Jalopnik: Commodore

Conversion Kit Turns Pontiac G8 Back Into Holden Commodore

Wes Siler — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:40:00 EST

Like the idea of an affordable, rear-wheel-drive, mid-size performance sedan, but concerned the Pontiac G8 is a little too...Pontiac for your tastes? JHP Vehicle Enhancements has the solution for you. The company is selling a kit to convert the US-market Pontiac G8 back into the Holden Commodore upon which it's based, thus freeing it from the image problems (mullet) associated with the Pontiac brand.

The conversion kit includes a new hood, hood latch, hood insulator, front bumper fascia, upper grille, front bar fascia and fog lamps. All the badges will cost you extra, but by our estimation are well worth the extra $150. The price of a full upgrade? $1,990 for the base G8 or $3,880 to convert your GT into an HSV model. [via Autofiends]

HSV Senator Signature SV08 Has The Floor

Mark Arnold — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:40:00 EDT

Unveiled alongside the 40th Anniversary GTS, the HSV Senator Signature SV08 is a limited edition of the more luxury-oriented version of the Holden Commodore. It's a bit more exclusive, with just 20 equipped with a manual transmission and 30 automatics. It's also a bit more expensive, with a price tag equivalent to just over $57,000 in Ameros. For that, you get additional chrome accenting on the side mirrors and door handles, and 20" rims standard. More importantly, you still get the same 412 HP 6.0-liter LS2 V8 as the normal HSV Senator. Too bad we can't get something like this in America badged as a Buick Park Avenue.

[HSV]

HSV 40th Anniversary GTS Unveiled in Sydney

Mark Arnold — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EDT

First used in 1968 on the HK Monaro, the GTS badge now celebrates its 40th anniversary with 100 units of this special edition HSV GTS. Though the name GTS stands for "Gran Turismo Sportivo," the 40th Anniversary edition is merely an appearance package available only in red or white, with black stripes and plenty of '40 years of GTS' logos all over the car. Of course, with about 425 HP ready to be sent to the rear wheels, and Magnetic Ride Control to keep you planted, the GTS is nothing to scoff at. It's certainly better than the standard Holden Commodore on which it's based, or the Pontiac G8 GT.

[HSV]

Top Gear Australia's Ratings Slump Despite Holden Vs. Ford Shootout

Mark Arnold — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:43:00 EDT

If we lived down under, we would have tuned in to SBS on Monday at 7:30 to watch the Top Gear Australia shootout between the iconic Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon...but we don't. Watch the clip and judge for yourself, but we think that even though it may not be quite as polished as the UK original, this segment wasn't all that bad. So why did the ratings for this second episode drop off significantly from the series premiere's, even though they were actually expected to go up?

About 674,000 viewers watched episode 2, which was about 250,000 fewer than the first episode. Even worse, it was the least-watched show in its time slot, and only the 26th most-watched show of the whole night. Nonetheless, everyone feels the new Top Gear still has potential to improve. After all, the first season with Clarkson at the helm of the BBC show wasn't amazing either. [TheAge, YouTube] (Thanks Brett!)

Power For Towing Or Just Plain Easy Going: Holden Wagons!

Murilee Martin — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:20:00 EDT

Only Australians would make an early-80s station wagon advertisement that showed family-haulin' wagons getting sideways and backwards in hoonage sessions culminating in crazy jumps. We see the six- and eight-cylinder-equipped Holden Commodore and the (Cavalier-based) Holden Camira being put through some highly entertaining paces. Our only problem with this ad is the lack of wagons doing jumps with trailers attached.

What's Your Favorite Australian Car?

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST

With the Melbourne International Motor Show in full swing we thought we'd focus on all the things that make us love the cars from down under. On the new side, it's hard not to love the Z06-powered HSV Super Sedan or the new FPV Ford Falcon (a car so hot the Mark Fields personally asked for his own to be delivered to North America). And what about those utes? The HSV Maloo or FPV Falcon Ute? Why not both? And those are just new cars. If the classic cars weren't great people wouldn't be stealing them constantly.

And what about the fictional cars? There are at least a few V8 Interceptors running around the outback doing their best Mad Max. What's your favorite Australian car, old or new?

