The news has been all but confirmed for well over a year: the next-generation 2018 Holden Commodore will be born from Opel, and share the E2XX platform with the upcoming Insignia and Buick Regal.
Wheels reported Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann confirmed what we’ve long suspected after the debut of the Opel GT concept.
“It’s very soon coming,” he said, implying the debut of the 2017 Opel Insignia is likely coming in the next six months. Neumann has been optimistic in the past over the next Holden Commodore, stating he would be “proud” if the vehicle he was overseeing development of became a Holden. He echoed those statements at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show stating, “I think the Australians will like this car a lot.”
The 2018 Holden Commodore will likely be given an Aussie makeover when it debuts towards the end of 2017, and be developed to suit the Australian consumer’s driving dynamics, one of the reasons Holden has retained engineers.
So, there you have it, Holden faithful. The next Holden Commodore will be a front-wheel and all-wheel drive sedan without a V8 option, whether you like it or not.
Comments
I’m still having a hard time believing GM management is that stupid and will make such a dumb mistake. Who in their right mind can try to sneak past Aussies a FWD Opel Insignia as Holden Commodore!? With no V8 option to further salt the wound!
And then say: “I think the Australians will like this car a lot.”? They might like it as Holden Insignia, but NOT Commodore.
Something isn’t right here. I’m not sure who it was from Holden, but he repeatedly said that Holden will always have a RWD V8 car in their line up. Is Vette or Camaro ready to go down under?
Yes indeed – as a Holden Insigna we will most likely think it’s quite a cool car. As we have with most of the Holden badged Opels over the years. As a Holden Commodore it will not fill the big boots it is supposed to fill.
A RWD V8 vehicle is still planned. No confirmation on what it is yet.
GNK AWD TTV6. “To clarify, it will FEEL like RWD and have the POWER of a V8.”
I hate that this is happening, and I hate that Dumarey pulled his bid, but mentally prepare yourselves. Just in case more disappointment is coming.
Meanwhile over at Ford, the new RHD Mustang is in huge demand down under. 1 year waiting lists and plenty of price gouging for sure. Also, approx. 90% of the demand is for the……………..5.0L V8 version.
I thought the Commodore was going to be based off the LaCrosse? Didn’t they say that, or they changed their mind?
Both the Regal/Insignia and LaCrosse are on the same platform – the Lacrosse having a stretched wheelbase.
If I’m looking at an AWD TT V6 sports sedan for $55000…. I can do better than a Holden. I want it to be worth more than $20 grand in 18 months time..