VE Series II Ute

In September 2010 the VE Series II Ute was launched, headlined by the standard fitment of E85 ethanol-compatible 3.0-litre V6 and 6.0-litre V8 engines (the 3.6-litre also lived on but without ethanol compatibility) and a high-tech new ‘Holden-iQ’ touch-screen infotainment system housed inside the revised dashboard.

External changes were easier to miss, limited to a new squarer front bumper and grille, revised headlight shapes, an ‘aero lip’ detail on the sedan’s boot lid, redesigned alloys on some models, four fresh exterior paint colours (a bright red, mid-tone grey, beige and bright yellow) and the addition of subtle ‘Series II’ front quarter badges.

The other major milestone for the Series II VE was the optional Redline kit’s beefier four-piston Brembo front brakes behind forged and polished 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels.