3 Month Wait for a VF V8

[csv8]

Demand for V8 models of Holden’s latest Commodore has outstripped supply during the first full month of sales in Australia.

V8-powered variants are making up nearly 40 per cent of orders for the make-or-break new model, well up on the 25 per cent for the outgoing VE Commodore.

It continues a long-running trend of V8s making up more of the model mix for the Commodore, which has seen sales plummet over the last decade as fleets and families shift to smaller cars and SUVs.

V8-powered cars were once a niche within the Commodore lineup but have now become a core part of the locally-produced large car's business, reaffirming Australians' love affair with performance cars.
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Prospective buyers of the VF, which went on sale at the beginning of June, will now have to wait at least three months for top-of-the-line SS-V Redline and Calais V V8 models. The company says it has a backlog of more than 1000 cars to fill during that period.

Holden pushed only 2144 Commodores out the door during the month of June but marketing manager Kristian Aquilina said that wasn’t a true reflection of the car’s sales volumes.

“We really were only in a position to start volume sales of the car in the last week of June,” Aquilina explained.

“It’s been a great response from the public and from buyers. We’ve built up quite an order bank and in fact, in the coming months, the volume that we will show in our sales won’t be necessarily of demand, but more of a reflection of supply and our ability to build cars and distribute them as quickly as customers want them.”

Despite the supply setbacks, Holden is hopeful of securing at least 3000 Commodore sales for the month of July – a level not seen for over 12 months.

Holden has triggered an influx of new and returning Commodore buyers through an aggressive pricing strategy which has seen some models slashed by nearly $10,000.

The renewed demand flies in the face of bullish predictions Holden’s V8 engine had lost its appeal in the Australian performance market. Manufacturers including Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Range Rover are beginning to opt for smaller capacity turbocharged engines over larger naturally-aspirated versions – leading to power and economy gains – but Holden reaffirmed this week it was committed to using a 270kW/530Nm 6.0-litre V8.

Paving the way in strengthened V8 demand is the all-new SS-V Redline model, which attracts a $6000 premium over SS-V variants and comes with bigger Brembo brakes, wider rear tyres, forged 19-inch wheels, stiffer track-tuned suspension, revised steering and a new competition mode which
includes launch control on manual variants.

“Redline accounted for 25 to 30 per cent of our VE SS-V sales, it’s more than 50 per cent of [V8] sales on our order bank for VF,” Aqualina revealed.

Holden dynamics engineer Rob Trubiani told Drive it was hard to envisage any more areas of dynamic improvement in the latest model.

“Not really, not at the moment,” he said.

“VF is definitely by far the best Commodore we’ve done, especially in terms of its on-road performance. We’ve really pushed the boundaries.”

Trubiani oversaw the development of the newest model and recently piloted a VF Redline ute around the Nurburgring circuit in Germany in record time.

“Obviously with all the comp mode stuff you get different stability control tuning and you get a different steering car, but in its normal start-up mode the steering response is fast, the tyres are ultra high performance and they’ve got high grip,” he said of the Redline’s advantages over regular SS models.

“The car feels more agile, the car’s got a nice refined feel and although it’s tied down, it’s still got quite a refined damped feel to it. It’s also heaps flatter than any other car we’ve made.”
http://brisbanetimes.drive.com.au/mo...719-2q8tz.html

My comment : Ford reckons no market for a G8E ??? Ford mis-judging the market.??

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by csv8

My comment : Ford reckons no market for a G8E ??? Ford mis-judging the market.??

Yep, and I've said it before in other threads.

The luxury/performance market is one area the local sedans can be very competitive and appealing. The next step up is the Euro's which cost double. Where as the ecoboost, LPi models are fighting against cheaper cars that do the job just as well or better.

Ford AU spent a fortune developing economy focused engines when they should have pushed the Falcon up and improved upon and expanded the performance/luxury range. This article is evidence of this.

Wouldn't have made much difference in the end anyway...

[PridenJoy]

pffft, Ford have no idea.

Good on Holden, i wish them well.

