Holden Commodore Replacement Reportedly Won’t Be Built In China, But Europe
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Rather than being brought into Australia from China as initial reports suggested, it seems that the replacement for the beloved Holden Commodore may be coming from Opel Group, and built in Europe, according to News.com.au. To that end, we wouldn’t be surprised if a Buick model is consolidated into the program. The Commodore’s replacement is due to launch around 2018, and with it brings a host of changes from what Australia may be used to.
For the first time in the history of the Commodore, it is almost sure that the new car will be front-wheel-drive-based, as opposed to the rear-wheel-drive setup that Holden has used since the Commodore’s introduction in 1978. But while that may turn off some power-sliding enthusiasts, the rumor continues for an Alpha platform-based model that may join the lineup some time after the 2018 release of this suspected Opel FWD sedan.
The other big change that may come along with the new model is a suggested name change, maybe even to Insignia, to align with the recognized Opel sedan. While current Holden boss Mike Deveraux is championing the name change, senior executives aren’t so sure on the basis that it would be straying away from an already well known name. No matter what ends up happening with the Commodore’s successor, one thing is for sure: fans of RWD Commodores may want to pick up a new one before they’re all gone, because depending on Holden’s decisions, they may never have the chance again.
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Just made another offer on (another) 2009 RWD GM Car. Not impressed.
RWD is not just for “burnout enthusiasts”
“RWD is not just for “burnout enthusiasts””
It is, and a Kappa tribute car is just a toy.
I mean what else is in your moms budget? A used STS-V?
I hope the next Commador is not on the Alpha platform because the next commador would be a rebage of the future Buick flaghip and the Alpha is not big enough….it can only stretch to 195 inches long and the Lacrosse is 197 inches long….I would like to see a longer and lower Buick flagship but not as long as the Lucerne.
The timing of this would seem to coincide with the European launch of the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia replacement. The current Insignia is sized exactly right for the sector it competes in Europe (Ford Mondeo etc), if it were to be made significantly bigger it would take Vauxhall into a market segment that it hasn’t been sold in for years ( Omega B ) and would then need another, smaller car, as a direct replacement for the current Insignia – this seems a no go option to me. If on the other hand the Insignia replacement is roughly the same size as the current model then prospective Holden buyers trading in their Commodore would be in for a “size” shock let alone fwd!
It would seem that GM’s goal is to use more than one vehicle to replace the Commodore and its variants. The Insignia sedan and wagon is likely to be the replacement for base and upper spec luxury variants ranging from FWD 4 cylinder econobox to a range topping V6 turbo AWD model. This will take care of Evoke, Calais and SV6.
An Alpha based RWD V8 SS model is likely to replace the SS Commodore with HSV developing hi-po versions along with that of the Insignia. GM is going to have to pull some strings and have the US spec improvements to the Colorado rolled into the Thai built Holden model to help attract former Commodore ute buyers. The current model is only 2 years old and is trailing in fourth spot behind older competitors of what is now the second biggest vehicle segment in Australia.
Things like tech features, advanced safety features, the US spec exterior styling (GMC Canyon would be preferred), those steps on the rear corners of the bed, extra long bed length options and a lot of other features on the US spec vehicle that aren’t available on other mid-size pickups here would go a long way to improve the Colorado’s position. A RHD Silverado would provide a hero model to attract upper-spec ute buyers especially if GM can provide a Diesel engine although I understand this is a big ask. There is definitely a big gap in the Australian market for an OEM half ton. RAM is looking at a business case and they admit they are struggling and I suspect GM would be the least likely to be bothered.
The gap left in the market by the Caprice is a small niche mostly made up of limo and stretch limo/hearse conversion buyers. Even our prime minister won’t be chauffeured around in an armoured limo bearing the lion and stone badge any more. That business has been given away to BMW. As has already been reported GM are not going to replace the Caprice.
Even if all the above is done unfortunately for GM they are not going to make up the lost gap in volume once local production ends.
which requires a RWD car. RWD cars need to have the activity it is supposed that the rear tires smoke and Drifting. Comedy. Today is not the day to do something RWD Autogen. Any serious RWD cars are awd. Audi RS6 – MB E63 AMG s. RWD car does not have anything, and even dangerous.
just look at väiskemaid powerful RWD cars such as the BMW M3. BMW M3 Drifting, and only smokes the tires and nothing else. children in low course like the car may be completely useless, however. who the hell will buy these tires all the time, and other competitors will lose time if only to drift and smokes the tires. Opel has been a while RWD cars. RWD is the old world. Present are either FWD or AWD. RWD can not do something, and is very dangerous in a word, totally pointless. tires are able to burn a lot better, and even Drifting FWD and AWD cars also drift very well.
This replacement must be a RWD and needs a like model to be released in Europe to replace the much missed Omega flagship range.
Just because you will get a FWD car does not preclude a RWD also in the mix.
