The Holden Commodore (VF) is an
executive car
Executive car is a British term for a large car which is equivalent to the European E-segment and American full-size classifications. Executive cars are larger than compact executive cars (and the non-luxury equivalent mid-size cars), and small ...
that was produced by
Holden
Holden, formerly known as General Motors-Holden, was an Australian subsidiary company of General Motors. It was an Australian automobile manufacturer, importer, and exporter which sold cars under its own marque in Australia. In its last thre ...
between June 2013 and October 2017.
It was the second and last significantly restyled iteration of the fourth (and final) generation of the
Holden Commodore
The Holden Commodore is a full-size car that was sold by Holden from 1978 to 2020. It was manufactured from 1978 to 2017 in Australia and from 1979 to 1990 in New Zealand, with production of the locally manufactured versions in Australia endin ...
to be manufactured in Australia. Its range included the sedan and station wagon variants that sold under the luxury Holden Calais (VF) nameplate. Also available was the commercial utility variant that sold under the Holden Ute (VF) nameplate.
From 2013 to 2017 an improved version of the Commodore SS V sedan was exported to the United States badged as the Chevrolet SS; an evolution of the badging practice used on the previous-generation Commodore that was sold in North America as the
Pontiac G8
The Pontiac G8 is a full-size sedan that was produced by Holden in Australia, and then exported to the United States, where it was sold by Pontiac. The G8, a rebadged Holden Commodore, was released in early 2008 for the 2008 model year in the ...
from 2008 to 2009, prior to the
Pontiac Pontiac may refer to:
*Pontiac (automobile), a car brand
*Pontiac (Ottawa leader) ( – 1769), a Native American war chief
Places and jurisdictions Canada
*Pontiac, Quebec, a municipality
** Apostolic Vicariate of Pontiac, now the Roman Catholic D ...
brand being discontinued.
Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) was the officially designated performance vehicle division for Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the privately owned company modified Holden models such as the standard wheelbase Commodore, ...
(HSV) used the VF series as the basis of its performance Gen-F sedan, wagon and utility models, which were also exported to the United Kingdom rebadged as the
Vauxhall VXR8 range.
In December 2013, GM announced that it would discontinue all Australian production in 2017.
Development
The VF Commodore was built on an altered version of the Holden designed
GM Zeta platform
Zeta was the original name for General Motors' full-size rear-wheel drive automobile platform developed by GM's Australian subsidiary company Holden and was at one stage referred to as the "GM Global RWD Architecture". The GM Zeta platform r ...
, first used in the
VE Commodore. The VF was an evolution of the VE, with several visual changes. The VF featured new styling at the front and rear, with a more modern, sculpted appearance replacing the VE's simpler design. Changes included altered headlights, altered tail lamps (on sedans only), alterations to the plastic of the intake and grille and the use of a lip-spoiler instead of a rear wing on the performance models. The body shell, windows, doors, mirrors and roof were all carried over from the VE.
The
wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels. For road vehicles with more than two axles (e.g. some trucks), the wheelbase is the distance between the steering (front ...
and
track also remain unchanged.
The interior underwent major changes, with switches such as the boot lid release being relocated from the glovebox to the doors and the fitting of an electronic handbrake.
All models were fitted with an eight-inch touch screen in the centre console, with keyless entry and auto-park assist also standard across all models. Other optional features included a head-up display on the windscreen, forward and rear collision warning systems, blind spot monitors and a
lane departure warning system
In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...
. The VF used an
electric power steering system, rather than the
hydraulic system
Hydraulics (from Greek: Υδραυλική) is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids. At a very basic level, hydraulics is the liquid coun ...
used on previous Commodores, improving fuel economy at the expense of steering feel.
The majority of the testing for the VF was completed in Australia but it was also driven in Germany, the Middle East, North America and Sweden.
Show-car versions of the SS V and the Calais V were unveiled to the public on 10 February 2013, with the first pre-production models completed in April 2013.
Safety
Like its predecessor, the VF achieved five stars in the
ANCAP ANCAP may refer to:
* ANCAP (commodity standard), based on ammonium nitrate, copper, aluminum and plywood
* Australasian New Car Assessment Program
* ANCAP (Uruguay)
ANCAP (Administración Nacional de Combustibles, Alcoholes y Portland, Engl ...
safety ratings. On top of the ratings tests, the VF was found to have good whiplash protection for occupants, though pedestrian protection was classified as marginal, with the car scoring 15.41 of a possible 36 points in this area.
In May 2014, Holden recalled nearly 42,000 VF and
WN Caprice models after a potential problem with the front seatbelts was identified. It was found that the
pretensioner
A seat belt (also known as a safety belt, or spelled seatbelt) is a vehicle safety device designed to secure the driver or a passenger of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result during a collision or a sudden stop. A seat belt reduc ...
wiring harness for the seatbelts could make contact with part of the buckle assembly, leading to premature wearing of the wiring harness which could disable the pretensioner system in the event of an accident. The VF was recalled again a month later, when it was found that the drive gear for the
windscreen wiper
A windscreen wiper, windshield wiper, wiper blade (American English), or simply wiper, is a device used to remove rain, snow, ice, washer fluid, water, or debris from a vehicle's front window. Almost all motor vehicles, including cars, truc ...
motor could fail.
