Tag: holden

Report: Holden VF Monaro coupe would look like this

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia, Design/Style

Holden VF Monaro speculative rendering

Let us make one thing abundantly clear – the car you see above has virtually zero chance of making it into production. None. Zilch. Nada. Zip. That said, we certainly wish it were going on sale. This is the VF Coupe, a rendering put together by a pair of off-the-clock Holden designers and Dsine International. It’s meant to show what a VF Monaro, a two-door version of the beloved Commodore, could look like if it were to enter production.

So what’s preventing a reborn Monaro? Well, for one, the Chevrolet Camaro, a car that already shares a platform with the VF Commodore and by default, the car you see above. As Drive points out, while a Monaro would no doubt sell well in Australia, it’d struggle in the US market, which is home to the aforementioned Camaro, not to mention the Corvette Stingray and the upcoming SS sedan. There’s simply not room for another reasonably priced, 400-plus-horsepower, rear-drive vehicle in GM’s stable.

What would make sense, though, and what no one is mentioning, is selling the Camaro in Australia (an idea that’s been toyed with before). Clearly, the existence of this rendering indicates a willingness among some to revive the Monaro badge. Meanwhile, Ford is bringing a right-hand-drive Mustang to the Australian market as a performance replacement for the Falcon sedan. If the Mustang succeeds, we could see there being a solid business case for a next-generation Camaro that’s been badge engineered as a Monaro in Australia.

Holden VF Monaro coupe would look like this originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Watch these Australian Ford and Holden muscle cars duke it out

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Ford, Holden, Australia, Comparisons

Motoring pits the Holden VF Commodore HSV GTS agains the Ford Falcon FPV GT R-Spec

Australia’s Motoring has put together a little video on two of the great performance vehicles available down under – the Holden VF Commodore HSV GTS and the Ford Falcon FPV GT R-Spec. And while both FPV and the Falcon might be on their way out, there’s still plenty of time for a little head-to-head comparison between the two.

The cars aren’t all that well evenly matched, though. The Ford boasts a 5.0-liter, supercharged V8, which the Aussies measure out at 449 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The HSV, though, with its Corvette-derived, 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 is just too powerful – 576 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque.

Predictably, it doesn’t end too well for the Ford. As the guys from Motoring point out, the new VF Commodore is just too new and too good, with its extra power and its adaptive dampers (GM’s excellent MagnaRide). Interestingly, Motoring did point out that the Holden’s electric steering is better than the Ford’s hydraulic steering, which is a lot like a Porsche purist saying they prefer water-cooled engines to air cooled.

The Aussie site did a full write up on the two vehicles, which we’d strongly encourage you to take a look at. It’s a really solid read. You can also take a look at their video comparison, down below.

Continue reading Watch these Australian Ford and Holden muscle cars duke it out

Watch these Australian Ford and Holden muscle cars duke it out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Holden SS V Redline a sales smash

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Holden, Australia

2014 Holden VF Commodore SS V Redline Front three-quarter

Holden has a hit on its hands. That wouldn’t be much of a surprise were the hit a small, affordable, fuel-efficient car that everyone thought looked like Kate Upton in car form. It’s surprising because said hit has a 6.0-liter V8 with 351 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, sends its power to the rear wheels, and costs 51,490 Australian dollars ($47,365 at today’s rates). And it doesn’t look anything like the lovely Ms. Upton.

Yes, we’re talking about the new VF Commodore SS V, and in particular, the Redline models. According to Aussie car site Motoring, Holden can’t build the darn things fast enough, with wait lists going into 2014.

This news tells us something about Australian motorists. There’s still a market for big, powerful sedans in Oz, which is a fact that Ford has seemingly forgotten. The VF Commodore, particularly the SS V Redline, is a vehicle that people want, rather than one they need. It’s a shame Ford doesn’t see such a market for its Falcon, rather than killing the historic nameplate. We wonder if Ford could have taken Holden’s approach – rather than killing a big sedan, export it to America. We’d much rather have a rear-drive Falcon than the Taurus. Instead, Ford is basically giving away sales to Holden.

Want further proof that Holden is making the Commodore work? The SS V trim is handily outdoing the standard SS, making up 80 percent of SS sales. People aren’t only buying these big sedans, they’re actively buying the very best versions. We can only hope Chevrolet’s new SS sedan, which is essentially a more powerful Commodore SS V, receives such a warm reception.

