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Holden VFII Commodore unveiled – SS V8 boasts 304kW/570Nm!

Kevin J Lee

Holden has taken the covers off its last-ever locally built VFII Commodore, billed as the quickest, most powerful and most advanced Commodore ever built.

VFII introduces a new 6.2-litre LS3 engine to all V8 models, along with numerous upgrades including bi-modal exhaust, mechanical sound enhancer and all-new styling cues.

Making its debut at a special, custom-built Commodore Gallery at the brand’s headquarters in Port Melbourne, Holden today celebrated 37 years of Commodore by bringing together more than 30 Commodores, from one of the very first 1978 VB Commodores, to concepts, exports and motorsport heroes, illustrating the history and evolution of Australia’s favourite car.

The 2016 Commodore VFII is equipped with the powerful LS3 6.2-litre V8 engine and delivers 304kW of power and an exhilarating 570Nm of torque, ensuring that this is the quickest Commodore ever, posting a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds.

To match the roaring power, Holden engineers spend countless hours testing the new bi-modal exhaust system with a unique Holden designed “Baillie Tip” and mechanical sound enhancer.

Building on the performance of the LS3 V8 engine, Holden’s track focused, top of the range, SSV Redline sees the introduction of Brembo brakes on all four wheels, which is specifically designed to perform under closed circuit and track day conditions.

Holden’s Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Bernhard, described the Commodore VFII as the culmination of nearly four decades of design, engineering and manufacturing expertise, combined with unrivalled Australian experience.

“We made a commitment to keep this iconic car exciting and relevant for Australian motorists, and that is exactly what we have done. This is the vehicle that our Commodore customers have been asking for,” said Mr. Bernhard.

“Commodore VFII is powerful and refined, it will evoke emotion in its driver and exhibits all of the hallmarks Commodore has become renowned for over the years.

“Commodore represents 37-years of innovation, performance and technological advancements and has earned its place as Holden’s longest-standing and most successful nameplate.

“Holden’s design, engineering and manufacturing teams have produced the best Commodore ever – a vehicle that truly lives up to its reputation and one that the entire company is incredibly proud of.

“This is the reason Holden is committed to ensuring we will continue to have engineering and design input into Commodore, and every other Holden vehicle in our range, for generations to come.”

The VFII update also brings revised FE3 rear sports suspension calibration tuned at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground and test across Australia. It is said to increase ride comfort whilst retaining its sharp handling that the Commodore is famous for.

Holden’s Lead Development Engineer, Amelinda Watt, said the extensive development work combined with Holden’s Australian expertise ensured the new engine, sound and handling was unique and thrilling.

“The new 6.2-litre LS3 engine and its distinctive sound character is the result of years of hard work, testing, developing and evaluating this vehicle and I’m so proud of the end result,” said Ms. Watt.

“This is absolutely the best car we have ever engineered and we are confident we are giving all our customers a compelling reason to put the latest Commodore in their driveway. We know that they will enjoy driving VFII as much as we enjoyed creating it.”

The introduction of functional bonnet vents and fascia ducts were developed by Holden engineers with support from Melbourne’s Monash University wind tunnel, improving aerodynamics around the front corners of the vehicle.

Bonnet vents, a stunning new front fascia as well as the introduction of clear lens tail lamps on sedan models and new LED tail lamps on all Sportwagon models gives VFII a more aggressive exterior to match the LS3 V8 under the bonnet.

The Holden Commodore VFII goes on sale in October with demand for the unbridled V8 variant expected to be extremely strong. Customers wishing to register their interests can do so at their local Holden dealer or via the Holden website.

New Features to Commodore VFII Range

SV6

SS

SSV

SSV Redline

Calais

Calais V

Caprice V

Colour Range

*premium paint – $550 option (except on Caprice V – no charge)

Pricing

Recommended retail price^ of the Commodore VFII range is as follows:

Commodore VFII Sedan

Commodore VFII Sportwagon

VFII Ute

Caprice Sedan

Optional performance brakes and 20 inch wheels

Holden’s Lifetime Capped Price Servicing, the largest of its kind in Australia, will also available on the Commodore VFII range rewarding customers with complete peace of mind.

^ Recommended retail price excluding dealer delivery, on roads costs and government charges