Commodore Redline track trick-up

Redline is the new shorthand for a go-fast Commodore thanks to a performance upgrade that carries the same name, and slots in above the V-Series versions of the SS and Calais sedan, wagon and ute.

There are no changes to the cars' 6-litre V8 engine but the Redline Editions get Brembo brakes, a track-tuned suspension package called FE3 and polished 19-inch alloy wheels. There is also a chromed surround for the windows on sedans.

The cost of the Redline Editions is an extra $2500, the only significant price jump on the VEII Series Commodore, on sale this month.

Hitting the Redline closes the gap between regular Holden hotrods and the full-on ClubSport from Holden Special Vehicles but the red lion brand believes there is space for both, and that the go-faster models will not hurt HSV sales.

It's also confident that will hit the spot with the same buyers who have driven very strong support for both the V-Series upgrades and the V8 engine across the Commodore line.

"We know the performance enthusiasts who drive Holden sports vehicles enjoy the way the engine performs with the exhilarating V8 engine performance of our sport models," says Holden's executive director of sales and marketing, John Elsworth.

"We know that their interest goes beyond straight-line power and torque though. They're looking for a satisfying overall driving experience with superior chassis dynamics. With the Redline Edition, we set out to improve that experience for them, to provide the ultimate sports ride by introducing features we know they'll value the most - track-inspired handling for great road connection and control combined with awesome stopping power."

The Redline Edition cars have the same E85-compatible engines as the rest of the VEII models tweaked for bio-ethanol, although the 3.6-litre V6 does not come online until next year.

The price of the regular Commodore Omega is unchanged with the VEII update, from $39,990, and the cheapest of the Redline Edition cars is the SS Ute at $49,990, with the similar sedan at $57,790.