Review: Holden VF Commodore (2013-17)

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• Excellent ride/handling balance
• Powerful 6.0-litre L77 V8 and, for VF.II Commodore, 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engines
• Accurate steering
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Quiet, well-insulated cabin

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• Thick A-pillars impair forward visibility
• Interior plastics scratch easily
• Despite VF mass reductions, heavy body hurts fuel economy
• Carbon deposits on intake valves of direct injection V6 engines

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Review: Holden VF.I Commodore (2013-15)

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Overview

Released in May 2013, the Holden VF Series I (VF.I) Commodore was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan (the VF Sportwagon and VF Ute have been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VF Commodore was available with 3.0- and 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines, 3.6-litre LPG engines and 6.0-litre V8 petrol engines. Furthermore, the VF Commodore range consisted of Evoke, SV6, SS, SS V and SS V Redline models.

Engines: V6 SIDI, V6 LPG and L77 V8

Of the engines,

• For the Commodore Evoke, the 3.0-litre LFW V6 petrol engine had all-aluminium construction, a forged steel crankshaft, forged powdered metal connecting rods, twin knock control sensors, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), direct fuel injection (Holden’s Spark Ignition Direct Injection or SIDI), four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust camshaft phasing, electronic throttle control, a compression ratio of 11.7:1 and coil-on-plug ignition. For the VF range, a single pipe exhaust was used rather than the VE’s twin pipe system;
• Also reserved for Evoke variants, the 3.6-litre LWR dedicated LPG engine differed in that it had multi-point vapour injection, hardened valves and valve seats, a redesigned cylinder head and manifold, specially-developed injectors, a unique fuel rail, new pistons with pentroof-style domes and a compression ratio of 12.2:1;
• For the Commodore SV6, the 3.6-litre LFX V6 petrol engine differed from the 3.0-litre LFW petrol engine in its capacity, lower compression ratio of 11.3:1 and twin pipe exhaust system;
• For the Commodore SS and SS V, the 6.0-litre L77 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, flat-topped pistons, forged powered metal connecting rods, a billet steel camshaft, two valves per cylinder, external knock sensors and a compression ratio of 10.4:1. For models with automatic transmissions, the engine had displacement on demand hardware (Holden’s ‘Active Fuel Management’ or AFM) that could shut down four cylinders under light throttle loads in higher gears. Furthermore, L77 AFM engines were detuned to 1) improve refinement when the AFM system engaged and 2) reduce fuel consumption.

While the 3.0-litre LFW V6 and 6.0-litre L77 V8 engines were initially flex-fuel capable (i.e. capable of running on E85 fuel which consisted of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol), this capability was discontinued in October 2014 as part of the ‘MY15’ update.

Transmissions

The V6 engines were available with six-speed 6L45 automatic and six-speed Aisin D173/AY6 manual transmissions. The V8 engines, however, were available with six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual and six-speed 6L80 automatic transmissions. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Development and dimensions

The VF Commodore and VF Calais were underpinned by the same Zeta architecture as their VE predecessors. For the VF Commodore, however, high-strength and ultra high-strength Boron steels comprised 49 per cent of the body structure, with the latter used to reinforce the A-pillars and the header which joined them. The use of aluminium for the bonnet, boot, front steering knuckle and tension arms contributed to an approximate 40 kg mass reduction, while the vehicle’s coefficient of drag was reduced from 0.330 Cd to 0.309 Cd by reducing the frontal areas of the wheel arches and introducing a new, higher-sitting bootlid.

Compared to the VE Commodore , the VF Commodore was 53 mm longer (at 4947 mm), 1 mm narrower (1898 mm) and 5 mm lower (1471 mm), though wheelbase length (2915 mm) was unchanged.

Suspension

The VF Commodore had double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension with dual lower links (with individual ball joints), a tension link, lateral link and a direct acting stabiliser bar. The rear suspension was a four-link independent system with coil-over shock absorbers, three lateral ball joints per side, three cross ball joints and a decoupled stabiliser bar.

