HDT Announces New SS Group A, Based On VE SS Commodore

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Oct 12, 2009
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LIMITED TO JUST 250 cars, Queensland outfit HDT has announced the new SS Group A or 'Blue Meanie', a VE SS based replica of the SS Group A VK Commodore of the 80s.

The newest incarnation of the legendary Australian brand, HDT - now owned by Queensland businessman Peter Champion - has built more than a few VE-based replicas of HDT classics.

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With other models based on the original HDT's VC and VH-based offerings, the new HDT's latest model - the new Group A - is built to honour what is perhaps the most iconic of Peter Brock's special Holdens.

Where the original was powered by a 4.9 litre de-stroked version of Holden's 5.0 litre V8, the new VE-based replica is powered by a 350kW version of Holden's 270kW V8.

To achieve its massive power, the SS Group A is fitted with a tweaked camshaft, cool air intake, reprogrammed ECU and a fully customised exhaust system.

And if owners request it, power can be taken right up to 500kW.

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To get a handle on the extra power, modified brakes and Bilstein springs and shock absorbers have been added to the package, sitting behind the retro Aero-look 19-inch wheels.

Giving it the perfect SS Group A look, the body kit has been given a massive makeover, with the grille, rear wing, bonnet bulge, wheels, 'Formula Blue' paint job, badging and decals all pointing to its very obvious inspiration.

With just 250 of the new SS Group A cars expected to be built, the new HDT - priced at $75,000 - is likely to be a popular option for Holden fans and collectors alike.

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Pristine examples of the original VK model, which originally cost $21,950 and developed 196kW, currently fetch up to around $120,000.

HDT can be contacted at 1300 364 252, or via the website: www.hdt.com.au.

GALLERY: HDT SS Group A Commodore

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Comments

  • Tony D [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Wow.

    I didn't know it was possible to make an uglier commodore than the new HSVs.
  • paddy [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    I nearly choked to death on those WHEELS... but 500kw smells good :/
  • JP [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Tony D, Mate you are deadset kidding! :-)
    This looks much smoother & cleaner than the new HSVs.

    Great colour too.
  • Luke Skywalker [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Gnnarrrrrr! I need to go and wash my eyes out. What a horrible sight!

    I do hope it'll come with a claxon and doors that will automatically fall off, as some clown will by one I'm sure.
  • Kaptnkolgate [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Wow... made my eyes bleed. I wonder if I can get an Energy Polarizer fitted... ???
  • Godspeed [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    I admire the enthusiasm behind the project, but they should have done more to do a modern take on the original VK Group A theme, rather than carry over certain elements so directly. The wheels look like they are exact replicas of the original items, just scaled up. The decals look identical and the grill and rear spoiler look a little too dated to fit on such a modern base vehicle. The whole thing looks a bit anachronistic. They are obviously hoping for the kind of collector value of the HRT427, and it might look better in the flesh, but at the moment it looks too much like a mix'n'match.
  • Dave Conole [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    I think it looks pretty damned good and don't forget, Ford have resurrected the GS label.

  • Tony D [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Steane, you've got me there, I was too young to lust after the original, so I've always thought it was a bit naff. But I have to admit this is a good recreation of the design.

    And at least there's no "speed holes" or "war paint" like the current crop...
  • MrQuick [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    +1 to Mr. Klose

    Although I wasn't even born when the original came out, this is seriously awesome, love the wheels, I'd rock one of these so hard.

    I just wish I had a spare 75 grand just lying about.
  • matt [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Steane, I was 14 when the original was released & my father owned one (and still does). I liked the VK alot & still do, but this (in my opinion!) is terrible..... Those wheels look terrible on a car of this size & although it's a great colour, can't Holden come up with something a bit more orginal instead of dipping into a back catalogue of previous models? What's next, are we gonna get a British Racing green copy of the SV5000?? I certainly hope not.....
  • Dave Conole [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Matt, it's not Holden but HDT............and given you can get 19 inch Irmscher lookalikes on another model, which look great also, I can't agree with you saying they look terrible.
  • old timer [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Baby Boomers rejoice... doesn't matter what negative vomit is spewed forth by armchair critics, this baby's gonna get looks wherever she goes!
  • Matt J [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Screams Bogan!