We Ask GM's Rick Wagoner About a New El Camino...Back-Asswardly

Ray Wert — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 06:45:00 EST

As we hinted at yesterday — we had the opportunity to sit down (with a group of other auto journos — but it totally felt like it was just the two of us in that room. Or maybe it's just because I could care less about the fuel economy and economic issues surrounding the General, the direction most of the auto hacks were beating their chests to) and talk with GM's big chief exec, Rick Wagoner, yesterday before his keynote address at CES. So what did we talk about? How about future Zeta products hitting US shores — like the reports we've heard of GM greenlighting an ~~El Camino~~ ute and a wagon for Pontiac under the G8 nameplate. Namely we were wondering about the rumors we've heard that if Pontiac builds both the wagon and the ute, the wagon will only come with a V6 engine while the ute would come in both V6 and V8 flavors. Our back-and-forth with His Slickness after the jump.

Rick, you've got the G8 coming and hitting shores now, Camaro coming next year — what other options are being discussed for the Commodore — excuse me — Zeta platform?

I can think of at least two other potential products that have been and remain on the table. One has a reasonably high likelihood, and one maybe not as high likelihood...due to fuel economy concerns.

Any discussions on whether one may be a V6 only and one may be a V6/V8?

Not at this time. I think the general discussion going forward...as we look at these products will be challenging ourselves whether we need an eight in these products going forward. Hey, when you develop products...we've got to hold ourselves to a higher standard on these. I saw some early data...not sure if it was just a region of the country...but it definitely skewed towards the four's. That's a big change from the old generation.
That's not to say the Camaro...for younger buyers maybe a six or a turbo-charged six may hold a higher cache...

There you have it. Absolutely no answer to the question whatsoever. But now we're worried whether we'll even end up getting both a wagon and a ute. That sound you hear? That's the knot tightening in our stomachs. Yes, it makes a weird sound. Don't make fun of us, it's not very nice.

Hello KITT: Aussie Cops Testing Super Police Cruiser

bwojdyla — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:15:00 EST

Here is where Shakespeare's timeless question gets stretched to it's limit; Does a rose by any other name smell just as sweet? Or adapted: Does KITT, recreated in part by Aussie coppers, bust just as many bad guys? The cool swooshy light show will be roofside instead of in the nose, but it does a lot of the stuff that got our collective 12 year old engines revved. How about starting with the solid base of a Holden Commodore VE, add realtime cameras that stream video back to base, voice recognition, automatic plate recognition, and get this - the ability to fire a GPS enabled tracking dart into a cars' backside. Now doubt hoons everywhere will respond with rotating number plates, hardened trunk lids impervious to darts, and lasers. Also, turbo boost. What? You mean life doesn't imitate art? [couriermail.com.au]

The Finns Want To Know Your Favorite Color For A New El Camino

Ray Wert — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST

The friendly Finns at the site all about the Fans of Cars around the World have found themselves an online configuration tool for the new Holden HSV Maloo R8 Ute and they're asking a very important question. Namely — what color would we choose for our very own down-under El Camino re-make. Seriously — they want to know what we think — so give it to 'em boys! [World Car Fans]

Edmunds Inside Line Takes The 2007 Holden VE "Utility" Out For A First Drive, We Stew In Anger

Ray Wert — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST

Why does the Line on the Inside at Edmunds get all the fun with a first drive of the new Holden VE Ute? Doesn't the General know that we've got an entire section devoted to the El Camino? Jeez — we mean, come on, they call it a "Utility" fercrissakes. Don't they know no real fan of the truck-car ever searches for an El Cam, even of the Holden variety, by searching for the word "Utility." SEO, our Ranchero-loving butts. [Edmunds Inside Line]

There Is A God! Automotive News Reports Pontiac To Get G8 Ute, Wagon

Ray Wert — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:22:58 EST

It would seem that although GM product czar "Maximum" Bob Lutz may be the #2 man at GM and the #1 man in our hearts, it appears he may have lost the battle for making a new GM ute a GMC. While we're disappointed we won't be able to continue hearing his excited desire for a "Caballero," we're excited about news this morning from Automotive News that is quite possibly the most important piece of news we'll see on these pages this year. Here's the scoop — as we've already reported — we won't be getting a new Chevy El Camino. However, we will be getting a ute stateside based on the Holden and it'll be branded with the badge all about driving excitement. That's right kids, it'll be a Pontiac — but not just any Pontiac. It'll be a Pontiac G8. But wait, there's more.

