VF Commodore Breaks Cover.

[Sprint XR8]

Spy cameras capture camouflaged Commodore in Sweden.

This is not just another photo of a camouflaged car, it’s next year’s new Holden Commodore – to be known as the VF Commodore - and the images reveal more than you might expect.

Spy photos published in Wheels magazine show us for the first time the next Commodore will be an update of the current car – not an all-new model.

When the VE Commodore was released in 2006 the then boss of Holden Denny Mooney said the VE generation was expected to run “five maybe six years” before being replaced with a cleansheet design.

But a sequence of significant events has since conspired against the Commodore, making the current generation destined to be one of the longest-running models in Commodore history, and possibly the last as we know it.

The global financial crisis, the bankruptcy and restructure of General Motors, the axing of the Commodore’s US export program and the continuing decline in large-car sales globally mean Holden has not been able to justify investment in big changes.

Although the VE has had a number of minor updates since it was released, it will be seven years old before it is replaced by the VF Commodore in 2013 as a 2014 “model-year” – and even then the only visual changes to the body will be at the front and rear.

Significantly, the core of the car – the doors and roof – will remain unchanged. Even the mirror housings are the same as before.

By comparison, it took just five years for similar sheetmetal changes on the previous generation Commodore, when the model switched from VX to VY in 2002, with a new front- and rear-end appearance. And even that car got new mirrors.

Given that the visual changes are relatively minor, Holden is taking extraordinary lengths to ensure the appearance of the next Commodore remains under wraps – even as the car undergoes stability control testing on ice roads in far away Sweden.

Holden has fitted hand-made temporary headlights and tail-lights under the camouflage of this test mule to keep fans guessing.

However, Holden is also working on changes beneath the surface that will trim weight from the next Commodore and save fuel.

The former Federal Minister for Industry, Kim Carr, and Holden boss Mike Devereux revealed last year the VF Commodore will use aluminium for panels such as the bonnet, said to trim 8kg. The magazine also reports that other structural changes will trim a further 30kg from the car.

Photos show Holden has taken some of the bulge out of the Commodore’s wheel arches to help it slip through the air more efficiently at freeway speeds.

Last year Devereux said the next Commodore would sip about 10 per cent less fuel than current levels, which would edge consumption close to or below 8L/100km, similar to today’s medium-sized sedans and compact soft-roaders.

Meantime Drive understands the next Commodore will also embrace a new electronics system that controls most functions in the car, bringing the Commodore in line with other models in the GM world and opening the vehicle up to new technology such as centre-mounted airbags, a self-parking system and digital radio.

The next Commodore is also understood to be central to reviving Holden’s US export hopes.

Last month, Chevrolet announced it would enter a new model in next year’s Nascar racing series, and that it would have a rear-drive sports sedan in showrooms to coincide with the campaign.

The statement prompted speculation the likely candidate for this car would be the Commodore, badged there as a Chevrolet.

The former boss of Holden Mark Reuss, now in charge of GM in North America, told Drive last year: “Somewhere along the way you’ll get a pretty big Commodore change and if we did (revive the Commodore export program to North America) we would integrate it with those changes.”

http://canberratimes.drive.com.au/mo...416-1x2bi.html

[jpd80]

I don't mean to be disrespectful to Holden but spending $300 million on a car that probably isn't going past 2016 doesn't sound right,
nor does the continual suggestion of exports to Chevrolet for a mere two years, it just doesn't add up. Am I missing something here?

[excopau]

Just more talk up about the Holden like usual. I believe it when i see it, they might save 38kg but probably add 5o kg and brag how they saved 38 lol

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by jpd80

I don't mean to be disrespectful to Holden but spending $300 million on a car that probably isn't going past 2016 doesn't sound right,
nor does the continual suggestion of exports to Chevrolet for a mere two years, it just doesn't add up. Am I missing something here?

Holden have said 2018 haven't they. Which would mean 12 years since VE release, shows how long the billion dollar millstone will take to payoff. Original projections were replacement after 8 years. Oops.

[MethodX]

Ah well hopefully it sells, and they export it.

[FalconXV]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Holden have said 2018 haven't they. Which would mean 12 years since VE release, shows how long the billion dollar millstone will take to payoff. Original projections were replacement after 8 years. Oops.

From a business standpoint, isn't this a good thing? More time for the platform to pay for itself I would have thought?
In any case, Holden is going to have to pull out ALL stops, as I suspect the market will continue to diminish, and if (when) Abbot gets in all funding to car companies will probably stop (as the budget is returned to surplus, living standards be damned but I digress).
God forbid Holden actually have to divert some of the marketing funds back into engineering...
Jokes aside, I'm sure it will be an excellent vehicle, just as the 2014 Falcon has the potential to be.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Holden have said 2018 haven't they. Which would mean 12 years since VE release, shows how long the billion dollar millstone will take to payoff. Original projections were replacement after 8 years. Oops.

Holden is now saying new car to replace Commodore in 2016. GFC caused a huge contractions in projections,
Holden had originally projected in 2006 to replace VE in 2011 or 2012 with all new car but that's not happening,
or no, I'll modify that by saying that Holden has changed to evolving VE to a different car but one pinned to 2016.

[GasoLane]

I like the remark... "Holden has fitted hand-made temporary headlights and tail-lights under the camouflage of this test mule to keep fans guessing."...

