As a former GM Holden employee, it was Holden's parent company General Motors in America, that decided it was not viable to continue production of cars in Australia, the money the government supported Holden with was used to pay back their debt to GM, and not used for the future, when the government agreed to give Holden support, Holden were supposed to look into the future of their cars like EVs, and stay in business for at least another 10 years, unfortunately about 2 years later, Holden announced they were closing all their production operations in Australia.
Holden production licensing should have been seized from GM for breech of contract. It was holding ground while Detroit sank. Bad timing and greedy Yanks. Had they had known there would be shortage of vehicles post Covid, then I think production would have bounced back. Not so much domestically, but definitely for export. There are now so many Yanks turning up after the party is over who now want a Ute. Holden was finally building world class products, having done the hard yards post Button report. I think they over estimated future competition and had they not worried how bad they were doing, and just scaled back to boutique, government contracts and export, then they could have persisted to be the Aston Martin of Australia, building police cars, ambulances, military vehicles and such government needs, plus limited runs of muscle cars, plus research to evolve these to electric. Expecting to build family cars and trusting Detroit was what killed them.
And the fact it was cheaper to manufacture elsewhere and the right hand drive car market only represented 1% of GMs global business. As soon local manufacturing ceased it was only a matter of time. 😢
The VE and VF wagons are some of my favourite Holdens. So good that they made them as an SS and Clubsport with a big V8. Best wagons ever and won’t be beaten. 👍🏻
Speaking of 7 seaters, at my father's old work place there was a 99 vt berlina wagon that the boss owned. was hsv optioned with 2 dicky seats as the 3rd row, hbd body kit and 195i hsv roller motor from factory. Was such a cool car. Ended up doing a head gasket and was sold for parts in 2018. Would be a super rare car today.
I am lucky enough to own a silver series 2 VY SS wagon with a 6 speed manual. I had read (but not confirmed) that only 23 of these were made. I always preferred the VY as it was a full-sized wagon which made it super practical. The VE/VF look cool no doubt, but were just nowhere near as practical if you want to carry bulky cargo. The reason I bought the VY? The only full-size wagon I could get in a manual
I only just sold my vf ssv wagon,i noticed that you stalled it up in the 0-100 test,from my experience taking mine to the drags you go slower stalling it up,you dont get the slingshot effect from the convertor, mine had full exhaust,otr,tune and 3.7 gears and ran 12.8 at 110 mph, cost me 28500 before covid,sold for 41000:) best car ive owned,cheers.
Great review, and that's one neat SS Wagon... Yep I agree, they should've released a manual for the VF Wagon though I think Holden's reason was that when they put the manual in the VE V8 Wagons, they didn't really sell well... Still, it's a crying shame indeed
@@L1FEL1KE02 Incorrect, the manual wagon was discontinued after the VE Series 2... I think you're referring to the HSV's which I think you're right about that...
I love the 6l80e, easy to get upgraded, they had programming issues aimed at getting fuel economy by leaving the lock up clutch on all the time, it burns out the clutch and then kills the box. They are descendants of the th400 so there's that for its strength.
My 2017 SS Sedan in the states. I'm the one that has the built motor and turbo making close to 1,500 hp. I still run a 6L80E in nine. Just has a convertor that's it. The plan is to upgrade to a 4L60 later on. But for now the 6L80E can take a beating. I know pll running 1000hp thru 6L80 all day no problems. The reason I didn't get a manual was because the shop that is building my car he said if I wanted a turbo car automatic is the best. Don't lose the boost between shift. So I got a auto for that reason. I had the same concern that it wouldn't hold the power I wanted to make. But after researching it can hold alot of power.
Thats insane mate! love your work! i agree if your going big power and want to race auto is best! but i love cruising and rowing gears in a V8. i'm actually surprised the 6L80 can handle that! very impressed
Great review, Ross. Great sounding V8 wagon. Yes I’d prefer a 6 Speed Manual as well. I’ve got a 2009 FPV GS in a 6 Speed Manual and it’s a lot of fun to drive. I also agree the ZF is a really good transmission. They should have never stopped making Australian cars but we were let down by the government of the day when Holden asked for more support but didn’t get it. Keep up the great reviews. Can’t wait for the video on Holden.
Not sure that’s exactly how it went down mate but none the less it’s sad our cars are gone. There were multiple factors why we stopped making them all of them were just examples of why world is effed!
Bit hard to blame the government when every peanut have been buying 4x4 tradie utes and SUVs the past 20 years. We are the ones to blame here. Look at any old footage from the 70-80-90s in Australia and 80% of the cars on the road were Fords and Holdens. Back then people were proud to buy local and support our manufactures. From around mid 00s everyones been on this stupid 4x4 hype train and sales plummeted to the point Ford and Holden couldn't even afford the electricity bill. Mitsubishi already hit the dust by early 00s. Also lets not forget the VF was completely government funded unlike FGX. Holdens was only staying open by the help of tax payers at that point. Ford atleast closed shop before in debit because the Territory atleast kept them in the green. Hence why they said the FGX was just a final for the fans.
Only thing I wish Holden kept with the wagon is the longer wheel base. Really miss it from my VY to my VF2. The Y might have been a smidge wider in the back to.