The VF Commodore was available with Touring (FE1), Sport (FE2) and Ultra Sport (FE3) suspension tunes.

Electric power steering

The VF Commodore introduced electric power steering (EPS) which reduced fuel consumption and offered different settings for variants within the range. As such, the Evoke had lighter ‘Touring’ steering settings, while the SV6, SS, SS V and SS V Redline had ‘Sports’ settings which provided more feedback and feel; ‘Competition’ settings were available as an option for the SS V Redline.

In October 2014 (‘MY15’), the EPS settings were recalibrated to enhance on-centre steering feel and precision. As standard, the SS V Redline was fitted with the ‘Sport and Competitive’ calibration.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden VF Commodore included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Hill Hold Control and Hill Start Assist functions were also fitted as standard.

The Commodore SV6 and SS were further equipped with Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert systems, while the SS-V Redline added Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning systems.

Brakes

The VF Commodore was available with three braking packages –

• For models with V6 engines: 298 mm by 30 mm vented front brake discs with two-piston aluminium calipers and 302 mm vented rear discs with single-piston aluminium calipers;
• For the SS and SS V: 321 mm by 30 mm vented front brake discs with two-piston aluminium calipers and 324 mm by 22 mm vented rear discs with single-piston aluminium calipers; and,
• For the SS V Redline: 355 mm by 32 mm vented front brake discs with four-piston, two-piece Brembo aluminium calipers and 324 mm by 22 mm vented rear discs with single-piston aluminium calipers.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the VF Commodore received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.06 out of 37. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection for the driver were acceptable. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features: VF Commodore Evoke

Standard features for the Holden VF Comodore Evoke included 16-inch alloy wheels with 225/60 R16 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, an eight-inch touchscreen with Holden’s MyLink, enhanced voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free integration, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, automatic headlights, a rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, remote central locking, remote vehicle start (for models with automatic transmissions), power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an electric park brake, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Standard features also included an ‘Auto Park Assist’ function which enabled the vehicle to steer into parallel and 90-degree angle parks while the driver operated the accelerator and brake pedals. From October 2014, ISOFIX anchorage points were fitted across all three rear seats.

Features: VF Commodore SV6, SS, SS V and Redline

The Commodore SV6 and SS were further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 R18 tyres, FE2 sport suspension, daytime LED running lights, Suede/Sportec (cloth) seat trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Visually, the SV6 and SS variants were be identifiable by their front and rear sports fascias, side skirts, lip spoiler and chrome exhaust tip. The SV6, SS, SS-V and SS-V Redline were also available an optional rear wing spoiler ($500).

From October 2014,

• the SV6 was fitted with a full-sized alloy spare wheel as standard, replacing the tyre sealant and air compressor kit;
• the SV6, SS, SS V and SS V Redline were fitted with a new gloss-black rear valance; and,
• steering wheel gearshift paddles were standard for the SS V Redline and available as an option for the SV6, SS and SS-V variants with automatic transmissions.

Compared to the SV6 and SS, the Commodore SS-V added 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 tyres, an eight speaker sound system with a CD/DVD player, leather seats, satellite navigation (with full colour maps, live traffic updates and traffic management control), front fog lights, a digital instrument display, proximity key and push-button start.

The range-topping Commodore SS V Redline was distinguished by its 19-inch forged alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 front and 275/35 R19 rear Bridgestone RE050A tyres, FE3 ultra sport suspension, 220 Watt Bose sound system with nine speakers, a colour head-up display, rain-sensing wipers and power-operated sunroof. For the SS-V Redline, the driver could also engage a ‘competition mode’ with launch control and track settings. 

From October 2014, the SS V Redline was fitted with split-rim 19-inch black alloy wheels, a ‘Jet Black’ interior scheme was made standard (available with optional titanium highlights) and, as noted above, models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

2013 Holden VF Commodore International

In October 2013, a limited-run International variant was released to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Commodore. Compared to the Evoke, the International was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seat trim, daytime LED running lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert. In addition to its alloy wheels, the International could be identified by its dark bezel headlights and ‘International’ badge.