LPG models were recalled in July after it was identified that the feed hose could develop a slow leak at the end of the vehicle's lifetime, creating a (low) risk of fire.
Powertrains
The VF uses the same engines as the VE, with minor alterations to improve performance and fuel efficiency,
while the automatic gearbox was redesigned to give more appropriate gear selections.
The VE's
E85
E85 is an abbreviation typically referring to an ethanol fuel blend of 85% ethanol fuel and 15% gasoline or other hydrocarbon by volume.
In the United States, the exact ratio of fuel ethanol to hydrocarbon may vary according to ASTM 5798 that ...
compatibility was carried forward to the VF V8 engines, and the V6 engine until it was dropped in the 2015MY.
Fuel economy has also been improved by the use of aluminium body panels and components, leading to the VF being lighter than the VE, and the electric power steering system. The new styling has also improved the aerodynamic efficiency, with the coefficient of drag dropping from 0.33 to 0.30. As a result, fuel consumption has dropped by between three and eight percent depending on the engine and specification level. Starting with the VF II 2015, the 6.0-litre ''L77'' was replaced by the 6.2-litre ''LS3''. The VF II model also saw the discontinuation of the LPG versions of the Commodore.
Models
The number of specification levels was reduced compared to the VE, with the Berlina (nameplate introduced in 1984) and Omega (introduced in 2006) dropped. Prices are
A$5000 to $10,000 less than the previous VE models.
Utility
As a topic of economics, utility is used to model worth or value. Its usage has evolved significantly over time. The term was introduced initially as a measure of pleasure or happiness as part of the theory of utilitarianism by moral philosoph ...
variants cost less than the corresponding sedan, while the
wagon
A wagon or waggon is a heavy four-wheeled vehicle pulled by draught animals or on occasion by humans, used for transporting goods, commodities, agricultural materials, supplies and sometimes people.
Wagons are immediately distinguished from ...
variants are more expensive.
Commodore Evoke
Replacing both the
Commodore Omega and
Berlina (nameplates introduced in 2006 and 1984, respectively), the Evoke is the new entry-level nameplate as reflected by its range of engines, which included as standard the same 3.0-litre
SIDI
''Sidi'' or ''Sayidi'', also Sayyidi and Sayeedi, ( ar, سيدي, Sayyīdī, Sīdī (dialectal) "milord") is an Arabic masculine title of respect. ''Sidi'' is used often to mean "saint" or "my master" in Maghrebi Arabic and Egyptian Arabic. Wit ...
V6 engine fitted to the VE Commodore Omega, and the optional 3.6-litre
LPG-powered V6, both available only with an automatic transmission. The central console display was increased in size from , featuring a single-
CD player
A CD player is an electronic device that plays audio compact discs, which are a digital optical disc data storage format. CD players were first sold to consumers in 1982. CDs typically contain recordings of audio material such as music or audio ...
, compatibility with
MP3
MP3 (formally MPEG-1 Audio Layer III or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III) is a coding format for digital audio developed largely by the Fraunhofer Society in Germany, with support from other digital scientists in the United States and elsewhere. Origin ...
and
iPod and mobile phone integration. The audio, navigation and mobile phone controls all feature voice recognition technology. Safety features include six airbags, traction control and
ABS. The Evoke comes with 16-inch alloy wheels.
Commodore SV6
The SV6 utilises the larger 3.6-litre SIDI V6 engine and is available with both a manual and automatic transmission. The SV6 is also available with the 3.6 L LPG V6.
The SV6 features a sportier body kit than the Evoke, with
LED
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor Electronics, device that Light#Light sources, emits light when Electric current, current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy i ...
running lights, a lip spoiler, FE2 suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior fittings are sports seats with suede/leather trim, rear arm rest leather steering wheel and gear shift lever.
For the 2016 model year, Holden released a special edition called the "Black Edition". Available on SV6 and SS models, it featured the same mechanics as a standard SV6 and SS (3.6 V6 and 6.2 V8 respectively) but added extra features such as satellite navigation, heads-up display, red stitching and black detailing on the grill, side vents, and wheels.
