New VE Commodore unmasked [Archive]

Swampgoat

06-04-2006, 04:34 PM

That thing is uglier than a bag of dicks.
Rolling on floor, fell on the dog and we are both laughing now.
GREAT way to put it!!

Without the wing, some good tint would fix it right up.

nixapatfan

06-04-2006, 04:53 PM

That car is a little disapointing, but I'll reserve final judgement until I see it in anything but this rental car white. I'm hoping there are subtle lines that we can't see in the over exposed shot here. It has a BMW profile which I like, I just hope it has BMW like lines and curves that don't photograph well.

BlueStreak

06-04-2006, 05:25 PM

I think it looks great. Front end and the front fender lines are awesome. I'm reserving judgement on the spoiler (which BTW is an easy thing to change) until I see one from more angles. Overall very nice. I hope the G8 comes in this shape.

LordGriNz

06-04-2006, 05:29 PM

Why fix what wasnt broken? The last model was ten times better looking, this
looks like an overinflated Mitsu....:barf:

highperf

06-04-2006, 05:36 PM

Looks too Jap for my tastex2 same old "thing"

JohneHoodlum

06-04-2006, 06:17 PM

It looks %100 Holden to me. :hail: I think it looks great. Way to go Aussies!

Please bring it here as a Pontiac G8 GM! They need this car.

http://63.90.125.204/forums/attachment.php?attachm entid=36469&stc=1&d=1149473780

That's a nice pic.

TriShield

06-04-2006, 06:20 PM

Judging by the large wing it's probably the next HSV Clubsport unmasked... or not. I'd lose the wing, otherwise it does look like a Holden, and does look good.

City Goat

06-04-2006, 06:23 PM

Beautiful, smaller wing is need though.

Ultimately I don't care THAT much...I've already got all I need :)

JohneHoodlum

06-04-2006, 06:26 PM

What's not to like about that stance? :boink:

http://63.90.125.204/forums/attachment.php?attachm entid=36470&stc=1&d=1149474385

HUMBLER

06-04-2006, 06:27 PM

That thing is uglier than a bag of dicks.

That is the funiest thing I've heard in a long time!!! However, it's not quite that ugly...

danrieke

06-04-2006, 06:33 PM

Oh, God!

I hope it has V-Tech!

PMD GTO

06-04-2006, 06:36 PM

I think this gold one must be a Statesman. Has completely different sheetmetal. Compare the back doors.

http://tcimages.net/DisplayImage.aspx?PD=10094519&S=ISS

http://tcimages.net/DisplayImage.aspx?PD=10094518&S=ISS

CaNaDiAn GTO

06-04-2006, 07:00 PM

I like it.

highperf

06-04-2006, 07:02 PM

Beautiful, smaller wing is need though.

Ultimately I don't care THAT much...I've already got all I need :)City Goat for the win!

The Black Phantom

06-04-2006, 07:04 PM

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/carcontent/reviews/ holden/ve/[15]-ss-sideon.jpg

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/car-review/1806797.aspx

I guess I'm one of the few that likes it! :) I hope that GTO's continue to have the radio antenna intigrated in the rear glass and don't have that rat-tail antenna, that's the only thing I don't like about the VE Commodore. :judge:

MIGoat

06-04-2006, 07:13 PM

This one I like:
http://tcimages.net/DisplayImage.aspx?PD=10094519&S=ISS

This one I don't:
http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/carcontent/reviews/ holden/ve/%5B15%5D-ss-sideon.jpg

kbaba

06-04-2006, 07:31 PM

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/carcontent/reviews/ holden/ve/[15]-ss-sideon.jpg

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/car-review/1806797.aspx

What's up with the Austrailian propensity for the rear wheel cuts always being a lot smaller that the front? IMO that is one of our GTO's worst styling cues.

STi

06-04-2006, 07:43 PM

I really like it. Wish they would bring it stateside and sell it as a Chebby or Pontiac. Would make for a super fun daily driver.