2014 Holden VF Commodore SV6 Storm and SS Storm

In April 2014, the Commodore SV6 and SS variants were released in limited-run Storm editions. Compared to their standard counterparts, the SV6 Storm and SS Storm were further equipped with unique 18-inch alloy wheels with darkened ports, satellite navigation, ‘Storm’ dashboard embroidery, red contrast stitching for the dashboard and seats, front fog lights, chrome highlights and ‘Storm’ badges.

2014 Craig Lowndes SS V Special Edition Commodore

In October 2014, the limited-run SS V Craig Lowndes edition was released to celebrate 20 years of Craig Lowndes’ involvement in V8 Supercars. Based on the SS V Redline, the Craig Lowndes Special Edition was distinguished by its:

• 20-inch black alloy wheels with 245/275 high-performance Bridgestone tyres;
• Upgraded suspension bushes;
• Four-piston Brembo brake calipers front and rear (front only for the standard SS V Redline); and,
• Tyre pressure monitoring (TPM) system.

The SS V Craig Lowndes Special Edition was available in Red Hot or Heron White paint finishes and featured a black roof, black window surrounds, a black ‘6.0 Litre V8’ bonnet decal, unique body side decals, a hood decal and a chrome-finished boot badge.

Inside, enhancements included an embroidered ‘Craig Lowndes’ signature on the dashboard, graphic sill plates and carpet floor mats; as with other post-October 2014 SS V Redline variants, steering wheel gearshift paddles were fitted for models with automatic transmissions.

2015 Holden VF Commodore SV6 Lightning

The limited-run VF Commodore SV6 Lightning was released in March 2015. Based on the Commodore SV6, the Lightning edition was distinguished by its:

• 20-inch forged alloy wheels;
• Gloss black front grille surrounds, fender vents and lip spoiler; and,
• For models with automatic transmissions, alloy pedals.

2015 Holden VF Commodore SV6 Storm and SS Storm

In May 2015, the Storm Editions of the Commodore SV6 and SS were released. Compared to the standard SV6 and SS variants, the Storm Editions added 18-inch dark finish alloy wheels, satellite navigation, red contrast seat stitching, front fog lights, ‘Storm’ dashboard embroidery and ‘Storm’ exterior badges.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden VF Commodore, Calais and Sportwagon (March 2014)
• Brochure: Holden VF Commodore, Sportwagon and Calais (October 2014)

Related links

• Holden Media: New Holden VF Commodore Range – Looks to Turn Heads, Prices That Change Minds (July 2013)
• Holden Media: VF Commodore – Stronger, Safer, Smarter (May 2013)
• Holden Media: Precision, Refinement and Economy: Chassis Evolution Drives Best Ever Commodore (May 2013)
• Holden Media: New Technologies and Sleek Design Make Commodore the Most Economical Yet (May 2013)
• Holden Media: MyLink tunes VF Commodore to Driver Demands (May 2013)
• Holden Media: VF SS V Redline Sets new Standard for Holden Performance (July 2013)
• Features: Holden VF Commodore, Calais and Sportwagon (May 2013)
• Technical Specifications: Holden VF Commodore, Calais and Sportwagon (May 2013)
• Product Information: Holden VF Range (May 2013)
• Holden Media: Storm Hits Australia as Holden Introduces New VF Commodore Special Edition (April 2014)

Review: Holden VF.II Commodore (2015-17)

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Overview

Produced from September 2015, the Holden VF Series II (VF.II) Commodore introduced GM’s 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine (detailed below). Where fitted, the V8 engine was accompanied by a bi-modal exhaust with a Holden-designed ‘Baillie Tip’ and mechanical sound enhancer.

Visually, the VF.II Commodore sedan could be identified by its clear lens tail-lights. The Commodore SV6, SS and SS V could be identified by their new front fascias with ducts at the outer edges and alloy wheel designs, while bonnet vents were also introduced for the SS and SS V variants. Both the fascia ducts and bonnet vents were aerodynamically tested at the Monash University wind tunnel.

