Holden’s Torana is set to make a comeback as a restomod, but we explore what it could have been as a factory model if the brand had survived
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- The Torana A9X stands shoulder to shoulder with Ford’s XY Falcon GTHO Phase III as one of Australia’s most iconic touring cars.
- Our render envisions a reborn Holden Torana positioned as a rival to BMW M and Ford Mustang coupes.
- This modern take combines rear-wheel drive performance with a blend of classic and modern design.
While most car enthusiasts outside of Australia are familiar with names like the Holden Monaro and Commodore, and Ford’s Falcon, the Holden Torana remains a more obscure piece of Aussie automotive lore—despite GM’s one last-ditch attempt to revive the name with the Torana TT36 concept back in 2004.
Yet, even as it flies under the radar on the global stage, its high-performance variants are often hailed as some of the greatest cars ever to emerge from Down Under.
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The mid-sized Torana always played the scrappy underdog in Australia’s fiercely competitive muscle car wars, but it didn’t stay in the shadows for long. What began as a relatively unassuming, mostly forgettable family sedan soon gave rise to a string of high-performance models. The six-cylinder GTR XU-1 and later on, the fire-breathing, 5.0-liter V8-powered SL/R 5000 A9X transformed the Torana into a bona fide giant killer, consistently punching well above its weight.
Revival. Kind of
Now, decades after it last prowled Australian racetracks in the 1970s, the iconic Holden Torana is making a comeback—but probably not in the way you’d expect. Australian restomod specialist Drive South is breathing new life into the beloved Torana with a distinctly modern twist.
This new incarnation of the Torana, known as the “Drive South Hatch,” is not a mere replica but a full-blown restomod featuring an aluminium chassis, composite bodywork, and a 429 horsepower 6.2-litre GM LS3 V8 engine. It’s the kind of modern overhaul purists might scoff at—until they see it in action.
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Awesome! But you know what would be better? If Holden was still open for business and the Torana returned as a rear-drive BMW M2-bashing hot hatch. Let’s illustratively dive deeper into what could have been.
Hatchback Muscle
In our ideal world, the design of this reborn Torana hatch would blend classic muscle car aesthetics with contemporary design elements, creating a heritage-inspired look. The body has a low, aggressive stance, with a wide track and flared wheel arches to accommodate large, performance-oriented wheels and tyres.
The forward-leaning front fascia sports a rectangular grille reminiscent of the LH/LX Torana and is flanked by square LED headlights with horizontal daytime running lights. The sculpted two-tone hood has cutouts for thermal management, and a front splitter aids aerodynamics. It’s a design that looks like it would just as soon punch through the wind as cruise down the boulevard.
Viewing it from the side reveals a coupe-like silhouette with a fastback roofline that tapers into a short rear deck. Modern touches such as contrasting accents, a panoramic sunroof, and frameless windows would add to the modernised aesthetic.
At the rear, the Escort RS Cosworth-inspired wing makes no bones about the car’s performance intent, while a massive diffuser and quad-exhaust setup announce its muscle-laden presence to anyone left in its wake. Slim, horizontal LED taillights complete the high-tech contrast against the car’s broad, muscular fenders.
A Right-Hook Outlook
Inside, the right-hand drive hatch would offer a driver-centric cockpit with a digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen integrated into a clean, minimalist dashboard. High-quality materials like Alcantara, leather, and brushed aluminium would be used throughout, giving the cabin a sporting, premium feel.
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Cutting-edge tech wouldn’t be left behind, either. Advanced driver assistance systems, a heads-up display, and customizable ambient lighting would ensure the Torana stays modern while delivering the raw, seat-of-the-pants thrill it was once known for.
Holden’s 2004 Torana TT36 concept was a five-door liftback based on the Commodore / Pontiac G8.
Cadillac Power
And under the hood? Why settle for anything less than Cadillac’s CT5-V Blackwing engine—a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing a monstrous 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. Fed to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain would ensure that the Torana’s bark is just as menacing as its bite.
Want more? Toss in Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo performance brakes, and optional carbon-fiber wheels from Australian supplier Carbon Revolution, and you’ve got a package that’s as serious as it gets.
The Competition?
Although slightly smaller, a reborn Torana would compete with Ford’s Mustang Dark Horse, and even the now discontinued Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, as well as the BMW M2 and M4 Competition and the outgoing Audi RS5.
So, food for thought: Would you want to see Holden and its Torana hatch make a full-fledged comeback? Or are we doomed to forever dream of what could have been? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