What's up with the Austrailian propensity for the rear wheel cuts always being a lot smaller that the front? IMO that is one of our GTO's worst styling cues.

I hadn't noticed that at all until you just brought it up. There was always something squirrelly about all the Aussie designs (both Holden and Ford) and I just couldn't tell what was off. But you're right, it is funny how the rear wheel well/arch/whatever is so diminutive when compared to the front. Even it out, put some big rubber back there and that would be one mean looking sedan!

The Black Phantom

06-04-2006, 09:11 PM

What's up with the Austrailian propensity for the rear wheel cuts always being a lot smaller that the front? IMO that is one of our GTO's worst styling cues.

That's an optical trick that your mind plays on you. The sheet metal above the rear wheel arch is thicker than the same area on the front so the rear wheel cut-out looks smaller.

DEVLYLO

06-04-2006, 09:14 PM

like it

LordGriNz

06-05-2006, 03:40 AM

1) Pure Sex!(Current model)....All they had to do was bring it here, instead they redesign it to
look more like a japanese import?
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=36503
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=36504

2) Bastard child(new model)....:barf: The worst part is the short nose on the car, it screams front wheel drive import. Not to mention the crappy looking A-Pillars....
http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/carcontent/reviews/ holden/ve/[15]-ss-sideon.jpg

DevilYellow

06-05-2006, 04:31 AM

uhhhhh.... I do not want to know how high someone had to climb into a tree with some 10 lb crazy zoom lense to get those shots. That is crazy because thats in the heart of the testing grounds right there.

Judging by the large wing it's probably the next HSV Clubsport unmasked... or not. I'd lose the wing, otherwise it does look like a Holden, and does look good.

No - its the SS. The front is a Holden front, look at how its nearly identical to the VZ Monaro.

.............

I think people are reading into it way too much - it is really hard to tell how the car really looks from these pictures. There are subtle improvments that are hard to see by the photos. The major one is that it does not look like an old Opel with a different front clip. This is the first car that has been developed by Holden from the ground up.

monaroCountry

06-05-2006, 05:16 AM

Bastard child(new model).... The worst part is the short nose on the car, it screams front wheel drive import. Not to mention the crappy looking A-Pillars....

At first my reaction was the same, FWD, ugly and very angular.

I then went back to closer photos that better showed the curves and the flared arch. At helicopter level the car looks ugly, at ground level its classy and muscular (like BMW's).

Have a look!!!!!!!!

Ugly overhead photos

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/carcontent/reviews/ holden/ve/[15]-ss-sideon.jpg

Nice ground level photos

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j70/norbs_photos/ 9.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j70/norbs_photos/ 4.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j70/norbs_photos/ 1.jpg

rlsedition

06-05-2006, 06:20 AM

Some of you seem to be confused about this design.

First, as another said, the rear wheel opening is the same size as the front, but the rising rear quarter makes it look smaller.

The comment about the short front end. Yes, it is short, in the best RWD tradition. You can't get a front overhang that short with conventional FWD; too much to package up front.

Seen in person (and I have), this design is very Euro in inspiration, not Japanese. Very BMW (pre-Bangle).

rlsedition

06-05-2006, 06:34 AM

JohneHoodlum

06-05-2006, 08:21 AM

Another comment. When the Zeta program was cancelled/delayed (pick one), this design was the G8, except for a Pontiac twin-port fascia. Then the Mercedes CLS sedan was introduced and Design wanted something bolder for the G8, even though it meant unique body panels from the Holden design.

I don't know how this situation has played out since I left GM.

If Pontiac is worried about the car resembling a Mercedes CLS they are out of thier minds. :nuts: I can't think of a better way to turn around public perception of the brand then to release this car here as a G8. If they do make changes for the US market they better be unique body panels and not tacked on body cladding.

highperf

06-05-2006, 08:27 AM

At first my reaction was the same, FWD, ugly and very angular.