File:2013 Holden Commodore (VF MY14) SV6 sedan (2017-12-09) 01.jpg, Commodore SV6 sedan
File:2013 Holden Commodore (VF MY14) SV6 sedan (2017-12-09) 02.jpg, Commodore SV6 sedan
File:2015 Holden Commodore (VF MY15) SV6 Storm Sportswagon (2018-04-24) 01.jpg, MY15 Commodore SV6 Storm Sportwagon
File:2015 Holden Commodore (VF MY15) SV6 Storm Sportswagon (2018-04-24) 02.jpg, MY15 Commodore SV6 Storm Sportwagon
Commodore SS, SS V and SS V Redline
![2014 Holden Ute (VF MY14) SV6 utility (2018-10-01) 02](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/2014_Holden_Ute_%28VF_MY14%29_SV6_utility_%282018-10-01%29_02.jpg)
The entry level SS has the same cosmetic features as the SV6, but is equipped with a higher performance V8 engine. From 2013 to 2014 model year, it was equipped with the 6.0-litre ''L77'' V8 engine, and from the 2015 VF II update onwards, it was equipped with the 6.2-litre ''LS3'' V8 engine, previously only used on HSV models. The mid-range SS V features include larger 19-inch wheels and front fog lights (in addition to LED DRLs). Inside the SS V gains leather seats, an enhanced instrument display, 8 way electric driver's seat
satellite navigation
A satellite navigation or satnav system is a system that uses satellites to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning. It allows satellite navigation devices to determine their location (longitude, latitude, and altitude/elevation) to high pr ...
system and a
DVD player
A DVD player is a device that plays DVDs produced under both the DVD-Video and DVD-Audio technical standards, two different and incompatible standards. Some DVD players will also play audio CDs. DVD players are connected to a television to ...
(DVD dropped from MY 2015). The top-end SS V Redline provides extra performance enhancement features over those of the SS V, with improved brake and suspension packages, extra collision sensors, launch control (manual) and a sunroof with Bose audio (on Sedan only).
Across all specifications, a manual transmission was no longer available on any SS models in the sportwagon body shape, as it had been in the VE series. Holden cited a lack of sales for manual sportwagon for this decision.
File:2014 Holden Commodore (VF MY14) SS sedan (2015-11-11) 01.jpg, Holden Commodore SS (VF)
File:2014 Holden Commodore (VF MY14) SS sedan (2015-11-11) 02.jpg, Holden Commodore SS (VF)
File:2015 Holden Commodore (VF MY15) SS V Redline sedan (2015-07-14) 01.jpg, Commodore SS V Redline sedan (VF)
File:2015 Holden Commodore (VF MY15) SS V Redline sedan (2015-07-14) 02.jpg, Commodore SS V Redline sedan (VF)
File:2014 Holden Commodore (VF MY14) SS Sportwagon (18698844380).jpg, Commodore SS wagon (VF)
Calais and Calais V
The Calais and Calais V are both available with the 3.6-litre V6 engine used in the SV6, and the 6.0-litre V8 engine is optional on Calais V with active fuel management AFM or DoD, running on four cylinders during low load conditions (6.2-litre V8 engine in VF II) used in the SS, SS V and SS V Redline. Both models are only available with an automatic transmission.(LSD Limited slip differential was optional in the Calais range with models using a 2.92 ratio for cruising). The Calais features premium styling with chrome highlights both inside and out, with leather seats and 18-inch wheels. Wheels fitted to VFI Calais V are 19-inch ten spoke machine finished wheels as standard. The Calais V uses the same satellite navigation system as the SS V, and includes text to voice messaging and voice activated call operation while driving. It also features heated front seats with 8 way electric adjust and position memory and four way manual adjustment to head rests, DVD player (until MY2015), head-up display rain sensing wipers, Park assist, side intrusion alert, lane departure warning, forward collision alert and self parking features. The Calais V sedan exclusively added a sunroof, 9-speaker Bose audio, and optional Light Titanium Leather seating. Suspension package was soft for comfort but still supportive while cornering with good reviews on handling.
File:2014 Holden Calais (VF MY15) Sportwagon (2015-06-25) 01.jpg, Calais Sportwagon
File:2014 Holden Calais (VF MY15) Sportwagon (2015-06-25) 02.jpg, Calais Sportwagon
File:2013 Holden Calais (VF MY14) V Sportwagon (2015-06-15) 01.jpg, Calais V Sportwagon
File:2013 Holden Calais (VF MY14) V Sportwagon (2015-06-15) 02.jpg, Calais V Sportwagon
File:2014 Holden Calais (VF MY15) V sedan (2017-11-18) 01.jpg, MY15 Calais V sedan
File:2014 Holden Calais (VF MY15) V sedan (2017-11-18) 02.jpg, MY15 Calais V sedan
Limited editions
There have been several
limited edition
The terms special edition, limited edition, and variants such as deluxe edition, or collector's edition, are used as a marketing incentive for various kinds of products, originally published products related to the arts, such as books, prints, r ...
Commodore models produced, available on a range of specification levels:
* International: based on the Evoke and available in sedan and Sportwagon form. The International celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Commodore nameplate. It featured 18-inch wheels, minor alterations to the exterior and interior styling (LED running lights) blind spot alert rear cross traffic alert and leather seats.
2014 Model Year
* Storm: available on the SV6 and SS sedan, Sportwagon and Ute specification. The Storm featured a unique wheel design (black paint in between spokes) and "Storm" badging inside and out, satellite navigation and red stitching in the seats and front fog lights with chrome trim.
* Collingwood: dubbed the "Collingwoodore", available on ''Heron White'' SV6, SS or SS V sedan specification. The Collingwood featured unique 20-inch wheels and extra badging and decals associated with the
Collingwood Football Club.