We're also told we'll be getting a RWD wagon based on the Commodore — and it'll also be a Pontiac G8. So basically the G8's going to become a mini-RWD lineup under the Pontiac badge with the sedan, ute and wagon all bearing the alpha-numeric name — and all based on the Holden versions. So yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and he's Australian. Who knew?

Welcome To The Club, Aussies Beaten By Toyota

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

Toyota single-handidly bested the combined efforts of Australia-based Holden and Ford in new car sales in October, a first for the Japanese automaker (though we're guessing not a last). Toyota has been the market leader in Australia for the last four years, but the 20,212 vehicles it sold in October just eclipsed the 19,621 vehicles sold by Holden and Ford combined. Even worse for the homeboys, Holden and Ford were part of only 7 out of 42 brands that didn't post sales increases in October. Toyota execs continued to be annoyingly polite, suggesting that their competitors would bounce back when they updated their lineups later that year.

Sales of light cars are up 9.2%, but four-wheel-drives are leading the market with a 15% increase year-over-year. The best-selling car is still Holden's Commodore sedan, but Ford's older Falcon was down 22% through October compared to last year. Ford is pinning its hopes on a refreshed Falcon to turn things around next year. [Sydney Morning Herald]

Middle East Gets Special V8 Chevy to Go With All The Oil

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EDT

Because wealthy Middle Eastern families can pretty much get any car they want, Holden is going to officially export their super performance Commodore, the Special Vehicles E Series ClubSport R8, to the land of oil. Powered by a 412HP, 6.0 Liter V8, this sedan is built to tear up sandy roads. The car will not carry the Holden brand, but rather be marketed as a Chevrolet Special Vehicle CR8. It makes sense for Holden to continue to expand in this market as 31,000 of 46,000 vehicles the company exported in 2006 ended up in the Middle East. The launch is also timed to correspond with the Desert 400 V8 Supercar race in Bahrain this weekend, which includes a Chevy-branded Holden. [AAP/The Age]

Aussies Want To Send Holden Sportwagon to the States

tingwall — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:00:19 EDT

It looks like GM's Holden brand is pushing to have its new VE Commodore Sportwagon shipped off to its cousins on the other side of the world. Built on the same rear-drive platform that underpins the Holden Commodore sedan — and soon-to-be Pontiac G8 — the Sportwagon actually has less cargo space than its predecessor, the VZ Commodore wagon. That, Holden execs say, will likely reduce its competitiveness among local fleet buyers. Thus, they're pitching GM on the car's export potential, saying Holden could make up for the loss in business sales by exporting something like 10,000 units. Imagine the Sportwagon wearing a Pontiac badge, they hint, and it could capture a segment of disaffected SUV buyers. Grand Safari, anyone? [GoAuto]

Holden VE Commodore Wagon Revealed (Again) Ahead of Show

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:00:26 EDT

A new image of Holden's Commodore VE station wagon has emerged from the digi-ether, ahead of the new car's debut at the Australian International Motor Show next week. It's the second shot of the new, Zeta-platformed wagon we've seen; the first was a cameraphone snap taken during a product presentation. This media-ready image shows what's likely a concept version of what Aussies can expect when they head to the forecourt next year, while they're shopping for something that can carry a case of wallaby and still have room for a few bags of lollies. The production model won't likely have those 20-inch wheels, though it will likely come in high-performance SS-V trim. That is, powered by a LS2 V8 producing 362 horsepower, with an optional six-speed manual. (Thanks to Roger for the tip.) [Drive]

Holden Wagon Revealed?

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:26:58 EDT

This week, a provocative pic hit the webs, straight from upside-down land. It's a Holden VE Commodore in wagon form — part of a product presentation of undetermined origin. According to Australia's Drive.au, the wagon will launch next year, giving Holden a virtual lock on the midsize station wagon market in that country. This bodes well for a US version, though we're not convinced US carmakers are as ready to bring back the wagon en masse as we are. They're likely more concerned with market research figures and demographics than pure radness. That's a shame.[Drive.au via GM Inside News]

Yes, even the Aussies can play at the Woodward ...

