2012 commodore visual updates

[BIG_JV]

The facelifted 2012 Holden Commodore will come with subtle exterior revisions, as well as two new colours:Perfect Blue and Chlorophyll teal green.

The 2012 Holden Commodore goes into production today, ahead of its official on-sale date in the middle of this month.

The 2012 Holden Commodore will feature some styling tweaks and revisions over the current MY11 Commodore. On the outside the new Holden Commodore Omega will get 16-inch alloy wheels as standard while the front end will feature chrome trimming highlights. The Berlina model adds chrome trimming to the foglight surrounds while inside will feature silver stitching when optioned up with the leather pack.

The new Holden Calais will receive no change (its not really new then), however, the Calais V-Series will now feature a lip spoiler mounted on the boot lid. Other visual changes for the new model include a chrome-trimmed front air dam section for the SV6 and SS variants, while the SS V-Series will get red stitching when ordered with the Redhot interior trim option. Redline versions, in sedan, wagon and ute forms, will all come with FE3 sports suspension. Below is an SSV (Series 3) in Perfect Blue. Note the chrome trimming... The Perfect Blue was inspired by Brocks Formula Blue HDT Group A VK SS.



"We wanted the colour to express that unique connection Holden had with Peter, who was an incredibly talented man and a fine ambassador for Holden. Peter left a lasting impression on Holden and our company heritage so Perfect Blue is our way of celebrating his achievements.

"Perfect Blue strikes a balance between matching the original and creating a new colour that's sympathetic to the modern surface body language of Commodore."

While here is the 2nd new colour Chlorophyll teal green on a Cruze (couldn't find pic of it on a commodore).



source: caradvice.com.au

[Darren]

Rear end view



Styling
The multi-award-winning VE Commodore continues to make a strong and dramatic design statement. Holden has embelished the Commodore range with subtle design enhancements to distinguish the new range for MY12.

Interior and exterior design enhancements across the range include:

Omega
•New seven-spoke 16” alloy wheels
•New chrome-highlighted lower outboard fascia inserts

Berlina
Builds on Omega features with –
•New unique chrome-highlighted fog lamp surrounds
•New interior silver seat stitching to complement the Razor/Onyx leather fabric trim option

Calais
No change

Calais V-Series
•New sedan lip spoiler
(also available as an accessory across the remaining sedan line-up)

Commodore SV6 and SS
•New chrome-highlighted lower air dam and front grille surround
•New interior silver stitching on seat and door trims with Razor/Onyx leather trim

Commodore SS V-Series
Builds on SV6 and SS features with –
•Additional chrome-accented lower outboard inserts
•Redhot interior stitching on seats and door trim for models featuring the Redhot interior trim (only available with Redhot, Phantom and Alto Grey exterior colours)

Redline
Builds on SS V only, with -
•FE3 performance tuned-suspension added to Sportwagon and Ute – now available across all three Commodore body styles
•New 10-spoke 19” polished and forged alloy wheels
•New red-painted Brembo 4-piston front brakes and rear brake callipers

The VE MY12 colour palette features 11 choices, including two new colours. The new colours are:

•Perfect Blue – a bright solid blue based on Brock’s Formula Blue
•Chlorophyll – a metallic teal

Carryover colors include:

•Alto Grey –mid-toned grey with silver highlights
•Hazard – head turning bright solid yellow
•Mirage Glow – a light, soft and luxurious beige
•Sizzle – bright metallic red
•Heron – solid white
•Karma – an architectural blue with metallic highlights
•Nitrate – a classic silver metallic
•Phantom – metallic black with silver highlights
•Red Hot – highly chromatic solid red

Source - Holden Media.

[Drawnnite]

that new blue does look very nice.

other then that i cant tell any of the differences.

[Jonno]

front looks good. rear looks its same ugly self

[Full Spectrum]

Stop making changes at the front and start making changes at the rear. i love that rear in traffic it looks brawny in sport hsv models. but dam it's the same arse from 2006.

[HussySV6]

I think it looks good but no need to make it such a big deal (Talking about holden, not guys on here)

I also agree with Full Specturum - the rear is stil the same

Also they ####d up all the colours. except for hazard

BRING BACK ATOMIC

[Luke V8]

Chrome = cheap and ugly.

