Ve Ute

[BAxtER]

Originally Posted by cboz

Ford have a repuation with the tradies as the more suited to hard work and I hope they continue down that path, it's a good reputation to have and would make up for alot of sales.

agreed lets hope its stayes that way, au ute sold like hotcakes, back when holden had no tray back, i love history repeating itself

[Bud Bud]

Originally Posted by apolloxbgt

I can't beleive this wasnt brought up earlier,it looks terrible!
That is what happens when you cut corners and build everything on the one platform.

Was there a reason it couldn't have been built on the statesman platform?

Actually I read from a Holden release from a year ago or so that the ute has it's own dedicated wheel base. Neither sedan nor Statesman derived. Wagon should be on the sedan wheel base though.

I Actually like the look of the new ute and the VE overall. Once you see a few around lowered (sedans) they look hot and they definitely make a lot of other cars including some Beemers look old now. I think that the ute will be no exemption once you see enough of them.

I think I have always preferred the one piece side construction of the Holden ute rather than the bucket (pick up) style of the current Falcon, even though we have a BA tray top for work.

[Bud Bud]

I found this on article at carsales.com.au Here is just a snippit.


New Commodore ute and wagon decoded (October 2006)

Words - Joe Kenwright

AN ALL-NEW UTE
Sources say Holden believes the large car market and growth of SUV acceptance is now such that ute sales have eclipsed conventional wagons. As such, the VE ute variant has now assumed a higher priority.

Therefore the first VE variation to follow the sedan will be the new VE ute.

Like the VE sedan, this will be different from any ute ever launched in Australia. Previously, the Commodore ute and wagon were derived from the same long wheelbase platform that underpinned the Statesman/Caprice. This was a tradition that started with the HQ in 1971 and was closely followed by Ford with the XA Falcon and variants in1972.

The VE ute due later next year, will go it alone as a long wheelbase commercial model not linked to an equivalent wagon.

After the standard VE sedan wheelbase was boosted to almost the same measurement as the previous Statesman, Holden stretched the WM Statesman wheelbase to 3009mm (or over 118 inches in the old money). This will generate all-new proportions for a new Australian ‘super ute.’

The long-wheelbase will generate unprecedented balance for a ute, even when laden, as it will place the bulk of any load inside the wheelbase. It should also free-up extra storage space inside the cabin, generate an incredibly stable platform for towing and a long load bed with a wider platform than usual ahead of the wheelarches.

Those who have seen the new ute claim it looks stunning.

[NRD80Y]

Originally Posted by Bud Bud

Actually I read from a Holden release from a year ago or so that the ute has it's own dedicated wheel base. Neither sedan nor Statesman derived. Wagon should be on the sedan wheel base though.

If you actually read my post a few posts up (#83) the VE ute is based on the Statesman wheelbase.
"VE ute is long wheel base," Mr Stolfo continued, "it's 3009mm wheel base shares all the underpinnings of Statesman."

[Bud Bud]

Originally Posted by NRD80Y

If you actually read my post a few posts up (#83) the VE ute is based on the Statesman wheelbase.
"VE ute is long wheel base," Mr Stolfo continued, "it's 3009mm wheel base shares all the underpinnings of Statesman."

No problem. I just re-read that article and while it is a tad misleading with the quote "The VE ute due later next year, will go it alone as a long wheelbase commercial model not linked to an equivalent wagon.” unquote, however they do point out that newer stretched Statesman would Quote "generate all-new proportions for a new Australian ‘super ute.’ "Unquote. It was a while ago when I read it and I think dementia might be setting in!

Cheers Bud Bud

[irlewy86]

Originally Posted by Bud Bud

I found this on article at carsales.com.au Here is just a snippit.


New Commodore ute and wagon decoded (October 2006)

Words - Joe Kenwright

AN ALL-NEW UTE
Sources say Holden believes the large car market and growth of SUV acceptance is now such that ute sales have eclipsed conventional wagons. As such, the VE ute variant has now assumed a higher priority.

Therefore the first VE variation to follow the sedan will be the new VE ute.

Like the VE sedan, this will be different from any ute ever launched in Australia. Previously, the Commodore ute and wagon were derived from the same long wheelbase platform that underpinned the Statesman/Caprice. This was a tradition that started with the HQ in 1971 and was closely followed by Ford with the XA Falcon and variants in1972.

The VE ute due later next year, will go it alone as a long wheelbase commercial model not linked to an equivalent wagon.

After the standard VE sedan wheelbase was boosted to almost the same measurement as the previous Statesman, Holden stretched the WM Statesman wheelbase to 3009mm (or over 118 inches in the old money). This will generate all-new proportions for a new Australian ‘super ute.’