Ray Wert — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 16:15:00 EDT

Yes, even the Aussies can play at the Woodward Dream Cruise — like these hoons in a Holden. At least we think they're hoons. I mean, they are in a Holden.

Vauxhall VXR8 Nears UK Launch

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 07:43:33 EDT

The Vauxhall version of Holden's VE HSV Clubsport R8 is so close as to be generating its own gravitational field around the UK (hold on to your cider). It's yet another Australian-born teaser for the Pontiac G8, which will appear in the states sometime during the 385th season of "According to Jim." If we can survive another millennium (or so it will seem) of the unfunny Belushi brother, we'll may get a taste of what the VXR8 already has in its toybox. Of course, the most potent of Vauxhalls will get GM's LS2 producing 411 hp, while the G8 will likely get a 6.0-liter L76 producing 362 hp. If only we had a queen...

Press Release:

VXR8 media information

Introduction

There was every reason to mourn the passing of the Monaro, but the Thunder from Down Under hasn't stopped yet...

What better to replace the 6.0-litre V8, rear-drive Aussie performance icon with than an all-new Antipodean muscle car. A car, in fact, just like the VXR8 - a car even more powerful and exciting than the Monaro.

The dramatic-looking new saloon is powered by the same 6.0-litre V8 as the outgoing Monaro VXR, but revisions have made it even more efficient. It now develops a massive 417PS and 550Nm of torque, giving it enough grunt to sprint from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. No other supercar offers this sort of power for anywhere near the VXR8's bargain price of just £35,105.

Yet the VXR8, based on the Australian Holden VE HSV Clubsport R8, offers more in the way of practicality than the Monaro, with four doors and space for all the family.

Although practical, with a spacious boot, comfortable, long-legged cruising ability and luxuries such as climate control and leather trim, the VXR8 is certainly no softie. Driver aids such as the stability system and traction control can be turned off at the flick of a switch - perfect for drivers who want to hone their skills on a track day!

In response to customer demand, the VXR8 will also be the first VXR model to be offered with an automatic gearbox, but that doesn't mean that VXR shifted to being dull. Performance figures are hardly affected, and the auto's fuel economy is actually better than the manual's.

Satellite navigation and 20-inch wheels are among the options for those who want to make their VXR8 look more distinctive and help find their way to the best driving roads. Even with all the option boxes ticked however, the VXR8 is still around half the price of other cars with comparable performance. As all fast car fans know, Aussie rules - and here's why...

When was the last time you saw an Australian bloke drinking a half of lager? Never? That's because the Aussies don't do things by halves, and if you need proof, look no further than the VXR8. Beefy, muscular and well-toned, the feisty four-door wouldn't look out of place flexing its muscles among the beach crowd. Based on the elegant yet unassuming looks of the latest VE-Series Holden Commodore, VXR8 takes the clean lines of a well-proportioned saloon car and gives them a supercar touch. Neat styling features include a butch-looking front spoiler with extra mesh air intake, along with piercing round driving and foglamps set in unique, trapezoidal pods. Supercar-style cooling fins adorn the car's
flanks, while the wheelarches are flared outwards to give the appearance of stability and provide room for the huge tyres - 245/40 19s at the front, or 275/35 19s at the rear. If 19s are too weedy, 20-inch alloys developed by Walkinshaw Performance are available as an option at £2,500, along with a Walkinshaw developed exhaust system, which sounds even more brutal than the standard set-up and costs £950. At the rear, VXR8 comes with a twin-post rear wing, quadruple exhaust outlet pipes and unique 'afterburner' rear lights, which include the latest LED technology to not only look stealthily cool, but also offer greater safety by being faster to reach full brightness than standard bulbs.

Holden To Announce LS7-Powered HSV Commodore?

Ray Wert — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 09:30:00 EDT

Our mates over at Wheels magazine have some news for the followers of power-upgrades in Aussie muscle cars. The Australian buff book claims the Special Vehicles unit of Holden is bringing a 7.0-liter LS7-powered supercar to Sydney's Australian International Motor Show in October. There's no word yet on a name, but Wheels posits that HSV

"...could dust off the unused 427 moniker, or maybe the GTS-R badges from the 2004 concept race car. Our bet is for a combination of the two and the car to wear GTS-R 427 badging..."

