VF Holden Commodore Refresh To Bring Lighter Weight, Improved Production Efficiency
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When the Chevrolet SS starts shipping to dealers in late 2013, the limited-production model will be closely related to the upcoming VF version of the Holden Commodore. That much we already knew. But after speaking to a trusted source familiar with GM’s plans for Zeta-based vehicles, we were able to garner a few important details about the upcoming update.
To start, the VF will be “noticeably lighter” than the current VE series thanks to a refresh that will be “significant in nature”. Sources tell us that the engineering team was able to shave off weight “where it counts” without having to make sacrifices or serious changes to the architecture itself. The decrease in poundage is said to result in a more rewarding driving experience and noticeably better fuel economy — which is expected to improve by at least seven percent. If there’s anything the Zeta platform has been criticized for, its the weight, so this news is very positive for those who appreciate handling.
In addition, a source familiar with Holden’s manufacturing plans told GM Authority that the production process itself will receive a few upgrades, the most significant of which will be the ability to create a left-hand-drive model more efficiently compared to the current process. Whether the improved efficiency will be at the production line at the Elizabeth plant itself or at the supplier level was not revealed. Regardless, these updates to the production process make sense given the Chevy SS Performance sedans bound for North America. It’s also easy to imagine GM’s LFX V6 engine being the base engine, with a powerful, bellowing small block V8 as an option.
Lastly, according to Australia’s GoAuto, a new collision warning system (probably what we see in the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox), blind-spot alert, remote engine start, and push-button start are among the features that will be found in the VF Commodore and Chevy SuperSport, along with electric power steering and an electric parking brake — though we kindly wish for an optional lever parking brake, for the sake of shenanigans. A flat-bottom steering wheel will also be present (yay!), and so will LED daytime running lights.
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The Camaro is a Zeta, right? if so, will this help the Camaro’s weight?
Possible, but unlikely. The Alpha-based Camaro will be out in less than three years; and there are no facelift of refresh programs for the Zeta-based car going on right now.
Thanks!
Looks like a lot of my WANTS are on the list! Even more excited now!! Totally agree about the e-brake though… shenanigans are necessary with a car like this!! 🙂
Sounds like Chevy is heading in the right direction with this. I like the options.
Regarding the e-brake: Is it designed to be a parking brake or an emergancy brake? If its a parking brake, then I can see where it could be electronically locked out at speed or automatically engage when shifted into park or something. That would suck. If it is intended as an emergency brake, then I think shenanigans would still be possible, since an emergency requires a fast response at any speed, just the actuation is changed. Hope it’s the latter.
I feel like a kid waiting for christmas morning . We all have our own ideas about it should be but let’s take a minute to thank G.M. for making it happen at all
christmas should be within the next 30 to 60 days for the SS you will all like it drives amazing.
WHAT?? Are you saying we’re going to see a concept, or even the production model before the end of summer?? THIS is interesting. I would have thought the unveiling would be closer to the end of the year or beginning of 2013… LA or Detroit Auto Show was my guess.
This is going to be one helluva tease if we’re going to see it for the first time within two months but not be able to buy one for a year or more! 🙁
Manny/Alex, any word on this???
I really hope the collision warning and blind spot monitor are optional. I hate systems like that.
I agree, safety is for pussies
/sarcasm
I don’t want or need stuff like that. I don’t know what they’re teaching in drivers ed. these days, but when I went through it, I was taught to check my blind spots, look backward when backing up, and to keep my eyes on the road. Collision warning seems like more of an annoyance to me.
*A forward collision warning system seems like more of an annoyance to me.
Damn dyslexia
Keyless entry and push button start,Lighter car. Just those things alone has me intereseted in another Commodore,Am tempted with a Cruze SRI-V thats has those features but really want a bit more power like an SV6 or SS if I need to use a trailer, Currently have VY SS and just think trading in for a Cruze may be a little too much difference,Might feel like a slug in comparison even though I hear the new Cruze aint that bad at all. 😉
Premium audio system with dvd player like Cruze or something better as optional extra would be a seller for me as well,Same as Sunroof, Maybe take some of HSV’s styling and add LED running lights for SV6 and above. Simple little changes can be a deal breaker for some of us.