Spot on review Ross, I personally have no issues with the 6l80 and in the series 2 it’s even better since Holden upgraded it to respond much quicker. If I had a choice to pick one I would go with a manual but the auto is perfectly fine for me. 100% right though that Holden should of offered a manual wagon from factory they were already knew they were going to shut down so why not just offer a manual for the final time With the Australian car industry I believe it was just simply consumer taste and preferences that is what killed them. The industry was heavily subsidised by the government for a while but consumers just saw the Ford and Holden badge as being “lower class” and went out and bought imported cars. When the Australian Government reduced tariffs for imported cars this further enhanced the effect. The SUV craze didn’t help with families turning to them instead of the traditional family sedan. Then over time the subsidies reduced and lead to Holden, Ford, Toyota leaving since it wasn’t profitable anymore. I don’t believe it had anything to do with environmentalists advocating for the shut down of Australian manufacturing
Fair call brother! I can see that.. it’s a shame as I feel there too level cars were so good! And people loved them but there entry level cars where just so shit that of course you would buy a import over a berina 🥲 sad they are gone
@@RossReviewsau True that Ross, excuse my Ford bias but at least Ford other cars were decent like the Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo but with Holden at that time period imported all the Daewoo crap instead of the good European Opels and that ruined the whole entire reputation of the Holden brand with car like the Craptiva, Tk Barina, Epica, etc. Ford just suffered from a image problem of “it’s just a Ford.” Unfortunate demise of two great brands but as they say it’s better to of loved and lost rather than not love at all
@@mills3375 Even though I'm Holden biased, I (and most other Holden people) would agree that the Daewoo products did ruin Holden's image... I think they should've stuck with Opel, even though they're also crap as well...
I am lucky enough to have a 2011 VE series II SS Wagon that is a manual and has been lowered all around. It was first registered to GM Holden Melbourne.
I wanted a manual VF2 SSV I preferred the wagon due to split fold seats and bigger cargo area. No manual available and huge pricing meant Calais V looked like much better value. Then I thought if I’m looking at a Calais V wagon, what about a Caprice V? I got my 2017 WN2 Caprice V with 55,000kms for $45k. More features, bigger boot, lower kms, last year of production…etc than the higher prices for SSVs with a lot more kms, older production and less features
I’ve got 2014 ss wagon with cam headers otr hiflow cats full exhaust now putting 3.9 in the rear with trutrax 3,000 stall converter and transcooler fingers crossed it goes good now and changing wheels now to 20 inch
Good review. The auto is a good unit in those cars but, a 6 speed manual would be nice too. The wheels are VL SS Group A replica wheels that look like 20” wheels.
All VF Series 2 SS's Manual and Auto V8's came stock with 304kw and 570Nm. The power output was only different in the VE & VF series 1 6.0ltr versions.
Holden bailing - refer to saying “can’t explain it it’s to do with money” We have an auto series 2 vfssv, even though I’m manual at heart for the wife’s daily driver it was a no brainer for a more practical car. Same modifications / series 2 goodies = repeatable 12.6 @ 183km/hr at the motoplex back in 2017. Some don’t realise what we had till its gone…..
I have a VF Calais V wagon 6ltr, intake and hsv bi modal exhaust and tune, my favourite daily and family car I have ever owned. Wish I looked longer and bought a Redline is my only regret.
I have a 6.0 black ve ss wagon manual with all the extras red dash, black with red leather seats etc, hard to find a good manual now. Sitting next to my VR clubsport in the garage. And no I’ll never sell them.
As a Ford man through and through the VF is almost enough to make one turn, the only thing I would do is install the 5.0 Coyote V8 and 6 speed manual into the VF wagon.
Hi Ross, great video mate 👍 and fantastic looking car, I have a 2017 vf commodore ss sedan, ex police car, fantastic cars with the big v8, take care and stay safe mate 👍
I never knew they didn't come with a manual! That is a shame, though I can imagine the manual swap if you got the right bits would be pretty easily done.
My VX SS at 1100 hp was making a 1/4 mile at 7.5s and 270kmh. Top was 350. Even with a stage 2 gear box was lagging in the shifts over 200kmh.....i think i needed more gear box services. Money sux!
The VE/VF wagon in auto are instantly changed when they have the paddleshift kit on them... its a shame vf did not have a manual... but the real shame about the wagons more so than anything is that they had the lowest gear ratio diff in them 2.92.... the hsv had the 3.27... but if you swap out the diff in the wagons to a 3.27 or to a manual 3.45 the wagon becomes one of the most fun cars out there.... paddle shift with the auto and decent gears they absolutely rip its a game changer
I reckon being a wagon & a bit more subtle classification as a more family driver I can see why the auto transmission is a more luxury drive, think about this tubbed rear wheel arches tucked in wide rear tyres & mags ,quality air bagged suspension to the rear.jet black tinting & colour mum & dad won't need any foreplay😂LOL ❤
ZF 6HP26's have a long list of issues. I'll take a 6L80E for the known solidity out the box. ZF's 6HP are a bit over hyped for what they are, the 8HP is the box you want. 6HP26 & 6L80E are both rated for roughly 600nm However ZF's have more common issues, i own a 6HP26 & truth ?, i hate how variable the shift maps are, it's easy to catch them napping sometimes. 6L80E's are just consistent & that's how i like it. Would have been a better time letting the box shift itself. PerformanceDrive tested it at a very respectable 5.2 sec 0-100 time. Mind you it was the heavier Calais V trim LS3
The LS3 is a decent upgrade.. but yeh sometimes I run both and only show what did better.. performance drive gave me a similar time. Each to their own the ZF has its issues for sure.. but I feel it’s a tad more responsive and a tad smoother but I’m picking on it lol
@@RossReviewsau I mean ZF's paired to BMW, etc they seemed to have a perfect setup, i dunno what Ford spec'd but some of the programming stock out the box is definitely a bit to be desired. It's an intuitive box yes, but the amount of work required to fix their issues, well most kinda pass'em out when it comes to some drag builds. Biggest weakness in any 6sp auto Falcon is the dogs**t 2.73 gearing in all 6cyl, V8's early on had abysmal 2.56's like the BF you test drove a while back. GM had the brains to gear them with 3.27's for overall improved performance, yet return decent fuel economy. Even the V6 Ratios between ZF 6HP & 6L80 are very very similar throughout the ratio spread.