Holden SS V Redline a sales smash originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jul 2013 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Burnout turns Holden HSV Clubsport into epic fireball

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Holden

Michael ‘Gup’ Gilbert is the Australian owner of Powercruise. The cruising car show is for those who like to “beat on their cars rather than look at them from their lawn chair,” touts the company’s web site. Understandably, the mastermind behind the event has build some very impressive street cars, including the heavily modified Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) making a rather abbreviated appearance in the video below.

Not happy with the factory stock 6.2-liter LS3 under the hood of his daily driver HSV Clubsport, Gup replaced it with a 727-cubic-inch V8 (do the math – its displacement is more than 11.9-liters!) from Sonny’s Racing Components. The $55,900 crate engine makes a whopping 1,275 horsepower on standard 91 octane pump gas, thanks in part to a massive 3,500-cfm throttle body perched on top. Custom-mounted in the nose of his Holden, Gup chose to send all of the power rearward through a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission working through a nine-inch differential. The numbers speak for themselves – late last year, the car ran the quarter in 10.5 at 140 miles per hour.

But all good things, including this right-hand-drive Holden, will eventually come to an end. We don’t know exactly what gave out during the demonstration at Powercruise USA held at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota this past weekend, but it sure expired in spectacular fashion. See for yourself below.

Continue reading Burnout turns Holden HSV Clubsport into epic fireball

Burnout turns Holden HSV Clubsport into epic fireball originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Holden launches tuned, pre-facelifted Malibu in Australia

Filed under: Sedan, GM, Holden, Australia

As General Motors prepares to launch a refreshed 2014 Chevrolet Malibu in the US, the current, year-old version of the car will go on sale in Australia as the Holden Malibu. Rather than just making it right-hand drive and putting new badges on the Malibu for Aussie duty, Holden engineers worked on the sedan’s drivetrain and suspension to give it a tuning unique to that market.

It seems like one of the biggest challenges was getting the Holden Malibu to drive smoothly on Australian roads, and GM’s crew Down Under accomplished this by retuning the suspension’s damping calibration, as well as giving the car proper right-hand-drive tires. Yes, apparently tires designed for a left-hand-drive car would cause the Malibu to pull “excessively to the left,” according to GM’s press release. Engine choices for the Holden Malibu are the 2.4-liter gasoline four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter diesel I4.

Scroll down for the official press blast.

Continue reading Holden launches tuned, pre-facelifted Malibu in Australia

Holden launches tuned, pre-facelifted Malibu in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will the next Holden Commodore go front-wheel drive?

Filed under: GM, Holden, Australia, Rumormill

Holden Commodore

2011 Holden VE Series II Commodore – Click above for high-res image gallery

Since 1978, the Holden Commodore has been roaring across the land down under. It’s worn a plethora of body styles ranging from coupe and sedan to wagon and ute, brought the Pontiac G8 to American soil and sold over 44,000 units last year in Australia. During its run, the Holden Commodore has been a rear-wheel drive vehicle, but new reports state that the front-engine/rear-drive layout may not be in the cards for much longer.

The next-generation Commodore is going to appear by 2015 and it’s possible that General Motors may switch it to a front-wheel drive car. The goal is increased fuel-efficiency for GM’s large cars and the front-wheel drive platforms are the ones set up to deliver the highest fuel efficiency.

The Holden Commodore could ride on the Super Epsilon II platform, which will also make its way into the next Chevrolet Impala and the upcoming Cadillac XTS. Sure, we understand why an automaker would look to make this change but it doesn’t mean we have to like it. We prefer our Maltidas waltzing and our Commodores drifting.

Gallery: 2011 Holden Series II Family

[Source: Go Auto]

Will the next Holden Commodore go front-wheel drive? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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G8 redux? Chevy comeback rumored for Holden Commodore

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia, Rumormill

Holden VE Series II Commodore – Click above for high-res image gallery

A fountain of tears was shed when the Pontiac G8 sedans bit the dust along with their parent brand. The Poncho-fied Holden Commodore was one of our favorite rides – particularly in its delicious, LS3-powered GXP guise with a six-speed stick. As you know, Holden is once again ready to export Zeta-based sedans to the U.S. in the form of the new long-wheelbase Chevy Caprice police cruisers, but civilian variants are not part of the program. This brings us to the latest scuttlebutt published by Drive.com.au, which reports that a new export agreement to send standard-wheelbase Holden VE Commodores back stateside as Chevrolets may be on the horizon.

