Holden Commodore Hybrid to be Introduced by 2010

GM’s Australian subsidiary Holden is planning to launch a new hybrid version of the locally produced and developed Commodore according to General Motors Goup vice president Nick Reilly, who broke the news speaking at a quarterly strategy meeting from Holden’s Melbourne offices.

“We will introduce hybrids in the next couple of years,” said General Motors group vice president Nick Reilly. When he was asked by journalists on whether the Commodore would be one of them, he said: “That could be one of the first hybrids you could see (in Australia from GM). I would put a time frame on that of probably a couple of years.”

As you already know, the Pontiac G8 sedans are basically rebadged versions of the Commodore that are shipped to the US from Australia, meaning that the North American market will probably also see hybrid variants of the G8. -Continued

According to the drive.com.au website, Reilly also unveiled to reporters that a diesel-powered Commodore is also in the company’s product pipeline. “We don’t yet have a diesel Commodore but that will come,” he says. GM’s VP also confirmed that a four-cylinder Commodore was being looked at without however giving out any details on whether that unit will be GM’s 2.0-liter turbocharged unit found in the Pontiac Solstice, the Opel GT and elsewhere.

HSV Announces Clubsport R8 Tourer with 425Hp LS3 V8

Holden’s specialty vehicles unit – aka HSV, announced today that it will be adding a station-wagon version of the Commodore to its high-performance model line-up. Dubbed HSV Tourer, the supped up Commodore VE Sportwagon will go on sale with specifications similar to the ClubSport R8. Although HSV said that price and final specifications will be confirmed closer to start of sale, expect the Tourer to be equipped with the same exact 425 Hp 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine as the recently revised R8 Saloon.

Holden Commodore 60th Anniversary Editions

Continuing its "special edition" marketing attack, Holden released details on the Commodore VE 60th Anniversary that will be available in two flavors, the Omega and the sport SS V. Starting with the V8-powered SS-V 60th Anniversary Special Edition it features new 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, a colour satellite nav, rear parking sensors, chrome surround exterior door handles, rear spoiler, special ‘60th Anniversary’ floor mats and badges. –Continued after the jump

The Omega 60th Anniversary Special Edition offers $8,000 AUD worth of extra value with special features including new 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seat inserts, decorative moulding on instrument panel in micro silver, front grille insert, rear parking sensors, mobile phones bluetooth connectivity for compatible and special ‘60th anniversary’ rear badge. The VE Commodore 60th Anniversary Special Edition is on sale 1 May and is priced

Both versions will go on sale in Australia on May 1, with prices set at $55,290 AUD for the manual SS V and at $33,990 AUD for the Omega.

Holden Releases Captiva SUV 60th Anniversary Edition

General Motor’s Australian subsidiary Holden is continuing its 60th anniversary celebrations with the introduction of a special edition version Captiva SUV (rebadged version of the European Chevrolet Captiva). Based on the Captiva LX trim, the 60th Anniversary Special Edition gets a series of standard features.

These include 18-inch alloys, a 7-inch driver information display & in-dash DVD player, silver painted skid plate, fog lamp inserts, roof rails & door handles, new black bezel headlamps, new tail lamps, a new front fascia and special ‘60th anniversary’ rear badge. The Captiva 60th Anniversary Special Edition is on sale 1 May and is priced from $43,990 AUD for the petrol variant and $44,990 AUD for the diesel variant. –Image gallery after the jump

Holden's Cool "Ute Evolution" TV Commercial

One of our readers tipped us off on this wonderful Holden ad that recently hit Australian TV screens to celebrate the launch of the new VE Ute, or as we’ll know it in the US, the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck (see here). Directed by Mark Toia from Zoom Film and Television for McCann Erickson Melbourne, the TV commercial takes us on a journey through the transformation from the classic FJ right through to the new VE model –ok, they skipped a few generations like the WB and the VR, but great ad nevertheless. –Video after the jump

Holden Special Vehicles Reveals Commodore W427 with +496Hp LS7 V8

The muscle-car party in Australia just keeps going on and on; HSV or Holden Special Vehicles, unwrapped the LS7 V8 powered W427 Commodore at the Melbourne Motor Show. While power output figures are still to be confirmed, the W427’s 7.0-liter or 427 c.i. V8 engine is likely to produce in excess of 496 Hp and 640 Nm or 472 lb/ft of torque.

HSV Managing Director, Scott Grant, said: “The W427 will be quite possibly the fastest road registrable Supercar ever produced in Australia and among the quickest anywhere around the world. The W427 will only be produced in limited numbers and we want to reflect that exclusivity in how we connect with our Supercar customers”.