1000% Agree :( When Holden decided to pull the shutters down I decided to buy a a low km VF SS manual Wagon. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE MANUAL WAS NOT AN OPTION!! Ended up settling for a low km Auto but i'm here on your video because I was searching "Convert VF SS wagon to manual!! (Someone must have done it!)
Awesome review John. You gotta love the V8's! Not sure about the Holdens however wouldn't that wagon have a higher diff ratio in comparison to the sedan hence the faster 0 -100Km/h time? Cheers
@@vincekara9446 @Vince Kara Absolutely agree. I've got an SS myself but that car also had W310 pack fitted which also includes tuning being the big change.
@@vincekara9446 hmmm...I would say the C63 with the 6.2 V8 has the noise that you may like? Once I free up more funds I'll certainly be adding it to the garage.
Not really a deal breaker for me the auto, sure in the country roads manual would be great, but around built up town areas i don't want to be 'rowing my boat' thru town 😉
Thoughts on the higher km VF SS wagons? Any risk of buying one like this that’s pushing towards 200,000km if it has a solid service history and drives well?
Still annoyed at GM and Ford for the demise of the Aussie made Commodore and Falcon. Great cars. One Detroit moto journo said of the BA XR6 Turbo, "...thanks Ford, we now know what we are missing". Back to the Commodore.....the SS and the HSV cars were terrific.
Hi Johnny Mate,that's one sexy looking Wagon indeed but just like you said without the manual it's not as good,but if it had a ZF I could handle that hahaha & I'm happy to see that you're at 40k subs man next stop 100k so lezzz gooo,top review brother I appreciate your dedication & hard work.
Honestly I don't get the hate for Automatic gearboxes, I do get that people claim the manual box are more fun and they probably are fun. I have an Auto VE SV6 Series 2 sedan and I think its quite enjoyable tho that probably is more attributed to my X-Force Cat-back than just the Auto box. Also with an Auto box you can drive it if you sprain or broke your leg/foot whereas you cant with a Manual box and anyone can drive Auto boxes so its kinda more helpful.
6l80e let alone 6l90e is over all a better trans pretty safe to say, zf is just as good not talking bad about it other then it sounds like a golf when it shifts but nothing a tune can't get rid of how ever a vf gts cracked the 8's with stock motor stock 6l90e stock irs that says enough!
@@RossReviewsau Well firstly there isn't much space left for luggage. Secondly the wagon becomes a bus so it's no longer a wagon. I'd suggest a Hiace or Kia for large families.
The Commodore sedan had an American counterpart as the Chevy SS but not the wagon. An SS wagon would’ve filled the Dodge Magnum’s void for those that wanted a brand new traditional American 1960s style family car, that being an American full-size station wagon with a V8 and RWD. Can’t believe this once popular type of American family car’s void is now completely empty.
Il tell you the problems with Ross he has not 1 clue what he is on about.he talks shit makes stuff up.he has his hungry bogans and crack heads that follows him but he that far off with his reviews it's funny.
Sadly Ross what i believe happened here was a few things... 1.Lack of traction for an export market for Aussie vehicles, 2. GM in Detroit, looks after itself first always!, 3. lack of government support for the last 10 or so years, 4. trying to build more significant world class vehicles on a shoestring budget, 5. The axing of the protection tariffs from imports from the 80s, and into the 90's thanks to the Hawke/Keating governments, and the mismanagement by the following governments, 6. Low economies of scale due to Australia's low growth, low population, 6. the Aussie government entering the Lima agreements from Whitlam onwards, which ultimately sold out most if not all Australia's manufacturing capabilities to China. As always, you should have Aussie people creating Aussie car brands, and exporting Aussie made cars. You simply can't rely on foreign companies to look out for local interests! It's definitely had little to do with the greenies, just look how many European v8s and US muscle cars and pick up trucks there are in Australia compared to when there used to Aussie made vehicles made here before!
It’s a combination of so much eh.. but low population and no exporting + high wages 🥲 was always gonna happen eventually sadly.. I just wish we could have got the idea of our cars overseas to continue them
@@RossReviewsau just to clarify for an example, the German government gave VW alone 17 billion dollars over 10 years that helps market, manufacture, and keep exports going. They are also one of the highest paying companies in Germany, and employ some 60k+ workers alone. I saw this in a doco on channel 96 a rew month's back called Richard Hammond's Big! Series, Ep1 S1 World's biggest car factory ua-cam.com/video/2EZEk2drBQI/v-deo.html It's battle to find it again
If you want the manual you may as well get a VE and have proper hydraulic steering too. After all, if you're into manuals, you want the feel to be right.