I then went back to closer photos that better showed the curves and the flared arch. At helicopter level the car looks ugly, at ground level its classy and muscular (like BMW's).

Have a look!!!!!!!!

Ugly overhead photos

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/carcontent/reviews/ holden/ve/[15]-ss-sideon.jpg

Nice ground level photos

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j70/norbs_photos/ 9.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j70/norbs_photos/ 4.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j70/norbs_photos/ 1.jpg
I don't think your helping the case against it being a "Jap.. import".:judge:
But there is something familiar about the wing :stickpoke

as far as this goes... Then the Mercedes CLS sedan was introduced and Design wanted something bolder for the G8, even though it meant unique body panels from the Holden design.

If thats really true and they believed it...I think some designers had their balls in a bag of Pistachio's.

LordGriNz

06-05-2006, 08:30 AM

The way that A-Pillar flows into the Fender, is downright stupid looking, and
contributes to the short nose look. I prefer the last model over this one, and
was hoping it would make it here, under any name would have been fine. I
really just dont like this design concept at all....Why change it? It was perfect
the way it was....Sigh!

Xavier311

06-05-2006, 08:35 AM

fugley :eek:

lostgoat

06-05-2006, 08:53 AM

reminds me in some ways of a Lexus GS430, but overall I kind of like it, sans wing.

rlsedition

06-05-2006, 11:09 AM

Maybe I didn't make myself clear. The G8 body design was all set to follow this new Commodore until the Design Staff guys saw the Mercedes CLS sedan. Then they wanted to skip the sharing of body panels with the Commodore and design something all-new for the G8, something as bold in design spirit as the CLS, but not the exact CLS.

rt66er

06-05-2006, 03:05 PM

Kinda funny, first thing I thought when I saw this was, "Geez, BMW is gonna sue em for copying their 5-series styling." The CLS is okay for what it is, but it kinda reminds me of the old 80's bustle-trunk Seville. I don't personally care for it at all, but I know it's different and I'm quite sure there are plenty of "copy-cats" in the works; just hope a Pontiac isn't one of them.

sccaGTO

06-05-2006, 08:08 PM

I like it. I think the overall shape is what I like most. Both the outgoing & incoming models have edges & angles. Our GTOs have curves.

Fast GTO

06-06-2006, 02:11 AM

I like the front end but I might have some issues with the rear....

Looks similar to the Ford Falcon

Fast GTO

06-06-2006, 02:13 AM

What's not to like about that stance? :boink:

http://63.90.125.204/forums/attachment.php?attachm entid=36470&stc=1&d=1149474385

This picture looks good, drop the spoiler and give it a lip.

Very M3ish....

rlsedition

06-06-2006, 03:41 AM

Again, the operative theory was to imbue the G8 with the design spirit of the CLS, not that exact exterior design.

CaptainDan

06-06-2006, 03:58 AM

The styling isn't what sold me a GTO. (not saying it's bad) The MOTOR! And I don't care in the least if you call it a Commodore, Monaro, Camaro, or GTO. It doesn't matter what name you put on the outside. It's what you put on the inside - power, RWD, power, manual trans (maybe an A6), great suspension, power, great seats, brakes, and all the other performance stuff (just like the GTO). Oh and did I mention power?

That having been said, I ain't looking for any ugly dog either. Lose the spoiler, and enlarge the too-small rear wheel opening.

rt66er

06-06-2006, 05:48 AM

400+ hp 6.2 with Active Fuel Management and the new 6-speed auto, up-to-date independent rear suspension and a sticker price ~$35,000...?

BlueStreak

06-06-2006, 08:30 AM

The way that A-Pillar flows into the Fender, is downright stupid looking, and contributes to the short nose look.
Odd, that's exactly opposite of how I feel. I happen to really like the sweeping A-pillar - - fender arch. Looks very sleek and well-integrated. I also like the proportions in the front clip, and I do feel the very short front overhang is a BMW styling cue.

