New Holden Commodore To Succeed VF Series, But Will It Be Rear-Wheel-Drive?
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Australian enthusiasts took a breath of relief when Holden Managing Director Mike Devereux disclosed that there will be another Commodore beyond 2016 on a global architecture, when the freshly revealed VF Commodore is put to pasture.
However, just because the Commodore name will live on, doesn’t necessarily mean its rear-wheel-drive character will. The problem is that as much as the die-hards flock to the car in Oz, and is envied internationally, tastes in the Australian car market have changed. And the fear is that there just isn’t enough sales to support the business case of another RWD Commodore.
Reports have indicated that the next-generation Commodore will have a four-cylinder engine, mid-sized, and front-wheel-drive. You know, like a Toyota Camry. While Holden also offers the Malibu in Australia, this mounting evidence could very well mean that the Malibu and Commodore will consolidate into one vehicle on the upcoming E2XX global mid-size and full-sized front-wheel-drive-based architecture in the future. It’s also possible that the Commodore will be an upmarket model to the future Holden Malibu, such as the way Buick is to Chevrolet in the ‘States.
Or, the Commodore will adopt the dynamic RWD Alpha platform, which is also going global, and would keep the Commodore driven by the rear wheels. Happily, Holden design chief Richard Felazzo is not ruling this out. A transition from Zeta to Alpha would definitely bring forth some smiles, but could it really be true? Let’s hope so.
I believe strongly that they will utilize the alpha platform in an effort to make the commodore a global vehicle with various trims like the performance ss trims and the more upscale Calais trims as Buicks and Chevrolets notice how holden uses the gm global design language with their twist to it so that whatever its badged as it fits among the rest of the family..holden is gonna shape the commodore into a export goldmine and if they run with alpha it lowers cost dramatically because of the various export programs that can be made…the commodore will become gm’s best selling rwd sedan
I would be absolutely shocked if this moved to a FWD platform. You already have the NA Car of the Year in the ATS, so Alpha has already proven to be successful. I’m sure the CTS will continue that. No reason not to move the Commy to the Alpha platform and make it a truly global vehicle. I think as many people pointed out, the VF Commodore Calais looked like it could have easily became a Buick for markets like China (or the US for that matter).
If the Commodore became a front drive sedan, they might as well just axe it — same nameplate, completely different vehicle.
manoli, it will retain rwd and awd capability the guesses above are close and a good read as to reduce the number of platforms but make the looks unique. the final shape is very bold for holden and buick.
PLEASEEEEE give me AWD so I can school these ricers in their STi’s and Evo’s. Love both but need some ‘murican competition!!!
Not every one wants fwd four cylinder cars auto makers need to understand that or watch loyal buyers leave the brand behind
Not everyone cares about their cars powertrains and drivetrains. Auto makers need to understand that they need to keep their volume sales up high and not to pay too muich attention to tiny minority consumers on the internet who make a big deal about drivetrains.
I think they’ll make a series of entry level trim Commodores as FWD and then have the sports models and Calais as RWD.