Could it also be that the headlights had to be changed as they drive on the other side of the road to us ?

[Luke Plaizier]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Holden is now saying new car to replace Commodore in 2016.

Have you got any quotes for this? I keep seeing quotes that Holden have funding for a next model, but I'm struggling to see definitive quotes where Holden says the Commodore will be discontinued. Everything I read seems to imply speculation.

I'd love a quote to use!


Lukeyson

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Luke Plaizier

Have you got any quotes for this? I keep seeing quotes that Holden have funding for a next model, but I'm struggling to see definitive quotes where Holden says the Commodore will be discontinued. Everything I read seems to imply speculation.

I'd love a quote to use!


Lukeyson

Not that easy, GM Inside news have a news correspondent (nsap) who claims to have seen the plan for Holden post 2016
and that it is a global car based on new Impala. That particular person is US based and has a lot of good contacts withing GM
and from what I can tell from his scoops, is privy to ongoing and good intel from within GM but time will tell..

It will be interesting to see how Holden play out the funding they have received, I've heard that no work beyond VF is planned but
you never know, that's why I find it strange to hear some rather conflicting stories. Maybe it's good for Ford that some "interest"
now jumps back onto Holden's plans while Ford prepares their own strategy...

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Holden is now saying new car to replace Commodore in 2016. GFC caused a huge contractions in projections,
Holden had originally projected in 2006 to replace VE in 2011 or 2012 with all new car but that's not happening,
or no, I'll modify that by saying that Holden has changed to evolving VE to a different car but one pinned to 2016.

The new Wheels magazine says 2018 for the new cars, which is in line with all previous reports.

They think it will be Alpha based.

[DoreSlamR]

It's the new SGMPATAC VF23798GW7R-Q!

[Nikked]

Exports to US?

It didn't work when the dollar was in GM's favor...

[Crazy Dazz]

This follows on from their story 3~4 weeks ago: “VF Commodore a 'massive update' ”
http://canberratimes.drive.com.au/mo...322-1vlw9.html
Any excuse to write about the Commode. Somebody at GM Holden farts, and its big news.
If only they realised most Holden drivers can’t read.

[MAFIA]

It just gonna be a Facelift VF on the old VE chassis with the Daewoo Cruze styling!!! Very korean.

As Dave Hughes say it "Holden means great deal to Korea!"

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

This follows on from their story 3~4 weeks ago: “VF Commodore a 'massive update' ”
http://canberratimes.drive.com.au/mo...322-1vlw9.html
Any excuse to write about the Commode. Somebody at GM Holden farts, and its big news.
If only they realised most Holden drivers can’t read.

I am so sick of this Holden loving, Ford bashing Aussie media. That article you posted says 1 billion invested into the Commodore. And it's not. It's into GM Manufacturing staying ten more years at least in Australia.

This is why I made that thread about 'lack of Holden bashing articles'.

These blatant lies and deceitful bias really make me angry. What's more, it's doing more harm than good.

Anf if you're lurking here Toby Hagan.. you bloody idiot. You should feel ashamed of yourself. And also... blind Freddy can see that no car manufacturer is going to spend a billion dollars on a refresh for a budget family saloon to last two years. Uhh... duuhhhhh.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

I am so sick of this Holden loving, Ford bashing Aussie media. That article you posted says 1 billion invested into the Commodore. And it's not. It's into GM Manufacturing staying ten more years at least in Australia.

This is why I made that thread about 'lack of Holden bashing articles'.

These blatant lies and deceitful bias really make me angry. What's more, it's doing more harm than good.

.

Ford arn't helping, FoA are not giving much for the media to report

[blackf6]

Originally Posted by Nikked

Ford arn't helping, FoA are not giving much for the media to report

Exactly, my local radio station was called today by a listener and the radio presenters had no idea about the eco boost, or even the eco lpi. Ford mustn't care too much about advertising.

[galaxy xr8]

Originally Posted by teak81

Exactly, my local radio station was called today by a listener and the radio presenters had no idea about the eco boost, or even the eco lpi. Ford mustn't care too much about advertising.

But there's the advertising right there!!!!, and it cost Ford Aus nothing to do so.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Nikked

Ford arn't helping, FoA are not giving much for the media to report

yeah but the morons can't see that it hurts Holden too. And Toyota.

[Kryton]

Its going to look like a large Cruze.
Big deal.
Couldnt have seen that coming a mile away anyway.

[yift]

if the car is in sweden then the Bosch engineers must be working on the stability/traction/abs system. which means that it is getting close to being production ready for the running gear.

[ivorya]

a Bigger Malibu for World markets??

[TMC]

If I was in the money for a new car, it would be a G6E Turbo and then be fitted with LPi. No Commode for me

[Road_Warrior]

I wonder if the LWB will still be with us when the VF rolls around?

[MethodX]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

I wonder if the LWB will still be with us when the VF rolls around?

Maybe they will design it just for China and South Korea.
Since they do well there apparently.

[chrisfpv]

Regardless of peoples opinions, it will sell very well here just like the VE and previous commodores.

[SS_01]

After closely looking at the image from that site, I am 99% sure that's a Statesman not a commodore.

[Road_Warrior]

Maybe. Could be a China-market Buick upgrade and Wheels are just speculating again?

[GTENVY]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

and Wheels are just speculating again?

Like thats never happened before