While Holden’s engineering team is working hard on the development of the new generation Commodore dubbed VF, which is expected to launch within the next two to three years, the company’s designers took some time off to spiff up the current model.

For the 2012 model year, Australia’s homegrown Commodore VE (sold as the Pontiac G8 in the States before the brand was axed) receives some minor exterior and interior enhancements, plus the introduction of the track-inspired FE3 sports suspension on the Redline series.

On the outside, select models receive chrome accents up front, while the Omega gains new 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, the Calais V a new lip spoiler and the SS V-Series Redline Edition new-look forged and polished 19-inch alloy wheels plus rear brake calipers.

Holden also introduces two new exterior colors named Perfect Blue and Chlorophyll. The blue hue pays homage to Australian motorsport icon Peter Brock and his famous Formula Blue HDT Group A VK SS Commodore that was launched back in 1985.

“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,” said Holden Chief Designer Sharon Gauci. “Peter left a lasting impression on Holden and our company heritage so Perfect Blue is our way of celebrating his achievements,” she added.

Inside, Holden has added silver stitching to the optional Onyx and Razor leather interior trims, while also updating the iQ multimedia system to be compatible with the latest smartphones.

Finally, Holden’s previously optional FE3 super sports suspension set-up is now standard across all three body styles of the SS V Redline Edition series including the sedan, Sportwagon and Ute.

Interior and exterior design enhancements across the range include:

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

BerlinaBuilds 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

CalaisNo 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-SeriesBuilds 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)

 RedlineBuilds 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

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