Now that Holden has pulled the wraps off the 2013 VF Commodore, what do you think of the new Zeta-based vehicle?
When voting, keep in mind that what we saw today was the top-of-the-line Calais-V trim level, and that the SV6, SS, and SS-V, along with the base model and Caprice full-size sedan will be shown in the future.
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Comments
It looks good, but I was expecting a lot more, such as a major overhaul and more aggressive styling. Still, aggressive styling doesn’t matter as much to me, as long as it is fast. I don’t need to convince people it’s fast, I’ll just show them. Can’t wait for the Chevrolet SS.
Brilliant! Holden fans wanted a bigger difference between the Calais and the rest of the line up and this is perfect! So many people are saying it looks like a Jag, a Merc, an Audi. Well done Holden!
Looks very good, although the front grille should have been a tad bit bigger. Also, those tail lights look straight from the current Opel Astra, not that it’s bad-looking or anything.
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I really like this car! I think it looks like it would make a killer Buick. I know it won’t be a Buick here in the US (only China), but I bet the Chevy SS version is going to look mean as hell.
@Brew City Bill The Caprice will be the one that becomes (with a few modifications) the Buick Park Avenue in China — which is longer and oftentimes more luxurious than the Commodore. I’d love to see the Park Ave (with the same name, even) in the States.
Yeah, me too! I do hear rumors of an Alpha based GNX sedan. I’d prefer a coupe, but really, any rear-wheel-drive Buick is welcome. I’d also like to have a Caprice and/or a Pontiac G8 too, they’re really cool cars.
I think this Calais-V model makes a perfect model for Buick lineup in America. But definitely can’t wait for the SS
JustinF
the SS will always be more aggressive in it’s styling when compared to a calais, a calais is about refined luxury and less go for it buddy, try your luck.
one thing about the calais-V it has the same performance gear as an SS, the perfect sleeper.
The VF looks spacious , almost too good to be true , but you neglect to inform us that the reason for this is the zeta platform that it sits on is the same as the one that underpinned the Buick Park Avenue , the Chevrolet Caprice , the Pontiac G8 , the newer Camaros . The wheelbase is 112.3 inches , curb weight varies but 3,750 lbs is a fair average . In 2016 the Camaro will go to the shorter Alpha platform , indeed the only one vehicle left in the GM line up will be the Chevy SS . The Cadillac ATS is already on the Alpha platform . 112 inches is what the hugely popular Ford Fusion sits on . I commend GM’s wanting to go to a smaller platform but it can have serious consequences when shrinking family cars , ie the Malibu . The reason for the shrinkage is readily apparent . It is to lose WEIGHT. Weight or hybrid technology are the only areas left to make a marked difference in fuel economy . Gas engine technology is just about at its max for economy . Weight is the easiest to lose . Ford has shown the way with losing 700 est. lbs in 2014 , this for the number one selling vehicle in North America . This same weight loss design will be a big factor coming in cars/SUVs within the next couple of years . Reuss claims that by 2018 GM will introduce a broad selection of new models , well these better have serious weight reductions to compete . Carbon fiber manufacturing techniques are advancing quickly , just see how it has changed the commercial aircraft’s new models , the Boeing 787 mainly carbon fiber attains a 20 % increase in fuel economy . Ford’s use of aluminum will , I’m sure become a broader application , perhaps magnesium and other techniques such as lightening steel with holes /openings to lose weight . Personally speaking , I would be reluctant to see GM shrink north american family sedans too much , vehicles here are driven further than other parts of the world mainly due to more spread out cities and unfortunately a still serious lack of urban rapid transit systems .Also people here are bigger physically and should I say it , more obese , on the average ? Perhaps this shrinkage of cars is spawning a huge increase in the number of models of crossovers and unibody SUV’s…the trunks that take up length and weight on cars disappear in the SUV types and rear seats fold to create whatever storage space is needed while maintaining very good interior seating room ….just saying !
Love it!!!..to me it kinda comes off as elegant but understated with an interior that could compete with some of the best in the world..looks like holden has went to great lengths to differentiate the various trims of the commy for global use..sat cant come fast enough im dying to see the SS, SS-V and HSV models!!!
This car easily beats the the Genesis in looks alone. And with the other models mention still to arrive, I even think the Lexus GS Will find a worthy adversary here from GM. Futhermore, with the new LTI V-8 and 8-speed transmission, all competitors in this segment will definetly be nervous.
