The most powerful production wagon to ever wear the Holden badge, the special edition SS, is set for a return performance in 2004. The sellout success of the first-ever Commodore SS wagon, launched last May, has prompted Holden to produce a VY Series II version – once more with the full sports treatment, a new colour and now packing an extra 10kW of Gen III V8 power. Holden has restricted production of the 5.7 litre, 245kW SS wagon to 350 units. Each is distinguished by 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, low profile tyres and sports front facia with slim grille, circular foglamps, black bezel headlamps, front sculptured rocker mouldings, rear facia skirt and signature SS badging. Body-coloured roof rails and dust deflector are included in the package. Holden’s Marketing Manager Passenger Cars, Alan Blazevic, said the 2003 Special Edition SS Wagon had proven to be extremely popular with customers seeking a sports performance package in a large passenger wagon format. Continued enquiries led Holden to develop the VYII Special Edition SS Wagon for 2004. “The sports exterior, along with V8 performance, sports suspension and sports specification interior make SS Wagon an extremely attractive offer for people looking for the family wagon functionality with more performance and style," he said. Buyers have a choice of two metallic exterior finishes: Phantom Black, teamed with red leather interior trim, or for the first time ever - Quicksilver, complemented by Anthracite black leather interior trim. Further SS touches include front sports seats and rear sports-style seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a striking red hot instrument cluster and alloy pedals. The SS wagon can be specified with six-speed manual or electronic control automatic transmission, while FE2 sports suspension, limited slip differential, traction control and a full-length twin performance exhaust system are included as standard, along with the superior driving dynamics afforded by Control Link independent rear suspension. Further equipment highlights include driver, passenger and side impact airbags, a six-disc CD player, power windows front and rear, cruise control, electronic climate control, programmable trip computer and a cargo blind.

Commodore SS Wagon Recommended Retail Price $52, 490

Selected Holden By Design:
Accessories 17-inch 8 spoke or 5-spoke alloy wheels $650
Sunroof $2,495
Stainless steel sill plates $140.