REPORT: GM still working on importing Holden Commodore with police package
Stop us if you've heard this one. GM's Australian-based arm is looking to send its Holden Commodore to the United States. Right, um, that's the Pontiac G8, right? Actually, no, it's dead. And it may not be a Chevy either, depending on how you read the report from drive.com.au, which quotes GM chief Fritz Henderson as saying, "We've been working on a package for police applications. I just think that's going to work. We're pretty optimistic about it and that product will be sourced in Australia."
We'll put in an unsolicited vote for sending the cars to the U.S. exactly as they roll off the assembly line in Oz, complete with a Holden crest on the front fascia. Why fix what isn't broken? One thing is for certain: Unless you happen to wear a badge and drive around in a black-and-white Crown Vic for your day job, you probably won't have access to one of the Australian sedans, which, as you surely know by now, is a downright shame.
We're sure that police officers in the United States and Canada will appreciate another modern V8-powered, rear-wheel drive sedan platform just as much as anyone else, but we still wish The General was able to find a way to keep this vehicle in American showrooms and available to the public.
[Source: drive.com.au]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jcharlie.powell 3:04PM (9/17/2009)
I definitely want that car to be sold here whether it's the new impala(not likely) or caprice or whatever.
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Joe 3:22PM (9/17/2009)
Imagine that... Gov't Motors at it again.
These Holden/G8 stories seem to come once a month (every 28 days or so...)
Just sayin - kinda has the same feel to it. All the good stuff it there but you'll never get it
TigerMil 4:44PM (9/17/2009)
It will be available...used! LOL!
And often there are screwups in police packages and orders and GM dealers get the privilege, or task (LOL), of selling the mistakes to regular customers. I remember one deal in NC where a Raleigh Ford dealer got about 35 police package CrownVics to sell to anyone!!! Without the sirens, lights, etc., but otherwise the straight police package.
Mike Z71 11:23PM (9/17/2009)
STFU, polo.
husyk 3:05PM (9/17/2009)
Does that mean if this deal pulls through, I will be able to get en state police Holden from auction for cheap? I wanted the G8, but couldn't since I in the middle of paying my student and exisitng car loan.
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Level 3:17PM (9/17/2009)
Goes to show you that when it comes to good cars most people in the US just dont know how to buy one....Such a great car will be made exclusive for police duty what a waste....
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koloth44 3:19PM (9/17/2009)
Well, it's not exactly difficult to get a police interceptor Crown Vic, so those of us who want a G8/Commodore by any means possible should be able to pick them up as they are decommissioned. Might be rather high mileage, but it would definitely be cooler than a surplus Ford!
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Matt 3:21PM (9/17/2009)
Quit toying with me GM. Ford had back out of the *real* car game...only offering the limp-wristed FWD-based AWD, V6 Taurus SHOW as a sport sedan...
We need something with V8 and RWD...
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Taglane 3:24PM (9/17/2009)
Are you trying to say the SHO sucks? or something?
Matt 3:44PM (9/17/2009)
No, it doesn't suck...but it's not very good.
The only thing it has going for it, is that it's fast in a straight line. It's overpriced, it looks like a Camry, it weighs too much, the brakes are terrible, and it drinks gas.
johhnn 3:51PM (9/17/2009)
"...it drinks gas"
so by this you mean that the only acceptable car for police duty will be...one that doesn't run on gasoline? because, you know, i'm sure any V8-powered police car running on gasoline drinks the stuff up too...
JDM Life 4:49PM (9/17/2009)
@ MATT
The SHO is not worth it. The camry looks better then it IMO. The SHO should be classified as a TRUCK...thats how big and massive it is.
Brian 5:28PM (9/17/2009)
The Taurus SHO (Show? lol) is overpriced and wrong-wheel drive. It is way too expensive for a Ford.
And where does that leave the MKS Taurus, anyway? Even MORE overpriced.
Ford charges too much for their products, and they're on the fast track to Chapter 11.
dal20402 6:02PM (9/17/2009)
"overpriced"
Find me a full-size car that has the features of the Taurus SHO and over 350 horsepower for less.
Hint: there isn't one.
Bill Clough 3:28PM (9/17/2009)
I have to believe it would be best to import it with the "Pontiac" pieces so as to maximize the availability of those parts long term, especially since when these vehicles reach the end of their service life, they will be - as they are now - sold to the civilian market stripped of their police specific equipment.
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Slizzo 4:25PM (9/17/2009)
Those Pontiac parts have already been repurposed at HSV for their new lineup. Holden has had plans to use those extra parts ever since it's been known that Pontiac was on it's way out.
Cameron 3:40PM (9/17/2009)
'roo bars FTW
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Berto 4:12PM (9/17/2009)
hahaha My favorite feature in an Aussie car
Bones 4:13PM (9/17/2009)
Holden HSV GTS Power: http://www.madwhips.com/holden-hsv-gts-307/
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F50 4:46PM (9/17/2009)
The Charger SRT/RT have a V8 and RWD....
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