Holden should have optioned a base v6 or v8 car..totally stripped down, no carpet, radio, wheels etc...20k open a shop and allow people to build their own ride.most people modify anyway. Why tell people what to buy rather than giving them an option?
Naah...auto is faster...sure manual is better control. But auto is now the fastest on the tracks. Manual is old school....coming from a 35yo car enthusiast with manual training. Even the quickest shifts in the manual...the auto i believe still wins by a clear second and more. Stage 2 auto gear box out performs the best manual driver.
As a former GM Holden employee, it was Holden's parent company General Motors in America, that decided it was not viable to continue production of cars in Australia, the money the government supported Holden with was used to pay back their debt to GM, and not used for the future, when the government agreed to give Holden support, Holden were supposed to look into the future of their cars like EVs, and stay in business for at least another 10 years, unfortunately about 2 years later, Holden announced they were closing all their production operations in Australia.
Holden production licensing should have been seized from GM for breech of contract. It was holding ground while Detroit sank. Bad timing and greedy Yanks. Had they had known there would be shortage of vehicles post Covid, then I think production would have bounced back. Not so much domestically, but definitely for export. There are now so many Yanks turning up after the party is over who now want a Ute. Holden was finally building world class products, having done the hard yards post Button report. I think they over estimated future competition and had they not worried how bad they were doing, and just scaled back to boutique, government contracts and export, then they could have persisted to be the Aston Martin of Australia, building police cars, ambulances, military vehicles and such government needs, plus limited runs of muscle cars, plus research to evolve these to electric. Expecting to build family cars and trusting Detroit was what killed them.
Thanks for your answer mate.. what a shame we lost them..
And the fact it was cheaper to manufacture elsewhere and the right hand drive car market only represented 1% of GMs global business. As soon local manufacturing ceased it was only a matter of time. 😢
Good old GOVERNMENT MOTORS USA, hope you got a new job after the closure.
As a Holden Ve V8 owner with a manual 6 speed, agree 100%. V8's and a manual transmission go together like a hand in a glove.
The VE and VF wagons are some of my favourite Holdens. So good that they made them as an SS and Clubsport with a big V8. Best wagons ever and won’t be beaten. 👍🏻
You gotta love a V8 wagon eh
with that big ass opening sunroof and a manual 🤤👌
Speaking of 7 seaters, at my father's old work place there was a 99 vt berlina wagon that the boss owned. was hsv optioned with 2 dicky seats as the 3rd row, hbd body kit and 195i hsv roller motor from factory. Was such a cool car. Ended up doing a head gasket and was sold for parts in 2018. Would be a super rare car today.
oh man that would have been insane to see today :(
@@RossReviewsau can you send the link to the 7 seat mod howto
I am lucky enough to own a silver series 2 VY SS wagon with a 6 speed manual. I had read (but not confirmed) that only 23 of these were made. I always preferred the VY as it was a full-sized wagon which made it super practical. The VE/VF look cool no doubt, but were just nowhere near as practical if you want to carry bulky cargo. The reason I bought the VY? The only full-size wagon I could get in a manual
It's pretty big still. I fit plenty in my vf wagon. But I use a trailer for more room.
Lucky Andrew that sound like one cool wagon! Rare too!
I only just sold my vf ssv wagon,i noticed that you stalled it up in the 0-100 test,from my experience taking mine to the drags you go slower stalling it up,you dont get the slingshot effect from the convertor, mine had full exhaust,otr,tune and 3.7 gears and ran 12.8 at 110 mph, cost me 28500 before covid,sold for 41000:) best car ive owned,cheers.
Interesting mate.. yeh I’ll have to try that next time I’m in one. Cheers for the feedback
Why would you sell the best car you had
Yeah I’ve got a vf redline series 2 with an lsa blower on it. Stock cam and stall and I get 4.2 everyday of the week just planting the foot
Great review, and that's one neat SS Wagon... Yep I agree, they should've released a manual for the VF Wagon though I think Holden's reason was that when they put the manual in the VE V8 Wagons, they didn't really sell well... Still, it's a crying shame indeed
I can understand I guess not enough people bought them 🥲 but man it would have been so good to offer it atleast..
@@RossReviewsau Yep, I also wish they made a manual wagon for the VF
Series 1 VF had the manual. Series 2 they got rid of it due to small sales numbers
@@L1FEL1KE02 Incorrect, the manual wagon was discontinued after the VE Series 2... I think you're referring to the HSV's which I think you're right about that...
The HSV Clubsport Tourer did come with a manual option for the 2013/14 models, but it's pretty rare!
There's only one for sale, at the moment!
Believe it’s Zach tuohys Geelong player
Man I would kill to review that 👏🇦🇺
I love the 6l80e, easy to get upgraded, they had programming issues aimed at getting fuel economy by leaving the lock up clutch on all the time, it burns out the clutch and then kills the box. They are descendants of the th400 so there's that for its strength.
Cheers for the info 🙌
My 2017 SS Sedan in the states. I'm the one that has the built motor and turbo making close to 1,500 hp.
