The Zeta-based Holden Commodore lineup is getting a "Series II" refresh to keep up with the times. Highlights include a new "iQ" touchscreen interface for the usual suspects (Bluetooth, USB, iPod, backup camera, etc.), improved fuel economy/reduced emissions, and 3.0-liter and 6.0-liter engines that are E85-compatible. This "[allows] them to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between."

That being said, how is it that the Commodore has been Australia's best-seller for 14 years IN A ROW and America's one true taste came - and very quickly went - in the form of Pontiac's G8? Is there a real reason, other than conventional wisdom (which is a poor excuse), that these bigger, RWD cars wouldn't work Stateside?

Hell, the tooling is ALREADY THERE. On with the Caprice and big Caddy, already! According to GM, the available 3.0-liter V6 petrol returns almost 26 mpg. The more potent 3.6-liter V6s and 6.0-liter V8s get slightly revised to provide a 2.8% and 6% boost in economy, respectively. There's also a drop in emissions, but no final numbers are available yet.

These improvements come thanks to low-resistance tires (Omega/Berlina) and improved aerodynamics as well as a "clutched" A/C compressor that does not run when it isn't on (which should have been though up years ago); all V6 models get a reduced idle speed as well as 4 stars from the Aussie Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide.

Interested in all the extensive and minute detail changes? Scroll down for the full shebang.

By Phil Alex

2011MY Holden Commodore Series II interior and exterior design enhancements across the range include:

Omega

· Entirely new front fascia with a bolder, squarer appearance and new lower outboard inserts
· New larger grille, with a bright chrome detail surround and new hexagonal mesh inner
· Revised headlamp shape with new lens and bright bezel
· Decklid with integrated aero lip detailing
· New IP centre stack with 6.5-inch full colour touch screen
· New centre console surround
· New full width decorative appliqué
· New HVAC controls

Berlina
Builds on Omega features with –
· New grille with prominent bright chrome crossbar
· New unique fog lamp surrounds
· New 17-inch, ten-spoke machine-faced alloy wheels
· New interior trim with woven fabric seat inserts and Sportec bolsters

Calais
Builds on Berlina features with –
· New front fascia and unique grille with prominent chrome header (attached to engine hood)
· New larger grille has full chrome surround, hexagonal mesh inner
· Lower fascia has full width bright detail
· Revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel
· Full length bright chrome moulding on lower doors
· New 18-inch ten-spoke machined alloy wheels

Calais V-Series
Builds on Calais features with –
· New bigger 19-inch twin five spoke machined alloy wheels

Commodore SV6 and SS
· Exclusive sports front fascia, set apart by a new, larger grille
· Bolder, more muscular look accentuated by aggressive lower air intake
· Revised headlamp shape with new black bezel detail
· Integrated aero decklid lip detailing complements sports rear spoiler
· New 18-inch twin five-spoke machined alloy wheels
· New SS-style sports front seats for SV6 with deep bolsters and body-hugging contours
· High-mounted circular interior air vents.
· New sports centre stack with 6.5-inch full colour touch screen
· New sports IP decorative appliqué
· New 'white on Razor Grey' instrument cluster illumination for improved readability on SV6
· New 'white on red' instrument cluster illumination for improved readability on SS
· Gloss black instrument cluster surround
· Razor grey finish 'wrap-around' linear treatment on lower IP. Extends from IP into the door handle surround and through the console

Commodore SS V-Series
Builds on SV6 and SS features with –
· Revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel (same as Calais)
· New twin five-spoke 19-inch machined alloy wheels
· Red finish 'wrap-around' linear treatment on lower IP. Extends from the IP into door handle surround and through the console.

The VE Series II colour palette features 12 choices, including four new colours. The new colours are:
· Alto Grey –
new mid-toned grey with silver highlights
· Hazard –
head turning bright solid yellow
· Mirage Glow –
a light, soft and luxurious beige
· Sizzle
– bright metallic red

Carryover colors include:
· Heron – solid white
· Karma – an architectural blue with metallic highlights
· Nitrate – a classic silver metallic
· Phantom – metallic black with silver highlights
· Poison Ivy – a sports green metallic with blue highlights
· Red Hot – highly chromatic solid red
· Voodoo – solid electric sports blue
· Wildfire – metallic sports orange

More equipment, more features

Bluetooth and iPod integration is standard in all Series II vehicles, controlled through the Holden-iQ system.

Across the range each Series II model also receives dual-zone climate control and an outside temperature readout.

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