The new family vehicle takes VE Commodore's award-winning sporty design and engineering advances and integrates them into a stylish and practical wagon.
The result is a desirable and functional addition to the VE range, offering a new level of comfort, safety and styling in a Holden wagon.
GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Chris Gubbey said, "The new VE Commodore Sportwagon puts the excitement back into practicality. This is a car for families with a 'get-up-and-go' attitude.
"The generous interior space, combined with sleeker, sportier styling, makes this a wagon that people will want to own as a year-round family car, or for family and business use.
"Holden's new VE Sportwagon turns practi-'cal' into practi-'cool'," said Gubbey.
The VE Commodore Sportwagon unveiled in Sydney today is a production-based concept vehicle. It is the first glimpse of the planned production model scheduled to hit Holden showrooms in the first half of 2008.
The vehicle draws on VE sedan at the front with a sleek and sporty silhouette at the back and is built on the same VE wheelbase. It is the third VE derivative after sedan and the newly released ute range.
Features
At the rear, Holden's designers have cleverly created a wider opening by positioning the tailgate hinge well forward into the roof line. This has created a more vertical opening movement for the tailgate and reduces opening space required around the car.
The higher cargo floor makes loading easier and a flexible cargo cover provides extra security for items stored in the back.
VE Sportwagon seats five adults in comfort and a 60:40 split in the rear seating row can be folded flat for storing larger items.
The motor show display model includes a roof mounted DVD player, Bluetooth capability, multi-function driver information display system and zone-based front and rear park assist systems - all currently standard on the VE Calais V-Series sedan. Features on the vehicle unique to the motor show include 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome window trim and unique interior colour combination.
VE Commodore Sportwagon's pricing, model line-up and powertrain combinations will be confirmed closer to the on-sale date, but expect to see a similar type of strategy to VE sedan, with entry level cars, sports models and luxury models ranging up to the luxurious VE Calais V-Series.
Leading safety technology features such as ESP® will be standard across the range.
Holden's Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said, "Sportwagon breaks the mould for Holden wagons. It's got great style, performance and practicality for families, businesses or both.
"Customers will get a car that's equally at home as a working tool or a desirable family car - with all the storage advantages that come with a wagon.
"We've added important safety features such as ESP® as standard, and more luxury versions will be incorporated into the range to further increase its appeal to families.
"This is a vehicle that people will desire for its looks as well as its convenience over a sedan or an SUV," he said.
Technology
The concept model on display at the Australian International Motor Show also incorporates a V8 engine featuring Active Fuel Management (AFM) and E85 flex fuel capability. Active Fuel Management allows cylinders to turn off under light load conditions to improve fuel economy.
The engine on show runs the same spark ignition, with fuelling matched to the same equivalence ratio as Holden's current production V8 engine. It is designed to match the power and torque outputs of its petrol equivalent. The use of AFM and E85 technologies in this motor show vehicle aims to highlight General Motors' capabilities in new propulsion advances.
Chris Gubbey explains, "Showcasing an E85 fuel system in this vehicle makes a powerful statement about Holden and GM's commitment to developing alternative energy sources that reduce our dependence on petroleum-based products.
"It also demonstrates that drivers of alternative fuel vehicles don't have to sacrifice performance.
"Our sister brand Saab has led the way in promoting bio fuel technology to advance the public, political and commercial debate in this area. We want to add our voice to that debate whilst simultaneously looking at ways to further reduce fuel consumption in our existing engines."
The current VE sedan range of vehicles on sale in Australia are all E10 compatible with Holden's V6 engine built in Melbourne also converted to E24 in Commodores exported to Brazil.
In 2007 Holden added two new diesel engines to its product line up with the new 3.0 litre VCDi common rail turbo diesel for the Rodeo and Captiva's 2.0 litre common rail turbo diesel. This adds to the diesel options already offered in the Astra range.
Introduction
There was every reason to mourn the passing of the Monaro, but the Thunder from Down Under hasn't stopped yet.
What better to replace the 6.0-litre V8, rear-drive Aussie performance icon with than an all-new Antipodean muscle car. A car, in fact, just like the VXR8 a car even more powerful and exciting than the Monaro.
The dramatic-looking new saloon is powered by the same 6.0-litre V8 as the outgoing Monaro VXR, but revisions have made it even more efficient. It now develops a massive 417PS and 550Nm of torque, giving it enough grunt to sprint from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. No other supercar offers this sort of power for anywhere near the VXR8's bargain price of just 35,105 pounds.
Yet the VXR8, based on the Australian Holden VE HSV Clubsport R8, offers more in the way of practicality than the Monaro, with four doors and space for all the family.
Although practical, with a spacious boot, comfortable, long-legged cruising ability and luxuries such as climate control and leather trim, the VXR8 is certainly no softie. Driver aids such as the stability system and traction control can be turned off at the flick of a switch perfect for drivers who want to hone their skills on a track day!