I still run a 6L80E in nine. Just has a convertor that's it.
The plan is to upgrade to a 4L60 later on. But for now the 6L80E can take a beating. I know pll running 1000hp thru 6L80 all day no problems.
The reason I didn't get a manual was because the shop that is building my car he said if I wanted a turbo car automatic is the best. Don't lose the boost between shift. So I got a auto for that reason. I had the same concern that it wouldn't hold the power I wanted to make. But after researching it can hold alot of power.
Thats insane mate! love your work! i agree if your going big power and want to race auto is best! but i love cruising and rowing gears in a V8. i'm actually surprised the 6L80 can handle that! very impressed
Great review, Ross. Great sounding V8 wagon. Yes I’d prefer a 6 Speed Manual as well. I’ve got a 2009 FPV GS in a 6 Speed Manual and it’s a lot of fun to drive. I also agree the ZF is a really good transmission. They should have never stopped making Australian cars but we were let down by the government of the day when Holden asked for more support but didn’t get it. Keep up the great reviews. Can’t wait for the video on Holden.
Thanks Peter! Appreciate your input as always 🤝🇦🇺
Not sure that’s exactly how it went down mate but none the less it’s sad our cars are gone. There were multiple factors why we stopped making them all of them were just examples of why world is effed!
People started to get a taste for dual cabs. Can't beat a dead horse forever.
Bit hard to blame the government when every peanut have been buying 4x4 tradie utes and SUVs the past 20 years. We are the ones to blame here. Look at any old footage from the 70-80-90s in Australia and 80% of the cars on the road were Fords and Holdens. Back then people were proud to buy local and support our manufactures. From around mid 00s everyones been on this stupid 4x4 hype train and sales plummeted to the point Ford and Holden couldn't even afford the electricity bill. Mitsubishi already hit the dust by early 00s. Also lets not forget the VF was completely government funded unlike FGX. Holdens was only staying open by the help of tax payers at that point. Ford atleast closed shop before in debit because the Territory atleast kept them in the green. Hence why they said the FGX was just a final for the fans.
Mate both Holden and ford built buckets of shit for a long time.they went broke for a reason
The walkinshaw exhaust is my favourite for these cars. Made by difilippo and not too loud but deep
Sounds mint
In answer to a query about the wheels, the were made by ROH specially for Walkinshaw, they first appeared on the VL comodore SS back in 1989-1990.
Only thing I wish Holden kept with the wagon is the longer wheel base. Really miss it from my VY to my VF2. The Y might have been a smidge wider in the back to.
Gotta love a wagon eh!
Fine looking specimen of a car there, manuals died out a long time ago in Oz mate & being a truck driver I’m glad lol
🥲 rip the manual lol glad you enjoyed the video brother
Spot on review Ross, I personally have no issues with the 6l80 and in the series 2 it’s even better since Holden upgraded it to respond much quicker. If I had a choice to pick one I would go with a manual but the auto is perfectly fine for me. 100% right though that Holden should of offered a manual wagon from factory they were already knew they were going to shut down so why not just offer a manual for the final time
With the Australian car industry I believe it was just simply consumer taste and preferences that is what killed them. The industry was heavily subsidised by the government for a while but consumers just saw the Ford and Holden badge as being “lower class” and went out and bought imported cars. When the Australian Government reduced tariffs for imported cars this further enhanced the effect. The SUV craze didn’t help with families turning to them instead of the traditional family sedan. Then over time the subsidies reduced and lead to Holden, Ford, Toyota leaving since it wasn’t profitable anymore. I don’t believe it had anything to do with environmentalists advocating for the shut down of Australian manufacturing
Fair call brother! I can see that.. it’s a shame as I feel there too level cars were so good! And people loved them but there entry level cars where just so shit that of course you would buy a import over a berina 🥲 sad they are gone
@@RossReviewsau True that Ross, excuse my Ford bias but at least Ford other cars were decent like the Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo but with Holden at that time period imported all the Daewoo crap instead of the good European Opels and that ruined the whole entire reputation of the Holden brand with car like the Craptiva, Tk Barina, Epica, etc. Ford just suffered from a image problem of “it’s just a Ford.” Unfortunate demise of two great brands but as they say it’s better to of loved and lost rather than not love at all
@@mills3375 Even though I'm Holden biased, I (and most other Holden people) would agree that the Daewoo products did ruin Holden's image... I think they should've stuck with Opel, even though they're also crap as well...
@@MartinJones123 I honestly really liked all the Opel based Holden’s
@@mills3375 They weren't bad, but they were pretty unreliable as they aged
in 2013 HSV brought out a VF R8 clubsport wagon with 6 speed manual transmission 6.2 litre v8 and there is one for sale on carsales
I am lucky enough to have a 2011 VE series II SS Wagon that is a manual and has been lowered all around. It was first registered to GM Holden Melbourne.
I wanted a manual VF2 SSV
I preferred the wagon due to split fold seats and bigger cargo area.
No manual available and huge pricing meant Calais V looked like much better value.
Then I thought if I’m looking at a Calais V wagon, what about a Caprice V?
I got my 2017 WN2 Caprice V with 55,000kms for $45k.
More features, bigger boot, lower kms, last year of production…etc than the higher prices for SSVs with a lot more kms, older production and less features
I can’t complain about the transmission, it’s smooth, intuitive and does the job.
