloy wheels. The 2005 Commodore SV8 offers body-coloured exterior mirrors, leather wrap steering wheel, power windows all round, side impact airbags and sports styled or optional leather trim. Among new colour choices for 2005 is the brilliant Impulse blue to be shared with Commodore SV6 and SS.

Increases in power and torque delivered with the launch of the VZ Commodore SV8 and Commodore SS (250kW of power at 5600rpm, 470Nm of torque at 4800 rpm) were complemented by improved braking systems which feature Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Holden’s high performance icon, the Commodore SS, gains extra comfort and convenience features for 2005 and maintains its status at the top of Holden’s performance pecking order. Equipment levels are boosted by the addition of single zone electronic climate control, a dash-top storage compartment and twin fold-out cup holders in the instrument panel.

The 2005 Commodore performance range will be available from 1 February 2005.

Commodore SV8 Colour Range - Heron White, Redhot, Phantom mica, Quicksilver metallic, Impulse

2005 Commodore SV8 Recommended Retail Price - $43,990 (manual or automatic transmission)

2005 Commodore SV6 Recommended Retail Price - $39,490 (manual or automatic transmission)

2005 Commodore SV6/SV8 Option Pricing
Leather trim $2190
6 disc in-dash CD $595
Rear Park Assist $495
Metallic paint $315

2005 Commodore SS Recommended Retail Price
$51,290 (manual or automatic transmission)

2005 Commodore SS Option Pricing
Leather trim $2190
Rear Park Assist $495
Metallic paint $315

[ssberlina]

So the SS now gets single zone climate control without the leather option as well. Am I reading this correctly?

[hsvLS1255]

so in essence iyou are really purchsing the SV6 but have tiked a little box for the V8. i think i should have always been like that in the first place...

now all you have to do is change the SV8 badge to a sv6, and you have the ultimate sleeper.... :burnout:

[chops]

However, as mentioned previously, while the SV8 represents great value, I would like some clarification where the extra $7300 goes to get an SS, especially seeing as how leather can now be optined on an SV8.

Surely climate control and different wheels aren't the only things?

[Phido]

Wow.. SS finally gets to Berlina spec level..

Still SV8 is a awesome bargin, undercutting the XR6T by around $3-$4k now, and it has a 10Kw/20nm advantage as well as being a tad lighter. You could option leather and metalic paint etc and still be cheaper than a XR6T..

SV8 in a nice colour, SV6 badging, leather, tint muhahaha. Interesting to see what the SV8 resale is like. One year old SV8 low Km with leather would be attractive to me.

[fester1]

Changes to thew SV8 make great sense and I seer it gets side airbags as std. The SV6 only has this as an option-unless that has changed for 05.

[Holden]

Changes to thew SV8 make great sense and I seer it gets side airbags as std. The SV6 only has this as an option-unless that has changed for 05.

Hey fester1 - SV6 will include standard fitment of LSD and side impact airbags.

[Swordie]

It sounds like the SV8 will be similar in spec to the VYI and VXII SS.

[Goggles]

It sounds like the SV8 will be similar in spec to the VYI and VXII SS.

agreed

still think the SS needs a bit more power to differentiate it from the SV8 now.

[fester1]

Thanx! Suppose a retrofit is out of the question??

[SSFreak]

However, as mentioned previously, while the SV8 represents great value, I would like some clarification where the extra $7300 goes to get an SS, especially seeing as how leather can now be optined on an SV8.

Surely climate control and different wheels aren't the only things?

I too would like to know what you get for the quite-a-few extra dollars.

[Zero5]

As far as I see you get the following:

18" alloys
High winged sports seats
Calais headlights
Darker taillights
Side vents
Climate control (from Feb)
Sportier instruments
brushed alloy interior highlights
6 stack CD player

[Marco]

Looks good.

Is the SV8 seat trim now the same as the SV6, or does it retain the '04 trim?

[Smitty]

more details.....

2005 Commodore SV8 Recommended Retail Price
$43,990 (manual or automatic transmission)

2005 Commodore SV6 Recommended Retail Price
$39,490 (manual or automatic transmission)

2005 Commodore SV6/SV8 Option Pricing
Leather trim $2190
6 disc in-dash CD $595
Rear Park Assist $495
Metallic paint $315

2005 Commodore SS Recommended Retail Price
$51,290 (manual or automatic transmission)

2005 Commodore SS Option Pricing
Leather trim $2190
Rear Park Assist $495
Metallic paint $315

Source - Media Australia Web Site

[errol]

Will the February 1st 2005 SV8 and SV6 be series 2 or series 1 still?
If not a series 2 will they be bringing one out or wait till the VE.

