With Holden exiting the rear-wheel drive, V8 powered sedan arena after 2017, it leaves the space wide open for other automakers to capitalize on the space.
Ford has already proven there’s certainly demand for a V8 powered, rear-wheel drive vehicle, even if it isn’t a sedan. Ford Australia most recently secured an additional 2,000 units of Mustang to meet demand down under.
The bigger news is Fiat-Chyrsler, specifically Dodge, taking a hard look at the marketplace. From the sound of it, the brand may introduce Australians to the next-generation Challenger.
“There are certain products that we believe would resonate well here in Australia,” FCA Australia regional boss Pat Dougherty told Drive. However, if a next-generation Dodge muscle car does make it to Australia, the brand will have had to have planned it from the beginning to support right-hand drive.
“Coming in after a left-hand drive product is [already] developed and trying to make it right-hand drive brings with it more cost than developing it up front. So, on the refreshes on some of the Dodge product you can imagine [would be appealing] – and light-duty Ram products – as those products move forward the plan would be to include Australia in the mix.”
Holden has remained silent on the performance aspect of the brand since word first spilled out over a new, rear-wheel drive V8 powered vehicle would join the lineup following the death of the VF Commodore. But, lead Camaro engineer, Al Oppenheiser, has stated his team will be carefully watching the Mustang’s demand curve to decide whether the Camaro is suited for Oz.
Comments
Just quoted out a Charger SXT AWD with lifetime bumper-to-bumper warranty.
My only reservation is that you can’t get AWD and metallic blue. Which makes no sense, because the color is open on non-AWD SXT’s. People have been asking why for two model years and Dodge hasn’t answered.
(Hey FCA Authority, there’s something you could get to the bottom of).
My point is, it’s not only Australia that’s looking at the Holden “opportunity” – people stateside are too.
Wise move by FCA! I truly hope they succeed in their endeavor to keep the RWD, V8 sedan and coupe alive and well down undah!
GM can give Holden the Camaro as the Monaro, and why not the possibly Alpha based Impala as the Commodore, with a possible AWD as an option.
Chrysler’s big fear is they will become the next Holden RWD. Old and over weight with out the same reliability.
Odds are good the Alpha will soon find RHD modifications and will see the Camaro arrive along side the Mustang.
I too hope they put in an Alpha Impala and bring it in too.
I really think the hold up has been the RHD and I suspect Cadillac is fixing that now for their own cars and it will be passed on to the other models in the refresh.