[Brazen]

I like the Redline more than the HSV versions.

Another similar article. The advertising has been effective I think.


http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257BAD001A0A09

Flying: Range-topping Redline is quick on the track and not hanging around in the show-room either, with sales set to double the VE version.
Holden’s track-honed VF Commodore Redline SS-V hero already has a waiting list

Gallery

Click to see larger images
19 July 2013
By DANIEL GARDNER
HOLDEN’S newly-launched VF Commodore SS-V Redline sedan, wagon and ute performance flagship may be launching two months after its more humble siblings, but early signs show people have been willing to wait.

And, says Holden, the enthusiasts who have flocked to dealers to express their interest in the thoroughly updated Aussie sedan may have to wait a little longer still, if the early-production waiting lists are anything to go by.

Despite costing $6000 more than the 270kW/530Nm SS-V with which it shares its engine, Holden says the Redline may account for up to half of SS-V sales overall - about double what the VE version managed.

Manual versions of the Redline Ute and Sedan will cost $48,990 and $51,490 (plus on-road costs) respectively. The optional six-speed automatic adds a further $2200, while the auto-only Sportwagon version costs $55,690.

In addition to the SS-V, the just-arrived Redline gets 19-inch forged aluminium wheels, specially developed Bridgestone tyres, thicker stabilizer bars with uprated damper and spring combination, a modified brake system for stiffer pedal feel, a head-up display, a unique ‘Competitive’ traction control setting and a launch control system.

“People are waiting for the SS V Redlines,” says GM Holden large car and SUV marketing manager Kristian Acquilina. Indeed, the waiting list for some variants is understood to be almost out to 2014.

“We were going hard after the top end of our model range (SS V, Calais, Calais V) with the pricing strategy and that seems to be working very well. People are responding to that,” said Mr Acquilina.

“We’ve got a bit of a waiting list now on Calais V and SS V. For example Redline was about 25/30% of out VE SS V sales it’s more than 50% now.”

Despite significant improvements to safety and comfort, the new VF Commodore range also launched with price cuts of between $5000 and $9800 over the previous VE range. The early demand for high-end variants, not necessarily reflected in the VF’s first month of sales figures, carries over to the rest of the line-up too, said Mr Acquilina.

“We were really only in a position to start volume sales of the car in the last week of June. Since then we have seen a lot of activity in showrooms. It’s been a great response from the public we’ve sold 2100 Commodores in the month of June but we took many more orders.” he said.

“We have built up quite an order bank. In fact in the coming months the volumes we show in our sales won’t be necessarily a reflection of demand but more of a reflection of supply.

“We have seen customers who are loyal to Commodore. We have seen people who are thinking of leaving Commodore – we’ve retained them. We’ve seen people come from small cars and SUVs and we’ve seen people come out of luxury brands who would have never previously considered a Commodore on the basis of how the product stacks up.”

This sort of trend is exactly what Holden wanted from the better-equipped and cheaper VF range, something reflected in its ‘hearts and minds’ advertising campaign.

Holden has dropped its occasionally coy attitude towards performance data by revealing that the SS-V Redline will crack 100km/h in around 5.5 seconds thanks to a power to weight ratio of 155kW per tonne.

The upgraded tyre and suspension combination helps the Redline achieve up to 0.9g in corners.

For the first time ever Holden has fitted a dual width front/rear tyre combination with the front 19-inch wheels wearing 245/40 Bridgestone rubber while rear wheel are shod with wider 275/35 tyres – a feature previously only seen on HSV models.

While the specially developed tyre is reported to offer increased track manners and reduced stopping distances, Holden claims the rate of wear has not increased.

Chassis modifications were required to accommodate the larger 63mm diameter stabiliser bar, lightweight forged aluminium suspension components and larger bore damper struts with changes resulting in reduced body roll and un-sprung weight.

Traction control has also been altered for the Redline with a new ‘Competitive’ mode, which increases steering feel and allows some rear wheel slip in fast cornering for a more rewarding drive.