6litercyclone

06-06-2006, 09:26 AM

I like it quite a bit. Would make an awesome DD.

Adam4356

06-06-2006, 12:09 PM

Looks very euro to me. I don't really have a problem with that. Proper wheel, spoiler selection will do wonders. I also wouldn't mind alittle fender flare to add stance and muscle.

Overall i don't think it looks that bad.

LordGriNz

06-06-2006, 01:54 PM

Odd, that's exactly opposite of how I feel. I happen to really like the sweeping A-pillar - - fender arch. Looks very sleek and well-integrated. I also like the proportions in the front clip, and I do feel the very short front overhang is a BMW styling cue.

I think those A-Pillars look completely out of place, I don't like angular cars
either. And if I wanted a BMW, I'd buy one....I want a Holden, the last model
Commodore SS was high on my wish list for a next car. Now they are
redesigning the car to be another BMW/JAP look alike? SIGH!!!!!!!

Kenny

06-06-2006, 02:18 PM

From what others have said here, the VE Commodore's styling won't likely be adopted for a Zeta-based sedan in the US. Holden is broadening the appeal of the Commodore with this car. The target demographic sits in a market that is the third largest for Subaru in the world (after US & Japan). Mazda is enjoying record sales in Australia, helped along by Mazda3 in particular. Toyota is THE biggest seller of vehicles (combined imports and locally manufactured) in the country. Against that back-drop, Commodore has been the largest selling car of any type here since 1997. Holden will not want to relinquish the cachet 'best-selling car' implies. It makes sense to style the new car in a way that will mimic 'Japanese/Euro chic'. My one concern arising from these photos is that the base-grade Commodore might look a bit bloated if the tyres are too small in the wheel arches. Otherwise, it's a winner. Much as I like the current Falcon, I would be worried if I were Ford Australia.

GOATHEAD55

06-09-2006, 03:57 PM

Wing is a little too big..But I like the color..

monaroCountry

06-10-2006, 05:36 AM

Looks very euro to me. I don't really have a problem with that. Proper wheel, spoiler selection will do wonders. I also wouldn't mind alittle fender flare to add stance and muscle.

How much more fender flares do you want to put on that thing? It probably have the biggest fender flares on any sedans. The commodore is not a small car like the wrx sti's (also have flares) and its flowing lines do not properly show how muscular it looks, especially its flares.

Common problems encountered on todays GTO i.e. skinny tires would not be so much of an issue with the new commodore. Even with 18-19 inch wheels the arch still looks underfield (great for performance enthusists like ourselves). Its been romoured that Holden SS will run around with 19-20 inch rims and HSV's on 20-21 yay :).

http://network.news.com.au/image/0,10114,5148565,0 0.jpg

Jontall

06-10-2006, 02:58 PM

That car is plain ugly... it's all out of proportion.

tosc

06-11-2006, 05:01 AM

from some angles it looks like a cobalt

KenP

06-11-2006, 02:54 PM

[Perhaps the most intriguing model captured is the left-hand drive long-wheelbase car shown (image here). Wearing distinctive Chevrolet badging, the still-camouflaged car is rolling on moderately sized and conservatively-styled alloy wheels

Something that makes me wonder..

New US police package maybe?

A true http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Caprice

replacement?

OuttaFokus

06-11-2006, 03:28 PM

I think it looks pretty good. Takes some styling cues from the Holden Concept from last year. I, unlike others, love that big, rear wing.

Oh...and most cars do actually have a smaller rear wheel arch versus a front. Usually you dont notice it, but more times than not, its smaller.

monaroCountry

06-12-2006, 11:07 PM

More pictures from Hatzi (ls1.com.au)

The statesman is indeed a very imposing vehicle and looked very sharp, unlike the overhead spyshot. Look at the back seats very large and roomy, great for limos.

The wheels are small, definately a great candidate for 21 inches or more mags.

