Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumormill: Holden-based, RWD 2012 Chevy SS coming after all?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rumormill-holden-based-rwd-2012-chevy-ss-coming-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rumormill-holden-based-rwd-2012-chevy-ss-coming-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rumormill-holden-based-rwd-2012-chevy-ss-coming-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob LutzBobLutzChevrolet Caprice SSChevrolet Impala SSChevrolet SSChevroletCapriceSsChevroletImpalaSsChevroletSsChevy Impala SSChevy Police ProgramChevy SSChevyImpalaSsChevyPoliceProgramChevySsG8G8 GTG8 GXPG8GtG8GxpHoldenPontiacPontiac G8PontiacG8RumormillRumorsMon, 16 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Right-hand drive Camaro available in Australia for a measly $128,500 USD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/right-hand-drive-camaro-available-in-australia-for-a-measly-128/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/right-hand-drive-camaro-available-in-australia-for-a-measly-128/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/right-hand-drive-camaro-available-in-australia-for-a-measly-128/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - click above image for hi-res gallery

For years and years, avid American car enthusiasts thought of a certain Holden as the Holy Grail. In hushed tones and with furtive looks, we let each other know that, yeah, the BMW E39 M5 is pretty dang sweet, but there's this Australian car... a four-door with a six-speed and a Corvette motor... and it's... dare we say it... better? However, it remained a piece of Automotive apocrypha not only because we couldn't have it, but because no one could remember the name (HSV GTS, of all the nonsensical, alphabet soup letter combos Holden could have selected).

We mention the legendary HSV GTS because Australian Camaro fans might now be experiencing what us muscle car-starved Yanks went through at the beginning of the decade -- withdrawal! Because not only are there are no right-hand drive Camaros (Aussies still insist on pretending they're British/Japanese), but the 2010 update to the original Mustang competitor is based almost totally on native Holden underpinnings. Ouch!

But fear not, Performax International has figured out how to move the steering wheel to the opposite side of the transmission tunnel and will sell those of you living in the Land Down Unda a right-hand drive Camaro SS for just $139,000 AUD. That's $128,500 U.S. American dollars to you and me. Which is... psychotic, says us. Especially considering that in America, a Camaro SS costs $33,745. But despite what we think, half a dozen customers have already placed orders with Performax International for a Aussie-spec'd Camaro.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS


[Source: Carscoop]

Right-hand drive Camaro available in Australia for a measly $128,500 USD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Camari2010 Camaro SS2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS2010Camari2010CamaroSs2010ChevroletCamaroSsCamaroCamaro SSCamaroSsChevrolet Camaro SSChevroletCamaroSsChevy Camaro SSChevyCamaroSsHoldenPerformax InternationalPerformaxInternationalRight-hand drive CamaroRight-hand drive Camaro SSRight-hand drive Chevrolet CamaroRight-handDriveCamaroRight-handDriveCamaroSsRight-handDriveChevroletCamaroTue, 27 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/pontiac-g8-is-alive-and-well-in-australia-as-a-special-editi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/pontiac-g8-is-alive-and-well-in-australia-as-a-special-editi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/pontiac-g8-is-alive-and-well-in-australia-as-a-special-editi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commodoreg8holdenholden commodoreholden g8holden veholden ve commodore international special editionholden ve commodore ssholden ve commodore ss v-series special editionHoldenCommodoreHoldenG8HoldenVeHoldenVeCommodoreInternationalSpecialEditionHoldenVeCommodoreSsHoldenVeCommodoreSsV-seriesSpecialEditionpontiacpontiac g8PontiacG8ve commodoreVeCommodoreThu, 01 Oct 2009 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM still working on importing Holden Commodore with police package]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/report-gm-still-working-on-importing-holden-commodore-with-poli/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/report-gm-still-working-on-importing-holden-commodore-with-poli/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/report-gm-still-working-on-importing-holden-commodore-with-poli/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commodoreholdenholden commodoreholden commodore policeHoldenCommodoreHoldenCommodorePolicelapdpontiacpontiac g8pontiac g8 gtpontiac g8 gxppontiac g8 policePontiacG8PontiacG8GtPontiacG8GxpPontiacG8PoliceThu, 17 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/aussie-envy-hsv-e-series-2-lineup-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/aussie-envy-hsv-e-series-2-lineup-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/aussie-envy-hsv-e-series-2-lineup-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


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

HSV E Series 2 LineupHSV GTSHSV Maloo R8HSV Senator SignatureHSV ClubSport R8 Touring

