Newtechfresh | Consumer Electronics Guide: HOLDEN COMMODORE

Do you miss the Pontiac G8 and can't find a decent used example? GM has you covered as it has re-introduced the revised version of theHolden Commodore-based sports sedan in the States in the guise of the new 2014 Chevrolet SS, pricing of which was announced today before it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Available exclusively in the United States (sorry Canada) with a 6.2-liter V8 paired to a 6-speed automatic (sorry manual gearbox fans), the SS carries an MSRP of $44,470, including a $995 destination charge, which makes it cheaper than a similarly powered BMW 5-Series model, but on the same level as the smaller and less powerful 300hp 335i sedan ($44,075 with destination).

And if you're wondering, the rear-wheel drive and soon to be replaced by a newer and sexier looking model 2013 CTS with the 318hp 3.6L V6 starts at $44,235.

The rear-wheel drive-only Chevrolet SS easily beats both these models in power with its LS3 6.2-liter V8 that's rated at 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque (563 Nm) for a 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) time of about five seconds – despite the difference in power, the smaller 335i completes the sprint in 5.4 sec. with a manual gearbox and in 5.1 sec. with an auto transmission.

Chevrolet will only offer a single trim level for the SS, with the only options available being a power-operated sunroof ($900) and full-size spare tire ($500).

Among other standard features included in the package are Automatic Parking Assist, Chevrolet MyLink with a color touch screen and navigation, color head-up display, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats with memory, Side Blind Zone Alert and Lane Departure Warning, Brembo front brakes and 19-inch wheels in 245/40 tires up front and 275/35ZR at the back.

The new SS will be available only in five exterior colors namely, Mystic Green, Silver Ice Metallic, Red Hot 2, Phantom Black Metallic and Heron White, with all interiors in Jet Black.

PHOTO GALLERY

The presentation of the redesigned 2014 Holden Commodore VF Series (offered as the new Chevrolet SS in the States) earlier this year has been followed up with the release of the Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) flavored editions of the car known as the GEN-F range.

HSV touts the GEN-F as one of its most important updates ever as it features "the most significant exterior styling makeover since E-series" and includes the most powerful performance production car ever built in Australia, a country known for its muscles cars, the 577hp (585PS / 430kW) GTS. Unfortunately, it may also be the last of its kind as GM is considering a front-wheel drive replacement for the next Commodore due in 2017.

The GEN-F range includes Commodore-based sedan and station wagon models, utes (two-door,pickup truck version of the Commodore) and a long-wheelbase version built on the Caprice named the Grange.

We'll start with the flagship GTS sedan that brings the thunder with its 6.2 liter supercharged LSA V8 engine producing 577hp (585PS / 430kW) at 5,900 rpm and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm.

At the bottom of the range you'll find the Clubsport sedan and SportWagon, and the Maloo Ute that are all motivated by a 6.2-liter V8 churning out 425hp (431PS / 317kW) at 6,000 rpm and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 4,600 rpm.

The Clubsport R8, Tourer R8 and Maloo R8, all feature a slightly more potent 6.2-liter V8 rated for 436hp (442PS / 325kW) at 6,000 rpm producing the same peak torque of 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 4,600 rpm.

The Caprice-based Grange gets a tweaked 6.2-liter V8 delivering 456hp (462PS / 340kW) at 6,000rpm and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque at 4,600rpm.

All engines and models are offered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Pricing for all GEN-F models will be announced closer to launch later this year.

PHOTO GALLERY