Autoblog

Rumormill: Holden-based, RWD 2012 Chevy SS coming after all?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST

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

Chevrolet Lumina SS (Middle East edition) - Click above for high-res image gallery

If it's Monday, there must be a big, rear-wheel drive Chevrolet four-door coming soon. Tuesday? We'll retract and deny everything. We know, we know. We also know we just reported that the next Chevy Impala will remain front-wheel drive - but check this out. We've been hearing rumors for some time now, that despite whatever Fritz Henderson has to say on the matter, a high-performance version of General Motors' Zeta platform that underpins the Pontiac G8 will live on as a Chevy SS model, either badged as a Caprice or (more likely) an Impala. And we're not talking the police special. As Maximum Bob has said, the G8 is "Kinda too good to waste." Needless to say, we totally agree.

An eagle-eye'd AB reader named Jim just caught the following on a Pontiac G8 forum:

"My dealer had sent off pictures to GM of the cable portion of the front seats belts rubbing against the plastic on the side of the front seats. In an email sent back to the dealer, GM says that they have no plans to solve what has already been built but going forward a correction is planned. The email continues: ...a fix is planned for MY11.5 Chevy Police Program and MY12 Chevy SS. The fix will involve a protective sleeve that covers the buckle and section of the buckle stem that rubs on the plastic trim."

How 'bout them apples? That might normally be a sliver of a sliver of a rumor, but it exactly what what we've heard independently from a reliable source - and it brings a great big smile to our face. Now, repeat after us, LS3 with six-speed manual, LS3 with six-speed manual, LS3 with six-speed manual... Thanks a million, Jim!

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Lumina SS (Middle East)

[Source: G8 Board]

Rumormill: Holden-based, RWD 2012 Chevy SS coming after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The cops get a Zeta sedan: GM unveils 355-hp Chevy Caprice police car

Alex Nunez — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:50:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Holden, Police/Emergency

Chevrolet Caprice PPV - Click above for high-res image gallery.

Well, it's official. General Motors has resurrected the Australian-built Zeta sedan for North America, only this time around, it's just for the cops. Set to arrive in your local muni's police fleet in 2011 is the Chevrolet Caprice police patrol vehicle (PPV). First thing's first: it is not the Holden Commodore, a.k.a. Pontiac G8 (rest in peace). It's a left-hand-drive version of the long-wheelbase, Zeta-platform Holden Caprice/Statesman. Many of you already know that this car is also sold in the Middle East as, you guessed it, the Chevy Caprice. Also, as had been rumored - you can't buy one. It's a fleet special only, and we can envision fistfights breaking out over these at police auctions in a few years.

The Caprice Cop Special gets an E85-compatible 6.0-liter V8 dishing out 355 horsepower and 385 lb/ft of torque, and as you'd expect, the engine's duly ruggedized for police duty with oil, transmission and power steering coolers, along with a heavy duty alternator. And yes, the brakes and suspension are uprated. Cue the Elwood Blues litany whenever you're ready.

Inside, it's obviously outfitted with all the toys, including seats designed to accommodate officers' gun/equipment belts, a front-seat computer, and all the other stuff you'd expect to find in a police car. And since the fuzzmobile's based on the LWB sedan, there's plenty of room in back for you to relax should you find yourself involuntarily sampling the rear passenger seating. Actually, with your hands locked up behind your back, it probably won't be that comfy after all. Check out more photos of the Caprice PPV in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car

[Source: GM]

Continue reading The cops get a Zeta sedan: GM unveils 355-hp Chevy Caprice police car

The cops get a Zeta sedan: GM unveils 355-hp Chevy Caprice police car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Zeta-based Chevy "G8" police car to be unveiled Monday

John Neff — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Pontiac, Holden, Police/Emergency, Australia

The Pontiac G8 has not deserved its lot in life, and despite the Australians trying to steal it back with the debut of two special edition Holdens that look awfully similar, this rear-wheel-drive sport sedan will find one way or another to stay on sale in the U.S. Unfortunately, its customers won't be the general public since General Motors, after a few crossed wires, has decided not to let the G8 live on as the Chevrolet Caprice. No, the G8's new audience will be the po-po, as in law enforcement.