By comparison, my VX HSV has a 4L60E that is absolute trash
Nice work on getting what you wanted 👏 beautiful cars them
Got a manual sedan.
Absolutely love it with the Walkinshaw upgrade 😀
Nice work
I’ve got 2014 ss wagon with cam headers otr hiflow cats full exhaust now putting 3.9 in the rear with trutrax 3,000 stall converter and transcooler fingers crossed it goes good now and changing wheels now to 20 inch
Good review. The auto is a good unit in those cars but, a 6 speed manual would be nice too.
The wheels are VL SS Group A replica wheels that look like 20” wheels.
Cheers Peter! I absolutely love the wheels especially with the silver colour of the wagon
All VF Series 2 SS's Manual and Auto V8's came stock with 304kw and 570Nm. The power output was only different in the VE & VF series 1 6.0ltr versions.
The LS3 in the vf 2s had a bit more power, and for what ever reason there was no difference between manual and auto.
True but still no manual in the VF2 only the rare HSV variant could option it and almost no one did 💀
Holden bailing - refer to saying “can’t explain it it’s to do with money”
We have an auto series 2 vfssv, even though I’m manual at heart for the wife’s daily driver it was a no brainer for a more practical car. Same modifications / series 2 goodies = repeatable 12.6 @ 183km/hr at the motoplex back in 2017.
Some don’t realise what we had till its gone…..
Damn 12:6 is decent! They are fantastic cars
I have a VF Calais V wagon 6ltr, intake and hsv bi modal exhaust and tune, my favourite daily and family car I have ever owned. Wish I looked longer and bought a Redline is my only regret.
Nice work brother! Hold onto her
I have a 6.0 black ve ss wagon manual with all the extras red dash, black with red leather seats etc, hard to find a good manual now.
Sitting next to my VR clubsport in the garage.
And no I’ll never sell them.
As a Ford man through and through the VF is almost enough to make one turn, the only thing I would do is install the 5.0 Coyote V8 and 6 speed manual into the VF wagon.
Now that’s a creation I would love to see!
This is real clean and pretty awesome.
Such a nice wagon
love this channel ,always has such sweet cars 10/10
Thank you mate
It's a pity all the modified cars he reviews run stock times or slower
Agree with the sunroof!
You just need one eh
Hi Ross, great video mate 👍 and fantastic looking car, I have a 2017 vf commodore ss sedan, ex police car, fantastic cars with the big v8, take care and stay safe mate 👍
Nice one Brett! Hold onto her
Great review. Love my MANUAL VE SSV Sportswagon...
Glad you enjoyed it man
I never knew they didn't come with a manual! That is a shame, though I can imagine the manual swap if you got the right bits would be pretty easily done.
Could always get a VF clubsport r8 tourer.
Only the extremely rare HSV VF tourer could get a manual
My VX SS at 1100 hp was making a 1/4 mile at 7.5s and 270kmh. Top was 350. Even with a stage 2 gear box was lagging in the shifts over 200kmh.....i think i needed more gear box services. Money sux!
GOD DAMN! thats one hell of a VX would love to see that some day
I am wondering can you do a gearbox conversion on it
The VE/VF wagon in auto are instantly changed when they have the paddleshift kit on them... its a shame vf did not have a manual... but the real shame about the wagons more so than anything is that they had the lowest gear ratio diff in them 2.92.... the hsv had the 3.27... but if you swap out the diff in the wagons to a 3.27 or to a manual 3.45 the wagon becomes one of the most fun cars out there.... paddle shift with the auto and decent gears they absolutely rip its a game changer
I reckon being a wagon & a bit more subtle classification as a more family driver I can see why the auto transmission is a more luxury drive, think about this tubbed rear wheel arches tucked in wide rear tyres & mags ,quality air bagged suspension to the rear.jet black tinting & colour mum & dad won't need any foreplay😂LOL ❤
LOヴェいt！I don't mind the lack of a manual gearbox. Perhaps it's just that I don't got to see them that I'd just have any. I just love wagons, too
Eh how are we my friend 🇯🇵 I would love to take a big wagon like this to a car meet back in Fukuoka 💪
ZF 6HP26's have a long list of issues. I'll take a 6L80E for the known solidity out the box.
ZF's 6HP are a bit over hyped for what they are, the 8HP is the box you want.
6HP26 & 6L80E are both rated for roughly 600nm
However ZF's have more common issues, i own a 6HP26 & truth ?, i hate how variable the shift maps are, it's easy to catch them napping sometimes. 6L80E's are just consistent & that's how i like it.
Would have been a better time letting the box shift itself. PerformanceDrive tested it at a very respectable 5.2 sec 0-100 time.
Mind you it was the heavier Calais V trim LS3
The LS3 is a decent upgrade.. but yeh sometimes I run both and only show what did better.. performance drive gave me a similar time.
Each to their own the ZF has its issues for sure.. but I feel it’s a tad more responsive and a tad smoother but I’m picking on it lol
@@RossReviewsau I mean ZF's paired to BMW, etc they seemed to have a perfect setup, i dunno what Ford spec'd but some of the programming stock out the box is definitely a bit to be desired. It's an intuitive box yes, but the amount of work required to fix their issues, well most kinda pass'em out when it comes to some drag builds.
