Can Holden threaten BMW?
Australian concept may battle the mighty 3-Series
The BMW 3-Series is under threat, according to a story in this week's Autocar. The story reports a conversation with GM product boss Bob Lutz at the Sydney Motor Show, who said that the 375 bhp Holden Torana, currently a concept (see pic), could become a reality. If so, it may be sold globally.
Lutz has apparently suggested that "a rear-drive mid-size car would fill a void in the GM line-up in Europe and the US", which means that the gap in the car giant's line-up needs to be filled by a mid-sized, rear-wheel drive machine. If it were to be built in Europe, Lutz hinted that it could be sold to compete with premium brands such as Mercedes and BMW. And the car he had in mind was the Torana.
The car itself is about the same size as a 3-Series and offers the interior space of a 5-Series. It uses a unique floorpan and suspension from the company's Kappa platform, and is powered by a twin-turbo 375 bhp V6.
To make it a viable proposition, Holden reckons that it would need to build 120,000 cars a year.
Actually I dont know why they dont just introduce the V8 Monaro over here.
>> Edited by jam1et on Wednesday 13th October 15:14
jamesc said:
No! GM already own SAAB and the 93 also is based on the Vectra. The Holden will only be seen as another GM clone. If GM want to take on BMW, then they should keep investing in SAAB.
Saabs are considered by many to be a premium brand, and are priced as such. However, if you look at any head to head competitions, they often come in last.
For the money, there are other cars I would buy.
GM is doing better, and making cars that some will want to buy. This car may be a good one. If it is, people will buy it.
thirsty said:
jamesc said:
No! GM already own SAAB and the 93 also is based on the Vectra. The Holden will only be seen as another GM clone. If GM want to take on BMW, then they should keep investing in SAAB.
Saabs are considered by many to be a premium brand, and are priced as such. However, if you look at any head to head competitions, they often come in last.
The 9-3 did have a 'first' as far as I'm aware to beat the 3-series in a direct Top Gear comparo. Even Clarkson seems to be quite complimentary of it. The convert is generally regarded as good news, too. Sadly, the brand has seen very little investment by GM and it's in dire need of exciting new products that are not only competent, but bring back some of the character that their pre-GM offerings were oozing.
The problem with Holden is, that it's the Aussie equivalent of Opel/Vauxhall. Being down under they might have bigger engines, but I've yet to see one that could compete with the premium marques on the design and interior quality fronts.
Despite all, Saab still has a pretty good brand image in its key markets. Given that Cadillac will always have an uphill struggle to be accepted as a viable luxury brand outside the US, of all the brands within ther GM portfolio it represents the best shot the General has at cracking the premium market.
Of course, all is relative!
>> Edited by 900T-R on Wednesday 13th October 19:07
As for the comments about build quality not being up to scratch (sorry bad pun) ill have to disagree. Most of the components that go into the cars are from world leading supplyers, The Airbags in the current cars come from the same company that merc use. If its still a problem they will probably offer some more working holidays for euro car designers.
uk hsv said:
[quote=jam1et]Actually I dont know why they dont just introduce the V8 Monaro over here.
They do sell the V8 Monaro and the HSV GTO in the UK
I never realised. I've never seen one for sale or on the roads. I just looked at 4car.co.uk and they they're about £28500k in the UK. Lets do a bit of maths, it costs $30k in Oz which equates to about £15k. I suppose passing European tests cost them a bit and also shipping, but come on! Twice the price!? Why are we still being shafted in the UK? I just looked at the fuel econ - 14 mpg
. Even makes my TVR look like a tree-hugger. If it was say 20k to buy I could live with mpg figures like that, but at almost £30k, no way. Perhaps the V6 might go down better over here after all.www.holden.com.au
i just checked the site and the monaro is $60490 Aus, the price i listed before was for the base model commodore. yes the v6 is beter on fule, the www.racv.com.au has some stats up stating that its about 11 cents aus per Km for fule, and thats in the biger hevier commodore
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