2015 Model Year
* Craig Lowndes: available on ''Heron White'' or ''Red Hot'' SS V Redline specification. This edition celebrated
Craig Lowndes
Craig Andrew Lowndes (born 21 June 1974) is an Australian racing driver in the Repco Supercars Championship competing in the Holden ZB Commodore for Triple Eight Race Engineering. He is also a TV commentator.
Lowndes is a three-time V8 Sup ...
' twentieth anniversary of first competing with Holden in local touring car racing. It featured upgraded Brembo front and rear brakes (front only on standard Redline models); 20-inch staggered wheels; black roof, spoiler, guard vents, bonnet and door stripes; red engine cover; and an embroidered "Craig Lowndes" signature on the dashboard. The cars were individually numbered 1 to 233, with the first owned by Lowndes himself.
*Sandman: based on Sportwagon and Ute and available in white or black, vehicles included orange tribute decals to the
Sandman's of the '70's, 20inch Baretta wheels and orange sheep-skin seat covers. They were available in addition to SV6 and SS-V Redline vehicle specifications.
*Black Edition: based on all bodies of the SV6 and SS variants, the 'Black Edition' featured exterior chroming blacked out, black mirror covers, darker 18" alloy rims, red leather stitching to the interior, heads up display, navigation and special floor mats.
2016 and 2017 Model Years
*Reserve Edition: a limited production run that was specified by the Holden Product Engineering Team for Holden employees only. These vehicles were never available for sale to the general public. Reserve Edition vehicles have 19" forged alloy wheels that were only otherwise equipped on the Chevrolet SS version sold in the US. Reserve Edition vehicles can also be identified by an additional chassis plate in the engine bay displaying the Reserve build option code, and the General Motors employee number of the staff member who purchased the vehicle. The employee number is also stamped on the body in a hidden location (for added protection against counterfeit vehicles). The word “Reserve” is embroidered onto the passenger side of the instrument panel, and “Reserve” badges appear on the vehicle exterior.
2017 Model Year
* Director: Sedan only, production run of 360 units
* Motorsport: Sedan only, production run of 1200 units.
* Magnum: Utility only, production run of 240 units.
Series II update
In September 2015, Holden introduced the MY16, Series II (VF II) upgrade to the Commodore. The biggest change is the addition of the larger, more powerful 6.2-litre and , ''
LS3'' V8 engine across all current V8 models of the Commodore, Calais, Caprice and Ute. A Bimodal exhaust was fitted standard to the SS, SS V and Redline models and was optional on Calais V when the LS3 V8 was fitted. All wagon models got new LED taillights. As well as this, the front bumper and running lights were restyled, the gear ratios on the SS V Redline were altered, and the Redline's suspension tune was adjusted. For 2017 the SSV pack and Calais wagon were dropped from the range. SV6 models got HUD/GPS plus wheels previously used on "Black Edition". SS gained HUD/GPS and 19 inch Wheels. Redline and Calais V models gained chrome V Series door sill plates. Calais V also gained auto tinting rear view mirror and Calais lettering on the flanks of the car.
File:2017 Holden Commodore (VF II MY17) Evoke Sportwagon (2018-08-31) 01.jpg, MY17 Commodore Evoke (Series II)
File:2017 Holden Commodore (VF II MY17) Evoke Sportwagon (2018-08-31) 02.jpg, MY17 Commodore Evoke (Series II)
File:2017 Holden Commodore (VF II MY17) SV6 sedan (2018-10-01) 01.jpg, MY17 Commodore SV6 (Series II)
File:2017 Holden Commodore (VF II MY17) SV6 sedan (2018-10-01) 02.jpg, MY17 Commodore SV6 (Series II)
File:2017 Holden Commodore (VF II MY17) SV6 Sportwagon (2018-11-02).jpg, MY17 Commodore SV6 Sportwagon (Series II)
File:2016 Holden Commodore (VF II MY16) SV6 Black Edition Sportwagon (2018-04-16) 01.jpg, MY16 Commodore SV6 Black Edition (Series II)
File:2016 Holden Commodore (VF II MY16) SV6 Black Edition Sportwagon (2018-04-16) 02.jpg, MY16 Commodore SV6 Black Edition (Series II)
File:2015 Holden Commodore (VF II MY16) SS sedan (2018-08-24) 01.jpg, MY16 Commodore SS (Series II)
File:2015 Holden Commodore (VF II MY16) SS sedan (2018-08-24) 02.jpg, MY16 Commodore SS (Series II)
File:2016 Holden Commodore VF2 SS-V Redline 6.2.jpg, MY17 SS V Redline (Series II)
File:2015 Holden Commodore (VF II MY16) Calais V sedan (2018-09-28) 01.jpg, MY16 Calais V (Series II)
File:2015 Holden Commodore (VF II MY16) Calais V sedan (2018-09-28) 02.jpg, MY16 Calais V (Series II)
File:2016 Holden Ute (VF II MY16) utility (2018-02-20) 01.jpg, MY16 Ute (Series II)
File:2016 Holden Ute (VF II MY16) utility (2018-02-20) 02.jpg, MY16 Ute (Series II)
HSV range (Gen-F)
The enhanced performance VF range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) was marketed in Australia as the ''Generation F'' ("Gen-F") and it comprised the variants listed below. All body styles were exported to the United Kingdom where they were rebadged and sold as the
Vauxhall VXR8 range.
