World Commodore part of GM's vision
Discussion
World Commodore part of GM's vision
PAUL GOVER, DETROIT
January 14, 2009 12:30am
THE Holden Commodore is being closely looked at as a possible saviour for the world's biggest car producer and may go global.
The long-term future of the Adelaide-built Commodore is tied to a visionary plan for an all-new global rear-drive car from General Motors.
The homegrown hero is already set for a major model change in 2012 but this plan, if it goes ahead, will give the Commodore a confirmed future for 2020.
The new model is under investigation in Detroit as GM fights for its future and the funding to create cars, including a potential new global contender.
The model would be sold as a Commodore, a Cadillac, and even a Pontiac or an Opel.
The idea is firming with GM's worldwide product chief, Bob Lutz.
"What many of us would like to do would be to do an all-new global rear-wheel drive architecture that would be considerably smaller, way lighter and also capable of taking four-cylinder powertrains," Mr Lutz said.
"It's not even in the plan at this point. It is just something where we tell ourselves we are going to have to have a next-generation Camaro, a next-generation Cadillac sedan, there is going to have to be a next-generation replacement for the Cadillac CTS, and for those cars you would really hate to switch over to front-wheel drive.
"So there is a considerable enthusiasm in the company for a next-generation smaller, way more fuel-efficient rear-wheel drive architecture," he said.
The update of the VE is locked in place but Holden insiders warn not to expect a VE-style model change.
Instead, the car is likely to get only a mild body makeover with most of the improvements reserved for the mechanical package and new technologies.
PAUL GOVER, DETROIT
January 14, 2009 12:30am
THE Holden Commodore is being closely looked at as a possible saviour for the world's biggest car producer and may go global.
The long-term future of the Adelaide-built Commodore is tied to a visionary plan for an all-new global rear-drive car from General Motors.
The homegrown hero is already set for a major model change in 2012 but this plan, if it goes ahead, will give the Commodore a confirmed future for 2020.
The new model is under investigation in Detroit as GM fights for its future and the funding to create cars, including a potential new global contender.
The model would be sold as a Commodore, a Cadillac, and even a Pontiac or an Opel.
The idea is firming with GM's worldwide product chief, Bob Lutz.
"What many of us would like to do would be to do an all-new global rear-wheel drive architecture that would be considerably smaller, way lighter and also capable of taking four-cylinder powertrains," Mr Lutz said.
"It's not even in the plan at this point. It is just something where we tell ourselves we are going to have to have a next-generation Camaro, a next-generation Cadillac sedan, there is going to have to be a next-generation replacement for the Cadillac CTS, and for those cars you would really hate to switch over to front-wheel drive.
"So there is a considerable enthusiasm in the company for a next-generation smaller, way more fuel-efficient rear-wheel drive architecture," he said.
The update of the VE is locked in place but Holden insiders warn not to expect a VE-style model change.
Instead, the car is likely to get only a mild body makeover with most of the improvements reserved for the mechanical package and new technologies.
Dip your bread now lads.
Rumour has it that in return for US Government funding to help them stay afloat, the car companies are to be "encouraged" to build smaller sedans with 4 cylinder engines to replace the gas guzzling V8's.
Besides that it's a probability that when this "slump subsidy" for the world economies takes effect, oil prices are likely to rise to $200 a barrel.
The window of opportunity for V8 petrolheads to indulge themselves is closing.
Rumour has it that in return for US Government funding to help them stay afloat, the car companies are to be "encouraged" to build smaller sedans with 4 cylinder engines to replace the gas guzzling V8's.
Besides that it's a probability that when this "slump subsidy" for the world economies takes effect, oil prices are likely to rise to $200 a barrel.
The window of opportunity for V8 petrolheads to indulge themselves is closing.
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