In my Opinion, all these cars want for now and the future is a good marketing strategy, to distribute these cars all over the world, thus increasing Holden’s profitability.
Better interior than I thought. Back end and 3/4 view looks good, but the front looks very boring and plain, not like a RWD V8 beast….
That is because the Calais V model (the one revealed) is not ment to look like a RWD beast. The sports models (SV6, SS and SS-V) will look more beast like. I have found some leaked photos showing that the sports models might have a different rear.
I’m fully satisfied with this. I’m interested to see how the Chevrolet face will be grafted on it though.
good looking car, but doesn’t grab you like the g8 did, a little hoe hum front grill, could easy get lost in all its competitors, but still looks well made and very nice interior, hope the ss is a bit more aggresive.
It’s competitors in Australia aren’t any where as good looking as this. The model above is the Calais V. The Calais is the luxury model in the Commodore’s range. We are yet to see the sports models. The sports models will grab you like the G8 did.
Really like it! definitely a world class design, I can easily see the SS potential. I also agree with the Buick idea for the U.S, done in this Calais trim level
No triple sealed doors!?! Why??????
They say that imitation is a form of flattery , or you are saying something that makes a lot of sense , Alex . Comments here are often about concepts and the question asked is what do you think of them . When you get actual 3 dimensional type pictures to review , some even with dash layouts , you can come up with an insightful comment perhaps . But when GM does its teaser ads and all you see is a vague outline on a darkened backround and the question is asked , well its a little absurd . GM ,I realize now , doesn’t need comments to its hints and what ifs and what it plans . So saying , any interest it can attract from enthusiasts and potential buyers is good publicity . There are a lot of bodies occupying the Ivory Tower who are are paid big bucks to push the pencils and concepts around like confetti , for vehicle plans for factories around the the world . I mistakenly thought GM was going to market and grow the Chevy SS , however , this model appears to have been brought over to be a big image booster for GM and its continuing involvement in NASCAR . It has done the job well , but it , I’m pretty sure , isn’t intended t be a big production number . It will attract hard core fans and be a low volume production . It isn’t intended for Canada or probably Europe either . I don’t understand this type of marketing . I watched Reuss unveil it at Daytona , a gret 15 minute boost of this new RW drive mean machine . Ford followed it up with a half hour feature on their new 2013 Fusion NASCAR entry . I get this approach much , much better . They have grown this 2012 4th largest sedan seller in America . It also won the Green Award in 2012 for its hybrid . Now its publicizing its 2013 entry in Nascar . You take your most popular model , which has been one of the top sellers in America for years now and you grow it . Ford’s publicity with NASCAR is icing on the cake , with GM now its more like ” Here we are , look at us , drop by our showrooms and see one on display and perhaps order one , might be here in about 6 months . OR , you might be interested in one of our other best in design/ performance models today , lots of stock to choose from ” . bye bye , JC
Apologies , Alex , I failed to note that you had addressed the GM Authority email to me . I receive a good number of these GM Authority emails and just read and delete them . I wasn’t sure of your intent here but I surmise that perhaps I’m involved . I neither have accounts with Ford or Chrysler , never go to their sites , just GM… don’t twitter or Facebook or even text message . As I may have missed the subject matter entirely ,, please email me directly if I can assist in this matter . Also , I said bye bye in the above comment , I will be cancelling my account now , just don’t have the time or passion anymore to continue , and I get far too wordy . You have a great website and I loved your test drive and review of the 2013 Malibu . I think all of you gave fair impartial style comments . regards JC
usa and Canada .. Its best I leave the GM websites and will remove my account today . My above wordy comment bye bye was to signify that was my last one . You have a super website , carry on the excellent work , loved your test drive and summary on the 2013 Malibu . JC . Note , If you wish to reach me , as I may have missed the drift , you have the email address .
Why does ‘Holden’ ALWAYS copy “Ford” body styling to cash in on the market? I personally have owned both at one time or another, the ONLY Holden worth having was the ’89 Lexan witch was a Buick V6 Toyota gearbox and transmission with a Holden body shell very good car heaps of Buick grunt as for the rest heap of unreliable crap or ‘el cheapo’ Ford copy’s! Question, why are most taxi’s in Australia FORDs? Better engineering, by far a better product.
Actually the reason behind Falcons being Taxis is because Ford offered LPG engines as standard factory fitted options