Also notice the very nice rear passenger LCD screens. Very yummy :)

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~carby67/DSCF22 31.JPG

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~carby67/DSCF22 22.JPG

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~carby67/DSCF22 23.JPG

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~carby67/DSCF22 24.JPG

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~carby67/DSCF22 25.JPG

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~carby67/DSCF22 26.JPG

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~carby67/DSCF22 27.JPG

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~carby67/DSCF22 30.JPG

yellowdevilGTO

06-12-2006, 11:19 PM

I think it looks like a Nissan Skyline GTR and Mitsubishi Evo made with the sex and this happy little disaster popped out. Its got the Skyline's angular look with the Evo's 4 doors and wing. Poor, poor Holden. They've become mainstream. Especially if this gets marketed here as the G8. Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rlsedition

06-13-2006, 08:41 AM

For those of us who have seen more of the new VE sedan than just a fender or door, it looks good. Not "avant-garde" or trend-setting, but good in a previous-generation BMW kind of way. Certainly not ugly by any stretch of the imagination.

Why are you debating styling anyway, given that its all subjective?

monaroCountry

06-13-2006, 02:22 PM

It amazes me how many different cars the GTO seems to look like, to alot of different guys. For me thats only a good sign, since it would be widely accepted. Retro and over the top concepts, especially sportscar usually only appeal to a select few and so sell less. This is Holdens bread and butter car. Unlike other countries, this particular Holden has the punch to beat most anything (HSV form) on the road and still have room for the family and a trailer for the boat.

Great job Holden, looks like your taking the battle to the exclusive (and expensive) europeans.

monaroCountry

06-14-2006, 12:22 AM

This is how the lowest spec/priced and least advanced suspension looks like.

Any suspension expert here that might be able to shed some light?

http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/200 6/06/14/14ve9M_m.jpg

http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/200 6/06/14/14ve6M_m.jpg

Notice the one exhaust setup, this would indicate that the car is the V6 variate i.e. omega.

Fusebox

06-14-2006, 03:56 AM

Notice the one exhaust setup, this would indicate that the car is the V6 variate i.e. omega.

Im surprised to see that now the one side exhaust has moved over to the right hand side. Commodores have always had it on the left, now its on the right.. what gives?? :drink:

DevilYellow

06-15-2006, 07:16 PM

This is how the lowest spec/priced and least advanced suspension looks like.

Any suspension expert here that might be able to shed some light?

Wow .. coil overs in the rear, the sway bar looks much easier to replace. The cradle design looks strudier (may be better for wheel hop). Looks like room for dual exhaust. I am no engineer - but from a performance standpoint this looks like it would have advantages.

Fusebox

06-28-2006, 01:30 AM

VE to be unveiled in Melbourne.

http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,1961562 1-21822,00.html

Jontall

06-28-2006, 01:52 AM

I read on an Australian forum that the new VE rear cradle/suspension will fit our cars. Don't know how true it is; time will tell though.

Harpo

06-28-2006, 08:45 AM

Im surprised to see that now the one side exhaust has moved over to the right hand side. Commodores have always had it on the left, now its on the right.. what gives?? :drink:

I vaguely recall something about design regulations that force automakers to put exhaust pipes on the opposite side of a car's fuel filler door.

On cars with two exhuast outlets -- the rule doesn't apply.

On the '04 GTOs, both exhaust outlets are on one side -- the opposite side of the fuel filler door.

As for the design, most of the photos are so bad you really can't tell what the car truly looks like -- but overall, it seems pretty nice. My biggest beef is with the kit-car looking air dam -- with the oversized brake cooling ducts. Just seems kind of ricey for the street -- but that's a small thing.

Certainly better than anything GM or Ford is producing in the States. Much nicer than the DCX Chargers, Magnums and 300s, too. Plus the high end version has a hi-po V8 driving the rear wheels. What could possibly be wrong with that?

rlsedition

06-29-2006, 03:58 AM

Regulations that dictate exhaust on the opposite side of the car from the fuel filler? Where did you come up with that?