[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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomeclubsport r8clubsport r8 touringClubsportR8ClubsportR8Touringgrangegtsholdenholden special vehiclesHoldenSpecialVehiclesHSVHSV E Series 2HsvESeries2maloomaloo r8MalooR8senator signatureSenatorSignatureuteWed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/report-pontiac-g8-sedan-wagon-and-ute-to-be-sold-in-austral/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/report-pontiac-g8-sedan-wagon-and-ute-to-be-sold-in-austral/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/report-pontiac-g8-sedan-wagon-and-ute-to-be-sold-in-austral/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingg8holdenlimited editionLimitedEditionpontiacPontiac G8 SS-VPontiac G8 UtePontiac G8 WagonPontiacG8Ss-vPontiacG8UtePontiacG8Wagonspecial editionSpecialEditionSS-vWed, 19 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Holden Commodore gets smaller engines, better fuel economy, six-speed tranny]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/2010-holden-commodore-gets-smaller-engines-better-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/2010-holden-commodore-gets-smaller-engines-better-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/2010-holden-commodore-gets-smaller-engines-better-fuel-economy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 commodore2010 holden commodore2010Commodore2010HoldenCommodoreaustraliacommodoreholdenholden commodoreHoldenCommodoresedanThu, 06 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fritz Henderson to Autoblog: Chevy Caprice is being looked at as "police application"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/fritz-henderson-chevy-caprice-is-being-looked-at-as-police-app/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/fritz-henderson-chevy-caprice-is-being-looked-at-as-police-app/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/fritz-henderson-chevy-caprice-is-being-looked-at-as-police-app/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ever since General Motors announced this spring that it was killing the Pontiac brand as part of its restructuring, fans of the Holden-developed G8 sedan have been clamoring to save it as a Chevrolet. After company officials repeatedly said over the past two months that no such thing would happen, Bob Lutz re-lit the fire last week in one of his first pronouncements after un-retiring. Lutz proclaimed that the G8 would indeed become a new Chevrolet Caprice.

During our first drive of the new Buick LaCrosse this week, we had the opportunity on one of the legs to ride with GM CEO Fritz Henderson, and we pressed him for more details on the Caprice plan. Unfortunately it turns out Henderson brought his portable fire extinguisher with him, telling us:
We've been looking at it for police applications. As for whether or not it's broader than police applications, I am not a believer in re-branding and re-badging. We've been talking about in terms of potential police applications and we'll leave it at that."
Henderson also threw a soaking wet blanket on the idea of adding production to Oshawa alongside the Camaro, saying that the cars will continue to be sourced from Australia. So, for the moment, it looks like Zeta sedan fans will probably have to be content with taking a Blues Brothers approach to the problem: Buying their next car as a decommissioned black-and-white.

[Image: GoAuto]

Fritz Henderson to Autoblog: Chevy Caprice is being looked at as "police application" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capricechevroletchevrolet capriceChevroletCapricechevychevy capriceChevyCapricecop carcop carsCopCarCopCarsfritz hendersonFritzHendersonGM CEOGmCeoHoldenpolice carpolice carsPoliceCarPoliceCarspontiacpontiac g8PontiacG8zetaWed, 15 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Top Gear Australia electric car build-off, Aussie rules style]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/video-top-gear-australia-electric-car-build-off-aussie-rules-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/video-top-gear-australia-electric-car-build-off-aussie-rules-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/video-top-gear-australia-electric-car-build-off-aussie-rules-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holdenHZ Holden KingswoodHzHoldenKingswoodkingswoodmighty boyMightyBoySteve PizzatiStevePizzatiSuzuki MightyBoySuzukiMightyboyTop GearTop Gear AustraliaTopGearTopGearAustraliaWarren brownWarrenBrownThu, 28 May 2009 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Vauxhall sans Opel could reallign with GM Daewoo, Holden]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/vauxhall-sans-opel-could-reallign-with-gm-daewoo-holden/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/vauxhall-sans-opel-could-reallign-with-gm-daewoo-holden/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/vauxhall-sans-opel-could-reallign-with-gm-daewoo-holden/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet aveoChevroletAveodaewoogm daewoogm datGmDaewooGmDatholdenopelvauxhallvauxhall daewoovauxhall holdenVauxhallDaewooVauxhallHoldenSun, 03 May 2009 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Group working on bringing Holden Commodore to U.S. police forces]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/report-group-working-on-bringing-holden-commodore-to-u-s-polic/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/report-group-working-on-bringing-holden-commodore-to-u-s-polic/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/report-group-working-on-bringing-holden-commodore-to-u-s-polic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holdenholden commodoreholden policeHoldenCommodoreHoldenPolicelapdlapd police carLapdPoliceCarpontiac g8pontiac g8 policePontiacG8PontiacG8PoliceTue, 28 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry analyst says Australian car industry is doomed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/aussie-car-industry-analyst-says-australian-car-industry-is-doom/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/aussie-car-industry-analyst-says-australian-car-industry-is-doom/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/aussie-car-industry-analyst-says-australian-car-industry-is-doom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of Australia's Dog & Lemon Guide, says there's no way around a central fact of Australian automobile production: "Australia's car factories are losing money on every vehicle they make." Because of that, he believes that there is no future for the domestic car industry Down Under, no matter how much money the government provides to keep factories open.

