Any self-respecting automotive enthusiast never expected the VF refresh of the Holden Commodore to deliver any drastic changes to the Commodore vehicle line. In fact, it was widely-known that the VF would not sport major changes to the tried-and-true Zeta vehicle architecture, instead introducing incremental improvements in design, performance, safety, quality, convenience, and comfort. We all expected a gradual improvement of sorts… and that’s what we got.
But that’s not to say that what we got was not good; to the contrary, it was great: enhancements in nearly every aspect of the VE model line, and then some. From the front to the rear bumper cover, and from the cabin’s dash to the newfound quality of the interior, the VF Commodore is just oh-so-good strictly because product planners, designers, and engineers took an already-successful and proven formula of the VE, and improved on it in an all-around sort of way. In that regard, the VF doesn’t take an illustrious and awe-inspiring “change it all” approach to design or engineering… instead, it takes what is already loved and valued around the world, and makes small and incremental improvements to it.
If that sounds familiar, that’s because the gradual improvement formula represents the most forward-facing part of Toyota’s Continuous Improvement model. But even more important is the ensuing conclusion for those who truly care about cars: evolutionary improvements of automobiles should not carry a negative connotation, and should instead be embraced by enthusiasts and “average drivers” alike.
And while that may not be a world-shattering conclusion, it’s something that we as automotive enthusiasts should consider when making up our opinions about cars — the wonderful creations of engineering, design, and manufacturing — that we have the luxury of driving today, no matter if that comes in Holden Commodore or Chevrolet SS flavors.
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Comments
Great article 🙂
Shame after two decades of this & various other models sold here GM didn’t have the foresight to carry on selling the updated model. Thank you Oz for building us a car/cars that are just perfect.
My issue here was the car was over sold by Mark as being so much more than the GXP.
Note I did not expect the Zeta to change much as there was little room for more changes. What I did expect was a new DI engine and the possibility of a Magnetic Suspension that would have helped handle the weight better and make this a even better handling car. Tame it in the way the same struts tamed the ZL1.
I can forgive with the announcement that the new replacement is 2 years out and already in development. Bu they need to make sure to make the needed changed like less weight and the new engine on the new model.
Also do not over sell it by making you expect some things that just were not delivered.
I like this car and I like Mark but I took him for his words and it just did not live up to his hype. If he had remained silent I would have expected what we did get.
I’m not going to pass any more judgment on this car until I’ve actually seen one in the flesh & driven it. I think all you guys should do the same!
Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa?
My website covers a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each
other. If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!