Holden confirms limited edition Commodores

 Hard-core Holden fans shouldn't take holidays in January.

The Aussie car maker has just released details of a micro-site that confirms a trio of limited edition Commodores will be sold in 2017 to mark the final year of local production for the iconic muscle car.

The site (www.holden.com.au/cars/commodore/limited-edition) is due to go live this afternoon (Thursday December 15) and features three vehicles under cover with confirmation they are based on the SS-V Redline sedan and ute and the Calais V sedan. It asks for expressions of interest from customers wishing to secure a piece of motoring history.

While Holden has yet to reveal official details of the models, the main image showcases a black set of alloy wheels featuring a unique red ring around the outer edge of the rim, a matching red highlight on the lower portion of the front intake and a black bonnet vent on another vehicle in the foreground.

Reports have suggested Holden will dip into its back catalogue and revive badges such as Director and Magnum - previously used on HDT Special Vehicles models back in the 1980s - as a celebration of the Commodore's performance heritage.

The original HDT Director was created by Holden hero Peter Brock to be considered among the most luxurious sports sedans of its time. It featured a unique independent rear suspension system, upgraded V8 engine and a high-grade interior that even included a portable phone and fax machine, which was at the absolute cutting edge of connectivity back in 1987.

But it was also fitted with the controversial Energy Polariser - a box of crystals that Brock claimed improved performance and reduced fuel consumption - that ultimately led to Holden dumping its Bathurst legend.

HDT also used the Magnum name on a high-performance version of the WB Caprice limousine or one-tonne ute.

Accordingly, it is expected the Director name could be used on the more luxury-focused Calais V (without a Polariser) while the Magnum could be reserved for the ute. It has been suggested that the third model will be a track-focused variant of the SS-V Redline sedan that has been created to pay homage to the Commodore's vast successes in motorsport over the last 38 years, from its 24 Bathurst victories to the Repco Round Australia Reliability Trial win and the King's Cup crown in the 1986 FIA Touring Car Championship.

Holden promises to reveal the official information in January, the day the vehicles are expected to be officially on-sale to the public. Commodore fans should save the date...

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