We've been telling you about GM's plan to introduce a G8-based cop car for some time, and all evidence points to Monday as the cruiser's official debut at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention in Denver, CO. While GM has not technically confirmed that the G8 will form the underpinnings of this new police package, the Zeta platform on which the G8 is based is the only RWD one large enough to accommodate a pair of officers and their collars. In other words, we don't expect GM to unveil a Kappa-based Pontiac Solstice police cruiser next week, as cool as that might be. So keep your eyes and ears peeled on Monday. The cops are coming and they'll be driving a G8.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd, Photo by Tom Worthington]

REPORT: Zeta-based Chevy "G8" police car to be unveiled Monday originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:42:00 EST

Filed under: Pontiac, Holden, Australia

Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Holden giveth, and Holden taketh away. While we're still mourning the departure of the Pontiac G8 here in the U.S., the General's Australian subsidiary - whose Commodore gave birth to the G8 in the first place - has just announced a pair of special editions that seem to take back what we've lost.

The Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition - available in sedan, Sportwagon and Ute body-styles - ditches the Australian brand's usual grille in favor of a twin nostril front end with a splitter down low and a pair of hood scoops up top. Look familiar? It's a Pontiac G8 GT, only without the Pontiac emblem. They just wiped the arrowhead off with a tissue like it was an errant booger. There's also the...um, sophisticated-sounding International Special Edition that packs AUS $7,500 of optional equipment, including leather interior and 18-inch alloys, into the ~~Pontiac~~ Commodore with the 3.0-liter direct injection V6 and six-speed auto, a.k.a. the Pontiac G8 V6.

You can read more about the pair in the press release after the jump. But all you really need to know is that the prisoner of GM's war on spending wasn't put to death, it was just sent off to Australia until the parts supply runs out. Press release after the jump, arrowhead-free high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition

[Source: Holden]

Continue reading Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens

Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM still working on importing Holden Commodore with police package

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, GM, Holden, Police/Emergency

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]

REPORT: GM still working on importing Holden Commodore with police package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Alex Nunez — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST

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

The HSV E Series 2 lineup - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just as wounds from the Pontiac G8 being ripped from us are beginning to scar over, HSV has torn them open anew by revealing version 2.0 of its Commodore-based E Series lineup. It's facelifts all around for the gang of Aussie stoplight brawlers, four of which - The GTS, Maloo R8, ClubSport R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer - even get the erstwhile Poncho's twin-scoop hood. The more luxurious Senator Signature and long-wheelbase Grange models have smooth hoods and less overall ornamentation. Either one would have made a sublime performance Buick, but oh well...

The most extreme looker of the bunch is the range-topping HSV GTS (front and center), which rocks a vicious Fu-Manchu blackout treatment on its new front fascia. All of the cars get new wheels, LED running lights, and new treatments out back as well. Every HSV machine also has an LS3 V8 pumping out 317 kW (425 hp), except the GTS - its LS3 makes 325 kW (435 hp). To further drive home the point, 317 or 325 badging is prominently displayed on the back of the GTS, Maloo, and the two ClubSports so that other drivers have a better understanding of why their doors just got blown off. The Corvette's new launch control system is on every manual gearbox-equipped car, and a manual is standard equipment on all of them but the Grange, which is only sold with a six-speed auto. Finally, new "SV Enhanced" options such as upgraded wheels, bi-modal exhaust, and, in the case of the GTS, 6-pot front brakes let drivers trick things out even further.

It's basically a massive laundry list of good stuff we'll probably never ever see in the U.S. now that GM leadership has put a bullet into the whole North American Zeta sedan idea once and for all. Obviously, this rots. Follow the jump for the official HSV press release and have a gander at the new cars in the gallery below. The photos are all labeled so you know which car is which. That way you'll know precisely what it is that we're missing out on.

Gallery: HSV E Series 2 Lineup

[Source: HSV]

Continue reading Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled

Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia

Alex Nunez — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, GM, Pontiac, Holden, Australia, Rumormill

The ill-fated Pontiac G8 ST - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's sad enough that the dizzying, platform-sharing, don't-call-it-rebadging upcoming product extravaganza General Motors unveiled to the Twitterati and media last week did not include the terms Zeta, Pontiac, G8, or any derivative thereof, but if a new report out of Australia is accurate, Holden is about to pour salt in America's wound - with an iodine chaser. Carsales.com.au claims to have an internal Holden memo stating that our friends Down Under will not only be able to purchase a Pontiac G8 SS-V sedan, but Wagon and Ute variants as well. (SS-V is the equivalent trim level to the U.S.-market G8 GT.)

