Pontiac G8 lives on as a special edition Holden in Australia

While we in the US are losing the Pontiac G8, and Pontiac as a whole, the Austrailians are gaining the G8 in the form of a pair of special edition Holden models.

The Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition loses the Holden usual grille in favor of the Pontiac's. Only the badges appear to be different. The "International Special Pack" features leather interior and 18 inch wheels with the 3.0 direct injection V6 and six speed auto.

At least we know that the car wasn't sent to the great parts bin in the sky. Read more in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE:

Holden to Launch Two New Special Editions

Holden will hit the streets with two new special edition models delivering very different approaches to Australia's best-selling car range.

The SS V-Series Special Edition sedan, Sportwagon and Ute will achieve immediate attention with styling treatments even more aggressive than Holden's established performance hero models.

For motorists seeking great value, International sedan and Sportwagon models will deliver $7,500 of extra features (based on recommended retail price of extra features) including leather seat trim and 18 inch alloy wheels.

Holden Director of Marketing Philip Brook said the two offerings highlighted the different ways in which Holden special editions stimulated demand in Australia's best-selling range.

"These vehicles cater to motorists at both ends of the Commodore-buying spectrum - those looking for great value and those looking for striking performance looks," Brook said.

"SS V-Series has always been about sports performance and ultimate road presence. Now we've dialled it up even further.

"The International edition is even better value when you combine extra features with the advanced 3.0 litre direct injection engine and 6-speed automatic transmission."


SS V-Series Special Edition Sedan, Sportwagon and Ute

The SS V-Series Special Edition will boast a new aggressive twin nostril front fascia with unique lower splitter and twin letter-box hood scoops. The sedan variant will feature a decklid spoiler and chrome highlights.

On sale from November, the SS V-Series Special Edition will be available in three colours – Phantom black, Red Hot and Voodoo blue.

The Recommended Retail Prices (RRP), not including dealer delivery or Government charges, for the three SS V-Series Special Edition packs are carryover from the standard SS V-Series models and are as follows:

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VE Ute SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $47,490 RRP
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VE Commodore sedan SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $55,290 RRP
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VE Sportwagon SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $57,290 RRP
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Six-speed automatic transmission +$2,000 RRP


The SS V-Series Special Edition Ute will make its debut at this year's Deni Ute Muster which starts on Friday 2 October.

"Holden has sponsored the Deni Ute Muster for 11 consecutive years and its popularity continues to grow," Brook said.

"The event that attracts the country's most passionate Ute enthusiasts is the perfect place to launch this special edition Ute."


Special Edition International Sedan and Sportwagon

The new International offers an impressive level of standard features, five star safety and the performance and refinement of the all new 3.0 litre Spark Ignition Direct Injection V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The new powertrain offers fuel efficiency that is better than some major four cylinder competitors.

In addition to Omega, the Special Edition Commodore International includes:

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18 inch alloy wheels (4)
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Berlina front grille
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Leather appointed seat trim
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Leather wrapped steering wheel
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Bluetooth for compatible mobile phones
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International badge
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Chrome decklid eyebrow moulding (sedan only)
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Rear Park Assist (sedan only as already standard on all Sportwagon models)

On Sale from November, the driveaway pricing for the two International packs is as follows:

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VE Commodore International Sedan (auto) $35,990 driveaway
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VE Commodore International Sportwagon (auto) $37,990 driveaway
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Metallic paint $500

A 3.6 litre dual fuel LPG Alloytec V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission is available on Commodore International sedan only.