As part of the VF.II update, the rear suspension for the FE3 suspension tune was revised for greater ride comfort.

LS3 V8 engine

The all-aluminium, ‘Generation IV’ 6.2-litre LS3 pushrod V8 engine had a 103.25 mm bore and 92.0 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, cast-steel roller rocker arms, roller cam followers, coil pack ignition, two valves per cylinder, hollow-stem intake valves, twin knock control sensors, distributorless ignition and a compression ratio of 10.7:1.

Compared to the L76 and L98 engines, the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine had longer bores (103.25 mm compared to 101.6 mm), a stronger block, higher-flow cylinder heads and injectors, hollow-stem intake valves, unique pistons, a more aggressive camshaft with 14.0 mm lift and a revised manifold. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features: VF.II Commodore

Compared to their VF.I predecessors, standard features for the VF.II Commodore SV6 and SS were extended to include a proximity key for keyless entry and push button start (Holden’s Passive Entry/Passive Start). Furthermore, the VF.II Commodore SS V was fitted with a head-up colour display as standard.

The Commodore SS V Redline was fitted with rear Brembo brakes as standard (previously front only), while 20-inch forged wheels were available as an extra-cost option.

2016 Holden VF Commodore Black

Released in April 2016, the Holden VF.II Commodore Black was based on the Commodore SV6 or SS. The Commodore Black could be identified by its unique 18-inch alloy wheels with black finish on the wheel ports, black grille, black lip spoiler and ‘Black Edition’ badging. Inside, standard features extended to include satellite navigation, a colour head-up display, red seat stitching and ‘Black Edition’ front floor mats.

2017 Holden VF Commodore Motorsport Edition

Released in January 2017, the Holden VF Commodore Motorsport Edition was based on the Commodore SS-V Redline. Compared to the SS-V Redline, however, the Commodore Motorsport Edition differed in that it had:

• ‘Magnetic Ride Control’ adaptive suspension with selectable settings (Tour, Sport and Performance). For the Commodore Motorsport, the suspension also had a high-rate sub-frame bush to ‘improve driver confidence under maximum lateral and braking events’;
• 20-inch split forged alloy wheels with high performance tyres;
• ‘Floating disc’ front and rear cross-drilled rotors (for a 3.25 kg mass reduction) with charcoal-coloured Brembo callipers; and,
• An engine and transmission cooling package to meet ‘GM level 3’ track performance (like the contemporaneous Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac CTS).

Visually, the VF Commodore Motorsport Edition could be identified by its Phantom black roof, red daytime running light (DRL) surrounds, red door mirror scalps (or black depending on body colour), a unique lip spoiler and ‘Motorsport edition’ decals. Inside, the Commodore Motorsport Edition featured new ‘performance’ front seats with heating function, an embroidered instrument panel, individual vehicle numbering and a unique build option code.

Production of the VF Commodore Motorsport Edition was limited to 1200 vehicles.

Holden VF.II Commodore: February 2017 changes

In February 2017, the Holden VF.II Commodore range was revised as the Commodore SS-V was discontinued and a manual transmission was no longer available for models with V6 engines. For the Commodore SV6 and Commodore SS, standard features were extended to include satellite navigation and a head-up display.

Cosmetic changes for the 2017 Holden VF.II Commodore range included:

• For the Commodore SV6, black finish 18-inch alloy wheels;
• For the Commodore SS, the fitment of 19-inch alloy wheels (previously 18-inch); and,
• For the Commodore SS-V Redline, a black grille, fender vents, door mirror scalps, daytime running light surrounds, a black lip spoiler (Commodore only). Inside, the Commodore SS-V Redline featured a ‘jade black’ applique on the instrument panel and steering wheel, and new ‘V’ sill plates.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden VF.II Commodore, Calais and Sportwagon (October 2015)

Related links

• Holden Media: Holden Commodore VFII: The Quickest, Most Powerful, Most Advanced Commodore Ever (September 2015)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VF Commodore