Holden's red is for racier

Holden Commodore VE series II SSV Ute is among the Redline series to be released in New Zealand later this month. Photo / Supplied

An uprated range called the Redline Edition is part of GM Holden's facelifted VE Series II Commodore line-up to be launched in New Zealand later this month.

The optional $2900 package is available with sports-luxury V-Series versions of the 6-litre V8 Commodore SS sedan, wagon and ute, and the V8 Calais sedan and wagon.

It comprises a new, more sporting 'FE3' suspension set-up on the sedans, with all models gaining more powerful four-piston Brembo front brakes and exclusive forged and polished 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with low-profile tyres.

The Redline sedans will also come with chromed window surrounds, while a tyre inflation kit will be mandatory fitment on the SS-V Redline Ute.

The upgraded Brembo front brake package comprises two-piece aluminium callipers and 355mm inner-vented rotors, while the sedan-only FE3 "Super Sports Performance" suspension tune includes high-performance dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars.

Redline Holdens also get satellite navigation and a rear-view camera as standard equipment. It is part of the new 'Holden iQ' touch-screen multi-media system.

The iQ infotainment system forms part of the redesigned dashboard on all VEII models, and as well as featuring full Bluetooth, USB and iPod/MP3 integration can store CDs on an internal flash drive.

Holden New Zealand general marketing manager Mathew Woodley said the Redline Edition introduced added excitement to the company's high-feature luxury performance range.

"We know the enthusiasts who drive Holden sports vehicles enjoy the V8 engine performance," Woodley said. "We know that their interest goes beyond straight-line power and torque. They're looking for a satisfying overall driving experience with superior chassis dynamics.

"With the Redline Edition, we set out to improve that experience for them, by introducing features we know they'll value the most - track-inspired handling combined with awesome stopping power."

The Redline treatment will be available in the new VEII exterior paint colours of Alto grey, Hazard yellow and Sizzle red metallic, plus the carryover colours Heron white, Karma blue, Nitrate silver metallic and Phantom black metallic. Redline models, like the rest of the VEII range, can run on E85 ethanol fuel, a blend of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol.

The updated VE II range gets a new squarer front-end incorporating revised headlight shapes, more prominent grille and bumper treatments, and an "aero lip" detail on the sedan's bootlid and redesigned alloy wheels on some models.

Inside, there are three different centre stacks to identify base, sports and luxury grades, an improved driving position, fresh features and options, a restyled heater/ventilation/air-conditioning control centre, and an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.

The long-running Statesman nameplate has been discontinued from the Holden line-up as part of the WM Series II facelift.

Instead, the long-wheelbase Commodore-based range will be opened by the Caprice V6, which replaces the outgoing Statesman V6 as the base model.

The Caprice V8 V-Series will employ a 260kW version of Holden's Chevrolet-sourced 6-litre V8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) cylinder-deactivation.

That's down 10kW on the existing V8 engines, but the new E85-compatible V8 is also more efficient, with average economy 2 per cent better at 12.3 litres/100km.

The long-wheelbase WMII Caprice comes with the same exterior, interior, equipment and colour option upgrades as the short-wheelbase VEII Commodore range, while the V8 V-Series adds a sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, dual-screen rear DVD player, Bose audio system and tri-zone climate-control system.