Holden SSV Redline drive impressions.

[Rodge]

So....after the last Redline v thread which was closed after people seemed unable to debate the merits of the Ford and
Holden camp in a mature and objective way It won't surprise me if this goes the same way... BUT for the sake of
completeness seeing as I started the other thread believing the dealer had a Redline for me to evaluate, (which was
sold from underneath my nose so I didn't get a chance), he e.mailed me last week and said they had a new demo
Redline in stock so I was in driving past today and thought why not ?

Sorry no photo's but we all know what they look like. Demo was red with the bigger optional rear spoiler which I
think is a must and certainly improves the rear end look. In the order in which impressions struck me...

Head up display is very cool, full colour, displays a number of different options, I selected rev counter and speed
limit information which then displays your speed in digital format next to the speed limit, (surely this must save a
few speeding tickets ?

Seats are good without being over supportive, probably a nice compromise between regular Falcon seats and GT-P
seats. Seating position is significantly lower than Falcon. Too much chrome in the interior but somewhat balances
out with nice level's of suede on the door tops and what appeared to be a genuine leather dashboard cover but is
probably artificial leather...didn't look too bad.

Sunroof is either tilt or slide right open, (I think its nice to have a sunroof).

Auto is smooth and shift shock is well suppressed at low and moderate throttle openings, somewhat less refined on
higher demand situations.

Bose stereo is good - very good, you need to fiddle around with the configuration to suit but its definitely a cut above
what Ford currently have on offer, while still being short of decent Harmon Kardon or Bowers and Wilkens systems
in high end Euro's, (which is to be expected).

Chassis seems nice and tight and body control is also tight with little to no body roll on spirited driving in the
corners. Steering feel is reasonable but I prefer the Falcon's hydraulic steering.

Sound of the V8 ? What sound ?

Performance - This is well short of what I'm used too and well short of F6 power or XR6T power too. Further
exacerbating the difference is the way the performance is delivered, which is typical of naturally aspirated Holden
V8 engines, really not a lot on offer below 4,000 revs, (polar opposite to turbo Falcon cars).

Overall I thought it was a good bit of kit, short of power, long on technology and handling, with good, (not brilliant),
brakes. Looks are subjective, I don't mind it with the optional spoiler and looked pretty good in Holden's fire engine
red colour.

Rating 8.5 / 10