In response to customer demand, the VXR8 will also be the first VXR model to be offered with an automatic gearbox, but that doesn't mean that VXR shifted to being dull. Performance figures are hardly affected, and the auto's fuel economy is actually better than the manual's.
Satellite navigation and 20-inch wheels are among the options for those who want to make their VXR8 look more distinctive and help find their way to the best driving roads. Even with all the option boxes ticked however, the VXR8 is still around half the price of other cars with comparable performance. As all fast car fans know, Aussie rules and here's why...
HOLDEN’S ALL NEW VE UTE RAISES THE BAR
GM Holden today unveiled its all new VE Ute range - the latest iconic model in a line-up that spans almost 60 years of Australian motoring. VE Ute is Holden’s first completely new ute design since the VU series in 2000. It offers more features, more useable interior space, greater storage flexibility and more performance than any of its predecessors. Holden invested an extra $105 million on top of its $1 billion VE Commodore sedan program and carried out more than 650,000kms of reliability testing on the new VE Ute.
Launching the new range in Melbourne today, GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Chris Gubbey said almost 60 years of history had established the Holden Ute as a true Australian icon. “The ute’s development tells the story of Australia. Today’s ute is about working hard, playing hard and enjoying an active lifestyle,” Mr Gubbey said. “VE Ute raises the bar in this segment and sets new standards in safety, comfort, flexibility and performance, and all at the great value price you’d expect from Holden.”
Holden’s world-class design and engineering expertise has created a vehicle that successfully integrates sports car performance, ride and handling and workhorse practicality. Sharing the same genetic make-up as the multi-award winning VE Commodore sedan, the all new VE Ute was designed, engineered and built in Australia. It will be the first locally produced ute to offer the acclaimed Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) crash avoidance safety technology standard across the range. High levels of safety carry through to the vehicle’s structure which incorporates the same high-strength steels introduced in VE sedan.
VE Ute’s interior offers increased cabin comfort and significantly increased storage space. The tray has a new cargo liner fitted as standard. Performance is stepped up and there are wider wheel and tyre combinations across all models. A new-to-the-range SS V model marries 270kW of V8 power with high-level features. These include 19-inch wheels, dual zone electronic climate control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, alloy pedals and a premium audio system, setting a new standard in the ute segment.
Introduced in July 2006, Holden’s VE range has won a host of accolades including Wheels Car of the Year, News Ltd’s Car Of The Year, MOTOR’s Bang For Your Bucks and Drive.com People's Choice Award.
Design Overview
Holden designers captured the dual role of today’s ute as a practical workhorse with recreational sports car credentials. A priority was to create more practical cabin space and storage flexibility. Like its sedan sibling, VE Ute has authoritative stance and poise. The signature raked bodyside and distinctive flared wheel arches feature prominently. The silhouette features a coupe-like integrated roof-line and retains the classic Holden Ute proportional trait with the tray perfectly balanced above the rear wheels.
The clean presentation is aided by the use of a single piece body side outer which runs from the A pillar to the tailgate. The new one-piece side structure delivers significant quality improvements through dimensional stability and repeatability. There are unique wrap-around tail lamps and tailgate hinges are now fully concealed. Dual and quad exhaust systems enhance the VE Ute’s sports car appeal.
Interior Features
VE Ute introduces several design solutions that increase interior storage space, improve rear compartment access and add more convenience features. The cabin interior draws on the award-winning VE sedan, with individual treatments increasing buyer choice. Specific centre stack features, mouldings, displays and illumination colours create maximum differentiation between variants. The aggressive quality standards applied to VE sedan were also applied to ute, with critical areas such as part-to-part fit, material surfaces, storage openings and other treatments reviewed to the tiniest detail.
Rear seat access has been opened up with a quick release seat latch now standard. Storage volume behind the seats is now 245 litres, a significant increase over VZ Ute’s 90 litre space. There are two storage compartments beneath the load floor and all models except Omega and SV6 have dual cargo nets in the rear panel. A new rear centre T-panel provides a striking visual element.
Exterior Features
While the new ute takes many of its design and styling cues from the successful VE sedan, its body structure has more than 60 unique panels. The rear structure has been significantly reinforced to accommodate the load-carrying capacity and robustness required for a light commercial vehicle. The cargo area is more functional and versatile. A heavy duty moulded cargo liner is now standard fitment. It helps protect the tray space and load materials from damage. Floor corrugations allow water run-off and easy cleaning. The flush-fitting soft tonneau cover (all models except Omega) features Holden’s unique ‘snap lock’ clipping system. The six cargo tie-down hooks have been redesigned for improved functionality.
Safety Technology
VE Ute incorporates more standard safety features than its predecessor and benefits from the largest crash modelling program Holden has undertaken. The focus was on crash avoidance and providing optimum occupant protection should a crash occur.
