VE Commodore Model Year Updates
Holden maintained a consistent approach of introducing significant updates to the VE model, often signified by new model designations such as VT, VX and VY, interspersed with “Series II” and occasional “Series III” revisions.
Throughout the VE Commodore’s lifespan, Holden has also incorporated a series of ongoing changes, marked by the model year (MY):
VE Commodore Series 1 Model Year Updates
MY08 April 2007
Introduced in April 2007, these models saw the replacement of the horizontal wood grain key line across the Berlina’s dash with a matte silver insert. Changes also included raised buttons on the Omega key fob, made from more durable plastic.
This change did not affect other variants which retained the “flip-out” key fob from launch.
MY08.5 August 2007
These updates were introduced in August 2007, coinciding with the launch of the VE Ute.
MY09 March 2008
Launched in March 2008, these models featured standard six airbags across the range, previously, Omega and SV6 variants had only two and four airbags respectively. Omega models also received standard air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured wing mirrors and door handles and a new grille insert with chrome highlights.
The Calais and Calais V showcased revised alloy wheel designs.
MY09.5 November 2008
Upgrades affected models ordered from October 21, 2008 and produced from November. Instrument cluster illumination was standardized to white, and several features were removed or altered, including the turn-by-turn navigation and Berlina V8 options.
A range of safety upgrades were also introduced. March 2009 saw further MY09.5 changes, including the discontinuation of the space-saver spare wheel in favour of two no-cost alternatives: a lightweight tire inflator kit or a full-size spare wheel.
MY10 September 2009
Released in September 2009, these versions of the VE introduced new 3.0-litre and 3.6-litre V6s with Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI), coupled to a new six-speed automatic transmission.
These revised powertrains were marketed as part of Holden’s EcoLine range. Visually, all SIDI versions featured relocated and additional EcoLine badging.
The MY10 model year also saw the introduction of the Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission and higher specification clutch for all V8 models.
VE Commodore Series 2 Model Year Updates
MY11 September 2010
The MY11 update for the Holden Commodore brought about significant changes, both in design and functionality. Announced on August 31, 2010, and launched on September 10, the updated model, marketed as the “Series II”, featured new front fascias, aerodynamic lip detailing to the decklids of sedans and new alloy wheel designs on the Berlina specification and higher.
The interiors saw a redesigned centre console stack incorporating a new 6.5-inch touchscreen, new dashboard, rearranged controls, reconfigured ventilation outlets, and updates to trimmings and illumination colours.
Under the hood, the MY11 update introduced flex-fuel capability for the 3.0-litre V6 and 6.0-litre V8 engines, enabling them to run on E85 bio-ethanol.
This update also introduced a new “Redline” sports package as an option on V-Series models, which included lightweight, forged and polished 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, four-piston Brembo high-performance brakes, stiffer “FE3” suspension, and chromed window surrounds for sedans.
MY12 September 2011
The MY12 update, which started production on September 6, 2011, continued to refine the Commodore’s features.
The Omega gained new seven-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome highlights for the lower outboard fascia inserts, while the Berlina received new chrome highlighted foglight surrounds.
The Calais V added a new boot lip spoiler, which was available as an accessory for other MY12 sedans. SV6 and SS models scored a new chrome-highlighted lower air dam and front grille surround, with V-Series versions of the SS acquiring additional chrome-accented lower outboard inserts.
Redline editions of the SS V gained redesigned 19-inch wheels, red painted brake calipers, and the fitment of “FE3” suspension was extended to the Sportwagon and Ute variants.
MY12.5 Z Series
Holden introduced the special edition variants of its Commodore Z-Series (MY12.5), that were applied to both the base Omega sedan and Sportwagon, as well as the SV6, SS and SSV variants in sedan, Sportwagon and Ute configurations.
The Z series special edition label superseded the Omega nameplate for the base sedan and Sportwagon models, which received upgrades including a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, leather-appointed upholstery and steering wheel, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Additional trim features lend an extra touch of elegance to the entry-level Commodore, most notably the chrome-framed front fog lights and black headlight bezels, further enhanced on the sedan with chrome door frame trims and a lip spoiler.
Both the sedan and Sportwagon versions received chrome-rimmed instruments, Z-Series branded carpet mats, and exterior badges. The Sportwagon also came equipped with a cargo blind.
The sportier SV6 and SS models featuring the Z-Series package were upgraded to 19-inch alloy wheels (though the LPG SV6 maintained its 18-inch items), complemented by leather-bolstered seats.
As with the base models, Z-Series badges and floor mats were included and sedans received chrome window surrounds. A reversing camera and rear parking sensors became standard features (except on the Ute).
For the SSV variant, the Z-Series package meant 19-inch alloys, Brembo front brakes, FE3 sports suspension, badges and floor mats, with the sedan also getting a sunroof.
The base petrol and LPG models saw a $2000 price reduction, making the starting price for the manual 3.0-litre petrol sedan $37,990 (plus on-road costs).
Unfortunately, the Commodore Omega Ute did not receive the Z-Series upgrade and kept its $35,490 price tag.
A fresh Alchemy purple exterior paint finish replaced the former gold Mirage Glow color across the VE Commodore and WM Caprice range, inspired by the Soprano Purple shade of Holden’s retro-styled Efijy show car showcased at the 2005 Sydney motor show.
The Z-Series upgrade was seen as a farewell to the VE Series II Commodore as Holden geared up for the upcoming launch of the VF the following year.
Check out the full list of VE Commodore models