All we're betting is if this news is true it greatly heightens the possibilities for dropping that 500 HP-plus LS7 engine into the 2009 Chevy Camaro, the Commodore's Zeta-platformed cousin. And don't even get us speculatin' on an LS7-powered Camino SS for 2011. – Ray Wert

HSV's King Hit! The LS7 Commodore Is Coming!!! [GMInsideNews via Supercars.net via Wheels]

Spy Photos: Chevrolet Camaro Mule?

Ray Wert — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:42:52 EDT

Ok, we've no idea how to call this one, but there's some discussion going on over at GMInsideNews as well as Automochatter about whether or not that picture you see above is a powertrain mule for the new Chevy Camaro. The photo shows what looks to be a Holden Commodore with some bolted on fender flares that's lost a couple of inches from the wheelbase. And since, as one commenter on Automochatter claims:

"The Camaro will lose 2.xx inches in wheelbase compared to the Commodore. The mods made to the C-pillar and rear doors look about right to accommodate that to me."

they're making a decent argument that what you've got is potentially some kind of test platform. What do you think — but before you answer that question — If we end up being right, remember where you saw it first, and if we're wrong — remember where we linked to. – Ray Wert

Camaro mule pic!? [Automochatter via GMInsideNews]

Spy Photos: Holden VE Commodore Ute

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:07:42 EDT

The gossiping nellies of the car world (i.e., ours truly) have already speculated on a new ute (i.e., El Camino) based on the Holden VE Commodore (i.e., Pontiac G8) coming to the US on the back of GM's spate of rear-drive models. Oh right. Said spate, chairman Lutz said last week, has been kiboshed by pending higher fleet-mileage standards by the EPA. That means we're probably not getting the VE-based ute — above, wearing the gingham tablecloth — caught by a spy shooter down under. Hold out hope for that Ford Ranchero. – Mike Spinelli

Holden VE Ute Spyshot [Caradvice (AU)]

Seoul Motor Show: The GM Daewoo L4X

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 17:42:43 EDT

The amortizing of GM's Holden-built rear-drive Zeta platform continues on the Korean Peninsula. It's a rear-drive show car dubbed the L4X, intro'd at the Seoul auto show this week, amid well-dressed salarymen and the prom queens who sweat them. The pre-production model, whose design is based on several Holden models like the Caprice and Statesman, will become the latest GM-Daewoo flagship when the series model arrives in late 2008. It's powered by Holden's 3.6-liter Alloytec V6 (258 hp) hooked to a five-speed automatic transmission. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

L4X - Premium Large Sedan of the Future

GM Daewoo is lifting the veil on a show car version of its much-anticipated long-wheelbase premium large sedan, the L4X.

The rear-wheel-drive product, which is close to a production version, permits a first glimpse into what GM Daewoo is pursuing as its premium large sedan. GM Daewoo's future flagship will boast a superior level of refinement, safety and comfort features.

"The L4X exemplifies what a true premium large sedan should be. It excels in the most fundamental virtues of its segment," said Michael Grimaldi, President and CEO of GM Daewoo. "For example, it has segment-leading interior space and rear seat comfort."

He added, "Our latest show car is not only stylish, it also offers an array of convenience features and luxury appointments to satisfy the most sophisticated Korean consumers."

The L4X comes with a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 powerplant that is matched with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission. The state-of-the-art alloy engine generates peak power and torque of 258 hp at 6,500 rpm and 34.7 kg.m at 3,200 rpm.

What makes the L4X stand out in terms of superior ride and handling are its sharpened chassis dynamics coupled with a longest-in-class 3,009-mm wheelbase, world-class structural stiffness and a sophisticated rear-wheel-drive system.

Its elegant exterior design, which will set it apart from other premium sedans, is characterized by a stretched silhouette and a wide stance accentuated by flared wheel arches. The longer rear doors are the key to the dramatic proportions, which are accentuated by a sweeping roofline and substantial wheel and tire package. As a result of the longest wheelbase among Korean large sedans, the wheels have been moved to the very corners of the car, making it look and perform in a stable and sporty manner.