Experienced track drivers can still enjoy the limits of grip but traction control will step in of required. The selection of Competitive mode also permits ‘launch control’ which holds the engine revs at peak torque until the clutch is released for maximum acceleration from stationary.

A variety of vehicle information can be displayed on a new colour head-up display allowing the driver to monitor various functions without looking away from the road.

The HUD system can be set to display track relevant information such as selected gear, lateral acceleration and engine speed with an incorporated shift-light or road related information such as navigation commands, vehicle speed and audio system functions.

Leather-appointed sports seats and steering wheel are shared with the SS-V range with sedan and Sportwagon variants fitted with eight-way electrically adjustable drivers seat.

Sedan versions of the Redline have a Bose 220 watt sound system with eight speakers and sub-woofer as standard.

Passive entry, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, keyless start and smart remote engine start (automatic transmission only), which allows air-conditioning or heating to be switched on before getting in the vehicle, are all standard on Redline models.

Holden Comodore SS-V Redline pricing*
Sedan $51,490
Sedan (a) $53,690
Sportwagon (a) $55,690
Ute $48,990
Ute (a) $50,690


*Excludes on-road costs.

[Rodge]

SSV Redline will poach HSV sales.

[RANGEREST]

Originally Posted by Rodge

SSV Redline will poach HSV sales.

Shouldn't worry them, as long as they can sell em, and lots of them,
the longer we'll have aussies employed building cars, that's the way I see it.

[HSVKILLA]

That ute looks disgustingly ugly

[burnz]

Originally Posted by Rodge

SSV Redline will poach HSV sales.

or ford/FPV drivers..

[bobthebilda]

Holden are hopeful of selling 3000 commodores in July!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like the expectations are getting lower and lower. Add in changes to FBT and fuel prices above $1.60 make the VF future a bit shakey.

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by HSVKILLA

That ute looks disgustingly ugly

White one would suit me just fine.

[nstg8a]

I don't mind the red ute, but the wheels are the pox.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by burnz

or ford/FPV drivers..

Yes, I was thinking similar.
It's a great opportunity for XR6T and GS to pick up some buyers who are prepared to consider both brands...
While you won't persuade the diehards to switch, there's still plenty of moderates who see merit in both.

[Cuyper]

Do you guys really buy cars based only on your opinion of its looks?. Its not a handbag. If Holden only designed cars on looks they would still be pushing out HQs and they would still be whistling down the road .

[BadMax]

Another nail in the coffin for Ford/FPV owners. Only the staunch supporters will continue to buy the inferior product because of their pledged allegiance.

The reality is the majority of new car buyers want the better product, those who continually bag the opposition are only trying to justify their choice.

There is no doubt that GMH/HSV have learnt what their market want, adapted and secured the most sales.

[FPV8U]

Excellent news for GMH, showing there are still plenty of buyers around for V8 sedans if you give them what they want, Holden Listened and now the buyers have responded.

Hopefully the rumored XR8 return can create a similar response for Falcon in the FH model.

[jpd80]

Holden is currently building hundreds of Chevrolet SSs as part of US dealer demonstrator program
and combined with 2014 Caprice PPV orders, the plant is quite busy at the moment..

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Holden is currently building hundreds of Chevrolet SSs as part of US dealer demonstrator program
and combined with 2014 Caprice PPV orders, the plant is quite busy at the moment..

Well the 2014 PPV has the column shift now, which is a bit of a backflip considering Holden originally stated that police departments would adjust to the console mount. But the PPV is very expensive, no idea if they are adjusting price on that.

[uniacidz]

Personally, how good is it that people want a V8?
I think its great that the interest in the ol' donk is still there.

Time will tell of course, but for now any good media is good

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Well the 2014 PPV has the column shift now, which is a bit of a backflip considering Holden originally stated that police departments would adjust to the console mount. But the PPV is very expensive, no idea if they are adjusting price on that.

It's still between 300 and 500 sales a month so valuable production along
with the few hundred still built for Middle East.

When you think of all the Chevrolet dealerships in the USA, you's only need
one demo per dealership to rack up a big initial order...

