By Steve & Tamami Laser
It’s no secret that Holden, the GM Australia brand, will cease local production at the end of 2017. But instead of crying, Holden fans are celebrating with today’s announcement of the new Commodore VFII – the most powerful and quickest ever built – revealed during a press conference at Holden headquarters Plant 4 in Port Melbourne.
Commodore VFII introduces a new 6.2-liter 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 custom-built Commodore Gallery at the brand’s headquarters, Holden celebrated the 37 year model run by bringing together more than 30 vehicles, from one of the first 1978 VB Commodores, to concepts, exports and motorsport heroes, illustrating the history and evolution of the car.
The 2016 Commodore VFII is equipped with the powerful LS3 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 304kW of power plus the promise of an exhilarating 570Nm of torque, making it the quickest Commodore ever.
Holden says an engine of this caliber deserves a pure V8 soundtrack, so its engineers developed a distinct and fitting engine sound; the result of endless hours of local testing and courtesy of a newly introduced bi-modal exhaust with 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, said to provide exceptional braking and designed to perform under closed circuit and track day conditions.
In addition to being the most powerful Commodore ever, VFII also boasts the refinement and handling that Holden has become famous for.
Tuned at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground and tested across Australia, VFII’s revised FE3 rear sports suspension increases ride comfort while retaining its sharp handling.
The introduction of functional hood 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.
Hood vents, a new front fascia as well as the introduction of clear lens taillamps on sedan models and new LED taillamps on Sportwagon models gives VFII a more aggressive exterior to match the LS3 V8 under the hood.
Holden says the Commodore VFII goes on sale across Australia in October with demand for the V8 variant expected to be strong.
Although Holden doesn’t sell models under its own nameplate in the U.S., it does build the rear-drive Chevrolet SS and Caprice PPV models that wear the Chevrolet bowtie. Holden also made the Pontiac G8 and final generation GTO.
Features and specifications for Australian market models are subject to change without notice
News source and photos courtesy of GM Holden Ltd.
Story (commentary) © 2015 CarNichiWa.com