Detail highlights include signature LED repeater lamps in the fender vents, striking LED tail lamps and bright chrome accents. Its bi-xenon headlamps and tail lamps have a high-tech, precise and almost diamond-like appearance, with finely detailed elements that make them sparkle and glisten. The bright chrome bodyside molding and chrome-highlighted door handles add a touch of sculptured elegance to the side.

The themes for the interior design are comfort, harmony, luxury and attention to detail. The L4X offers a spacious and safe passenger compartment that provides a prestigious driving environment with optimized storage, packaging and ergonomics.

To give owners second-to-none premium comfort, the production version of the new GM Daewoo flagship will feature an array of safety and convenience features, including a navigation system with Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) TV, bi-xenon headlamps, curtain air bags, tri-zone automatic temperature controls, power rear seats with three-step temperature control heating and rear-back massage, power rear-window curtains, roller blinds, a rearview camera and power-folding outside rearview mirrors.

Related:
Chicago Auto Show: Pontiac G8 GT Show Car [internal]

Holden Commodore SS-V With Manufacturer Plates Spotted In Birmingham!

Ray Wert — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 13:45:00 EDT

Our friends at How Bourgeois have the scoop for us of what would appear to be a Holden Commodore SS-V with manny plates sitting kiddie corner to the rear-end of the swank Townsend Hotel. That seems to beg the question — what's this bit of Aussie metal with super hoonage potential doing in the middle of downtown Birmingham? Suggested answers to said question involve either the Birmingham-based editor of a certain publication with the name of an always Winding Road doing some road reviews — or maybe it's the easiest and cheapest way to get some cool-weather testing done of the Pontiac G8. Anyone else have any better ideas? – Ray Wert

HB Ride Spotting: Holden Commodore SS V-Series [How Bourgeois]

Say It's So, Mate: Holden Ute Coming Stateside?

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:00:00 EST

Our boy Yozzie, the down-under version of Paul Drake, uncovered this tidbit related to the new Holden Commodore Ute (that's the one with the pickup bed). Sources of CarPoint say "substantial" export orders from "the Americas" have led company execs to push up the launch date of the new Commodore Ute to this Spring, instead of the Fall. What's more, the new ute will be built with left-hand drive. Could that mean Chevrolet is planning to revive the El Camino badge? GM is already raiding Holden's work product for the Pontiac G8 and the rear-drive underpinnings of the upcoming Camaro; how hard would it be to send over the next Holden ute on the same boat? We're not holdin' (hiho!) our breaths around here, considering the likely target is Brazil. Still, a renewed sense of truckcarishness would vindicate Jalop to the max. Hold out hope. – Mike Spinelli

CarPoint Confidential: Stateside Ute [CarPoint Confidential]

Hoons Caned in Australia!

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:30:00 EST

Okay, not literally/Singaporean-style caning, but since anti-hoon legislation went into effect last July in Victoria, over 900 vehicular loop-de-loops have lost their vehicles temporarily due to the intervention of authorities. Interestingly enough, our source article points out that many of the vehicles seized were Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons. General, FoMoCo, if you ever needed a reason to bring those vehicles (and their ute derivatives here), we believe we've found it. We're scared of the Holden's intended Pontiac nosejob, though. Quite scared. – Davey G. Johnson

Hoons lose cars as tough laws hit hard [The Border Mail]

Related:
More hoons [Internal]

Major News, Hello Is This On? Holden Commodore to Be Pontiac G8

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 08:45:31 EST

As Australian press reports, Pontiac will import 50,000 Holden Commodore SS models to the US, to be rebadged as the new Pontiac G8 — a rear-drive muscle sedan not under the leadership of Val ry Giscard dEstaing (and likely lacking quasi-violent protestations). The new, Zeta-platform model is set for a debut in Chicago next month, though GM's Chairman of Vice, Bob "Ozzfest" Lutz — on announcing the plan yesterday at the Detroit show — wouldn't say when the first models would hit market. New mojo for Pontiac or GTO redux? Hmm. [Thanks to Peter for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

Holden to export SS to US [Cars.com.au]

Spy Photos: Next-Gen Pontiac Grand Prix?