Not finding excuses here but when you add up all the loose sales of Zeta,
there's quite a few units aside form local builds.
And then you have 2,000 odd Cruze builds a month on top of that..

[FPV8U]

IF the Chevy SS can become even a moderate success in the states it will bump production up to levels they couldn't dream of, its such a huge market and from what i have read will be competitively priced.

Ironically enough compared to the situation here, the fact its not built in the USA will be one of its biggest hurdles.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by FPV8U

IF the Chevy SS can become even a moderate success in the states it will bump production up to levels they couldn't dream of, its such a huge market and from what i have read will be competitively priced.

Ironically enough compared to the situation here, the fact its not built in the USA will be one of its biggest hurdles.

Be careful, a $44,000 SS is about 50% dearer than a V8 Camaro, it's approaching Cadillac CTS pricing....

while the US has a large population base, that no guarantee of SS's success.

[BHDOGS]

they get there little bump before it all goes back down to ****.

[FPV8U]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Be careful, a $44,000 SS is about 50% dearer than a V8 Camaro, it's approaching Cadillac CTS pricing....

while the US has a large population base, that no guarantee of SS's success.

A V6 Camaro you mean?

[flappist]

I ordered my GT-P in February, it arrived in May
I ordered my 350Z in February, it arrived in April
I ordered my XR6T in February, it arrived in April

What it the big deal, they have just started making these things so there is not a glut of them in the showrooms yet........

[Bossxr8]

Sounds like Holden's PR team are in overdrive trying to build up an image the VF is going gangbusters and everything will be ok.

But based on 3000 sales to start with, huge price/profit cuts and the huge cost of getting the VF into production and those sales figures would have Holden absolutely crapping themselves. No wonder they want employees to take pay cuts and want more government cash. Give it a few months and once the new car shine wears off and it will be back down to 2000 or so a month. No wonder Holden are panicking.

PS Chevrolet only plan on selling 5000 SS's a year, which is pretty tiny volume.

But at least they are having a go at it, unlike Ford's roll over and die technique.

[Brazen]

Ordering a redline manual sedan it will be difficult to get it before 2014. For VF generally It is very difficult to get stock at the moment unless it is cancelled order (such as finance falling through). I have a feeling dealers may be also misleading some customers by understating the wait times.

The problem is as wait times are increasing, dealers are starting to order more as they want to get a place in the line so it becomes a bit of a snowball effect.

Cruze Sri and SRIV is in a similar position with some at 4 months and waiting...

[FGII-XR6]

you know how it is, the closet Holden fans here need to have a dig at Ford every chance they can get.
I can't get over the high level of Holden support there is on a Ford forum.

Originally Posted by flappist

I ordered my GT-P in February, it arrived in May
I ordered my 350Z in February, it arrived in April
I ordered my XR6T in February, it arrived in April

What it the big deal, they have just started making these things so there is not a glut of them in the showrooms yet........

[P6LTD351]

They're celebrating 3000 sales for the first whole month of sales? If 3000 sales is the peak (and let's face it, it is) for the first new model in more than 7 years, then the Commodore is in a world of trouble.

The fact that they can't even afford indicators in the mirrors says a lot. I mean, they totally redo the interior and the front and back of the exterior and they can't afford to update their mirrors?

3 month wait? There always is a 3 month wait unless you want one off the shop floor. More Holden spin.

Let's hope this SPIN helps their workers somehow.

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

you know how it is, the closet Holden fans here need to have a dig at Ford every chance they can get.
I can't get over the high level of Holden support there is on a Ford forum.

I support Holden as much as i do Ford.. Aussie manuf ftw deal with it..

Red or Blue are in the departure lounge.. oh the ironing theyre both pumping out quality bits of gear..

fat ladys warming up

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by FPV8U

A V6 Camaro you mean?

In the US, a V6 Camaro/Mustang is around $22K, you can get a V8 Camaro/Mustang for around $30K
Chevrolet SS is around $44K there which is a lot more than Holden was asking for Pontiac G8 (~$30K)