ClubSport
The
ClubSport is the entry-level sedan in the HSV range, based on Commodore SS. It is powered by a 6.2-litre ''
LS3'' V8 engine, with power and torque figures of and . The ClubSport R8 (based on SSV/Redline) variant has a more powerful engine 325Kw (with SV enhanced option an extra of power and ) and minor visual changes compared to the standard ClubSport, including SV badges.
The ClubSport R8 Tourer is the station wagon version. All ClubSport models feature 20-inch wheels and standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic.
In November 2014, as part of the MY15 update, the power was increased to for the base ClubSport and for the R8.
In July 2015, HSV launched the limited edition Clubsport R8 25th Anniversary to commemorate the nameplate. It did not benefit from any performance increases but only extra fitments that included forged alloy wheels and special badges and trims. Production totalled 108 units (eight of which for export to New Zealand).
In 2016, R8 model was reintroduced with downtuned LSA supercharged V8, rated at .
GTS
The Gen-F GTS features a
supercharged
In an internal combustion engine, a supercharger compresses the intake gas, forcing more air into the engine in order to produce more power for a given displacement.
The current categorisation is that a supercharger is a form of forced induct ...
LSA V8 engine
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration.
The first V8 engine was produced by the French Antoinette company in 1904, developed and us ...
which provides of power and of
torque
In physics and mechanics, torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force. It is also referred to as the moment of force (also abbreviated to moment). It represents the capability of a force to produce change in the rotational motion of th ...
. To assist with its cooling requirements, the GTS is fitted with a stacked plate engine oil cooler and a stand-alone water-to-air
charge-air cooling
An intercooler is a heat exchanger used to cool a gas after compression. Often found in turbocharged engines, intercoolers are also used in air compressors, air conditioners, refrigeration and gas turbines.
Internal combustion engines
Mo ...
system. Unique tail shafts cater for the higher torque loads and the rear
differential helps transfer all of the power to ground. At the time of its release and still to date, the GTS was the most powerful car ever produced in Australia. Like the ClubSport, the GTS is available in both a six-speed manual and a six-speed
automatic transmission
An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving c ...
and it also features 20-inch
alloy wheel
In the automotive industry, alloy wheels are wheels that are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. Alloys are mixtures of a metal and other elements. They generally provide greater strength over pure metals, which are usually much soft ...
s. Due to the increase in power the GTS has a larger brake package than the ClubSport, also for the sportier look a larger rear
spoiler
Spoiler is a security vulnerability on modern computer central processing units that use speculative execution. It exploits side-effects of speculative execution to improve the efficiency of Rowhammer and other related memory and cache attacks. Ac ...
.
The GTS is also equipped with generation 3 magnetic
ride control or MRC. There are three modes for the MRC, tour, sport/performance and track. The GTS is equipped with a driver preference dial that has four modes to adjust the bi-model exhaust and MRC, these are Tour, Sport, Performance, Track.
Maloo
The Maloo is a utility version of the ClubSport, with R8 and R8 SV models also available.
A limited edition GTS Maloo was launched in November 2014, featuring the GTS sedan mechanicals except for its ''
Magnetic Ride Control
MagneRide is an automotive adaptive suspension with magnetorheological damper system developed by the Delphi Automotive corporation, during a period when the company was a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), that uses magnetically controlled damper ...
'' suspension.
Senator Signature
The Gen-F Senator Signature has a more conservative exterior design than the ClubSport or GTS, but makes up for this by having all luxury fitments from the donor Holden Calais. It features the 6.2-litre ''
LS3'' V8 engine, with power and torque figures of and , respectively. The Senator Signature is available with both a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, it also features 20-inch forged alloy wheels.
In early 2015, HSV released 52 units of the limited edition Senator SV (Gen-F MY15) series, 50 were built for sale in Australia and two for New Zealand.
Production
The VF Commodore was launched during a downwards trend in large car sales in Australia. Despite this, 2,827 cars were sold in the first month after its launch, a 17.8 percent increase over the corresponding month in 2012. Sales continued to be strong for the rest of 2013, with sales in the second half of the year up by 19 percent compared to the same period in 2012.
The VF series is the fifteenth and final Australian-made Commodore range since the introduction of this nameplate in 1978.