[RIP 05]

like others have said, change the arse, the front is fine. not a fan of the chrome surround, maybe change the rear diffuser to a G8 one.

[commoVT]

the design looks good, piss the colour off though...

[Calaber]

Changing the rear end is a lot more expensive than changing the front. The front end panels are removable so pressing a new design or moulding a new front bumper isn't difficult. The rear quarter panels on the VE are pressed as one single side panel, extending from the taillight to the firewall, so changes to the quarter panels mean a whole new side pressing. Hugely expensive and not likely to happen during the VE model lifetime. The bootlid was changed slightly on the Series 2, but the only real area where changes can be economically made to the rear end are the lights and the bumper design.

So....if you don't like the VE rear end, you probably won't like the VF either.

It has occurred to me that the VE is now the longest running Holden model ever. The previous record was 58 months held by the 48/215 but the VE has now been on sale with only minor cosmetic changes, for over 60 months. No wonder it's starting to look a bit tired.

[Full Spectrum]

Changing the rear end is a lot more expensive than changing the front. The front end panels are removable so pressing a new design or moulding a new front bumper isn't difficult. The rear quarter panels on the VE are pressed as one single side panel, extending from the taillight to the firewall, so changes to the quarter panels mean a whole new side pressing. Hugely expensive and not likely to happen during the VE model lifetime. The bootlid was changed slightly on the Series 2, but the only real area where changes can be economically made to the rear end are the lights and the bumper design.

So....if you don't like the VE rear end, you probably won't like the VF either.

It has occurred to me that the VE is now the longest running Holden model ever. The previous record was 58 months held by the 48/215 but the VE has now been on sale with only minor cosmetic changes, for over 60 months. No wonder it's starting to look a bit tired.

It is a shock isn't it. but what's more shocking is the changes in that time. new engines, new transmissions. better fuel saving. change of dash. slight exterior change. and all under VE.

[Calaber]

It is a shock isn't it. but what's more shocking is the changes in that time. new engines, new transmissions. better fuel saving. change of dash. slight exterior change. and all under VE.

Which is why I pointed out "minor cosmetic changes" specifically, because the mechanical components have been constantly upgraded whilst the exterior has barely changed at all. Any previous Commodore could have been upgraded continuously like the VE without exterior revisions, but they didn't retain the same exterior for over five years, and still have almost two more to go before a major update.

I know Holden said at the VE's release that body shells would now be altered at 6 year intervals, rather than the 8 to 9 years previously, and that external factors have forced this plan to change. I just wonder if the lack of major visual updating will start to really affect the VE's sales before long. It is getting very tired in some areas.

[Reaper]

It has occurred to me that the VE is now the longest running Holden model ever. The previous record was 58 months held by the 48/215 but the VE has now been on sale with only minor cosmetic changes, for over 60 months. No wonder it's starting to look a bit tired.

Hmmm... Could argue the VB-VH were all visually near identical which spanned for near 7 years which will be the VE lifespan assuming the VF isn't delayed It is a world wide trend to run body styles for longer with minor MY updates along the way. Overall it does help for resale too although being onto my 3rd VE I will admit to looking forward to a substantial change next time.

Overall I quite like the body shape of the VE. The wheels pushed out is a world wide design trend and gives cars a muscular "stuck to the ground" sporty appearance.

Reaper

[Full Spectrum]

Which is why I pointed out "minor cosmetic changes" specifically, because the mechanical components have been constantly upgraded whilst the exterior has barely changed at all. Any previous Commodore could have been upgraded continuously like the VE without exterior revisions, but they didn't retain the same exterior for over five years, and still have almost two more to go before a major update.

It's "un holden like". they seem to be happy working on the running of the car now rather than visual looks as in the past.

I know Holden said at the VE's release that body shells would now be altered at 6 year intervals, rather than the 8 to 9 years previously, and that external factors have forced this plan to change. I just wonder if the lack of major visual updating will start to really affect the VE's sales before long. It is getting very tired in some areas.