These final Pontiac G8s will reportedly be offered through Holden dealerships (natch) as special limited-edition models. The reason? Simple: a final run of G8s made specifically for the Aussies will allow Holden to clean out some of the remaining Pontiac G8 part stock it currently has sitting around with nowhere to go. Dealer sources told Carsales.com.au that they expect the total run to be in the neighborhood of 1,500 cars, with the breakdown split fairly evenly among the three body styles.

Pontiac G8: the car that didn't deserve to die, that no one wants to see die, and that, so far, refuses to die quietly. Thanks to Stephen for the tip.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: Carsales.com.au]

REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Holden Commodore gets smaller engines, better fuel economy, six-speed tranny

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Holden, Australia

2010 Holden Commodore SIDI lineup - click above image for high-res gallery

Everywhere else but under its skin, the 2010 Holden Commodore differs from its current version only in badging: it will wear the acronym SIDI on its flanks, which stands for Spark Ignition Direct Injection. Pop the hood, though, and you'll find that the long-running Aussie sedan gets one of the smallest engines it has had in donkey's years: a 3.0-liter V6 with 190 kW (270 horsepower) and 290 Nm of torque (213 pound-feet).

That SIDI-equipped engine will power Omega and Berlina sedans, and they are also slated to get a long awaited six-speed transmission to replace their four-speed units. Calais and SV6 trim levels, on the other hand, will get the 3.6-liter SIDI engine that pumps out out 210 kW (281 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). The primary reason for the smaller six is added fuel economy, which Holden says its customers have repeatedly requested, and which might help it retain its 13-year-old title of the best selling car in Oz.

Holden says that the 3.0-liter gets up to 13% better gas mileage (Omega Sportwagon), returning 9.3 l/km (25.3 mpg), with the help of standard equipment low rolling resistance tires. The GM marque also says that the Commodore can go from Sydney to Melbourne on one tank - according to Google Maps, that's 546 miles - with 7.5 l/km (31.36 mpg) during one real-world driving stint. If you're looking for even more from the Commodore, you'll get it at the end of 2010 when the car's four-year-old exterior is redesigned. High-res gallery below, official press release after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Len.

Gallery: 2010 Holden Commodore SIDI

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2010 Holden Commodore gets smaller engines, better fuel economy, six-speed tranny

2010 Holden Commodore gets smaller engines, better fuel economy, six-speed tranny originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Top Gear flogs the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Videos, GM, Holden, Vauxhall, Australia, UK, Specialty

Top Gear gets busy with some Aussie muscle -- Follow the jump to watch

Let's just say that Richard Hammond rightfully digs the blown, delightfully obscene Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst (above, bottom), which costs a not-insignificant £45,000 in Blighty. For that not-insignificant sum, he says, "you get almost limitless vulgarity." Trust us, he's paying it a compliment, based on the s**t-eating grin he wears throughout his stint behind the wheel. Then he drives the HSV Maloo R8 (above, top) - Holden's factory-tuned super-ute, which really is one of the coolest cars we'll never get here. As you'll see, it doesn't haul hay bales particularly well, but it can suck the windshield out of a new Audi S4. Finally, the Stig uses his right foot like a cattle prod with both cars in some split-screen action. It's all good.

After watching this clip, you'll probably want to send some thoughtfully-worded feedback to GM's "Tell Fritz" web thingamajig. You all know Fritz. He's that guy who spiked the return of the Holdens to the U.S. because he doesn't believe in rebadging. Yeah, we're beating a dead horse. We don't care. Watch the video and you won't either. Thanks to Bradley Wint for the heads-up.

Gallery: Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S

Gallery: HSV Maloo R8

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear flogs the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo

VIDEO: Top Gear flogs the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Holden working on Cruze hatch... but will it come to North America?

Chris Paukert — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, GM, Holden, Australia

According to Australia's Drive, Holden boss Mark Reuss has confirmed that General Motors' Australian outpost will produce a hatchback version of the Cruze sedan that it shares with Chevrolet.

The liftback will apparently be very much an Aussie product, with research and development being carried out Down Under, and there are plans to assemble the model at Holden's South Australian plant beginning in the fall of 2010. Critically, it's being built with foreign markets in mind, so that could mean that the model might find its way to North American shores, although const constraints would likely make such things difficult on such a low-cost model.