Chevrolet SS
![2017 Chevrolet SS in Nightfall Gray Metallic, rear left side](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/2017_Chevrolet_SS_in_Nightfall_Gray_Metallic%2C_rear_left_side.jpg)
The VF Commodore sedan was sold in the United States as a performance vehicle under the name of Chevrolet SS. It was sized between the
Malibu and the
Impala in the
Chevrolet
Chevrolet ( ), colloquially referred to as Chevy and formally the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Company, is an American automobile division of the American manufacturer General Motors (GM). Louis Chevrolet (1878–1941) and ous ...
lineup and also filled the void left behind by the
Pontiac G8
The Pontiac G8 is a full-size sedan that was produced by Holden in Australia, and then exported to the United States, where it was sold by Pontiac. The G8, a rebadged Holden Commodore, was released in early 2008 for the 2008 model year in the ...
(itself a rebadged VE Commodore), after the Pontiac brand was terminated in 2009. The SS went on sale as a 2014
model year
The model year (sometimes abbreviated "MY") is a method of describing the version of a product which has been produced over multiple years. The model year may or may not be the same as the calendar year in which the product was manufactured.
...
vehicle in late 2013 and was Chevrolet's first
rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars.
Most rear-wheel ...
V8 sedan available to the general public in eighteen years since the fourth-generation
Chevrolet Caprice
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-sized automobile produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 1960s ...
and the seventh-generation
Impala SS
The Chevrolet Impala () is a full-size car built by Chevrolet for model years 1958 to 1985, 1994 to 1996, and 2000 to 2020. The Impala was Chevrolet's popular flagship passenger car and was among the better-selling American-made automobiles in ...
. The vehicle was unveiled during
Speedweeks
Daytona Speedweeks presented by AdventHealth is a series of racing events that take place during January and February at Daytona International Speedway. Traditionally leading up to the Daytona 500, in 2021 it concluded with the Daytona road cour ...
in
Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach, or simply Daytona, is a coastal Resort town, resort-city in east-central Florida. Located on the eastern edge of Volusia County, Florida, Volusia County near the East Coast of the United States, Atlantic coastline, its population ...
, in February 2013.
The Chevrolet SS was powered by a 6.2-litre ''LS3'' V8 engine from the
Chevrolet Corvette (C6)
The Chevrolet Corvette (C6) is the sixth generation of the Corvette sports car that was produced by Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 2005 to 2013 model years. It is the first Corvette with exposed headlamps since the 1962 model. ...
, with power and torque outputs of and .
The only available transmission for model year 2014 was a six-speed automatic that could be shifted manually using paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Compared to the preceding Pontiac G8, the restyled SS featured a stiffer chassis for improved ride and handling thanks to greater use of medium to high-strength steels adopted for the updated VF Commodore. The addition of high-grade steels resulted in 30 pounds shaved off the core structure. Crash performance was also improved thanks to redesigned front rails and the electrical architecture was re-engineered from the ground up allowing for technologies such as
head up display
A head-up display, or heads-up display, also known as a HUD (), is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints. The origin of the name stems from a pilot being able to view informa ...
and active safety systems (e.g. blind spot monitors). These changes also saw the introduction of a redesigned dashboard and human interface, which had been the most visible change in the transition from VE to VF, aside from an exterior redesign.
The Chevrolet SS had an
MSRP
The list price, also known as the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), or the recommended retail price (RRP), or the suggested retail price (SRP) of a product is the price at which its manufacturer notionally recommends that a retailer ...
of
US$
The United States dollar (symbol: $; code: USD; also abbreviated US$ or U.S. Dollar, to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies; referred to as the dollar, U.S. dollar, American dollar, or colloquially buck) is the official ...
44,470. There was a single, fully equipped specification level, with two optional extras: a sunroof and a full-size spare tire. The SS came with Chevrolet's
MyLink
MyLink a.k.a. Intellilink is a telematics system/infotainment system offered by General Motors in their vehicles. The system was debuted in 2011 in the then-new Chevrolet Volt.
The system was marketed as Intellilink for Buick, GMC, Vauxhall and ...
system (including
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and building personal area networks (PANs). In the most widely used mode, transmission power is limi ...
,
Sirius XM Radio
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. is an American broadcasting company headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City that provides satellite radio and online radio services operating in the United States. It was formed by the 2008 merger of Sirius Sat ...
, and
Pandora Radio
Pandora is a subscription-based music streaming service owned by Sirius XM Holdings based in Oakland, California, United States. The service carries a focus on recommendations based on the " Music Genome Project" — a means of classifying indi ...
features) and, like the VF Commodore, had auto-park assist, a blind-spot monitoring system, a lane departure warning system and electronic power steering. The SS was fitted with 19-inch wheels.
On 7 June 2013 Holden began touting the VF Commodore and its ties to the Chevrolet SS in a series of new television commercials which were released online.
On 20 February 2013 GM announced that the Chevrolet SS would not be sold in Canada, despite having been previewed there days before the February 2013
Canadian International Auto Show
The Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) is Canada's largest auto show. This event has been held in Toronto, Ontario since 1974 and is staged annually in February at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It draws an average of 300,000 visitors th ...
in Toronto.
On 6 September 2013, Chevrolet announced that the number of Chevrolet SS vehicles are limited to selected Chevrolet dealerships based on their sales of the
Corvette C7 and the SS's brother, the
Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro share ...