Safety technologies were benchmarked against the world’s leading brands and major engineering programs delivered a stiffer body structure and significantly increased usage of advanced strength steels. Seventy seven per cent of VE Ute’s structure is advanced strength steel. Load path strategies established for VE sedan have been adapted for VE Ute with a focus on side and rear impact. Structurally optimised crush zones help absorb crash energy.
VE is the first locally produced ute equipped with the acclaimed Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) safety technology standard across the range. This integrates traction control, anti-lock braking systems, electronic brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution to help prevent skidding in critical driving situations by applying corrective braking to different wheels and reducing engine torque.
New dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, which inflate in two stages according to impact severity and respective seating positions, further enhance occupant safety. Other protection features include a steering column ride-down mechanism and breakaway brake pedal.
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Luxury, Flexibility and Choice Reflect Holden's Motor Show Line Up
GM Holden's sleek new VE Commodore Sportwagon made its world debut today at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
The new family vehicle takes VE Commodore's award-winning sporty design and engineering advances and integrates them into a stylish and practical wagon.
The result is a desirable and functional addition to the VE range, offering a new level of comfort, safety and styling in a Holden wagon.
GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Chris Gubbey said, "The new VE Commodore Sportwagon puts the excitement back into practicality. This is a car for families with a 'get-up-and-go' attitude.
"The generous interior space, combined with sleeker, sportier styling, makes this a wagon that people will want to own as a year-round family car, or for family and business use.
"Holden's new VE Sportwagon turns practi-'cal' into practi-'cool'," said Gubbey.
The VE Commodore Sportwagon unveiled in Sydney today is a production-based concept vehicle. It is the first glimpse of the planned production model scheduled to hit Holden showrooms in the first half of 2008.
The vehicle draws on VE sedan at the front with a sleek and sporty silhouette at the back and is built on the same VE wheelbase. It is the third VE derivative after sedan and the newly released ute range.
Features
At the rear, Holden's designers have cleverly created a wider opening by positioning the tailgate hinge well forward into the roof line. This has created a more vertical opening movement for the tailgate and reduces opening space required around the car.
The higher cargo floor makes loading easier and a flexible cargo cover provides extra security for items stored in the back.
VE Sportwagon seats five adults in comfort and a 60:40 split in the rear seating row can be folded flat for storing larger items.
The motor show display model includes a roof mounted DVD player, Bluetooth capability, multi-function driver information display system and zone-based front and rear park assist systems - all currently standard on the VE Calais V-Series sedan. Features on the vehicle unique to the motor show include 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome window trim and unique interior colour combination.
VE Commodore Sportwagon's pricing, model line-up and powertrain combinations will be confirmed closer to the on-sale date, but expect to see a similar type of strategy to VE sedan, with entry level cars, sports models and luxury models ranging up to the luxurious VE Calais V-Series.
Leading safety technology features such as ESP® will be standard across the range.
Holden's Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said, "Sportwagon breaks the mould for Holden wagons. It's got great style, performance and practicality for families, businesses or both.
"Customers will get a car that's equally at home as a working tool or a desirable family car - with all the storage advantages that come with a wagon.
"We've added important safety features such as ESP® as standard, and more luxury versions will be incorporated into the range to further increase its appeal to families.
"This is a vehicle that people will desire for its looks as well as its convenience over a sedan or an SUV," he said.
Technology
The concept model on display at the Australian International Motor Show also incorporates a V8 engine featuring Active Fuel Management (AFM) and E85 flex fuel capability. Active Fuel Management allows cylinders to turn off under light load conditions to improve fuel economy.
The engine on show runs the same spark ignition, with fuelling matched to the same equivalence ratio as Holden's current production V8 engine. It is designed to match the power and torque outputs of its petrol equivalent. The use of AFM and E85 technologies in this motor show vehicle aims to highlight General Motors' capabilities in new propulsion advances.
Chris Gubbey explains, "Showcasing an E85 fuel system in this vehicle makes a powerful statement about Holden and GM's commitment to developing alternative energy sources that reduce our dependence on petroleum-based products.
"It also demonstrates that drivers of alternative fuel vehicles don't have to sacrifice performance.
"Our sister brand Saab has led the way in promoting bio fuel technology to advance the public, political and commercial debate in this area. We want to add our voice to that debate whilst simultaneously looking at ways to further reduce fuel consumption in our existing engines."
The current VE sedan range of vehicles on sale in Australia are all E10 compatible with Holden's V6 engine built in Melbourne also converted to E24 in Commodores exported to Brazil.
In 2007 Holden added two new diesel engines to its product line up with the new 3.0 litre VCDi common rail turbo diesel for the Rodeo and Captiva's 2.0 litre common rail turbo diesel. This adds to the diesel options already offered in the Astra range.
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