    But enthusiasts would love this and I have no issue with that. =)
  • james wheeler [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Peter Champion is a HDT nut, he got lucky and was able to buy HDT when it was about to be slated and lost forever. I admire the risk he takes in producing these retro classics and keeping the HDT name alive.
  • Godspeed [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Love your enthusiasm too Steane! :)

    My brother had a VL Group A SS (HDT), no. 435. It was sold and then sadly, stolen from the new owner...

    I like the original VK Group A. And I know what they have done with the wheels, I just think they could have done a modern interpretation of the old, and not just appeared to take the old parts and put them on the new car (that's what it LOOKS like; they obviously aren't the SAME parts). I'm thinking something like the BMW HOMMAGE Concept to the original BMW M1 - the wheels are derived from the original's design, not just exact replicas scaled up a few inches. Similar story with the rest of the bodywork.

    Having said this I know Champion's done this on a limited budget (limited by HSV standards anyway), but if they found the funds to make bespoke 19" versions (or whatever they are) of the HDT items surely he could have had a custom design made up by someone like Simmons (an Aussie company).
  • Godspeed [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    At least it's completely different to the HSV E2's though, which gives buyers some options... And at least it isn't pig-ugly like the new E2s.

    Pop some BBS LM rims on this Group A and she'll be apples. The LM design is a bit old-school and would suit the retro styling.

    I just realised the owner of Simmons Wheels went into retirement recently and production has ceased (for now at least). End of an era...
  • Godspeed [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Spoken like a true fan :P

