Normally, when we bring you spy shots, we’re filled with happiness knowing a brand is busy testing and making its best car yet. But seeing spy shots for the 2016 Holden Commodore Series II rings differently. The 2016 Commodore Series II will be the last-ever locally-developed, locally-manufactured Holden Commodore.
But Holden doesn’t want a pity party. Instead, they’re going to throw a rager.
The 2016 Commodore Series II SS is poised to be the most powerful mass-produced large car in Holden history. That’s because chances are very good the current 6.0-liter V8 will be swapped out in favor of the 6.2-liter LS3 engine, something us Stateside have already enjoyed in our Chevrolet SS. But if the blokes at GoAuto are to be believed, it’s also likely the HSV tuned LS3 V8 may be reporting for duty, making 425 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque.
The Commodore has come a long way since 1968 when a 5.3-liter V8 was introduced to the Commodore range in response to Ford’s Falcon. That engine only made 250 hp. 425 hp sounds like our kind of going-away party.
A few other party favors adorning the 2016 Commodore Series II are reported to be an HSV-style bi-mode exhaust, which further opens up under heavy acceleration and Brembo brakes at all four wheels. New black-painted 20-inch alloy wheels appear to adorn this Series II as well.
The 2016 Commodore Series II test vehicles wore camouflage up front, leading us to believe minor facial details will with a nip-tuck, which can be seen in the spy shots here. The V6 versions of the 2016 Commodore Series II should remain fairly similar to their Series I counterparts, according to the shots.
Going away parties can be some of the most memorable get-togethers. On one hand, you’re ecstatic to see a lifelong companion one last time. On the other, this is the end of the road as you know it. That’s where we stand with 2016 Commodore Series II. Fortunately for us, we have nearly two years to party with the Commodore like it’s 2017.
Comments
425hp out of a 6.2L V8 isn’t that impressive anymore. I was hoping for something north of 500hp/lb-ft for their last hurrah. The LS3 in the G8 GXP put out 415/415…6 years ago. Still, it looks and sounds great. I miss driving my 2008 G8 GT and hearing that LS roar.
The LT1 is only putting out 460. They are not going to out do the LT1 with the LS3.
HSV have 425hp and 456hp LS3 along with 576hp LSA. 425hp is the base model Gen-F.
the commodore wasn’t around in 1968…the commodore was released in november 1978 with 2 v8 engines available..a 4.2 litre (253 ci)and a 5 litre (308ci)and 2 six cylinder engines..a 2.8litre (173ci) and a 3.3litre (202ci)
Yes, so in summary, once the Australian built Commodore ends production, shortly thereafter so will Holden end. Long live every other progressive brand. Shame General Motors for ending Australian Holden production and outsourcing manufacturing to a workforce of exploited underpaid humans elsewhere in the world. No thanks, not buying into that way of thinking. Shame GM, shame. Next car in the driveway will be something fully electric from a forward thinking manufacturer such as Tesla.
For real though, how many people are buying them? The cost of living is so high in Australia that the people building the cars and their components need to get paid more. When they’re getting paid more the car’s going to cost more because, of coarse, being a company and having shareholders to answer to they need to be profitable. To be profitable the cars need to be exorbitantly priced. When the other manufacturers have cheaper labour behind the construction of their cars they can have a lower price, which the struggling Australian public love because there isn’t a significant loss in quality from overseas manufacturing.