Biggest weakness in any 6sp auto Falcon is the dogs**t 2.73 gearing in all 6cyl, V8's early on had abysmal 2.56's like the BF you test drove a while back. GM had the brains to gear them with 3.27's for overall improved performance, yet return decent fuel economy. Even the V6
Ratios between ZF 6HP & 6L80 are very very similar throughout the ratio spread.
Ford man here but wagon or not I personally believe the crewman was Holden's diamond in the rough
I’ve seen some really well done crewmans! They are a diamond in the rough
@@RossReviewsau double cab Ute was something ford let slide. Yea they had the courier etc but it's not the same
1000% Agree :( When Holden decided to pull the shutters down I decided to buy a a low km VF SS manual Wagon. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE MANUAL WAS NOT AN OPTION!! Ended up settling for a low km Auto but i'm here on your video because I was searching "Convert VF SS wagon to manual!! (Someone must have done it!)
I’m sure you could do it! N mate I reckon would be 100% worth it😅 something so special about a V8 commodore in manual
Was it possible to get a VF clubsport tourer in manual?
Yes I believe in HSV form you could get one but extremely rare
Always Absolutely Amazing videos well done keep up your wonderful work.
Thank you!
Have you reviewed the fpt GT cobra xr8?
Not done a cobra yet but I know of one here in Perth l hope to film one day
I love my VFII SS Wagon with the 6.2L V8.
Yeh the later models with the ls3 😮💨👌👌
Good review Ross keep it up
👏 thanks
can get a vf clubsport wagon with the 6 speed. pretty rare but
Yeh I was mainly referring to Holden as I kinda think HSV is separate but I should have included that
I really wana see ross review a manual vx ss and a vy clubby
Mate I wana see that too!
Can you do an FG XR8 Ute review? In manual?
We need one!
I’ll keep my eyes out
Ah, saw that coming, lol. So even with the supercharged Clubby VF wagons, no manual option? Poor form.
they have manual option
Only the HSV wagon had an option for manual but it was rarely ticked
Hey Ross! What Dragy are u using?
Awesome review John. You gotta love the V8's! Not sure about the Holdens however wouldn't that wagon have a higher diff ratio in comparison to the sedan hence the faster 0 -100Km/h time? Cheers
Pretty sure until VF2 all auto V8 had 2.92 which then switch to 3.27 LS3.
@@hellothere4342 If that is the case then that is an impressive time!
@@vincekara9446 @Vince Kara Absolutely agree. I've got an SS myself but that car also had W310 pack fitted which also includes tuning being the big change.
@@hellothere4342 A standard SS has still impressive times tbh. Just the sound is enough for me! What can beat that?
@@vincekara9446 hmmm...I would say the C63 with the 6.2 V8 has the noise that you may like? Once I free up more funds I'll certainly be adding it to the garage.
what a mint wagon! love them wheels!
Beautiful
My VF2 SSV redline wagon goes bloody good for a bog stock car. Spitfire green .
They go well!
If you really must have a VF V8 wagon stick shift. HSV had the Clubsport R8 Tourer but it's unbelievably rare.
Very rare 🥲
Not really a deal breaker for me the auto, sure in the country roads manual would be great, but around built up town areas i don't want to be 'rowing my boat' thru town 😉
It’s still nice but after driving that manual VE wagon oh it would have been sweet in this
How realisable are the v6s
VF pretty good (LFX) engine
R.I.P Holden
:(
An incredible shame
I’ve got 2013 MY14 SS ute in fantale orange…. And it’s got the manual box, yeah look, I do recommend haha won’t lie
Nice one mate they are great
Thoughts on the higher km VF SS wagons? Any risk of buying one like this that’s pushing towards 200,000km if it has a solid service history and drives well?
As long as maintained well.. they are pretty reliable mate
@@RossReviewsau thanks mate. Loving your reviews btw 👍🏻
Why is the 0-100 so slow?
These intros are 🔥
Thanks brother
Definitely shoulda come in a mano 🔥🔥🔥
Good work buddy
🤝
Still annoyed at GM and Ford for the demise of the Aussie made Commodore and Falcon. Great cars. One Detroit moto journo said of the BA XR6 Turbo, "...thanks Ford, we now know what we are missing".
Back to the Commodore.....the SS and the HSV cars were terrific.
Totally agree
Hi Johnny Mate,that's one sexy looking Wagon indeed but just like you said without the manual it's not as good,but if it had a ZF I could handle that hahaha & I'm happy to see that you're at 40k subs man next stop 100k so lezzz gooo,top review brother I appreciate your dedication & hard work.
Thanks Pete! Nearly halfway
Price please
Awesome vehicle!
She's a beauty!
Honestly I don't get the hate for Automatic gearboxes, I do get that people claim the manual box are more fun and they probably are fun. I have an Auto VE SV6 Series 2 sedan and I think its quite enjoyable tho that probably is more attributed to my X-Force Cat-back than just the Auto box. Also with an Auto box you can drive it if you sprain or broke your leg/foot whereas you cant with a Manual box and anyone can drive Auto boxes so its kinda more helpful.
6l80e let alone 6l90e is over all a better trans pretty safe to say, zf is just as good not talking bad about it other then it sounds like a golf when it shifts but nothing a tune can't get rid of how ever a vf gts cracked the 8's with stock motor stock 6l90e stock irs that says enough!