I remember those comments also. wasn't it to keep resale high ?. but i have to laugh this is un holden like. holden never makes so many running changes updates in the same model. usually it's visual changes and anything else (motor Transmission) comes next series or next model.. It should hurt sales. Even the aurion has had front and rear treatment. I'm with some guys here about the G8 GPX rear bar, when holden was placing these parts to make special editions and redline cars. they should have shifted to that rear bar on the SV6 SS SSV. HSV is blowing Holden away with their changes.

[Calaber]

Hmmm... Could argue the VB-VH were all visually near identical which spanned for near 7 years which will be the VE lifespan assuming the VF isn't delayed It is a world wide trend to run body styles for longer with minor MY updates along the way. Overall it does help for resale too although being onto my 3rd VE I will admit to looking forward to a substantial change next time.

Overall I quite like the body shape of the VE. The wheels pushed out is a world wide design trend and gives cars a muscular "stuck to the ground" sporty appearance.

Reaper

Well, yeah, the VH was "similar" to the VB/VC, but was substantially changed in reality - certainly a lot more than the VE II update. All front end panels except the valance were changed - even the upper plenum altered. Tail-lights were totally different (although they just fitted over the earlier quarter panel - and not very well at that) The "redesign of the VE II comprised a new boot skin, new front bumper facia, headlights and grilles. No other body panels were altered and the nett result was a car that was probably the least changed since the VS.

[TinSnips]

I'd be happy if the changes for the VF were no rattles, the interior plastic didn't fall off, suspension bushes that don't collapse every 10,000km and a gearbox that doesn't belong on a tractor - ie, the car the VE should have been.

[Calaber]

I'd be happy if the changes for the VF were no rattles, the interior plastic didn't fall off, suspension bushes that don't collapse every 10,000km and a gearbox that doesn't belong on a tractor - ie, the car the VE should have been.

Yeah, I've read your other thread. You haven't had the happiest experience with your VE, have you?

[DAKSTER]

HJ to WB 1974 to 1980. OK WB was only commercials and statesmans, because they werent going to sell any kingswoods having just released the Commodore. Thats 6 years of the same body shell (in the ute and panelvan, 5 years for the Kingswood), front subframe and suspension, red 202, trimatic, single barreled stromberg carbies... the list goes on. Same car, no major changes at all.

When you guys buy your VF's please give me your VE's I dont have one but I want one...

[Calaber]

HJ to WB 1974 to 1980. OK WB was only commercials and statesmans, because they werent going to sell any kingswoods having just released the Commodore. Thats 6 years of the same body shell (in the ute and panelvan, 5 years for the Kingswood), front subframe and suspension, red 202, trimatic, single barreled stromberg carbies... the list goes on. Same car, no major changes at all.

When you guys buy your VF's please give me your VE's I dont have one but I want one...

I considered the HQ to HZ but again, the extent of change between HQ and HJ was pretty extensive - far more than the VE has undergone so far. By the time the HZ was released, the front guards, bonnet, plenum, boot, bumpers, head and taillights and parkers had all changed from the HQ. The only carry over external panels were the roof, sills and doors - even the rear quarters were different. On the HZ, even the subframe was "new" to accommodate RTS.

[SL/ENUT]

Still no 6 speed manual in the Calais V . Be a nice cruiser with a cog swapper Calais V

[H4Z4RD]

If anything I think the new front looks less sporty. The new blue is alright, but not a wow colour.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-33.936135,151.098321

[DAKSTER]

I considered the HQ to HZ but again, the extent of change between HQ and HJ was pretty extensive - far more than the VE has undergone so far. By the time the HZ was released, the front guards, bonnet, plenum, boot, bumpers, head and taillights and parkers had all changed from the HQ. The only carry over external panels were the roof, sills and doors - even the rear quarters were different. On the HZ, even the subframe was "new" to accommodate RTS.

Thats why I said HJ to WB. HJ to HZ is only 5 years, but the ute and panelvan body remained the same for 6.. the WB. Yeah they changed some removable panels, but the actual shell didnt change.

Not sure on the front subframe on HZ. Did they change the actual frame or just the addons?

To me thats what was so cool about Kingswoods. You could get pretty much any part or body panel from any other model and stick it on your own model. Of course, you would have to get a set of panels not just one, but it was easy and cheap. Bolting a WB Ute nose onto a HJ Kingswood ( or vice versa) required both front guards, the nose cone and bonnet. The guards and nose cone didnt even have to be separated, you could remove them as one big piece and bolt them directly to the other car. And excepting the WB, because it had the different headlights, you didnt even need to change the radiator support panel.