The long-wheelbase will generate unprecedented balance for a ute, even when laden, as it will place the bulk of any load inside the wheelbase. It should also free-up extra storage space inside the cabin, generate an incredibly stable platform for towing and a long load bed with a wider platform than usual ahead of the wheelarches.

Those who have seen the new ute claim it looks stunning.

Super Ute? : WTF, I mean WTF. No leaf springs, a 450kg load capacity. Whats the point of all that space if it cant carry anything. Super ute my . The all new alloytec is a gutless wonder to boot. It might look the part but it will struggle to work in an iron lung.

[MeestaNob!]

Well I reckon it looks pretty good. Some thoughts:

-SS is pretty damn nice.
-Proportions are good, but I still have issues with the new Commodore face. Very simple and 'blocky', and will date very quickly.
-The rear is very ugly across the range. Very. Why is there dual exhausts on the base model ute?
-Omega ute is the ugliest local production vehicle since the AU Forte, and I dont feel that is being overly dramatic.
-IRS and ESP etc on the ute is AWESOME, but comes at a cost cause...
-Payload is TERRIBLE. If I bought a ute, even a showboat one (XR8/SS/XR6T) I would EXPECT to be able to at least haul a 500Kg+, otherwise I might as well look at a Monaro...

...So why, if payload in effect wasn't really all that important to you, would you get a SS Ute when you could get a Monaro, which WILL happen within 18 months?
You get some (sort of) usable rear seats, the exterior will look much more attractive, and the luxuries are probably going to be better too.
And you wont look like a ****er when you're cruising about.

I love the whole idea of the up-spec ute, but I dont understand them, and this new release just muddies the issue further.

Last word:
V variants of all models are the worst thing Holden has ever done. Ever. De-content existing models to provide the same thing with a new badge? Awesome! NOT!

[FlipXW]

I showed it to my mate today who is heaps into holdens, yet knows all about cars (trend follower). I chopped the badge off the back then showed him the rear shot and told him it was the new falcon ute, He said it was disgusting and looked like <rap etc..... Then i told him it was actually the new commo ute and he's statement quickly turned into, 'aw its not that bad it would defintly grow on you'

[FordFella]

Originally Posted by MeestaNob!
Well I reckon it looks pretty good. Some thoughts:

-SS is pretty damn nice.
-Proportions are good, but I still have issues with the new Commodore face. Very simple and 'blocky', and will date very quickly.
-The rear is very ugly across the range. Very. Why is there dual exhausts on the base model ute?
-Omega ute is the ugliest local production vehicle since the AU Forte, and I dont feel that is being overly dramatic.
-IRS and ESP etc on the ute is AWESOME, but comes at a cost cause...
-Payload is TERRIBLE. If I bought a ute, even a showboat one (XR8/SS/XR6T) I would EXPECT to be able to at least haul a 500Kg+, otherwise I might as well look at a Monaro...

...So why, if payload in effect wasn't really all that important to you, would you get a SS Ute when you could get a Monaro, which WILL happen within 18 months?
You get some (sort of) usable rear seats, the exterior will look much more attractive, and the luxuries are probably going to be better too.
And you wont look like a ****er when you're cruising about.

I love the whole idea of the up-spec ute, but I dont understand them, and this new release just muddies the issue further.

Last word:
V variants of all models are the worst thing Holden has ever done. Ever. De-content existing models to provide the same thing with a new badge? Awesome! NOT!

I agree in every way (except I think even the SS looks POS). Even if this is vastly dynamically superior to the Falcon Ute, it won't suit the needs of tradies. Which makes you wonder, if Holden is aiming at make the Ute for pretty boys, who is going to buy an Omega? :And isn't this Omega more expensive than the Falcon Ute?

[dannyxm]

http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/...y?vehicleid=15

straight from the horses mouth

[DODDO]

Originally Posted by PhilXR8

I showed it to my mate today who is heaps into holdens, yet knows all about cars (trend follower). I chopped the badge off the back then showed him the rear shot and told him it was the new falcon ute, He said it was disgusting and looked like <rap etc..... Then i told him it was actually the new commo ute and he's statement quickly turned into, 'aw its not that bad it would defintly grow on you'

Hahaha
I know a few of those sort of people too!
Whack a Ford badge on it and it's a piece of ...., but in their eyes, Holden could never go wrong.

[FlipXW]

Originally Posted by DODDOAU

Hahaha
I know a few of those sort of people too!
Whack a Ford badge on it and it's a piece of , but in their eyes, Holden could never go wrong.

I'd probably do the same thing , but seriously i do give credit where i think its due e.g e-series hsv, but with this ute IMO its not....

[fou_bleu]

Different anyway! 60/40 on the BF vs VE (60 Falc.)