The fact is globally even down under the number one selling car in every market is FWD. The majority of all cars sold are FWD and so GM is looking to do FWD. But there is still a segment that will buy RWD so I expect they will still get a SS sedan and very possible a Camaro since you will be getting the new Mustang.
In the end GM down under will offer more and more diverse models than they ever have.
Camaro and Mustang AWD now that’s a new level. the car must be fast. only RWD car is pointless. flying and burning tires on the front side.
and my question is that what was good RWD Omega. I’ve only heard of that fun is a RWD car to burn tires in front and side drive. these are not some street cars sohow cars which will be a circus. RWD in winter and wet land and whatever is downright dangerous.
However, one would argue to stay right here.
I am interested in the vehicle is fast and stable and safe. Burning tires in front and side driving is expensive, dangerous, and spends a lot of time
Tell me why you want a RWD car. Why should you build a RWD car. RWD car is also logically more complex, more difficult and more expensive.
Every successful company needs to cater to the needs of the market & it seems there is sufficient demand for a large RWD saloon for Vauxhall, Opel, Holden & Buick.
But please tell me why RWD. that is RWD advantages and pluses. which is a good RWD.
Hi OPC,
I tried to reply earlier with a link but I think URLs are blocked on posts here. Do a Google Search for benefits of rear wheel drive. A good site that explains the benefits of a RWD setup should come to the top of the list. The site was put up by a guy from Michigan who was inspired to write about it after a business trip to Melbourne in the late 90s in which he drove a Holden Commodore. That is a somewhat interesting and amusing story in itself.
Most of the benefits he describes are relevant to a comparison with AWD vehicles as well as FWD. A couple of other things that he doesn’t explain is that RWD cars can be built with nicer physical proportions with a longer, lower bonnet and shorter overhangs. Part of this advantage has been eroded in recent years due to European pedestrian crash regs, which require more clearance between the front and top of the vehicle forward of the A pillar from mechanical parts.
The other advantage not explained is a tighter turning circle which makes the vehicle easier to manoeuvre and park for its size. The cops here in Australia like having this ability when having to do quick U turns on major roads in their Commodores and Ford Falcons when called out to emergencies.
Also take into consideration that in Australia there aren’t very many areas that get regular snow so the traction advantageous of FWD and AWD vehicles in those situations are far outweighed by the benefits a RWD setup offer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdiF-BxPSH0
Here is a good video that I think is from the 90s that shows how RWD can be safer than FWD and AWD in certain situations.
Have you ever towed a trailer with a fwd car, then you will now the difference, rwd is not all about burnouts and drifting.
today cars 2014. rwd slides everywhere .and it’s not safe at all. and everyone will be the effect of the
Listen very carefully to the end peugeot characterization
OPC I will try to show some respect here but it is a challenge after such comments laid down.
#1 RWD is not dangerous or any more dangerous than any other car.
#2 RWD is more advantageous in performance applications as for several reasons.
A. Better traction and putting the power all the power down. The weight transfer of a car under acceleration the weigh goes from the front to the rear and puts it on the rear tires. In FWD it will unload the front end and generally unload the tires and they will do nothing but spin. Note This is how I can spin my tires on my HHR SS at 55 MPH on the highway with the turbo upgrade kit. If it were RWD it would not spin the rear tires.
B. You can in performance application steer with the wheel and the throttle to get every bit of performance from the car. Most FWD application generally have issues with keep all 4 wheels on the ground as the inside rear tire will lift and decrease grip in road holding. This is why you never see FWD in any of the top racing classes and that is why they have to race against other FWD cars in lower classes as they just can not compete.
C. This is not about spinning or burning the tires off as I can spin tires in anything the trick is to extract the power and put it to the ground and it is so much easier in a RWD than FWD due to general physics. A reaction has a equal and opposite reaction.
D. RWD is not complex or expensive. The use of a separate rear axle and transmission often leads to more options and combinations for a model to offer. Also they are generally stronger as transaxles even the strongest start to give up at 400 HP in many cars unless you resort to some expensive hardware.
There are three reasons FWD is good.
#1 it gives more interior room as you do not have the driveline hump in the car.
#2 it is lighter to have a transaxle vs. a separate transmission and axle. Combined they save weight in a car the main reason MFG went to them.
#3 They do not have better traction but they are generally easier to use than a RWD for those with poor car control skills. Some folks just can’t drive and the point the wheels in the direction you want to go and gassing it is more suited to their skills. Now with out traction control the loss of traction can and will lose the ability to steer the car too. Also many of the engine management programs will also rob the car of performance since it limits torque and power to keep the smaller weaker transaxles from breaking.
There is a place and model for each of these systems. Not all cars need or should be RWD but the performance models benefit greatly by it. Only AWD is better but then that adds weight and expense so there is a trade off.
The bottom line is GM needs to offer all these variations to suit buyers needs and wants.
