Reports of the Chevrolet SS muscle sedan receiving a six-speed manual transmission and magnetic ride suspension for the 2015 model year emerged back in April, and now we have semi-official confirmation of those reports via General Motors Company’s [NYSE:GM] online ordering guide for fleet buyers.

According to the guide’s listing for the 2015 Chevy SS, first spotted by a reader at Jalopnik, the new model year brings an available six-speed manual with a 3.70 rear axle ratio, magnetic ride suspension, OnStar with 4G LTE, and a modified front license plate bracket. There were also five new exterior colors mentioned: Regal Peacock Green, Some Like It Hot Red, Jungle Green Metallic, Perfect Blue and Alchemy Purple.

No other changes are expected, which means the 2015 SS will likely continue to be equipped with the current 2014 model’s 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 rated at 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. With the current six-speed auto, the SS will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

A debut for the 2015 SS is expected at the 2014 Woodward Dream Cruise in mid-August. Sales should commence shortly after.

In related news, Chevy has just revealed a new SS pace car for the John Wayne Walding 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this Sunday, July 27. Actor Chris Pratt will serve as honorary pace car driver for the race.

6.0-liter engine bumped to 680 PS

Walkinshaw Performance has released a supercharger package for the Commodore lineup.

Dubbed "Racing Edition", the tuner's most powerful package ever will be built in a limited series of 50 units compatible with sedans, wagons and utes across the VF and VE Commodore families. It packs an Eaton Twin Vortice 2300 supercharger, water-to-air intercooler, high-flow injectors, ceramic headers, 12-inch intake runners as well as a cat-back exhaust and upgrades to the camshaft and valve spring.

Thanks to these modifications, output of the 6.0-liter engine (for VE/VF 6.0Ltr 2006 - 2014) is bumped to an impressive 680 PS (500 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) while the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine (HSV E Series/Gen-F 6.2ltr 2006 – 2014) is tuned to a whopping 748 PS (550 kW) and 723 lb-ft (980 Nm).

Interestingly, Melbourne-based Walkinshaw Performance says they are currently working on an upgrade for the range-topping HSV Gen F GTS which in stock form delivers 585 PS (430 kW) and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm).

The "Racing Edition" package is programmed to go on sale October 15 at 24,490 AUD (including installation).

Production will be limited to 233 units

Holden has officially unveiled the Commodore Craig Lowndes SS V special edition, following a preview earlier this year.

Designed to celebrate Craig Lowndes' 20th anniversary in V8 Supercars, the special edition is based on the 2015 SS V Redline and features a black grille, hood stripes and 20-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires. The model also has body side graphics, a black roof and a trunk-mounted spoiler. It will be available exclusively in Red Hot or Heron White.

Interior changes are limited but the model has an individually numbered plaque, special sill plates and Craig Lowndes’ signature on the dashboard.

Power is provided by a 6.0-liter V8 engine that develops 362 bhp (270 kW) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. It can be connected to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic gearbox with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Speaking of performance, the special edition also has a sport-tuned suspension and four-piston Brembo brakes.

Buyers will also receive a framed certificate of authenticity, two tickets to a V8 Supercar race and an opportunity to attend a private Red Bull Racing function and tour hosted by Craig Lowndes.

In a statement, Holden Sales Director Peter Keley said “After 20 years of Craig Lowndes breaking records and claiming victories – and with so many of those moments coming behind the wheel of a Commodore – it’s only fitting that Holden honors that relationship with the Craig Lowndes SS V Special Edition Commodore." He added, “This race-inspired Craig Lowndes SS V Special Edition Commodore has been created by our talented Holden engineers and designers with Craig’s input and approval. It is a rolling testament to a man whose success and character has cemented his name into Australian Motorsport history."

Production will be limited to 233 units and Holden says more than 50 percent have already spoken for.

Features a number of minor improvements

Holden has taken the wraps off the 2015 VF Commodore.

Designed to "reinforce its position as Australia’s favorite locally-made car," the 2015 model features a number of styling and performance tweaks.

First up, there's a revised color palette with two new additions: Some Like It Hot Red and Jungle Green (SV6, SS, SS V and SS V Redline models only). The latter sport variants also receive a new gloss-black rear valance.

Speaking of sporty models, the SS V Redline gains new steering wheel mounted paddle shifters when equipped with the optional automatic transmission. The car also features restyled 19-inch alloy wheels and a Jet Black interior with optional titanium highlights.

The engine lineup largely carryovers but the LPG option has been discontinued for SV6 models.

Additional changes are limited but there's new ISOFIX anchorage points in the rear seat and a retuned Electronic Power Steering system which has three unique calibrations: Touring – FE1 (Evoke, Calais, Calais V, Caprice V), Sport – FE2 & FE3 (SV6, SS, SS V) and Sport / Competitive – FE3 (SS V Redline).

RHD Camaro also in danger of getting killed off

A few months ago, rumors suggested General Motors was developing a new rear-wheel drive sports sedan to replace the Chevrolet SS. However, a "well placed" GM executive has dismissed that idea.

Speaking to Motoring, the unnamed executive said there are no plans to replace the Chevrolet SS when production ends in Australia in late 2017. This is surprising news as multiple reports indicated the car would replaced by an Alpha-based model that would be built in the United States.

In related news, the executive said the company has frozen plans to offer a right-hand drive version of the 2016 Camaro. The program hasn't officially been cancelled but the insider says a RHD Camaro is now "highly unlikely."