As it has here in the States, GM has halted importation of the European-built Astra into Australia due to cost concerns, and it also stopped selling the Korean-built Viva (a rebadged Daewoo Lacetti) earlier in 2009.

Interestingly, Drive suggests that the Cruze hatch model could be an upmarket stablemate to the sedan model, with different steering and suspension tunings, along with unique styling. While that sounds enticing, a higher-cost hatchback model might not go well with America's historically hatchback-averse marketplace, leading us to doubt that the car will eventually be offered Stateside.

As of yet, there are no official plans to build a version of the hatchback domestically in Chevrolet's Lordstown, Ohio plant where the Cruze sedan will be assembled.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

REPORT: Holden working on Cruze hatch... but will it come to North America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Top Gear Australia electric car build-off, Aussie rules style

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green, Videos, Suzuki, Holden, Australia, Humor

Click above to watch video after the jump

While they might lack the comedic punch of their seasoned British co-frères, the presenters at Top Gear Australia don't seem to have any electric car "issues". Indeed, in a recent episode they even held their own battery-powered build-off. Presenters Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati each took a car of their choosing, stripped out all the combustive components and inserted a rough and (mostly) ready electric drivetrain, before meeting up on a racetrack to compete for bragging rights.

Realizing that a decent electric vehicle shouldn't be too heavy, Pizzati decided to go with the featherweight Suzuki MightyBoy while his competitor settled on that great Australian classic, the HZ Holden Kingswood. This hulking station wagon weighs in somewhere between the QEII and the state of New Hampshire. While we won't tell you which conversion won straight out, we will throw out the hint that the triumphant strains of "Football meat pies kangaroos electric cars" could be heard coming from the passenger compartment of the conquering contestant. Follow the jump for the segment in two parts - as well as a bonus video of a very nice MightyBoy conversion.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear Australia electric car build-off, Aussie rules style

VIDEO: Top Gear Australia electric car build-off, Aussie rules style originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan skipping SEMA this year, Mazda limiting presence

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Mazda, Nissan, Holden

Troy Lee Designs Mazda6 from SEMA 2008 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Participation at last year's SEMA show was notable for its absences, with the event's organizers struggling at the last minute to fill vacated floor space with companies that would have normally been shunned to the outer regions of the Las Vegas Convention Center. As the economic melt-down continues, last year's trend has extended from parts suppliers and mom-and-pop operations to big-name automakers.

Last year, Nissan formally announced that it would only attend one show per continent during its fiscal year (April 1 through March 31) and since Nissan considers SEMA to be one of the "major" shows in North America, it won't be attending the 2009 aftermarket extravaganza. Nissan's Darryll Harrison told us that the automaker wouldn't be participating in any more U.S. expos this year, and with its fiscal year ending in March of 2010, don't expect Nissan to appear at another event in the States until late 2010 (read: LA Auto Show).

Mazda's participation at SEMA will be significantly reduced this November, with the automaker deciding to forgo formal Mazda or Mazdaspeed stands in favor of releasing a few vehicles to select aftermarket firms to trick-out and display at their own booths. Mazda's Director of Communications, Jeremy Barnes, justifies the scaling back of its trade-show presence by saying, "We have chosen to focus our funds where we can directly access consumers" and SEMA isn't it. Barnes went on to say that the new Mazda3 will be prominently featured at this year's event, with at least two models being built for show duty with the automaker's full cooperation, along with a few yet-to-be-disclosed projects.

General Motors and Ford are expected to attend, although the jury is still out on Chrysler, and Honda is currently evaluating their presence, although it may be reduced compared to previous years. No matter what automakers pull-out of this year's show, expect less products on tables, fewer vendors on the floor and even fewer attendees as the aftermarket continues to struggle to keep its head above water.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Troy Lee Design Mazda6

Nissan skipping SEMA this year, Mazda limiting presence originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall sans Opel could reallign with GM Daewoo, Holden

Noah Joseph — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, GM, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall, South Korea, Daewoo

Chevrolet Aveo, a.k.a Chevrolet Kalos/Daewoo Gentra/Holden Barina/Pontiac Wave - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Eyebrows raised at reports that General Motors could hold on to its British subsidiary Vauxhall even if - or, more likely, when - its German counterpart Opel would leave the family. With the model ranges of the two European GM divisions intertwined, a Vauxhall without Opel would seem like an empty shell. New reports suggest, however, that instead of re-plastering Opels with the griffin badge, the British marque could instead continue operations under GM ownership by importing products made by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology.