I would recommend you get schooled up on FWD and RWD in the true application and not just a bunch of web video’s. Learn the true physics of each system and understand just what it Is really doing.
In markets like Australia there is a growing acceptance of FWD but there is still a large segment for performance RWD cars and GM needs to continue to address this just as they do here in the states.
I assume by your English that you are from Germany? and really may not fully understand the performance markets here and down under are different but very similar. Both are very GM and Ford RWD centered. We use the same engines but on different variations of cars. We are all not out burning the tires off as they are not cheap to buy but to extract the most from the car RWD is needed in road handling and drag racing both.
Lets put it this way. Do you see FWD in the touring car series to cars? No. Do you see FWD in F1 No. Only in the smaller entry series do you see FWD and often it is because the cars are cheaper and it makes for a low cost entry into racing.
Only the foolish generally spin their tires as most true performance people want to get the power to the ground. I deal in the racing industry and most of what I sell is to make the tires bit not spin. A spinning tire is what loses performance.
I own both FWD and RWD and they both serve different purposes and operate in different ways to achieve different results.
These systems are like tools and there is a job for each. There is a time to Hammer a nail or there is a time to use a screw driver to put in a Screw. Both work and are there for different reasons.
fast cars nowadays have awd. Audi RS6. mb e63. bmw m5, and can be awd.
RDD cars, some journalists have fun and that’s all. powerful AWD cars are able to also drftida. when the machine is unable to wear down the strength of this force is not no sense. Any tire burning and side slip is lost in time. dangerous and costly.
GM needs to offer a great level of its AWD system for its products in more and more to develop better and better. GM has recently shown itself to be a very positive and should continue with the same success, and should not go to sleep or rest because competitors are not sleeping or resting. I’d put a corvette awd system and may disrupt Nissan GTR. very clever AWD system is the key to success. tire-burning or drift is not successful
You are incorrect that RWD is dangerous so stop the foolishness.
In most general driving there is no need for AWD and RWD will suit the needs for most drivers. I live were we can see up to 70″ of snow and we get around just fine with out RWD and to be honest it is fun as you can shut off the stability control and slide around if you like or leave the stability control on and just let the car drive straight and true.
AWD is fine and adds more grip for those who want it. It comes in handy. But there is a dark side too. The added cost, The added weight and the added expense of repair also come along with it. If you are ok with that then it is fine.
GM has some really good systems now at Cadillac and Buick. Most are based on the Haldax systems that are world class. GM has been able to keep the price reasonable and the weight somewhat in check.
You having the OPC handle should be familiar with the Haldex system.
As for the Corvette there are things you need to consider. First off the Price of a system that would suit the car and how much you would add to the price of the car. Second added weight that is an issue to many. These questions were asked of the Corvette manager and he was clear at this time the issued would interfere with the pricing of the car and what performance. Now if they do a more expensive C8 model as rumored then they may consider it.
The fact is most traditional Corvette buyers could care less about AWD and to be honest the many traction and stability programs the car runs now will show little loss of performance over the AWD system.
The bottom line it this. Not everyone wants or needs AWD. You really have to look at the market the car is in to decide what is warranted. Here in the states on the many cars AWD is offered they still sell only a small percentage vs. the RWD.
I am fine if they offer it but just don’t make it mandatory as it will hurt sales in the long run here.
While AWD can make a near perfect handling car the key is not everyone like a perfect handling car. The cars that sometimes make you work a little to drive them can make it more interesting to drive.
Case in point the older Air Cooled 911. Many people are driving up prices of the older Air Cooled cars as they are more fun to drive and have a spirit about them. It is like a Horse a horse with a little spirit is more fun than a dull old pony. Add in the factor the older cars are cheaper and easier to work on the used air cooled prices are on their way up and will go higher drop throttle over steer and all.
I know the Germans have a driving power for perfection but this can make the car boring too. Sometimes you need to leave a little spirit and soul in a car. This is where the Italian cars have always had an advantage. These cars made you feel like they were alive. This is why Japan has never quite got the soul of a Harley Davidson figured out. They can build a better bike but they can not engineer the soul, feel and image.
Buick needs full-size flagship…..I just doent see a Buick flagship being a small mid-size car…. like the opel insagna.
What about a 198 inch long… sleek and low body height large Buick flagship that will drive and handles like a Caddy CTS…..maybe a twinturbo V6.
hopefully the next Buick Lacrosse will turn into a full-size sleek, sharp and sporty 4 door coupe sedan like the Audi 7….Porsch Paminara but better looking….Im glad that they killed the Lucerne because it was a car too big at 203 inches long…I think 198 inches long is perfect for a full-size Buick and the body height can be alittle lower than the current Lacrosse for better arodynamics and for a sporty look…..so forget the big and soft old fokes cars like the Park avenue and lucerne. of course the Lacrosse is not as old persons as the Park avenue or the lucerne.