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 08:19:07 EST

We've been hearing for months about the new rear-drive GM cars on the horizon. You know the ones: the Australian-built, Zeta-such platform models set to give the US car-buying public a B12 shot, beginning with the 2009 Camaro. But aside from the pony cars, the Holden VE Commodore will donate its more sedate shape to a new Pontiac sedan, possibly dubbed G8. That car, which spies say will get new sheetmetal, will replace the current, front-drive Grand Prix. Reports earlier this year indicated the new model could debut at the Chicago show this Feburary in concept form, though the final product won't likely surface until 2008. As Bob Lutz said, "All will be revealed in Chicago." Hopefully he wasn't talking about the hot dogs. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Pontiac Grand Prix(G8) [World Car Fans]

First Holden-Built Pontiac Could Be Unveiled in Chicago

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 10:25:15 EDT

Those lusting after Australia's Holden Commodore super sedans may soon see the objects of their desire in a Pontiac dealership as early as next year. Australia's Drive.com.au is reporting that GM plans to unveil a rebadged Commodore as a Pontiac product at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. That car will reportedly go on sale later in 2007. The site quotes Maxi-Bob Lutz as saying, "Come to the Chicago auto show and all will be revealed," after calling the fruit of Holden's $1 billion Commodore project one of "the best vehicles GM has produced." It's a speculative leap to be sure, but if the rear-drive sedan did come to Pontiac in such a short timeframe, it would be a crucial show of support for the division's future, which wouldn't go unnoticed among Pontiac fans whose battle cry has become, "Remember the Aztec!" – Mike Spinelli

[via Edmunds]

Lumina SS Spotted In Metro Detroit: Big Whoop

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 18:00:00 EDT

Kodak's Lumiere slide film always made us think of the Chevrolet Lumina, even though it referenced French filmmaking brothers, rather than crappy-ass midsize GM cars of the Dark Times. But for some reason, GM has persisted in using the Lumina name in foreign markets. Why? We have no goddamn idea, but at least in foreign Bizzaro-World, it's rear-drive and is available with an LS2 stonker. And some kid in Ypsitucky with a penchant for Metallica's unfortunate Late Period and far-worse car-stereo n -metal video'd one on some outing or another. He posits that they're bringing it here. All manner of crazy crap is spotted around Metro Detwa, and we're sure that if GM brings the rebadged Commodore to the US, it won't be called a Lumina.

Spied: 400hp Lumina SS (american version) {Streetfire]

Thunder From, Well, You Know: More on the HSV GTS E-Series

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 13:00:00 EDT

Muscle-car heads from the land of Oz are getting a new HSV runner with zero-to-60 figures in the sub-five-seconds range. Remember this little number we brought you last week? It's been unveiled (see above) and the specs are in.

At base, the HSV GTS is the faster sibling of the VE Commodore, the first GM model to be built on the Zeta (sorry, global RWD architecture) platform. It's powered by a tweaked-out 6.0-liter LS2 — and plans for a top-range LS7-powered model may be in the works.

Design chief Juilan Quincey said of the car's performance and technology — including the GM-developed magnetoelectric ride system found on some Cadillacs and the Ferrari 599GTB — "We want to conquer Europe and we can genuinely do that now." Right-o, but how about the US? If GM doesn't start diverting his kind of hardware to American ports of call for Chevy and Pontiac soon — FYI: GM's got an announcement regarding its rear-drive plans coming this week — we're seriously considering a Jalopnik Canberra outpost.

VE NEWS: HSV's super-sedans break 5.0sec barrier [Drive.com.au via Winding Road]

Hold on, Holden! Secret HSV E-Series Photos Leaked

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 09:23:58 EDT

Shots of the secret E-Series, a super-sport Commodore sedan from Holden's performance division HSV made their way to the Intersplice a week before GM planned, by way of an embargo-date mixup by a government office (Ministry of Speed?). Australian muscle-car watchers have been waiting for the E-Series for months, though we're admittedly not quite up on its backstory (Yozzie, a little help?). The car's expected o have a modest bump in power to go along with its funky-fresh body kit, though the large taillights and huge vents behind the front wheels are the most telling differences from the Commodore. Drive.com.au has the skinny. No word on whether Vauxhallites in the UK will see a version.