The restructuring of Vauxhall would also likely call for greater cooperation with GM Daewoo's neighbor to the south, Holden, which otherwise stands to lose significant revenues from the disintegration of GM's global operations, with Vauxhall and Pontiac having accounted for nearly half the production of its VE Commodore, sold in the UK as the Vauxhall VXR8 and in the United States as the Pontiac G8. Holden, for its part, also recently replaced many of its Opel-based products with rebadged GM Daewoo models. In the likely absence of Opel, the General's assets in England, Australia and Korea would likely end up cooperating more closely. However with Daewoos already on the European market as Chevrolets, the realignment could effectively be the end of the bowtie in Europe.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Aveo 5-door (EU)

[Source: Autocar]

Vauxhall sans Opel could reallign with GM Daewoo, Holden originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 May 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Group working on bringing Holden Commodore to U.S. police forces

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Holden, Police/Emergency, Australia

Naturally, the death of the Pontiac brand has put a crimp in sales plans at Holden, General Motors' Australian arm that assembles and exports the Pontiac G8, essentially a lightly reworked version of the brand's own Commodore sedan. Interestingly, according to Aussie website GoAuto, a most unlikely new player may be preparing to make up for the sales short: a consortium led by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Currently, Ford sells about 60,000 Crown Vics each year for fleet use, with the majority of those going to various police units around the United States, but production of the Jurassic rear-drive Ford isn't likely to continue past next year, and it is thought that Dodge's Charger probably won't pick up all of the slack, so alternatives will be needed. With that in mind, Port Melbourne-based National Safety Agency has created a new prototype patrol vehicle based on the Pontiac G8 that could be rebadged as a Chevrolet and sold to law enforcement units in the United States and abroad.

There's even chatter that the new model could be made available for retail sale at Chevrolet dealerships. Not surprisingly, Holden has expressed interest in the project, though it's taking a measure approach given the current state of the American automobile industry. If this vehicle does come to fruition, it will be interesting to see how it competes against the Carbon Motors E7, another new vehicle specifically designed for police use.

[Source: GoAuto]

REPORT: Group working on bringing Holden Commodore to U.S. police forces originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM's RWD architecture will downsize and survive

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Holden, Australia

Pontiac G8 GXP in the Autoblog Garage - Click above for a hi-res gallery

General Motors may be lacking the cash to develop any new rear-drive platforms, but reports out of Australia suggest that the existing Zeta platform that underpins such models as the Holden Commodore and new Chevrolet Camaro will carry on for at least another decade.

GM's Australian subsidiary only finished development of the current Zeta platform a few years ago, and it's not about to flush that down the toilet. However the next Commodore, currently sold in the North American market as the Pontiac G8, is likely to downsize for the next generation, anticipated to debut in 2013 and carry on through 2020. Along with the reduced size and heft, the General could use smaller, more efficient, though still powerful engines, employing direct injection and/or turbocharging like the Cadillac and Saab variants of the V6 already used by Holden. As we've discovered with vehicles like the Pontiac G8, GTO and the new Camaro, what's good for the Australian market is, in General Motor's eyes, good for North America, so fans of rear-drive American muscle have some hope to hold onto yet, mate.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

[Source: GoAuto]

REPORT: GM's RWD architecture will downsize and survive originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM officially debuts Holden Cruze, shows off Australian Volt

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Misc. Auto Shows, Holden, Australia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Holden Cruze

Late last year Holden, the Australian arm of General Motors, announced it would be getting a new small sedan based on the global platform underpinning the Chevy Cruze. At the time, it was assumed that the Holden would feature revised sheetmetal and possibly a new name, but now that the wraps are off, it's clear that the only things changed are the badges, grille and location of the steering wheel. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as the new Cruze is a looker regardless of what brand name is affixed to the front.

Hit the jump to check out the Holden Volt.