[Goggles]

I too would like to know what you get for the quite-a-few extra dollars.

what we know is different now between the SV8 and SS (summary of what everyone has said):
- different rear spoiler
- larger wheels and tyres
- standard climate control
- better looking gauges
- cup holders in the dash
- chrome exhaust tips
- SS badging on rear doors!! (well doh)
- fake fender vents
- chrome strip on fender vents
- chrome finish on gear knob, handbrake and interior door handles
- leather on steering wheel
- leather on gear shifter
- leather on handbrake

is this ~ $8K worth?? debatable.

I hope the VE SS is something special......4 door Monaro would be good (i.e. more power and better sounding exhaust).

[Shazza]

All this is interesting... I wonder if the Police will now be using SV8's as Highway Patrol vehicles instead of the SS with 17inch wheels? It would make more sense, considering the price also.

I hope not though, I'd prefer to pick up a used ex cop SS than an SV8.

[SSFreak]

what we know is different now between the SV8 and SS (summary of what everyone has said):
- different rear spoiler
- larger wheels and tyres
- standard climate control
- better looking gauges
- cup holders in the dash
- chrome exhaust tips
- SS badging on rear doors!! (well doh)
- fake fender vents
- chrome strip on fender vents
- chrome finish on gear knob, handbrake and interior door handles
- leather on steering wheel
- leather on gear shifter
- leather on handbrake

is this ~ $8K worth?? debatable.

I hope the VE SS is something special......4 door Monaro would be good (i.e. more power and better sounding exhaust).

Yeah, doesn't seem much for $8K Maybe those cup holders are real expensive. :) IMHO there needs to be a bigger difference between the SS and SV8 when the VE comes out, eg. what you said plus better brakes. I think I'll be waiting for VE Series II.

[Goggles]

Yeah, doesn't seem much for $8K Maybe those cup holders are real expensive. :) IMHO there needs to be a bigger difference between the SS and SV8 when the VE comes out, eg. what you said plus better brakes. I think I'll be waiting for VE Series II.

in the list, I forgot to add the lockable storage compartment on top of the dash......maybe this is the item that adds $8K :lol:

[Zero5]

You also didn't mention the sports seats which to me are a huge improvement over the standard seats IMHO and also the headlights and tail lights are different.

I think it's close to 8K worth, plus the fact that you have an 'SS' has to be worth something! :cool:

I have said before though that the SS needs to be a 4 door monaro and the recent changes to the SV8 make me think this is now realistic.

[Goggles]

You also didn't mention the sports seats which to me are a huge improvement over the standard seats IMHO and also the headlights and tail lights are different.

I think it's close to 8K worth, plus the fact that you have an 'SS' has to be worth something! :cool:

I have said before though that the SS needs to be a 4 door monaro and the recent changes to the SV8 make me think this is now realistic.

I agree with the comment about the seats - the seats in my SS are much better than those in my VY SV8.

I still think that there needs to be a mechanical difference (not just bigger wheels and tyres) between the SV8 and SS as they now look very similar.

[AussieTone]

I for one am very suprised at this latest marketing strategy from Holden. I love my VY SS and am considering updating around March 05 to another. When you consider you can option the 05 SV8 up with leather etc for around 7,300 cheaper than a similar spec'd 05 SS how do I justify buying an SS.

Is this Holdens way of reducing sales of the SS and pushing buyers towards the Monaro and HSV variants. Then again if they put the LS2 into the SS we would be happy with the difference between models

[SV99]

the SV8 will look pretty good. Although the colours need some more variation.

what happens if you dont want black, white, silver , red and Blue. :lol:


The VXII SS had a nice colour range.

[Swordie]

It would be nice if they had performance car without the spoilers. Something with a small boot lip like WH Statesman International would be nice with 17inch wheels with Acclaim like interior features. Climate control and pop out cup holders I can live without. They could call it the S8.

[Goggles]

further info on the reasoning for the changes to the SV8:
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/5D6F37EC0874340ACA256F71001BD7A5

[Holden]

Will the February 1st 2005 SV8 and SV6 be series 2 or series 1 still?
If not a series 2 will they be bringing one out or wait till the VE.

Answer for the first part - Series 1. Geez, we only released the car in August! As for the second part, we'll keep our powder dry on that one ...

[Drewie]

Looks like the SV8 is basically back to the original VT/VX SS package, so where does the SS now fit in, seems hard to justify the extra cash for the little extra the SS will offer, the SV8 looks like good value.

[F6 Hoon]

Is this Holdens way of reducing sales of the SS and pushing buyers towards the Monaro and HSV variants. Then again if they put the LS2 into the SS we would be happy with the difference between models

I'd say it's probably Holdens way of reducing the value of superceded models even more than one would deem acceptable. I pitty the pre Feb '05 purchasers of SV8's and SS's. Maybe Holden could do the same for those owners as they did for the Adventra owners and offer a factory cash back rebate for the accelarated rate of depreciation :idea:

[V82xist]

In reality, the only thing that people will notice is the wheels and maybe the side vents. it'd take a die-hard commodore spotter to notice the lack of bump strips, and body coloured mirrors. The SV8 will have the fog lights, and the lack of a ricey, fake side vent is a plus to me.

