2016 Holden Commodore SS Series II to get 6.2L V8 with 304kW

The details come off the back of exclusive details we obtained surrounding a more major facelift of the 2016 Holden WN Caprice V, which we expect to share the same engine.

The current L98 6.0-litre V8 engine that produces 260kW of power and 517Nm of torque looks set to be replaced by a 6.2-litre V8 engine with codename L99. This engine is locally expected to produce 304kW of power at 5900rpm when mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, down on the same engine used in the US-market Chevrolet SS, which produces 310kW of power.

When teamed with the six-speed manual transmission, the same engine is expected to produce slightly more power and torque.

The upgraded L99 engine comes with fuel-saving technology that includes E85 flex fuel compatibility and active fuel management that can shut down up to four-cylinders during light throttle loads. Additionally, the L99 engine also comes with camshaft phasing technology, which is the simplest form of variable valve timing, whereby the angle of the camshaft is rotated backwards and forwards relative to the crankshaft.

In addition to the new 6.2L V8 engine, Holden is expected to facelift the front-end of the Commodore with minor styling changes limited to the headlights, front fascia and interior. Geelong-based composite material manufacturer Quickstep is also rumoured to be working with a local vehicle manufacturer on a new bonnet design. Earlier spy photographs of the 2016 Commodore SS reveal gills on the top sides of the bonnet.

The Chevrolet SS sold in the USA comes with a number of features currently unavailable on the Commodore that could creep their way into the Series II version. These include seat cooling, a rotary drive-mode selector and sportier wrap-around driver and front passenger seats.

Holden refused to provide any comment, but has previously said that it will continue to keep Commodore relevant until its planned end of production in 2017. CarAdvice will keep you posted as more information comes to hand.