, claiming that the allocation might have more to do with production rather than supply and demand. Chevrolet projected about 2,000 to 3,000 vehicles a year instead of the much speculated 15,000 to 20,000 cited in the media.
On 30 July 2014, Chevrolet announced that the SS would become the first vehicle in the brand's lineup to feature an
automatic parking assist system.
Chevrolet added the option of a manual transmission, standard
Magnetic Ride Control
MagneRide is an automotive adaptive suspension with magnetorheological damper system developed by the Delphi Automotive corporation, during a period when the company was a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), that uses magnetically controlled damper ...
(MRC) and OnStar's 4G LTE service to the 2015 model, which debuted at the
Woodward Dream Cruise
The Woodward Dream Cruise event is an automotive enthusiast event held annually on the third Saturday of August in Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan, along Woodward Avenue, a major thoroughfare built in the early 20th century. The WDC Event spans mu ...
in August 2014.
For the 2016 model, Chevrolet announced that the SS would receive a facelifted front design revised LED lighting, dual mode exhaust system, a new "Slipstream Blue" paint colour (replacing "Perfect Blue" and "Alchemy Purple Metallic"), red
Brembo brake calipers and an updated wheel design (with cast aluminum construction, as opposed to the forged aluminum wheels used previously).
For the 2017 model year, three exterior colours were removed (''Some Like It Hot Red'' metallic, ''Jungle Green'' metallic, and ''Mystic Green'' metallic) and two colours were added: ''Orange Blast'' and ''Nightfall Gray'' Metallic. This was also the final year of the SS, as Chevrolet announced on 9 January 2017 that with the Commodore ending production in Australia there are no plans for a successor.
Motorsport
![Jimmie Johnson, 2013 STP Gas Booster 500](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Jimmie_Johnson%2C_2013_STP_Gas_Booster_500.jpg)
For marketing purposes, the VF Commodore is raced in various motorsport disciplines, however, the race cars generally have
no physical or mechanical relationship with the production model, other than similar looks.
Supercars Championship
The program for the V8 Supercar version of the VF was headed up by Holden Motorsport technical manager Peter Harker, with the aero package designed by Triple Eight Race Engineering's
Ludo Lacroix in conjunction with Doug Skinner from the
Holden Racing Team
Walkinshaw Andretti United is an Australian motor racing team based in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton. The team currently fields two Holden ZB Commodores in the Supercars Championship for Nick Percat and Chaz Mostert, along with a Porsche 91 ...
.
The VF Commodore race car prototype, fitted with VE Commodore body panels, ran for the first time on 13 October 2012 at Holden's Lang Lang Proving Ground as part of the series' aerodynamic validation. The homologated version of the VF Commodore V8 Supercar was first shown by
Garry Rogers Motorsport
Garry Rogers Motorsport is an Australian motor racing team. It is owned by retired racing driver Garry Rogers who began the team to further his own racing efforts. Based in Melbourne, originally out of a Nissan dealership owned by Rogers, the te ...
on 11 February 2013; this was followed by an official unveiling by the Holden Racing Team at Holden's headquarters later in the day.
The VF was the first Holden model built to
New Generation V8 Supercar regulations, a formula designed to decrease the cost of building and repairing cars. The V8 Supercar version features a 5-litre V8 engine, 18-inch control wheels, a specially designed aerodynamics kit, a polycarbonate windscreen as well as many category control parts. It was the first Holden V8 Supercar to feature an end-mounted rear wing since the
VP Commodore in the 1990s.
Only certain body panels are common between the road car and the V8 Supercar, as well as the headlights and tail lamps, with the rest of the components being custom made by each team.
The VF had a successful debut at the
2013 Clipsal 500, with
Craig Lowndes
Craig Andrew Lowndes (born 21 June 1974) is an Australian racing driver in the Repco Supercars Championship competing in the Holden ZB Commodore for Triple Eight Race Engineering. He is also a TV commentator.
Lowndes is a three-time V8 Sup ...
and
Shane van Gisbergen
Shane Robert van Gisbergen (born 9 May 1989) is a New Zealand racing driver in the Supercars Championship racing in the Number 97 Holden ZB Commodore car for Triple Eight Race Engineering. With three Supercars Championship wins ( 2016, 2021, ...
taking their cars to victory in the two races. Van Gisbergen also claimed both pole positions. The VF Commodore won twenty-eight of the thirty-six races in 2013, with
Triple Eight Race Engineering
Triple Eight Race Engineering, (branded as Red Bull Ampol Racing) is an Australian motor racing team competing in the Supercars Championship. The team has been the only Brisbane based V8 Supercar team since its formation, originally operating ...
,
Tekno Autosports
Tekno Autosports was an Australian motor racing team, established in the 1990s initially for the motor racing activities of Stephen Webb, and later his son Jonathon Webb. The team competes in the Supercars Championship using two Holden ZB Commod ...