Styling and design highlights of the W427 include an all new front fascia, a three piece carbon fibre rear spoiler, 20 inch machined faced alloy wheel, unique exhaust tips and red leather interior. The W427 is scheduled to enter production in the middle of the year and will be available for sale in dealerships in the third quarter of 2008. –Details and pics after the jump

W427 key highlights

Exterior

All new Front Fascia exclusive to W427

All new three piece rear spoiler in carbon fibre

All new 20 inch wheel

Interior

HSV performance seats in full red hot trim with W427 logo, steering wheel, gear shifter and console lid in full red hot leather

Powertrain

7.0 Litre, LS7 Engine with HSV specific calibration

o 370kW @ 6500 rpm

o 640Nm @ 5000 rpm

Over radiator style cold air induction system with high flow air filter

Dry sump lubrication system with 2 stage pump

Hand fabricated aluminium oil reservoir, with internal baffles for high G loading

Front mount, 13 row engine oil cooler

Ceramic coated, high flow four into one extractors

High flow catalytic converters and exhaust system (3 into 2 ¾ )

Active bi-modal rear mufflers for exhaust back pressure management to improve noise quality

High strength limited slip differential

New high strength six speed manual gear box (TR6060)

GMPT LS7 Clutch with new actuator and pedal assembly for high clamp loads

Suspension

New springs, 30% stiffer than GTS

Revised ride height 20mm lower than GTS

New stiffer rear suspension bushing

All new MRC calibration

Brakes

New 6 piston front braking system (50% increase in pad area)

Strap drive, 2 piece floating front rotors (380 x 35mm compared to 365 x

32mm one piece on GTS)

High friction pad material

* Specifications of W427 as at Melbourne Motor Show

Holden Unveils Production Commodore Sportwagon at Melbourne Show

The production version of Holden’s all new VE Commodore Sportwagon was unveiled today at the Melbourne Motor Show. The stylish rear-wheel-drive station will be available in the full range of VE Commodore variants including Omega, Berlina and Calais, plus the sporty SV6, SS and the range topping SS V and Calais V models. Engine options start from the base 241 Hp 3.6-liter V6 unit and top with the 362 Hp 6.0-liter V8. According to Holden, the Sportwagon prices are 1,000 AUD more than its Commodore sedan equivalents. –Details and pics after the jump

Press Release:

GM Holden released pricing for the all-new VE Sportwagon at the Melbourne International Motor Show today, adding great value to its list of attractive features.

The 2008 VE Sportwagon range starts from as little as $37,790 # for Omega, with each of the seven models only $1,000 more than their VE sedan equivalent.

At $41,290 #, the new VE Sportwagon Berlina is an amazing $5,600 less than its VZ wagon equivalent whilst offering a range of engineering advances and safety features including Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ) , Rear Park Assist and six airbags which are standard across the range.

Having more than doubled the model range from three in VZ to seven in VE, the new Sportwagon offers buyers more choice and more features to further enhance its appeal to both private and business customers.

GM Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said value and choice would be key features that would attract buyers to the new VE Sportwagon.

“The Australian market is becoming increasingly challenging and at Holden we believe the VE Sportwagon’s pricing, sedan-like handling and stylish design will ensure it has the competitive edge it needs to succeed in its segment.

“The extended VE range offers real choices in practicality and flexibility to both the business buyer and Aussie families.

“With safety features such as ESP and six airbags as standard across the range, many potential buyers will see this as a great value car which ticks all the right boxes,” Mr Batey said.

VE Sportwagon Model and Powertrain Line-up:

Omega Alloytec V6 with 4 speed auto transmission

Berlina Alloytec V6 with 4 speed auto transmission

SV6 High Output Alloytec V6 with 5 speed auto transmission

SS Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed manual transmission -or-
Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed auto transmission (optional)

SS V-Series Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed manual transmission -or-
Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed auto transmission (optional)

Calais High Output Alloytec V6 with 5 speed auto transmission

Calais V-Series High Output Alloytec V6 with 5 speed auto transmission -or-
Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed auto transmission (optional)

# RRP – excludes dealer delivery and Government charges

VE Sportwagon Highlights

Overview:

• Great style, performance and practicality
• All the storage advantages that comes with a wagon
• Seats 5 adults in comfort
• Higher cargo floor making it easier to load items into the cargo area
• Flexible cargo cover for security, with innovative D-pillar tracks for added functionality
• 60:40 split 2nd row seat which can be folded flat for storage of larger items
• Innovative opening tailgate which requires less opening space

