Pontiac GXP lives on as Holden Redline

Holden has managed to stoke another special edition out of the embers of the axed Pontiac export program.

After letting HSV do a limited run of cars using some of the Pontiac GXP sports sedan's go-fast bits, Holden has reclaimed some of the high ground to create high performance versions of the Calais-V and SS-V.

It's called Redline and is $2500 option on the top-line Calais-V and SS-V sedans – and SS-V wagon and ute variants.

While the HSV GXP was powered by the LS3 6.2-litre V8, the new Calais-V and SS-V Redline editions will be powered exclusively by Holden's E85-compatible 6.0-litre V8 which is just 0.2 of a second slower than the HSV equivalent, according to independent testing (0 to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds compared to 5.3 for the HSV).

But the Redline range gets the rest of the best, with race-bred four-piston Brembo brake calipers on 355mm discs up front and lightweight multi-spoke 19-inch GXP wheels on all models.

Meanwhile, the SS-V sedan gets the same sports suspension tune used on the export Pontiac GXP and HSV GXP.

Touch screen satellite navigation and a rear camera are standard on all Redline models except the ute, which comes with a navigation system but a rear camera is optional.

The Redline ute also misses out on a spare wheel and tyre – even a space saver – and instead must make do with an inflator kit.

"We know that performance enthusiasts who drive Holden sports vehicles … have an interest beyond straight line power. They're looking for a satisfying overall driving experience," said Holden executive director of sales and marketing, John Elsworth. "With the Redline edition we hope to improve that experience for them."