That makes the only tangible difference different wheels, SS badging and trim.

For my mind, Holden should slap Monaro brakes and 260kw LS1+ in the SS to make it worthwhile. otherwise you're paying around $8000 for bigger wheels, 50cent badging and shithouse side vents.

It's going to make selling an SS to someone who's not into Holdens in a big way extremely hard.

Buyer: So what's the difference between these two V8's??
Salesman: Well sir, the SS has distinctive badging, 1 inch larger wheels, these side vents, body coloured mirrors, different trim and these side bump strips.
Buyer: so how much will that cost me??
Salesman: about $8000 more than that model.
Buyer: .............. Are you shittin' me???

Nicely bolstered leather trim sports seats, climate control, side airbags, 6 stacker cd player, better trip computer, satin acsents to door handles, gear lever, steering wheel etc, better looking dash gauges, sports aluminium pedals....just some of the things that make an SS a much nicer, more upmarket car than the SV8 hence the price difference.
Pretty obvious to me :booty:

[Evil LS1]

Nicely bolstered leather trim sports seats, climate control, side airbags, 6 stacker cd player, better trip computer, satin acsents to door handles, gear lever, steering wheel etc, better looking dash gauges, sports aluminium pedals....just some of the things that make an SS a much nicer, more upmarket car than the SV8 hence the price difference.

To an extent, but I only see about $4-5K difference not $8K. It's a well known trick to greatly inflate the price of so called luxury items. Car companies love the upper echelon models as their profit margins skyrocket.
SS isn't a rippoff, but again I would rather a 1yo Clubby for the same or less money as an SS.

Still reckon they should bring back the Exec LS1 though. Start from a clean slate and build it how you like it. Afterall there's hardly anything I would keep even from an SS. Bodykit, wheels (VZ suck), brakes, seats, pedals, strut brace, suspension all would have to be replaced, so might as well start with a poverty pack that just has A/C and p/w and do the rest yourself if that's what you want to do. Give us the option at least. I was lucky enough to get a VT exec LS1 M6 and do just that.

[Swordie]

I saw the new SV8 and SS yesterday side by side at dealer showroom. From a distance they look very close. The main difference is the SS has front fog lights and side vents, the SV8 has HBD label on the back.

I had a quick look at the interiors the main difference is the SS has climate and better seats. The seats on SS seem to have more side bolstering like a HSV. I wouldn’t mind having HSV style seats in my car.

[Drewie]

I saw the new SV8 and SS yesterday side by side at dealer showroom. From a distance they look very close. The main difference is the SS has front fog lights and side vents, the SV8 has HBD label on the back.

I had a quick look at the interiors the main difference is the SS has climate and better seats. The seats on SS seem to have more side bolstering like a HSV. I wouldn’t mind having HSV style seats in my car.

The SV8 being discussed is not out until Feb next year.
Specs look pretty good....hard to see why you would buy an SS.

The performance of Commodore SV8’s high output 250kW Gen III V8 engine will be highlighted by more overt sports styling cues –a deep front facia with fog lamps, large air dam with hexagonal mesh insert, mesh grille, black bezel headlamps, side and rear skirts and sports styled five-spoke alloy wheels. The 2005 Commodore SV8 offers body-coloured exterior mirrors, leather wrap steering wheel, power windows all round, side impact airbags and sports styled or optional leather trim. Among new colour choices for 2005 is the brilliant Impulse blue to be shared with Commodore SV6 and SS.

[Danv8]

[QUOTE=Evil LS1]To an extent, but I only see about $4-5K difference not $8K. It's a well known trick to greatly inflate the price of so called luxury items. Car companies love the upper echelon models as their profit margins skyrocket.
SS isn't a rippoff, but again I would rather a 1yo Clubby for the same or less money as an SS.

Still reckon they should bring back the Exec LS1 though. Start from a clean slate and build it how you like it.

Agreed seeing an Exec with a Gen 3 badge is a rare site and an awesome sleeper as well. I recently saw a VT wagon with Gen 3 and had 6 speed looked stock as a rock apart from the decent zorst system. The wheels were steelies as wel

[Kirium]

Nicely bolstered leather trim sports seats, climate control, side airbags, 6 stacker cd player, better trip computer, satin acsents to door handles, gear lever, steering wheel etc, better looking dash gauges, sports aluminium pedals....just some of the things that make an SS a much nicer, more upmarket car than the SV8 hence the price difference.
Pretty obvious to me :booty:

Errr... leather is not standard.. It's a $2190 option. Way back when I wrote that post, no-one knew climate would become standard, but it was expected. the rest is is all smoke and mirrors $1.50 satin badging. Who said it's getting a better trip computer? Is the SS getting 3 window cluster?

Like i said.


It's going to make selling an SS to someone who's not into Holdens in a big way extremely hard.

Unless you really really love satin accents... :stick: ;)