[ltd]

Ugly. Holden should call it the all new "Ginger Beer".
Talk about mancans.

[phillyc]

No trayback for VE!

Excellent for Ford who have just been handed another few hundred sales a month!

[sleekism]

Look as much as I don't like Holden this "poser" ute is the only way they are going to survive.

Competition must be ferocious in the real ute market I can't imagine how Ford can compete with the Hilux and Navara etc which are dirt cheap as are built in the third world and have an economical four cylinder engine.

As a keen motorcyclist I would rather take the Falcon Ute as I wan't something that can take a dirt bike down the fire tracks and still clean up ricers on the road.

I think this ute is a sign that Holden is in a lot of trouble and are scaling back variants. No Monaro, No Wagon, No crewman, No Work utes, No supercharged Commodores.

Ford is doing much the same by dropping the Fairlane/LTD I think it's becoming increasingly clear that there is only room for one Aussie in each market segment....

Falcon Wagon pushed the Commodore Wagon out
Falcon Work Ute pushed the Commodore Work ute out
Territory Pushed the Adventra out
XR6 Turbo pushed the Supercharged Commodore Out
Holden Statesman pushed the Ford Fairlane out

I am a Ford fan but you can't ignore market forces and in much of a way it is a smart move as all the profits are in the pretty boy's who buy a ute and never use the tray.

I think this a sign that the ferocious development that went on in the late 90's and early 2000's is coming to a close. I remember reading that Holden had shocking quality with the VY and VZ because there was so many variants.

The main complaint I have with the Holden and Ford utes is that they are heavier and slower than the sedans. Normally when you go from a sedan to a 2 seater you are giving up convenience for a faster car but the utes are slower and heavier.

[Kobayashi]

Originally Posted by cboz

What's with the size of the lion logo on the nose of Holden vehicles now? Geezuz christ

What does it matter, you know most of them will be replaced with chevy badges anyway ;)

Having said that, i find pics dont do it for me, i have to see a car in the real world to make a final decision. But i know it might be on the shopping list next year if i am successful with the mining job i am training for soon ;)

[Bobman]

No more Crewman though,

Wonder what Police will use now as a replacement, Redrum?

[Sloth]

Originally Posted by NRD80Y

The VE ute is actually based on the LWB of the Statesman

Thanks, I wasn't sure on that. I thought the ute and wagon were going to start using the sedan wheelbase but it must just be the wagon. That overhang does look oddly long though.

[NRD80Y]

Originally Posted by Sloth

Thanks, I wasn't sure on that. I thought the ute and wagon were going to start using the sedan wheelbase but it must just be the wagon. That overhang does look oddly long though.

Well I maight have to stand sort-of corrected on my comments to Bud Bud about a unique. It looks like the wheel base is 2/3rds Stateman
http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/2782788.aspx
"The new Ute is built on the 'Zeta' platform -- or whatever GM is currently calling it -- and comprises three modules. The front and mid-sections are based on the WM sedan (Statesman/Caprice), with rails extended well beyond the boot length of the luxury LWB Holden for its application as a Ute."

But the exta length may help with weight distribution and payload
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring...den-ve-ute.htm
"Weight distribution is 53:47 front to rear, and as the lighter rear end can often magnify the cars power delivery, so this throttle mapping tweak should smooth out the Ute's rough edges. Interesting, most models are some 150 to 160kg heavier than their predecessors, which is due to the new VE underpinnings - suspension, frame, safety systems etc."

[TZENU]

Although it looks all wrong, i bet your bottom dollar that they will continue to sell well....

Holden have a much better marketing department than Ford!

[uranium_death]

Originally Posted by TZENU

Although it looks all wrong, i bet your bottom dollar that they will continue to sell well....

Holden have a much better marketing department than Ford!

Yet, if Ford do things correctly, they will still outsell the VE ute. Despite Ford's below-par advertising, the Ute has outsold the Holden's equivalent consistently. Ford don't need to pack in lies and BS in a 30 second flick to sell...tradesmen know what they want, and they don't want a recreation vehicle. That want a vehicle that carries a decent load, can fit a decent load with a bit of juice. Holden may have juice...<fill in the blank>

[Grum]

Well I went to the Sydney preview last night and actually sat in a few of the new utes. I’ve got to say they are a lot better in the “flesh” and you can tell Holden have put a bit of thought into designing the ute. It isn’t a mix and match rush job, it’s a purpose built ute.

