This is Holden's new flagship Commodore - and there's not a V8 in sight.

Only two days after images leaked of the Chinese-market Buick Regal GS, Holden has revealed official details of the new V6-powered Commodore VXR. This will replaced the V8-powered Commodore SS as the performance flagship of the range when the imported model goes on sale in 2018.

Holden has confirmed the SS nameplate will be retired with the demise of the V8. The VXR name originates from Holden's British sibling, Vauxhall, who used the badge for its performance models, including the Astra VXR and previous generation Insignia.

"SS is a very specific nomenclature in this country, it's always had a V8 under the bonnet," explained Sean Poppitt, Holden's director of communications. "We wanted to gracefully retire that name."

Speaking about the decision to use the VXR badge Poppitt said: "We wanted to have continuity and familiarity within the family. We've had the Astra and Insignia VXR as well. It was a natural fit."

As expected the new Commodore VXR will be powered by a 3.6-litre V6 that will produce 235kW of power and 381Nm of torque. It will send power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system is known as 'Twinster' and features torque vectoring that allows performance to be split between both front and rear axles as well as each side of the car, depending on the conditions.

Befitting its place as the performance flagship the VXR will also feature Brembo brakes and adjustable drive modes thanks to a system it calls Continous Damping Control.

Other VXR touches include 20-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers, rear lip spoiler and leather sports seats.

Poppitt defended the decision to make the flagship model a V6, sitting above a predominantly four-cylinder range, despite the Commodore's image traditionally based around its V8-powered muscle car.

"People have definitely thought that," Poppitt admitted. "Historically, prior to the launch of [the] LS3 [V8 in the SS and SS-V], over the previous 10 years 76 per cent of models were V6 powered. The most popular models were cars like the SV6.

"The challenge for us will be showing people just how good the new four cylinder engine is. There's more to Commodore than what's been traditionally known."

Holden's lead dynamic engineer Rob Trubiani, who developed the acclaimed local Commodore range, acknowledged the imported model is a very different proposition. But he has been part of the local development team that has driven more than 100,000km in Australia to tailor it to local roads and tastes and believes it can win over potential customers.

"The next-gen Commodore VXR offers a different execution of performance to the outgoing SS but make no mistake, this is a more than worthy successor," Trubiani said. "We've been involved in the development of this car from the beginning and I personally have spent significant time behind the wheel overseas and at Holden's Lang Lang proving ground."

Poppitt also teased V8 Holden fans with another reference to Holden's mooted "two-door sports car", hinting it will fill the void left by the Commodore SS if the VXR doesn't. The 'Holden sports car' was first cryptically announced by GM International boss Stefan Jacoby at the 2015 Detroit motor show but since then the brand has refused to reveal any further details, but speculation suggests it will be either the Chevrolet Camaro or Corvette; or potentially both will come down under in future generations.

"Let's not forget that at some time in the not too distant future there will be a sports car," Poppitt said. "The sports car is so important to us."

But he didn't give any further details on the project.

The VXR will launch with the Commodore sedan and wagon in the first quarter of 2018, with the Subaru Outback-rivaling Tourer due later in the year.

2018 Holden Commodore VXR price and specification

On sale: Q1 2018

Price: TBA

Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrol

Power: 235kW

Torque: 381Nm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: TBA

• For more information, visit our Holden showroom.