The 2016 VF Holden Commodore Series II was just recently spied testing, marking the final iteration of the locally-developed, and produced, Commodore. But the 2016 Commodore wasn’t alone on the Lang Lang proving ground. The Chevrolet SS was spied keeping the car company.
The 2016 Chevrolet SS was done up with the same camouflage adorning its Australian cousin, a pretty good sign we will see a refreshed front clip for the 2016 model year, albeit minor.
The real news is the possibility of a power increase, which GoAuto deduces from its spy shots. The current 2015 Chevrolet SS enjoys the same chrome-alloy wheels as the range topping Commodore SSV Redline. But, spy shots show the same fat wheels and tires applied to the 2016 SS as the rumored LS3-powered 2016 Commodore Series II.
Now, we know the U.S. has already been enjoying the 6.2-liter LS3 in the Chevrolet SS, but rumor has it the 2016 Commodore Series II will receive the HSV tuned 6.2-liter LS3, which is responsible for 425 hp. That’s 10 extra ponies reporting for duty, up from the current LS3 configuration. And it’s possible that figure may climb.
Also on our radar still is the inclusion of a 1LE-derived handling package for the Chevrolet SS. Previous reports say engineers are begging to apply the incredible 1LE components to the sport sedan, but haven’t received the green-light as far as we know. A Chevrolet SS 1LE would require different tires, sized equally in the front and rear to increase neutrality. Maybe those new tires spotted are a subtle hint.
Our sources also say the Chevrolet SS has been evaluated for DSSV damper control via the Camaro Z/28, another possible addition to this incoming 2016 SS update.
The 2016 Commodore Series II is slated to be introduced late this year, with the 2016 Chevrolet SS not far behind it. You can have a look at the spy shots right here.
Comments
Darn Chevrolet, The Washington State Patrol awarded the Caprice PPV as their main Patrol car of use last year, and had placed orders for over 500 units, but during the year, they ” being Chevrolet” pulled the rest of the contract for PPV’s forcing WSP to go look for replacements from FORD, darn, seeing a Chevy as a patrol does a Chevy man heart good, seeing a Ford as a Patrol car does a mans heart damage, Why did they pull the contract, The troops that have the car like them, the new SUV’s the Patrol uses are slow and hard to see out of.
I got interested in the Chevrolet SS when I first saw it. The initial rush led to disappointment when I read the specs, in particular the horsepower figures. If you wish to create a “sleeper” then let the “sleeper” really be one that can turn into a slingshot in an instant. At minimum it should come with 460 horsepower; that’s the range where I would be willing to put my money down on it. And please, don’t equip it with those short life, low profile tires that rattle your bones. In other words give me a sedan that can become an instant speed machine while allowing to serve as a long distance family sedan the rest of the time. I know Chevrolet can do it.
Holden have a car better suited to your needs called the Calais-V, but it doesn’t have the horsepower you want, as the car is too compromised in handling if it is to keep the ride quality and slightly higher profile tyres. At least by Australian engineering standards and in the end, that’s the benchmarks being used on the Chev SS.
What you are looking at is more old school muscle car where its all go in a straight line. The Chev SS is tuned to be a good handler too as that’s what has evolved as the requirement in Australia where of course this car comes from.
That said the Magnetic ride isn’t to be discounted. You might be surprised at the improved ride quality with the 2015 models that have it as standard. All the stories talk about how it hardens the ride in sports mode, but it also can help the ride in its default setting. Remember the Commodore is just a mainstream family car in Australia and long distance touring is one of its strengths and something it has to do well along with everything else. You will also find the suspension and stability control are excellent on dirt roads – a legacy of its place of origin.
Horsepower wise, if you really find the LS3 limiting, you can find plenty of aftermarket to boost it. That said, this car takes corners in a way that would probably surprise you and straight line is very good too. You might find there is plenty of driver enjoyment with the standard engine tune and discovering the cars limits.
I would throw money at my local chevy dealer for a 1le SS…
I agree! The 1LE package on the Camaro SS really turned it into a track worthy car. I’d take the extra 10 h.p. too and if Chevy could adapt the oem shorty headers and a little wider diameter pipe as it did for the previous generation ZR-1/Z06 Corvettes then we could probably see something around 435 h.p. – all while keeping the LS3 naturally aspirated. Finally, I’d love to see the 8L90 auto trans dropped into the car. Between 2 more gears and 20 h.p. 0-60 time could drop below 4.5 seconds.
Humart’s comments are typical of many. We enthusiast say “build a rear wheel drive sporty car and I will buy one.” Then we say “well it needs four doors.” “Not enough power or I would buy one.” Lots of excuses and no one buys the car and mean time, they can’t build enough Escalades and Suburbans. Why would anyone at GM stick their neck/ job on the line to make an enthusiast car if we keep moving the target and don’t buy it?
I am an owner of a 2015 SS so what I say is real experience. I could not keep moving the ball on GM. It is a great car. Is it perfect? By no means. It has too many gadgets that were standard such as Park Assist, navigation etc. Leave this off and knock $1k off the car. The name of the car is silly. I would have preferred Caprice with the SS package or even Bel Aire but SS is just dumb. (I had the badge taken off the trunk lid.) My only other complaint is that the gas tank is small. The gas mileage is irrelevant, the tank needs to be 30% bigger.
The car has adequate power. Would I like faster? Sure. But then it becomes something else at a different price level. (My other daily drivers is a Dodge Viper so I know what 200 more horsepower is like. Yes, I am the guy who commutes in a Viper on the nice weather days.) I will assure you that it is the first car I have owned in at least 30 year that I don’t put the driver’s seat all the way back to drive. The car has more front leg room than any other car I know, including my Suburban and any Cadillac I have ever sat in.
How is the tank small? Its 18.8, bigger than the charger and challenger 18.5, but smaller than the camaro 19.0. Still get worse mileage than all 3
How about some decent colors, too? If you are making a sleeper, how about some sleeper colors – like a dark blue, and a granite (or charcoal) gray?
We need the 8 spd .auto to eliminate the guzzler tax and increase performance. A little more Hp. would make it more competitive with the Chargers. Make the front a little more aggressive. Add more dark colors. I’ll step up from my current G8GT.
Those who want more power, call a place like Thompson Motorsports in TX. 😉 You can buy a built 500+ HP LS3… There are many options for more power in the aftermarket!
Definitely a more aggressive front end needed
Front end needs the hood scoops from the G8 on it. And that ugly bumper strip has got to go or be painted in body color. Looks horrid right now. Interior design seems ok, but would like a couple of additional 12V Power Outlets, like one on the roof above the mirror. Makes it easier to hookup a radar detector, without the cord getting in the way (yes, I know they make battery powered ones, but I prefer the ones that run on the car 12V system) Engine power is decent, could use the shorty headers and maybe the rumored 8 speed automatic. Otherwise, not a bad design overall.
Updated looks and the LT-1 with an 8l90 would be amazing, but it’s not going to happen. I’m surprised about the rumor of updated looks, ii would be floored to see a different engine or tranny.
I am 62years old. I have never driven a car that does everything so well.Could it use more power,? Yes But you can never have enough power. The ride and braking are great. I love to go on long drives. 6500 miles in two months. While holding down a full time job! Chevy power forever!!!