Drive quotes General Motors engineer Al Oppenheiser as confirming that negotiations are indeed underway, while a second unnamed GM source told the website that it’s a done deal. A Holden spokesman told Drive that in terms of exports, the focus is presently on the Caprice PPV, but added that other deals are being pursued. There’s good reason to be hopeful. GM North America President Mark Reuss was the boss at Holden in 2008 and 2009, and clearly knows just how good the product is.

The G8 won widespread praise during its brief tenure, and the lack of a legit sport sedan is a glaring hole in Chevy’s otherwise comprehensive lineup. It’s also important to remember that thanks to the Pontiac G8, most of the development to federalize the Aussie four-door has already been done. It would likely not take much to get the current VE Series II sedan ready for a U.S. encore. Hell, if it actually happens, maybe this time GM could even go through with the ute introduction, too. Naming the Chevy version would be a snap, after all.

Fingers crossed, everybody. Thanks to TriShield for the heads-up!

Gallery: 2011 Holden Series II Family

[Source: Drive.com.au]

G8 redux? Chevy comeback rumored for Holden Commodore originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden Efijy Concept to be honored at Motorclassica Concours in Australia

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Holden, Australia, Specialty

Holden Efijy Concept

2005 Holden Efijy Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Holden Efijy Concept is set to have a little extra (and very well deserved, we may add) time in the spot light. The slinky machine has been chosen to headline Australia’s first international concours d’elegance at the end of this month, where it will be joined by classic and exotic vehicles from around the world. Holden first debuted the Efijy back in 2005, and the car immediately garnered praise from hot rod fans and designers alike thanks to its ’50s-inspired lines and otherworldly powertrain. You see, under that retro skin sits a thoroughly modern driveline, including a chassis borrowed from a Chevrolet Corvette.

This thing isn’t just a looker, either. Under that lead-sled coupe hood sits a fire-breathing, supercharged, 6.0-liter LS2 V8. Should you decide to open up both taps, there’s a full 645 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque at your beck and call.

The Australian International Concourse d’Elegance kicks off on October 22 and runs until the 24th. Hit the jump to see the full press release.

Gallery: Holden Efijy Concept

[Source: Holden]

Continue reading Holden Efijy Concept to be honored at Motorclassica Concours in Australia

Holden Efijy Concept to be honored at Motorclassica Concours in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden Redlines its V-Series performance offerings

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, Holden, Australia

Holden V-Series Redline Editions – Click above for high-res image gallery

The five new kings in the Holden range wear Redline badges, with the Aussie arm of General Motors introducing new versions of the Series II Calais V-Series sedan and Sportwagon, along with the SS V-Series sedan, Sportwagon and Ute. Six-liter, Flexfuel V8s power them all, with the sedans getting the additional benefit of the FE3 Super Sports Performance Suspension and a chrome window surround. Otherwise each wears Brembo brakes, forged 19-inch with low-profile tyres, and all but the ute get a rearview camera. Follow the jump for the press release, have a look at a few of the flavors in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: 2011 Holden V-Series Redline Editions

[Source: Holden]

Continue reading Holden Redlines its V-Series performance offerings

Holden Redlines its V-Series performance offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia

Filed under: GM, Holden, Australia

Holden Series II family

2011 Holden Series II family – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ll admit it – we miss the Pontiac G8. A lot. General Motors’ Americanized version of the rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore met its death with the demise of Pontiac last year, and of all the GM products that we’ve lost in the past twelve months, the G8 is the one we’d immediately rebirth if we could (especially the GXP). Holden, however, is still alive and well in its native Australia, and the automaker has just released its Series II family, which offers up a host of small changes to nearly the full line of products.

There isn’t anything drastically different about the Series II versions of the Commodore, Calais, Caprice, Berlina or Omega – just the typical new model year additions. Most notably, the 3.0-liter V6 and 6.0-liter V8 engines are now capable of running on bio-ethanol fuel, and slight improvements to fuel economy have been made across the range. In addition, small visual tweaks have been made to the fascias of all models and new paint colors have been added.

A similar story can be told about these cars’ interiors – minute tweaks to fit and finish have been made, though the big news is the addition of GM’s new Holden-iQ infotainment system, available on all Series II models. Holden-iQ incorporates audio, Bluetooth and navigation functions into one 6.5-inch touchscreen interface, as well as a back-up camera (not available on the Ute).

For the full list of changes, browse through Holden’s press release, available after the jump, and see the full 2011 Series II range for yourself in the high-res image gallery below. Hat tip to Neil!

Gallery: 2011 Holden Series II Family

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia

GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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