I have actually be getting more impressed with the 6l80E seen some bigger power ones n they handle it
Yes should have had a manual for the VF V8 wagon. A no brainer.Btw 7 seater wagons are weird. An SUV is a better option.
What’s wrong with a 7 seater wagon 🤣
@@RossReviewsau Well firstly there isn't much space left for luggage. Secondly the wagon becomes a bus so it's no longer a wagon. I'd suggest a Hiace or Kia for large families.
It does sound fully sick though.
Sounds great
Vf wagons had no manual and no optional sunroof. Both are such a shame
🥲🥲🥲
Are these reliable
Pretty reliable
The Commodore sedan had an American counterpart as the Chevy SS but not the wagon. An SS wagon would’ve filled the Dodge Magnum’s void for those that wanted a brand new traditional American 1960s style family car, that being an American full-size station wagon with a V8 and RWD. Can’t believe this once popular type of American family car’s void is now completely empty.
It’s a shame that wagon didn’t make it to the usa
You need to drive an SSV Readline
I have check out the channel 💪🇦🇺
VE/VF looks a million bux in the wagon.
They are mint eh
G”day Ross, The VF Wagon did come out with a Manual Transmission but on in the HSV Vareient
Il tell you the problems with Ross he has not 1 clue what he is on about.he talks shit makes stuff up.he has his hungry bogans and crack heads that follows him but he that far off with his reviews it's funny.
Yes your right and apparently they are rarer than hens teeth
@@RossReviewsau yep they are rare as anything currently only 2 Manual VF HSV wagons are for sale on carsales
Put a 10speed on that
No manual :(
🥲
wow i cant believe this never got a manual
🥲
VF’s are incredible. A shame it’s all over!
It’s a crying shame
A 3.0 Omega ?
@@perpetualgrin5804 my pick of the bunch. A slept on collector’s item
I prefer the automatic
Each to their own
To turn traction off press button then hold for 3 seconds then traction is off
No manual .... that's a deal breaker ... plus I think the VE Wagon looks better.
Each to their own eh
Sadly Ross what i believe happened here was a few things... 1.Lack of traction for an export market for Aussie vehicles, 2. GM in Detroit, looks after itself first always!, 3. lack of government support for the last 10 or so years, 4. trying to build more significant world class vehicles on a shoestring budget, 5. The axing of the protection tariffs from imports from the 80s, and into the 90's thanks to the Hawke/Keating governments, and the mismanagement by the following governments, 6. Low economies of scale due to Australia's low growth, low population, 6. the Aussie government entering the Lima agreements from Whitlam onwards, which ultimately sold out most if not all Australia's manufacturing capabilities to China. As always, you should have Aussie people creating Aussie car brands, and exporting Aussie made cars. You simply can't rely on foreign companies to look out for local interests! It's definitely had little to do with the greenies, just look how many European v8s and US muscle cars and pick up trucks there are in Australia compared to when there used to Aussie made vehicles made here before!
It’s a combination of so much eh.. but low population and no exporting + high wages 🥲 was always gonna happen eventually sadly.. I just wish we could have got the idea of our cars overseas to continue them
@@RossReviewsau just to clarify for an example, the German government gave VW alone 17 billion dollars over 10 years that helps market, manufacture, and keep exports going. They are also one of the highest paying companies in Germany, and employ some 60k+ workers alone. I saw this in a doco on channel 96 a rew month's back called Richard Hammond's Big! Series, Ep1 S1 World's biggest car factory
ua-cam.com/video/2EZEk2drBQI/v-deo.html
It's battle to find it again
too bad the wagon never made it up here. I have a 2015 SS, and it would be perfect as a longroof
It should have been sold in the US
If you want the manual you may as well get a VE and have proper hydraulic steering too. After all, if you're into manuals, you want the feel to be right.
Yup you should!
Almost at 40 k
So close
@@RossReviewsau hope you do something special
Holden should have optioned a base v6 or v8 car..totally stripped down, no carpet, radio, wheels etc...20k open a shop and allow people to build their own ride.most people modify anyway. Why tell people what to buy rather than giving them an option?
That would have been cool
Gm only wanted to make money there's not enough tech gone into the drivetrain otherwise these things would've been a real contender
GM could have done so much with these
I guess that is GMs aim to ' make money '.
The Autos drive so much nicer than the manual.
I love a Manual in a V8
walky wheels look terrible on newer commodores
I love the look on this
Would you buy one tho?
I would… in a manual
Naah...auto is faster...sure manual is better control. But auto is now the fastest on the tracks. Manual is old school....coming from a 35yo car enthusiast with manual training. Even the quickest shifts in the manual...the auto i believe still wins by a clear second and more. Stage 2 auto gear box out performs the best manual driver.
agree auto will win races but in the V8s i much prefer to just cruise and row gears..
Wagons are HIDEOUS, but this one is slightly less hideous.
I love the wagons 😅 each their own
The auto wagon most likely was targeted for the wife etc .most likely so when hubby borrowed the car it wasn't a SUV
Fair point
Just do your own work and stick a manual in it
🤑🤑🤑
plenty of vf wagon manuals around, just not the SS model, so what? get a different model, hsv that is
That’s the whole point not in the SS
Saw Ross in a 3.0 Omega the other days , he didn't want to to be filmed.
6l80e clunky crap
Wtf is a kilowatt
Look it up lol..