GM Holden released the facelifted VF Series II Commodore in September 2015, with the same V8 engine found under the bonnet of more fancied machinery from HSV.
The 6.2-litre LS3 V8 in the SS, SS-V and SS-V Redline made 304kW and 570Nm of torque, up 34kW and 40Nm over the previous V8. It did a claimed 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds in six-speed manual guise, and a tenth slower when backed by the six-speed automatic transmission.
The Calais V could be optioned with the LS3 V8 engine for an uptick of $7500. Automatics across the range cost $2000.
An all-new dual-mode exhaust arrangement has been designed for the LS3-equipped machines, with a specially constructed central pipe arrangement combining with a cleverly designed rear box and under-bonnet induction noise.
The rear tip is named after its inventor, Dr David Baillie, a respected senior Holden engineer who died early in 2015.
The Australian-made 3.6-litre V6 remained untouched in VF Series II as did the transmissions, though the final drive ratios in both auto and manual-equipped cars were shortened by approximately 12 per cent.