Matthew-Wilson further believes that General Motors' Holden division will be the first brand thrown into the abyss, trailed closely by Ford. The economics of Australian auto manufacturing, as far as he's concerned, simply don't make sense and GM and Ford's cash drain will force them to shut down their operations there.

''Globally, there's a glut of new cars at bargain prices," he says, "yet Australia, which produces a small number of high cost cars, is trying to compete with countries like China.... The Australian car industry can re-focus on small cars, green cars, blue cars or red cars. None of this will make the slightest difference."

For its part, Holden recently cut production nearly by half, and rumblings are that it, like Saab and Opel and HUMMER, it may soon be looking for a buyer.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald via Carscoop]

Industry analyst says Australian car industry is doomed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacommodoreearningsfalconfinancialsfordford australiaFordAustraliagmholdenmanufacturingplantsTue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM's RWD architecture will downsize and survive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/gms-rwd-architecture-will-downsize-and-survive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/gms-rwd-architecture-will-downsize-and-survive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/gms-rwd-architecture-will-downsize-and-survive/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet camaroChevroletCamarochevychevy camaroChevyCamarogeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmholdenpontiacpontiac g8pontiac gtoPontiacG8PontiacGtozetaWed, 01 Apr 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[GM officially debuts Holden Cruze, shows off Australian Volt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/gm-officially-debuts-holden-cruze-shows-off-australian-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/gm-officially-debuts-holden-cruze-shows-off-australian-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/gm-officially-debuts-holden-cruze-shows-off-australian-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greenholdenholden cruzeholden voltHoldenCruzeHoldenVoltmelbournemelbourne 2009melbourne motor showMelbourne2009MelbourneMotorShowFri, 27 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden Commodore once again Australia's best seller, with a catch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/holden-commodore-once-again-australias-best-seller-with-a-catc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/holden-commodore-once-again-australias-best-seller-with-a-catc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/holden-commodore-once-again-australias-best-seller-with-a-catc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austrailias best selling carAustrailiasBestSellingCarholdenholden commodoreHoldenCommodoretoyota corollaToyotaCorollaWed, 07 Jan 2009 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden to produce four-cylinder small car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/holden-to-produce-4-cylinder-small-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/holden-to-produce-4-cylinder-small-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/holden-to-produce-4-cylinder-small-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiachevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzecruzeeconomyholdenholden 4 cylinderholden small carHolden4CylinderHoldenSmallCarMon, 22 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[HSV unveils 40th Anniversary GTS, SV08 in Sydney]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/hsv-unveils-40th-anniversary-gts-sv08-in-sydney/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/hsv-unveils-40th-anniversary-gts-sv08-in-sydney/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/hsv-unveils-40th-anniversary-gts-sv08-in-sydney/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the HSV SV08

It's anniversary time in Oz for HSV, Holden's high-performance division. That means stripes, stickers, commemorative badges and a pair of new unveilings at the Sydney Motor Show. In HSV's case, at least, the extra pieces of flair go on fire-breathing, tire-shredding LS3-powered monsters, so the usual lameness attached to these sorts of things goes right out the window. The 40th anniversary of the GTS nameplate's first appearance (on the '68 Monaro) means we get a special HSV GTS 40th Anniversary model. And since 20 years have passed since the original SV88 appeared, a special edition HSV Senator Signature dubbed SV08 has also been unveiled. HSV will build 100 of the Anniversary GTS models and just 50 SV08s. And yes, we'd happily take one of each, thank you.

