This is it, folks. The 2016 Holden Commodore VF Series II. Also know as the last-ever locally-produced Commodore model to be made.
First up, the exterior design has been mildly facelifted. There’s a new-look front grille with chrome trimming, updated lower intake clusters in the sides, and a revised lower intake setup.
Around at the back Holden designers have developed a slightly restyled bumper bar that now features more definition, and new clear taillights. Depending on the model grade, there’s also black bonnet grilles for the front.
The biggest news comes from what sits beneath the bonnet. GM has finally provided local buyers with the ‘LS3’ 6.2-litre V8 for the SS variants. The unit is up from the outgoing 6.0-litre V8, and produces 304kW and 570Nm.
SS models are promising to sound better too, thanks to the introduction of a bi-modal exhaust system and a “mechanical sound enhancer” unit. Holden says local engineers spent countless hours refining the V8 soundtrack for a more muscular noise.
The new engine propels the VF II SS V Redline from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds, making it the quickest-ever Holden Commodore made (excluding HSVs). Customers going for the SS V Redline also get Brembo brakes all around, while the FE3 sports rear suspension has been tweaked.
No other changes have been made to the rest of the lineup powertrains, with the existing 3.0- and 3.6-litre V6 units carrying across. The 3.0-litre motor produces 185kW and 290Nm, while the 3.6 develops 210kW and 350Nm.
PerformanceDrive is aiming to review most models in the near future, where we will go over the finer details of each. In the meantime, see below for the model lineup overview. The VF II officially goes on sale in October.
New Features to Commodore VFII Range
SV6
- Passive entry / Passive start
- New front fascia and grille
- New 18 inch alloy wheels
- New LED tail lamp (Sportwagon only)
SS
- 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine
- Bi-modal exhaust with mechanical sound enhancer
- Passive entry / Passive start
- New front fascia and grille
- New 18 inch alloy wheels
- New LED tail lamp (Sportwagon only)
- Performance brake option
SSV
- 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine
- Bi-modal exhaust with mechanical sound enhancer
- New front fascia and grille
- Hood vents
- Colour Head Up Display
- New 19 inch alloy wheels
- Clear lens on tail lamps (sedan only)
- New LED tail lamp (Sportwagon only)
- Performance brake option
SSV Redline
- 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine
- Bi-modal exhaust with mechanical sound enhancer
- Rear Brembo brakes
- New front fascia and grille
- Hood vents
- Clear lens on tail lamps (sedan only)
- New 20 inch forged wheel option
- New LED tail lamp (Sportwagon only)
Calais
- Heated front seats (with memory)
- 8 way power passenger seat
- New 18 inch alloy wheels
- Clear lens on tail lamps (sedan only)
- New decklid lettering
- New LED tail lamp (Sportwagon only)
Calais V
- Optional 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine
- New 19 inch alloy wheels
- Clear lens on tail lamps (sedan only)
- New decklid lettering
- Limited Slip Diff (V8 models only)
- New LED tail lamp (Sportwagon only)
- Performance brake option (V8 models only)
Caprice V
- 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine
- Lip spoiler
- New 19 inch alloy wheels
- Single exhaust tips
- Performance brake option
Colour Range
- Slipstream Blue (NEW) – available on all models (except Caprice V)
- Empire Bronze (NEW) – available on Evoke, Calais, Calais V and Caprice V only
- Phantom Black
- Nitrate Silver
- Prussian Steel Grey
- Jungle Green – available on sports models only
- Some Like It Hot Red
- Heron White
- Red Hot
- Regal Peacock Green
This thing sounds incredible. Subtle exterior updates make a small improvement
Brett, Why is nobody even mentioning, let alone showing, the new Caprice? In the many articles on the new range there’s not a single mention of the new equipment levels/facelift at all, exept for what you’ve very briefly listed here.
Update is very minor for the Caprice (only the list mentioned above). There are no images available.
Thanks Brett, bit disappointing though. I wonder from where the reports of a much bigger update for Caprice emanated? Oh well, the old girl has a timelessly styled body anyway – by far the most elegant of the VE/F/2 lineage. Would have liked some tasteful LEDs on the front with the headlights, ala Merc C and S series style (tasteful – not chezzy like GTS for example) – would have been a great send off without body panel changes.