    Would be good to see at least one on the road; I'm sure they'll sell in respectable numbers, particularly for enthusiasts who are after something different and more subdued than the E2 (as far as outward appearance anway - 350kW is anything but subdued)
  • Holden nut [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    I reckon, it's cool as they come! And there is more option that you can put on them! Juice up the 350kw! And theirs more in the pipe line! At 75k it is a good price. I know mate who's got 2 vk brock commodores!
  • Dan [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    I two think it's great./ especially those big air sucking brake cooling wheels. In 1979 i bought a 1972 bathurst XU1,only 250 of those suckers made to and paid $1500 for it.in 1984 i swapped a GSX1100ES road registered drag bike for a VC SS when the wheels fell of that "literely" at the back of Canberra's Highcourt at 2am on a sunday morning. I purchased a 1971XU1 number plate XU1-013 traded that on a VL in 86 it was stolen so i bought an LJ Torana
  • Dan [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    like my VL my web page vanished so i will continue /The LJ had a 5LTR in it. i Swaped it for a gemini Garret T4 Turboed and the years go by /Now im in an old E30 BMW there has been many many more cars' and all Holdens./ so i reckon i'm qualified enough to say apart from the back seat the VE is very very very good./
  • Lindsay [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Oh christ... I wish they'd stop doing this.
  • djanimal [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    I think the new Group A is great. Yes it does look like the original vk but thats what hdt intended just as a new shape. Over all it is a unreal looking car and would love to own one.
  • New HDT!!! - Just Commodores [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    [...] HDT!!! check it out! VE SS Based HDT SS Group A Announced | The Motor Report: Auto News And Reviews ... [...]
  • GERRY NUTH [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    i dont regret much in life,but i do regret selling my vk group a ss ,build #288.the car was awsome.and unless i win lotto,will never get my hands on an origanal again.however,the new ss group a is at a fair price n the car looks the business.why only 250 n not 500? also would like t say congrats to pete for taking over H.D.T n trying t bring back some ol school cool...R.I.P PETER BROCK.......
  • damo [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    cmon all u little bling bling lovers,,,, this thing is tuff, old school muscle meets new school tech, awesome job, gonna get me the 500kw version and rip the paint of all the critics door skins.....
  • Nath [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    I think it looks cool as. Very retro, they have done a good job, and this is coming from a big Ford fan. Well done I say.
  • daniel [reply]
    4 months ago 0 points
    i cant understand why ppl dont like this thing!?! I reckon its soo good to see that they have kept the whole old skool look but with new car technology and handling etc etc ...350kw stock.. ill have ten :)
  • HDT_05 [reply]
    4 months ago 0 points
    This is one sensational HDT. Wish I still had my VK Grp 3. Well done on a fine example Mr Champion.
  • NATHAN [reply]
    4 months ago 0 points
    EVA SINCE HDT OR WHOEVER IT IS THAT MAKE THE MOCK UP "OLD COMMIES" OUT OF THE "NEW COMMIE" I HAVE BEEN WAITING AND HOPEING FOR THE "OLD" GROUP A VK "THE WHITE POINTER" AS MY MUM WOULD SAY,TO BE REMADE AND LOW AND BEHOLD HERE IT IS , OMG EVERY CORNER U LOOK AT THIS THING FROM IT JUST PUNCHES U FAIR IN THE FACE ITS GOT THAT MUCH ATTITUDE AND I HAVE NOT EVEN GOT STARTED ON THE MOTOR, YES YES YES I KNOW IT SHOULD BE A HOLDEN DONK BUT LOOK AT THE REALITY OF WHAT WE HAVE "CHEV" ANIT SO BAD COMPAIRED 2 CLEVLAND "YUCK" THATS HARD 2 SAY THE MOTOR IS OF SOUND DESIGN I BELEAVE ITS A SQUARE MOTOR (equal bore,stroke) please correct me if im wrong, but it really does have the best of both worlds easy on the foot and it ill go easy on the fule bill BUT WHO CARES ITS A PIECE OF AUSTRALIAN MOTOR RACING BOUGHT BACK FROM THE DEAD .......... WHERE DO I SIGN???????????
  • Brian [reply]
    4 months ago 0 points
    Bloody hot this is tops hey!!!! Couldnt imagine it looking any better. Its got that vk blue meanie look about it. This is truely the best ever looking ve i have ever seen the ve vc hybrides look pretty good but this smashes it!!!! Top Work
  • spankey [reply]
    4 months ago 0 points
    nice car holden you have done it again,
    the original VK group A SS HDT was a legend, but this is a legend in the making, good work.
  • mr hdt [reply]
    3 months ago 0 points
    this is a one of a kind car and is not normal
  • mr hdt [reply]
    3 months ago 0 points
    mind dew thish is from 1985 then made it into a 2010 model good job holden and i hope i can put my hand's on 1 soon
  • andrew [reply]
    3 months ago 0 points
    how do i get 1 and how much
  • HDTKNG [reply]
    3 months ago 0 points
    WOW!!! Love it...Where do i get one from?
  • GERRY NUTH [reply]
    3 months ago 0 points
    is that a trick question andrew???
    did u not read the above info on this beast???
  • James B [reply]
    3 months ago 0 points
    Sensational looking beast!!!.... but will they put Brocky's signature on them as a tribute to the King?... I hope so!!
  • frank [reply]
    2 months ago 0 points
    500kw who cares wat it looks like! :)
  • Wheelnut [reply]
    2 months ago 0 points
    Its a nice alternative to a HSV Clubbie with a WPS enhancement package [incl supercharger] which would end up being more powerful than a W-427

    However I think the Black interior is too dark and depressing.. Formula Blue leather with White roof lining would look better
  • Tony Field [reply]
    2 months ago 0 points
    Whats with all the criticism? do you believe that any of you could have done a better job? in any case you are wrong. Congratulations to HDT for this fine bit of engineering

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