Continue reading GM officially debuts Holden Cruze, shows off Australian Volt

GM officially debuts Holden Cruze, shows off Australian Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australian company wants Pontiac G8 to be next cop cruiser

Chris Shunk — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Pontiac, Holden, Australia

Police agencies across the United States are chock full of Crown Victoria cruisers. In all, there are over 80,000 Crown Vics on patrol, but the generations-old cruiser is finally getting consigned to history within the next year. That leaves a huge opening to any company that has a suitable replacement, and an Australian company thinks it has what it takes. Melbourne's National Safety Agency is working on newer, safer and more efficient technology for large markets like the US, UK and Canada, and they have a very solid partner in Holden. Holden builds both the Commodore and the Pontiac G8, giving the NSA both left and right hand drive RWD vehicles with powerful engine options. The very capable GM models also adhere to safety and emissions standards in several high volume markets.

The NSA has built a Pontiac G8 police cruiser prototype for an upcoming meeting with the LAPD and the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials, with several police-specific technologies on-board, including a integrated computer mounted into the dash. The G8 will also employs safety technology to keep officers safer, while also reducing the considerable costs that go into retrofitting a vehicle for police duty. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!

[Source: CarPoint]

Australian company wants Pontiac G8 to be next cop cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden Commodore once again Australia's best seller, with a catch

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Holden, Australia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the VE Sportwagon SS-V

In a classic case of good-news versus bad-news, the Holden Commodore has once again managed to retain the title of Australia's best-selling vehicle in 2008. With this announcement, the Australian arm of General Motors has extended the Commodore's run as best seller to 13 straight years. That's the good news part. On the other hand, its 51,093 sales in 2008 are the model's lowest total since it first debuted in 1978. That, as you may have guessed, would be the bad news part.

Australia's second-best-seller is the Toyota Corolla, and the compact from Japan put up a very strong fight to wrest the title from Holden. There were a few main factors that eventually put the crown back on the Commodore, including the introduction of the Sportwagon bodystyle (above) and the October launch of Holden's $29,990 (AUS dollars) driveaway deal. Fuel prices also dropped towards the end of the year, and that likely helped swing the momentum back towards the Holden from the more fuel efficient Corolla. 2009? Time will tell.

Gallery: 2008 Holden VE Sportwagon SS-V

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Holden Commodore once again Australia's best seller, with a catch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden to produce four-cylinder small car

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Holden, Australia

Holden, known for it's massive sedans and massively appealing V8s, is on the small car bandwagon with its announcement to build a four-cylinder car in Australia to be sold alongside the Commodore. Holden currently has three four-cylinder cars, but they're comprised of rebadged Daewoo's and an Opel, and haven't set the Outback on fire. The new compact car will be based on the Chevrolet Cruze, but with a body designed by Holden, and will offer both four-pot gas and diesel options. Down the line, Holden said it will investigate ethanol-capable engines and start-stop technology for its new Corolla fighter.

Holden has a few reasons to make such a move right now, changing consumer tastes being one of the most important. The Australian government has also pledged $6 billion (AUD) to its local auto industry, which has allowed Holden to carry out its plans with less concern about the bottom line. Holden will spend $200 million (AUD) and the government will provide another $179 million (AUD). The new compact sedan will have to stave off competition from Toyota, as well as the parade of cheap Thai cars that have been flowing into Australia after the two countries concluded a free trade agreement. The new Holden will face-off against the Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla when production begins in 2011.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Holden to produce four-cylinder small car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goodbye-amino? Pontiac could kill G8 ST; become one-car brand

Chris Tutor — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Pontiac, Holden

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Pontiac G8 ST

It's been a bad month for Pontiac fans. While begging for money from Congress, GM mentioned its intentions to sacrifice the brand to aid the General's recovery and get a few billion from the feds in the process. Now comes word that GM may keep the brand around, but cut its lineup in half... or more.

Automotive News spoke with Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, who said that Pontiac's Aveo-based 2010 G3 will sticker for $15,000, but says it's a short-term product for the brand. Unfortunately, Docherty also hints the G8 Sport Truck's lifespan could be even shorter. "We would be foolish if we didn't take a second look at whether or not that is the right thing to do."

In a separate AN article, Docherty goes even further and suggests Pontiac's lineup could be pared down from six vehicles to a single nameplate. According to Docherty, "We are not going to spend tons of money on product development" for Pontiac and that the Pontiac Torrent will be dropped for 2009.

So what will Pontiac be selling? According to Docherty, the G8 is the most likely candidate for GM's performance brand, and that the ideal future for Pontiac would be "very focused, very specialty or niche."

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

Gallery: 2009 Pontiac G3

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Goodbye-amino? Pontiac could kill G8 ST; become one-car brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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