Gallery: HSV SV08


Gallery: HSV GTS 40th Anniversary


[Source: HSV]

HSV unveils 40th Anniversary GTS, SV08 in Sydney originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>40th anniversary gts40thAnniversaryGtsholdenhsvhsv gtsHsvGtssenatorsenator signatureSenatorSignatureSV08sydney 08sydney motor showSydney08SydneyMotorShowThu, 09 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden begins 99¢/liter fuel incentive for two years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/holden-begins-99-liter-fuel-incentive-for-two-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/holden-begins-99-liter-fuel-incentive-for-two-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/holden-begins-99-liter-fuel-incentive-for-two-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Holden Commodore SS-V

Despite the fact that capping the cost of gas didn't work out so well for Chrysler in the U.S., General Motors' Australian arm, Holden, is launching a new incentive that guarantees gas will be 99¢/liter for two years after your vehicle's original date of purchase. The system works much like the one Chrysler used: buyers get a debit card that they use when filling up their tanks. That debit card will be tied to the purchasers bank account, which will be debited a few days later for the reduced rate, regardless of how much the fuel had actually cost. If all of this sounds a bit confusing, click here for the details from Holden. We've also pasted GM's official press release after the break.

As we mentioned, a similar promotion wasn't too successful for Chrysler. There are a few differences, though. Chrysler's vehicles aren't quite class-competitive while Holden's generally are. There were also more fuel efficient vehicles to choose from in the U.S., thereby making the gas card savings a bit irrelevant. In Australia where the V8 is still king, that's not really the case. Will this new scheme make Holden's V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive vehicles sell quicker? We don't know... but we're positive that a similar deal could go a long way towards putting an Pontiac G8 GT in our own personal garages.

Gallery: Holden VE Commodore SS-V


[Source: Holden, Australian Car Advice]

Continue reading Holden begins 99¢/liter fuel incentive for two years

Holden begins 99¢/liter fuel incentive for two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheap fuelcheap gasCheapFuelCheapGasholdenholden fuel incentiveholden fuel offerholden gasholden gas cardholden gas dealholden gas incentiveholden incentiveHoldenFuelIncentiveHoldenFuelOfferHoldenGasHoldenGasCardHoldenGasDealHoldenGasIncentiveHoldenIncentiveTue, 02 Sep 2008 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Holden W427 limited to 427 units costing $150,000 AUD each]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/holden-w427-limited-to-427-units-costing-aud-150-000-each/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/holden-w427-limited-to-427-units-costing-aud-150-000-each/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/holden-w427-limited-to-427-units-costing-aud-150-000-each/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Holden W427

They are having a different conversation in Australia than we are having up here, and we want in on it. Holden has just announced that the limited-edition Holden W427 will have 500 hp and 471 ft-lb of twisty motion. Sure, we have the Corvette Z06 -- which donated its engine for the W427 -- but Australia's only got 20 million peeps. And a bunch of them don't live in places where you could give this Holden a proper whipping.

The car will be held to just 427 units, and these units and their screaming red interiors will be arriving at dealerships with an MSRP of $AUD 150,000... plus taxes. Dealer allocation will be based on sales figures from last year. The W427's limited run will help it, to be sure, but the price is more than double the price of the Ford FPV F6, which goes for $AUD 65,990. The Falcon is down about 80 horsepower vs. the Holden, but it's also down on weight. We think it might be time for Holden to invite Autoblog Down Under to settle this once and for all.

Gallery: 2008 HSV W427


[Source: Car Advice]

Holden W427 limited to 427 units costing $150,000 AUD each originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holdenholden w427HoldenW427limited editionlimited editionsLimitedEditionLimitedEditionssedansedanssport sedansport sedansSportSedanSportSedansw427Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian government asks for hybrid, promises to buy it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/australian-government-asks-for-hybrid-promises-to-buy-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/australian-government-asks-for-hybrid-promises-to-buy-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/australian-government-asks-for-hybrid-promises-to-buy-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Australian government has both feet firmly planted on the hybrid bandwagon, and the blokes down under are looking for more of the automotive combo platter in its fleet. The government already has 355 Toyota and Honda hybrids in its fleet, but Aussie lawmakers would like to utilize its own home-grown workforce for future models. NSW Premier Morris Lemma wants the option to purchase hybrids from both both GM-owned Holden and Ford of Australia, and has even guaranteed that his government will be one of the first customers in line if Holden offered a battery-assisted Commodore within two years, as has been reported. Unfortunately, a promise from the government for a few hundred sales is hardly enough incentive on its own for an automaker to begin developing a hybrid, so both Holden and Ford will no doubt be investigating closely whether or not there's enough demand in the Australian market for a gas-electric hybrid to support the investment.

[Source: The Australian]

Australian government asks for hybrid, promises to buy it originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacommodoreFordgreenholdenhybridFri, 06 Jun 2008 17:29:00 EST