My major dislikes are:
1. The crapola AM/FM antenna sticking out of the top of the cab! Looks stupid and although you can unscrew the antenna the base is still attached to the cab.
2. The door sills need scuff guards badly. They are all paint and even the brand new SS (120km) had 3 chips in it.
3. The side panel of the car is 1 piece from the tailgate all the way to the bottom of the a pillar! It is a massive panel. It’s less places to get polish residue but I think it will be a nightmare to panel beat or paint!
4. The dash and illumination is all red like the sedans, doesn’t grab me at all.
5. Its bloody high, the SS-V looks like a RTV!
6. There is not a lot of difference between the base model and the top of the line SSV, the only was they are protecting that is to only offer the good options on the SS or SSV
7. Engine bays look like a Toyota corolla, all plastic and no character.
8. more of a personal one but I hate the park brake and how the centre consol looks like its made for left hand drive. The park brake looks stupid.
9. The Holden steering wheels are crap. Always have been – always will be!
10. Only the base models get the high mount brake light.

The good bits:
1. The tray is big. It is a little shorter but it is deep! Your dog could sit on your esky and still be under the tonneau! Or 2 bums high!
2. The space behind the seats is usable. There are some crappy photos below (it was dark and they are only mobile pics). There are 2 pockets on the firewall. 1 cargo net for street directories etc and 1 “pocket” below. It has a cargo net front but runs about a foot deep into the tray area; it’s made to have things like a lap top stored out of harms way. It’s pretty cool. The actual space behind the seats is less than a Ford but it doesn’t have the gusset area like the fords does. It all depends on how far back the seat it. When a Ford has the seats all the way back that’s about how much room the Commy’s start with.
3. The layout of the buttons on the centre consol are all pretty good and easy to use.
4. The tub liner, which now comes standard (hate it when they advertise it like that as it has to be there because there is no solid steel underneath, like the Fords). It also has a lot or solid tie downs.
5. The tail gate now can’t be dropped on the tow bar!
6. The tailgate had dedicated locating holes for motor bike ramps, look for them as a Holden part and the utes will be heavily marketed to bike riders. There is also little “gap” between the tailgate and tray. Making it easier to slide thing in and out.
7. It’s a pretty good package for a ute. It has a lot of safety options.
8. The quad tips (even duals on the base models) look great. I wish my Ford had them!

Now other random points:
1. The fuel filler is along way back could cause dramas at some servos.
2. The filler cap looks electric but you really just push it in and it pops open.
3. The roll bars (not yet released) look bad, like bent wire coat hangers and not a smooth shape.
4. The hardlid will be remote locking from factory. Not sure how yet bud I’d imagine it will be part of the key fob.
5. The performance brakes are nothing special, just normal PBR’s like the BF XR brakes.
6. Didn’t have any jacks or spare tyre tools on display so who knows.
7. Some of the new colours are different! The picks will be purple, red or black.
8. Its just not tough like a Ford
9. They will be able to be optioned with the bonnet stripes.

Overall its a pretty good ute! I would seriously consider one and I think the one I drive now is one of Ford's (not FPV) finner examples!

[Fair302]

Not a bad bit of kit, not very keen on it myself but it will be nice to see something different on the road. Plus they can only improve once you see some that have been lowered about 6" as it needs at least tha much.

[tapeworm]

The way the tail light and rear bumper join in one flowing line is lifted straight from the Falcon. Maybe Holden have designed it as a recreational ute because they consider the Rodeo the ute tradies would get for real work?

[chief]

Austin's comment about the Holden's ute is spot on. Totally impractical for a work ute, but the coolest thing to the young cool dude with the spikey hair.

[Full Spectrum]

there's still a market for people that don't use them to carry 600-800kg around.. There are some that buy them and use them like a car, And on the od occasion stick there gear in the rear and go fishing, Or toss in a motor bike, Or they might need to move some furniture around they buy a sporty ute because it's the cheapest way into a SS SS-V or cheapest way into a sporty model, They don't want to buy a sedan and buy a trailer also.
I know a guy that owns a Mercedes Vito and has never carried a single thing in it, He also owned before that a Toyota Hilux and again never used it to carry loads. A ute actually makes more seance to me because i only ever drive by myself or with my mother 99% of my driving, Very rare to have anyone in the car with us, But it's the od occasion that keeps me in 4 doors you just never know.

[Buddy 1]

I can see a few Bits that are a copy of the Ford ute such as extra space behind the seats, small windows on the sides & the Tray liner.

Says alot for Fords Design that after all this time they had to adopt some of Fords ideas

I was very Interested in this Ute before I saw Detailed Pics though decided to go with Ford anyway & am so Glad I did as Holdens end result does not overly impress me.

Now the Orion Ute would be another matter (I think).

Though I will still be Happy with my Ute even then

[FPVTurboTaxi]

looks really good for a holden , i really liked it until they spun it around and showed the dingo ugly rear lights .....

[XR8 Uterous]

Originally Posted by b2tf

Holden have stated before their target market is the youg metrosexual male.

So whens your new VE Ute arrive Aust?