Holden Commodore SS / STORM utility

With Holden set to end production in Australia in a couple of years time, the company has spruced up its existing lineup with a number of special edition models.
The Commodore SS ute is one to get this treatment.
The SS has long been a favourite of younger tradies, who like the versatility of the powerful ute.... workhorse by day and exhilarating sports car at every other time.
Holden has slapped a STORM badge on the flanks of the car to identify it as something a bit more than standard.
SS still appears on the tailgate however and the hugely powerful 6 litre V8 remains as in the standard SS.
The main changes are in the interior, where you'll find very comfy seats with suede-like inserts... a new dashboard treatment with red stitching in front of the passenger, different spec alloy wheels, unique paint, ( this one is called Perfect Blue,) reversing camera and electric handbrake are as per the sedan version of the Commodore.
You get just a vinyl tonneau cover for the cargo tray, but a hard hinged cover is an option.
There's plenty of legroom in the cabin and it was easy to find a good driving position.

Niceties include the Mylink information system, and blind spot indicators in the wing mirrors.
That engine is a cracker...260 kw, and 517 nm means you'll rarely use all of the six speed manual gearbox cogs in the city. Such is the giant torque, I usually dispensed with second and fourth, going straight from first to third and then fifth gear, at which the engine is turning over at around 1200 rpm. You can use sixth at 60 kmh, (about 1000 rpm, just off idle revs,) but avoid heavy throttle in that gear.. all you'll get is violent driveline snatch.

On the highway there's a good deal of tyre roar, at 110 kmh but it's not too annoying considering the performance rubber.  Wind noise is minimal. At 110 in sixth the engine is spinning over at just 1500 rpm.

I averaged 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres in mostly city driving.The official combined city /highway fuel cycle average is 11.5 litres per 100 ks.  
Acceleration is phenomenal. (Don't forget they race these things!) First gear takes you. to around 70 kilometres an hour and second will hit 110, with four more ratios to go! Howling through tight corners at full noise is sensational. The STORM sits flat and unflustered no matter what you throw at it. The steering is excellent....pin sharp, easily complementing the STORM's sporting nature. Blasting along winding hills roads, only second or third gear is necessary.The engine is redlined around 6,000rpm. Ride comfort is good, similar to the sedan versions...
It's a truly thrilling drive.

 

The price won't break the bank either. The SS/ STORM ute sells for just under 40K.
It's easy to see why cars like this are so popular.
My only real gripe.... despite the quad pipe exhaust system, it's not loud enough!
Peter Sellen