Safety

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ) standard on all models
• Driver, front passenger and side impact airbags standard on all models
• Curtain airbags standard on all models
• Occupant protection system designed for the real world driving environment
• Ultra-stiff body structure, multiple load path strategy and structurally optimised front & rear deformation zones

Technology

• Rear Park Assist standard on all models
• Roof-mounted DVD system available on selected models
• Integrated navigation system available on all models
• Multi-function driver information display system

Performance

• The multi-link Linear Control Suspension system is the most advanced suspension design ever under a Holden
• Large, fade-resistant brake systems help reduce stopping distances
• Increased diameter wheel and tyre packages for braking and cornering control
• As on sedan, two V6 engine versions will be available: an Alloytec 3.6 litre V6 with single exhaust; and the Alloytec High Output 3.6 litre V6 with dual exhaust
• 6.0 litre Generation 4 Alloy V8 coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, or optional six-speed automatic transmission

Omega
Standard features on Omega include:

• 3.6L Alloytec V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm*, four-speed automatic
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ) including Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Brake Assist and Traction Control
• Four 16-inch alloy wheels
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Multifunction driver display
• Cruise control
• Rear Park Assist
• Automatic headlamp mode
• Single disc CD player
• Dual stage front airbags; side and curtain impact airbags

Berlina
Berlina has all Omega standard features and in addition:

• Four 17-inch alloy wheels
• Front fog lamps
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Trip computer with triple display
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
• Four-way electric adjustment of driver’s seat
• Dual zone electronic climate control
• Six-inch multifunction display screen

SV6
SV6 features include:

• 3.6L High Output Alloytec V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm*, five-speed automatic with Active Select
• Sports suspension
• Four 18-inch alloy wheels
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Single disc CD player
• Sports interior
• Sports body kit
• Dual exhaust
• Chrome highlights
• Rear Park Assist

SS
SS features include:

• 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm ** , six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic with Active Select
• Limited Slip Differential
• Sports suspension
• Four 18-inch alloy wheels
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
• Sports front seats
• Rear Park Assist

SS V
SS V has all SS standard features and in addition:

• Projector headlamps
• Alloy faced pedals
• Four 19-inch alloy wheels
• Leather wrap gear selector
• Leather wrap sports profile steering wheel
• Leather seat inserts
• Dual zone electronic climate control
• 6.5-inch multi-function display screen
• Zone based Rear Park Assist

Calais
Calais features include:

• 3.6L High Output Alloytec V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm*, five-speed automatic with Active Select
• Four 17-inch alloy wheels
• Leather wrap gear selector
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Trip computer with triple display
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Projector headlamps
• Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
• Six-way electric adjustment of driver’s seat
• Dual zone electronic climate control
• 6.5-inch multi-function display screen
• Zone based Rear Park Assist

Calais V
Calais V has all Calais standard features and in addition:

• Four 18-inch alloy wheels
• Chrome finish body side mouldings
• Chrome highlights on exterior door handles
• Leather wrap sports profile steering wheel
• Zone based Front and Rear Park Assist
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Rear overhead DVD
• Eight-way driver and front passenger seat
• Leather seat trim
• Memory settings for driver seat & exterior mirrors

Holden Commodore VE Concept Cop Car With High Tech Gadgetry

As you can imagine, the Holden VE Commodore that you’re seeing in the pic isn’t your ordinary Aussie cop car. Developed by the Australian National Safety Agency in collaboration with partners including Holden, Motorola and Monash University's Accident Research Centre, the Emergency Services Concept Car features the latest in cutting-edge technology. Among other things, the Commodore cop car is equipped with a powerful all-in-one computer which quickly relays information to the user.

Here are some of the car’s high tech gadgets: Voice recognition software that allows police to use the computer while keeping their hands on the wheel; Front and rear cameras that beam real-time footage to communications centers where a supervisor can monitor the car's speed and position; Automatic number plate recognition camera on the roof which is capable of scanning 5000 to 8000 cars in a 10-hour session (!) and -the best gadget- a system that fires a dart with an embedded GPS transponder into a suspect vehicle!

Via: Jalopnik , Source: News

Teenager’s Holden HSV Test Drive Goes Terribly Wrong

Story has it that a 19-year-old teenager took out a Holden VY HSV Clubsport out for a test drive from Bundoora Holden in Victoria, Australia. All was going well until the young Aussie decided to push the pedal to metal on the last corner before the Holden dealership. The teen then lost control of the supped up Commodore which took off in the air after hitting a curb. The car went through the dealership’s gate landing on several cars. Ouch… -More images after the jump

Via: Jalopnik , Source: Im4ges