Even going from a single headlight front end to a twin, or vice versa, only required replacing the radiator support panel as well, and they were bolted in not welded woohoo

I will always remember turning a HJ Kingswood into a HZ Premier parked in the carpark at the Devils Marbles in NT.

I had found a HZ Premier the day before near Alice Springs, abandoned, windscreen smashed, wheels gone and a conrod through the block. Took me and the mate I was travelling with about an hour to remove the entire nose, radiator support panel and all, and tie it to the camper trailer we were towing and keep going. We even took 2 of the doors, because the window runners were playing up in the doors I had, and the tail lights. Next morning, 2 hours parked in the carpark with tourists buses pulling up, we swapped it all over. I think the tourists took more pix of us than the Devils Marbles

It looked a bit silly for a few months till I painted it, because of course I hadnt been so lucky as to find the right colour..

[Calaber]

Thats why I said HJ to WB. HJ to HZ is only 5 years, but the ute and panelvan body remained the same for 6.. the WB. Yeah they changed some removable panels, but the actual shell didnt change.

Not sure on the front subframe on HZ. Did they change the actual frame or just the addons?

To me thats what was so cool about Kingswoods. You could get pretty much any part or body panel from any other model and stick it on your own model. Of course, you would have to get a set of panels not just one, but it was easy and cheap. Bolting a WB Ute nose onto a HJ Kingswood ( or vice versa) required both front guards, the nose cone and bonnet. The guards and nose cone didnt even have to be separated, you could remove them as one big piece and bolt them directly to the other car.

Even going from a single headlight front end to a twin, or vice versa, only required replacing the radiator support panel as well, and they were bolted in not welded woohoo

I will always remember turning a HJ Kingswood into a HZ Premier parked in the carpark at the Devils Marbles in NT.

I had found a HZ Premier the day before near Alice Springs, abandoned, windscreen smashed, wheels gone and a conrod through the block. Took me and the mate I was travelling with about an hour to remove the entire nose, radiator support panel and all, and tie it to the camper trailer we were towing and keep going. We even took 2 of the doors, because the window runners were playing up in the doors I had, and the tail lights. Next morning, 2 hours parked in the carpark with tourists buses pulling up, we swapped it all over. I think the tourists took more pix of us than the Devils Marbles

It looked a bit silly for a few months till I painted it, because of course I hadnt been so lucky as to find the right colour..

Hmm, we seem to be doing circles here. So, to reclarify, I stated that the cosmetic changes made to the VE since its introduction are extremely minor and that it was the longest running model in Holden's history. It has changed so little that even with the new SIDI engines, it was only called VE II. Even the VS scored a new model designation and it was barely changed apart from the Ecotec being introduced. Perhaps I should have said "longest running model designation", but someone would have argued that Series II altered that. I dunno.

OK, regarding the HZ subframe first. RTS required altered upper front control arm mounting points, so the frame was actually a different part to earlier models.

Body shell - it WAS changed, substantially, (in sedans, at least) from the original to the HJ, then carried over for the next two models. The rear quarter panels were different on sedans and the plenum upper panel was different on all body styles to match the revised bonnet. It's true that the ute shells carried over from 1974 to 1984 (taking the revised plenum into account) and would therefore easily be the longest running body design, but not the longest "model", which was my original point.

[davey g-force]

Hmmm - the changes certainly are subtle.

The chrome around the air dam and foglights looks ordinary IMO..

[DAKSTER]

agreed, the VF should have come years ago

Although, in the old days, they changed from hj to hx to hz etc. They were all the same car, just minor changes. Now it seems they go series1 series2 series3 etc. , so perhaps we are using the wrong measure. Maybe there will never be a VF and they will come up with a YP for the next model lol

I did say from HJ though, never included HQ. Of course the HQ rear was different , the tail lights were in the bumper. A lot of it was the same though, including the floorpan.

I wasnt aware of the subframe changes, I assumed it might have some differences but still able to carry the older parts. Though you could bolt a WB subframe onto a HQ hows that for longetivity lol