,
Brad Jones Racing
Brad Jones Racing is an Australian motor racing team owned by Brad Jones based in Albury. The team competes in the Supercars Championship and the Super2 Series. Recently they have also returned to Australian Formula Ford where Brad and Kim be ...
,
Garry Rogers Motorsport
Garry Rogers Motorsport is an Australian motor racing team. It is owned by retired racing driver Garry Rogers who began the team to further his own racing efforts. Based in Melbourne, originally out of a Nissan dealership owned by Rogers, the te ...
and the
Holden Racing Team
Walkinshaw Andretti United is an Australian motor racing team based in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton. The team currently fields two Holden ZB Commodores in the Supercars Championship for Nick Percat and Chaz Mostert, along with a Porsche 91 ...
all taking wins in the new Commodore. Holden secured the 2013 Manufacturers' Championship with fourteen races remaining in the season.
Jamie Whincup
Jamie Whincup (born 6 February 1983) is an Australian professional racing driver competing in the Supercars Championship. He currently is team principal for Triple Eight Race Engineering. He has driven the No. 88 Holden ZB Commodore, won a rec ...
won the championship in his Commodore, ahead of Triple Eight Race Engineering teammate Lowndes.
In 2015, the debut of Ford's FGX saw the domination of the VF come to an end with Mark Winterbottom driving for the then, Pepsi Max Crew, to his and the teams first Supercars Championship. Despite this, the VF did secure its first Bathurst 1000 win in the hands of Craig Lowndes and Steven Richards in their Red Bull Racing Australia VF Commodore. At the end of the 2015 season, the VF had already amassed 74 Supercars Championship race wins, with only its predecessor, the VE, having scored more race wins in the championship.
2016 saw Red Bull Racing Australia return to their best winning the drivers and teams championship with new recruit Shane Van Gisburgen. In 2017, the team now known as the Red Bull Holden Racing Team, were severely challenged by Shell V Power's Scott McLaughlin who dominated the championship and was the favourite all year. Jamie Whincup, despite a lack of poles and wins compared to his rival, won the championship in the final race after McLaughlin was penalized for causing Whincup's teammate Craig Lowndes to hit the wall, breaking the front left suspension. Whincup won the championship in the VF Commodore and delivered its final race win in its last race which was Whincup's championship winning race.
NASCAR
![Jeff Gordon Michigan 2015](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Jeff_Gordon_Michigan_2015.jpg)
A Chevrolet SS-branded car formerly competed in the
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, having made its debut during the
Sprint Unlimited non-championship race in
2013
File:2013 Events Collage V2.png, From left, clockwise: Edward Snowden becomes internationally famous for leaking classified NSA wiretapping information; Typhoon Haiyan kills over 6,000 in the Philippines and Southeast Asia; The Dhaka garment fact ...
.
Kevin Harvick
Kevin Michael Harvick (born December 8, 1975) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Harvick is the 2014 Cup Series champion, ...
won the race in the car's first outing. It was one of the new Generation 6 vehicles, replacing the
Car of Tomorrow
The Car of Tomorrow (abbreviated as CoT) was the common name used for the chassis of the NASCAR Cup Series (2007 –2012) and Xfinity Series (since 2011 full-time) race cars. The car was part of a five-year project to create a safer vehicle ...
.
Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Kenneth Johnson (born September 17, 1975) is an American professional auto racing driver. A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, he competes part-time in the series driving for Petty GMS Motorsports. Johnson's seven Cup championships, ...
gave the SS a winning debut at the
2013 Daytona 500 after
Danica Patrick took pole in her SS. Like its Commodore counterpart in V8 Supercars, the SS won the NASCAR Sprint Cup manufacturers' championship with three rounds remaining. Johnson went on to win the title in his SS.
In 2014, the SS again won the Sprint Cup Series championship this time being driven by
Kevin Harvick
Kevin Michael Harvick (born December 8, 1975) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Harvick is the 2014 Cup Series champion, ...
. In 2016
Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Kenneth Johnson (born September 17, 1975) is an American professional auto racing driver. A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, he competes part-time in the series driving for Petty GMS Motorsports. Johnson's seven Cup championships, ...
won the Sprint Cup Series championship in an SS for the seventh time, tying the all time record with
Richard Petty and
Dale Earnhardt. For the
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup season, the SS was replaced by the smaller
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro share ...
, which is the brand's first coupe-based entry since the
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo (; ; french: Monte-Carlo , or colloquially ''Monte-Carl'' ; lij, Munte Carlu ; ) is officially an administrative area of the Principality of Monaco, specifically the ward of Monte Carlo/Spélugues, where the Monte Carlo Casino is ...
was discontinued after the 2007 model year.
Advertising
As part of the VF Commodore launch in Australia, two television commercials were produced. The 'Turns Heads. Changes Minds.' commercial demonstrated the vehicle's available head-up display and Automatic Parking Assist feature. The 'Think now. Think Tomorrow. Think Holden.' is centered around a patriotic support theme.
In conjunction with the launch of the VF Series II, a brand new television commercial titled "Power Ahead".
Footnotes
References
External links
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