Lutz on the Holden VE Commodore SS-V: It's Magical!

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 10:00:22 EDT

"Maximum" Bob Lutz appears bullish on Holden's new VE Commodore SS-V, calling it "a magic vehicle" after driving it just once, according to Australia's Drive.com.au. That bodes well for the car becoming integrated into GM's North American line — possibly as a replacement for the Pontiac Grand Prix — something Holden boss Denny Mooney would give his eyeteeth and a case of wallaby for.

Lutz recently spent some wheeltime in a production version at GM's Milford proving ground outside Detroit. Holden's reportedly been pitching the $1 billion car Commodore to GM brass as a Pontiac model for the lucrative US market by 2008. From Lutz's comments, the new VE is a hot piece of ride that's forgiving for inexperienced drivers, and that its fit and finish are "still way, way better" than in the US — setting it up as a high-margin, low volume halo for Pontiac. And that's good, because while the Holden platform will be used in the next Chevrolet Camaro, boss Mooney wants to sell Lutz on the Commodore as a turnkey, upmarket model that would sell at the top of Holden's capacity of 20,000 cars a year. Stay tuned.

VE NEWS: Lutz approves [Drive.com.au]

Test-Drive Video: Crikey, the Holden VE Commodore SS-V

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 10:30:22 EDT

Our mild obsession with / jealousy of Australians' access to muscle cars continues with a video from Drive.com.au of the Holden VE Commodore SS-V carving up the Holden test track in Victoria, with one of the company's engineers at the helm. Nine'een inch wheels, big V8, a lotta fun to drive. Roight!

In the hot seat with a Holden test driver [Drive.com.au]

Herefore Art Thou: First Drive of the Holden Commodore VE SS-V

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 08:49:25 EDT

What does a billion bucks buy you? If you're GM's Aussie Holden division, it's a kiss on the cheek from the 6.0-liter V8 gods and a rear-drive platform that will affect many more of the General's products. Not enough? It'll also buy into production the Commodore VE SS-V, one of those distinctly Australian muscle cars that does more to get Americans scratching their heads than two seasons of "My Fair Brady." Why, we ask, do we — the freaking muscle-car capital of the world (if we might be so bold) — not get similar machines in the states? Don't give me business-case reasons — give me cars. Aussie Drive lets us know what we're missing.

FIRST DRIVE: Holden Commodore VE SS-V [Drive.com.au]

The Camaro Is An Aussie Brickhouse: The New 2006 Holden Commodore VE SS

Ray Wert — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 08:00:00 EDT

Pssst. Want to see the next Camaro, GTO, Impala SS, Buick Grand National, etc., etc.? No can do. But we can show you those upcoming (and prospective) cars' closest Australian relative. It's the new VE Commodore from The General's Aussie subsidiary, Holden Automotive, and it's the the first new Holden design since the HQ. The company's spent $1.04 billion developing the VE's rear-drive platform, but it won't merely be for hoons in the outback to get their kicks on the Northern Highway. Once known as Zeta (or modified Zeta), this is the Global RWD Architecture, baby — and it'll be the basis for all manner of fun new cars GM's cooking in its design studios. And really, it'll be good news, because although the VE's interior looks better than a bloomin' onion, the shell is plain as a Queensland Salad.

VE Day: all-new Commodore debuts [Wheels]

Spy Video: Holden Commodore HSV Spotted?

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:18:10 EDT

Sussing why GM doesn't have a serious in-house tuning shop for Chevrolet (or Pontiac, for that matter) cars in the US is probably beyond our pay grade (which isn't saying much at all). But down under in Bizarro America (sorry, mates), Holden has its HSV division, which wields Corvette V8s like Thor's mighty hammerage. They've even offered a car fitted with an LS2 juiced by famed Corvette tuner, Callaway in Connecticut and sent around the world for installation. But enough drooling. The folks at Drive.com.au say they've caught the new Commodore VE in HSV trim — a model that'll compare to, say a Chevy version of the Cadillac CTS-V on methamphetimine. Just remember to convert from kilowatts; that's Bizarro for horsepower.

New HSV Caught on Camera [Drive.com.au]

Related:
Spy Photos: Holden Commodore VE [internal]