What GM's Holden unit declares as the "most technologically-advanced car ever created in Australia", and we'll add to that, perhaps one of the better-looking to come out from the Land Down Under, the new Commodore VF, was finally unveiled today during an exclusive event in the city of Melbourne.
Ironically, it may also be the last Australian-designed and engineered rear-wheel drive, Commodore as Holden itself has announced that it will replace the car with a new model in 2017.
The good news is that Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux confirmed the Commodore's replacement would keep the same name with production continuing to take place in Australia; the bad news is that, according to Drive, he said it would be based on a new global design from GM, meaning it will switch to a front-wheel drive platform.
Nevertheless, for the next four years, the last true-blue Australian Commodore brings a fresh design both inside and out along with new luxury appointments.
From a North American perspective, the Commodore VF is important as it spearheads a new export campaign in the form of the Chevrolet SS Sports Sedan that will be officially unveiled in the USA next week on February 16. As you may have already noticed from our own rendering of the SS, the cosmetic changes over the VF Commodore are expected to be subtle.
“The VF Commodore really is a class above,” said Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux. “No other car created in Australia is as technologically advanced, and we’re very proud that not only was the VF designed and engineered here, but it will also be exported to the USA for GM’s biggest global brand, Chevrolet.”
The VF Commodore, which will be built at Holden Vehicle Operations in Adelaide, South Australia, features lightweight aluminium panels along with other fuel saving features such as electric power steering, and better aerodynamics helping reduce fuel consumption as much as 10 percent over the VE Commodore it replaces.
Holden is not ready to talk about the VF Commodore's engine range yet, but it is expected to continue with a selection of V6 and V8 engines.
New technology features include a standard Auto Park Assist system where the driver operates the pedals but the car effectively parks itself, the latest MyLink infotainment system, and keyless entry and start.
On the safety front, there's a Reverse Traffic Alert system, which warns of vehicles passing when reversing out of spaces, Blind Spot Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and a Head-Up Display.
Holden boss Devereux added that a lot of attention was paid to make the VF Commodore look and feel more premium.
"The styling is characterised by sculpted forms and richer detailing," he said. "There’s more gleam and polish at every point and careful attention to detail everywhere you look, from the vibrant front fascias and projector headlamp treatments through to the all-new rear end graphics."
"And the key interior elements are entirely new: instrument panel, console, cockpit, seats, steering wheel, switches, shifters, textures, you name it, no detail has escaped attention. Our designers set out with deliberate intent to exceed expectations by creating a cabin with premium large car ambience – a wow factor, if you like – that’s characterised by a fresh sense of luxury, comfort and convenience.
Over the next few months, Holden will also introduce the replacements for the station wagon, Ute, long-wheelbase Caprice and, of course, the HSV performance models of the expanded Commodore family.
22 Comments:
Another solid design for the Commodore. Limited budget compared to GM America but they can still make a mainstream car better than them. Same with Ford Australia, they really need to get solid export programs going, the Chevy SS is a start but it sounds like niche vehicle to me.
Yes, you are absolutely correct. Unfortunatly, that would be the tail wagging the dingo.
Looks too much like the new impala..
nice job... great look
Looking good, and I can't wait to see the Chevy SS, but something about it makes me think it would look better as a Buick in the States. It may be a sports sedan, but it looks too classy to be a Chevy; maybe its all of the chrome, but I know the SS will be a looker just like the G8 was.
Pic 72 is what the front of our SS is going to look like.
Opel Insignia anyone?
Doesn't look too special on the outside, but the interior is quite tasty.
It could, easily, become an Opel/Vauxaul... Maybe, the new Omega?? ;)
So disappointed with that boring design - another Holden with Opel Insignia/Buick Regal styling cues... GM have no clou how to make a fascinating Charger/300 HEMI competitor, even the Pontiac G8 looks more performance oriented!
Definitely not. Look at prepared Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Facelift, new restyling is in American Buick style.
If New Omega come, so with other design.
Look at VW models range - that's boring design.
Yeep, You're right about that VW, but in performance- sport-sedan segment You expect more emotions, more individual design, than some old meat heated up again... Remember the last GTO? Wasn't a bad car at all, but its design as a result of known "brand engineering" made him no moneymaker, no sentimental feelings, no eye keeper on meetings... Why pay more for that SS, when quite all regular Chevy passenger cars look quite the same - Cruze, Impala, Malibu, Volt...? The only one original is the Camaro, event Corvette copied its rear-end! Look at the last Pontiac G8 - so good was it but how much did they sold them? Come on GM, wake up, it shall be Your halo-sedan, camaro-4 door - have You forgot the CTS-V sedan?
Actually very very nice.. I was pleasantly surprised when I clicked for a closer look. What the 2014 Impala should have looked like.
There are different kinds of conservative styling.
There's Stately - As we see here. It appears to have a strong presence. And it would look appropriate in front of an estate home, or a home on a cul-de-sac. Though I do think they need to do something with the grille. It's very old-school 90s.
There's Incompetently boring- As we see with the Camry and the corolla. Toyota's designs are for $hit.
There's Functional - As we see with the latest Accord. It's nothing to write home about. But the beauty is in how well it serves a purpose.
this is just more GM cars competing with only other GM brands. The same customer that would buy this is the same that would buy a buick. SO why bother with both. GM doesnt need BUICK in the US with cars like this under CHEVY
wow a really good looking saloon, could teach ford vw bmw etc a lesson ...
Pic 69 shows the SS interior and there is an SS behind him too. I don't think Holden were trying hard to hide the SS. :) There is also a PR photo floating around the internet of Michael Simcoe leaning on the front of the SS. If you:want to look around the web for it.
It looks like a pontiac G8 With a garrish amount of chrome.....all that chrome on the outside looks terrible....and the inside looks like a cheaper version of whats in the Impala. How could chevy make a car that looks like this and name it the SS......what a waste...im hoping they take all that chrome for the Chevy version and actually make it look more exciting
That looks really good.Great job fellows,perfect design plus it also fits nicely in the budget,although i think you can still do a better job,i love what you have done here
http://4wheelonline.com/Smittybilt_Winches.134507
Chevy didn't make it. Holden did, and Holden is exporting it to Chevy.
Hope that's one of the new colors as well.
The Malibu needs to be reworked like this, and this should be the sport version....Malibu SS. That is if GM want's the Malibu to be able to compete with the rest of the midsize cars.
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