Also known as the 2016 Holden VF Commodore Series II, the big Aussie sedan is now enjoying its second youth through a more powerful LS3 V8 engine and mild design tweaks. Is it any good? Hell yes, it is!
Although the future of the Commodore isn't certain at the present moment, GM International boss Stefan Jacoby previously confirmed that the VF series Commodore will cease production in 2017. Thankfully, "the Commodore successor will have the Commodore name," with testing of early mules already underway at the manufacturer's Lang Lang proving grounds.
Introduced in the calendar year 2013, the VF's overhaul is what we've been expecting ever since Holden confirmed the launch of the VFII. The 6.2-liter LS3 engine now packs 304 kW (413 horsepower) and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, making the 2016 Holden VFII Commodore the most powerful, quickest, and fastest Commodore ever. The eight-cylinder sledgehammer will be available on the SS, SSV, and SSV Redline models, while the SV6 will be animated by the a 3.6L V6 mill with 210 kW (286 HP) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).
The entry-level Evoke trim is propelled by a base 3-liter V6 rated 185 kW (252 HP) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque. Unfortunately for some customers, the LPG-fed Commodore is no longer available with the VFII series. With the 6.2-liter V8 under the bonnet of the large Australian sedan, the VFII can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds. A six-speed manual comes as standard, with a six-speed auto transmission offered as an option. In the case of the VFII series Commodore Sportswagon, the auto comes as standard.
Other than a retuned suspension and a bi-modal exhaust for the V8, the 2016 Holden VFII Commodore has been visually refined with a fresh looking front grille, updated bumpers, clear taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED taillights exclusive to the family-oriented Sportwagon. The VFII goes on sale at the beginning of October, with pricing of the full-size sedan and wagon yet to be announced at the time of writing.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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