Harpo

06-29-2006, 09:30 PM

Regulations that dictate exhaust on the opposite side of the car from the fuel filler? Where did you come up with that?

Heard about it years ago. Some kind of NHTSA thing. That's where I came up with that.

The point is that if there's an overfill or some other kind of spilled gasoline -- you don't have a warm exhaust outlet around to serve as an ignition point. Don't know if that's the case now, though.

Fusebox

07-15-2006, 01:49 PM

The look of the new VE to be unveiled in about 4 hours and 10 minutes.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/holdens-fleeting-commodore-glimpse/2006/07/14/1152637865404.html?page=fullpag e#contentSwap2

Kenny

07-15-2006, 06:08 PM

Here are Holden's official press images of the VZ Commodore (Calais & SS) or the WM Statesman/Caprice, the long-wheelbase models.

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=38837&stc=1&d=1153015410

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=38838&stc=1&d=1153015410

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=38839&stc=1&d=1153015410

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=38840&stc=1&d=1153015410

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=38841&stc=1&d=1153015410

rVOLT

07-15-2006, 06:10 PM

The look of the new VE to be unveiled in about 4 hours and 10 minutes.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/holdens-fleeting-commodore-glimpse/2006/07/14/1152637865404.html?page=fullpag e#contentSwap2

wow, i like that a lot.

rVOLT

07-15-2006, 06:12 PM

that red model is hot

why2kmax

07-15-2006, 06:19 PM

Reminds me of the skyline GT-R just a bit. How Ironic that GM is considering merging with Nissan. Eh, I like it. Its going to have a V8 and 6 speed tranny. Good enough for me. Just bring it, but I hope Gm and Pontiac dont water it down/cheapen it for our market.

DevilYellow

07-15-2006, 06:41 PM

Reminds me of the skyline GT-R just a bit. How Ironic that GM is considering merging with Nissan.

The VL Commodore had a Nissian Skyline drivetrain. HSV occupies Nissan's old aussie plant.

I just think its a nice refinement and a great job for the first modern cars that are 100% holden engineered.

odaxium

07-15-2006, 07:51 PM

anyone else thing it looks like an audi?

Woz

07-15-2006, 08:27 PM

Official photos http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/wieck_search

Check out the new gauge pods in the SSV (page 4) near the centre vents. Lets see HSV make them do something useful.

Fast GTO

07-16-2006, 12:35 AM

Looks a little boxy, and I hope you can fit 275 tires on these things now.

jonlee

07-16-2006, 06:44 AM

the shape of the front end reminds me of cadillac. i really wonder how the HSV variants are gonna look like and drive.

onyx_z71

08-12-2006, 06:44 AM

I read somewhere that GM may be considering making a Grand Prix out of this car. Anyone else hear of anything on that?

RobertHammen

08-12-2006, 09:42 AM

I read somewhere that GM may be considering making a Grand Prix out of this car. Anyone else hear of anything on that?

Well, kinda:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/ve-news-lutz-approves/2006/08/08/1154802870249.html

At only 20k/yr., it's not going to replace the 100+k Grand Prix. But, maybe as an "aspirational" vehicle, at $35k+...

DevilYellow

08-12-2006, 07:55 PM

The neat thing about this ..... the car is already in production. On one hand the car will be expensive on the other hand it would rock. Holden lives on export .... export of not only vehicles but design talent.

DevilYellow

08-12-2006, 07:57 PM

the shape of the front end reminds me of cadillac. i really wonder how the HSV variants are gonna look like and drive.

........... only a week away.

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=40790&stc=1&d=1155441423

Desertraptor

08-12-2006, 08:02 PM

There is much about the interior design that says this car will be easily switched to wrong hand drive ;)

RobertHammen

08-13-2006, 06:32 PM

There is much about the interior design that says this car will be easily switched to wrong hand drive ;)

Hey now, those of us with left hand drive cars are the only ones in our right minds :-)