The iconic Holden Commodore->ke1480 was redesigned for 2013, when the VF-generation made its debut in Australia. Unfortunately, the launch was almost immediately followed by GM'->ke1024s announcement that it will shut down all Australian production in 2017. This means that the Commodore will also be discontinued next year, with the facelift introduced for the 2016 model year being the last a Holden will ever receive. With the Commodore set to go out of production in a year or so, Holden->ke33 is now rushing to launch as many special-edition models as possible, the most recent of which is the Black Edition.

Essentially a package that adds black accents on the inside and a couple of new features, the Black Edition is available for three different body styles -- sedan,->ke142 station wagon,->ke143 and ute -- and two trims, SV6 and SS. In all, customers can add the bundle to six models and choose from the 3.6-liter V-6 and the mighty 6.2-liter V-8 engines.

“Black exterior design features have proved popular with customers looking to give their vehicle a stronger road presence and unique styling. With Commodore Black, we’ve chosen to combine the style of those black design features with the substance of advanced technology, usually only reserved for our top-of-the-range vehicles," said Peter Keley, Holden's executive director of sales.

The Commodore Black Edition goes on sale from April 2016.

Continue reading to learn more about the Holden Commodore Black Edition.

2016 Holden Commodore Black Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Holden Commodore Black Edition
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Holden Commodore Black Edition special

Customers that opt for the Black Edition package will get a front fascia with a black front grille and black surrounds for the daytime running lights. A black lip spoiler is also included, but only for the sedan model. The mirror caps are also finished in black, while the 18-inch alloy wheels, which are unique to the Black Edition, feature black accents. Optionally, buyers can have a set of larger, 20-inch black Baretta alloys rims. However, these aren't available for station wagon models. The bundle is rounded off by "Black Edition" badges on the rear doors and trunk lid. Overall, the package is far from comprehensive, but the black accents give the Commodore a stealthy appearance, especially if paired with a black exterior.

Interior updates are limited to red stitching on the seats and exclusive "Black Edition" carpet floor mats as far as visuals go, but these extras can change the cabin's appearance quite dramatically with the right upholstery. In terms of new features, the Black Edition gets a color head up display (HUD) and satellite navigation as standard, which are usually available as options for most Commodores.

The Black Edition pack doesn't bring any changes in the drivetrain department. Depending on the trim, customers will get either the a 3.6-liter V-6 or a 6.2-liter V-8. The former comes with the Commodore SV6 and packs 210 kW and 350 Nm (280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet), sending it to the wheels through a six-speed manual transmission as standard and a six-speed automatic with Active Select as an option. The more powerful 6.2-liter V-8 is offered with the SS trim and cranks out 304 kW and 570 Nm (408 horsepower and 420 pound-feet). Transmission choices include the same six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. The same engines are available for all body styles, including sedan, station wagon, and ute.

Pricing-wise, the Black Edition is available for an additional $1,000 over the retail price of the Commodore. This means that the SV6 Sedan Black retails from AUD$39,990, while the SV6 Sportwagon fetches AUD$45,765. For the SS Black Edition, you will have to pay AUD$50,714 for the sedan and AUD$54,024 for the Sportwagon. Finally, the Ute SV6 Black and Ute SS Black cost AUD$35,990 and AUD$46,569 before options, respectively.

Holden Commodore

The VF-generation Commodore was launched in 2013 with new styling, upgraded engines, and an updated version of GM's Zeta platform. Available in sedan, station wagon, and two-door utility variants, the VF Commodore was originally offered with a choice of three engines: a 3.0-liter V-6 with 185 kW (248 horsepower) and 290 Nm (210 pound-feet) of torque, a 3.6-liter V-6 with 210 kW (280 horsepower) and 350 Nm (260 pound-feet), and a 6.0-liter V-8 rated at up to 270 kW (360 horses) and 530 Nm (390 pound-feet). In 2015, Holden introduced the 6.2-liter V-8 with 304 kW (408 horsepower) and 570 Nm (420 pound-feet) of torque. The VF Commodore is sold in the U.S. as the Chevrolet SS, a performance-oriented sedan sized between the Malibu and the Impala. The Commodore will be phased out in 2017.

Read our full review on the Holden Commodore here.