SCOOP: Holden's all-new VE in the open
CarPoint has captured the best shots yet of the new Holden Commodore and its long-wheelbase range-topper. And yes, there are even left-hookers being driven now!You are looking at the best photos of Holden's new large car yet! Exclusive to CarPoint, the photos clearly show the results of the Lion's biggest local new model investment ever.
The new Commodore VE and its long-wheelbase derivative is the result of a $980m R&D program. The so-called Zeta platform on which the new car will be built will underpin General Motors' large rear-wheel drive models worldwide, well into the next decade.
The exclusive photos also suggest that Holden will launch both short (image
) and long-wheelbase models concurrently. The luxury and SS variants shown hereabouts are likely early production examples and ready for release to the public.At this stage it's tipped August will be the official launch. Expect controlled leaks of images and details of the new cars soon. Perhaps even sooner now!
For the first time the two model variants feature bespoke rear doors with the luxo-model losing the extended rear wheelarch of previous generations.
The glasshouse is clearly different on the two versions too, with the standard wheelbase car's C-pillar exhibiting a muscular kink
It retains the familiar six-light profile of the current car, nonetheless.The arching glass and door line of the long-wheelbase model (image
) has more than a hint of big Audi about it and gives the car a different feel to the cooking model.Interestingly, however, the front of the bigger car eschews Europe and shows more US influence
One CarPoint staffer likened the look to that of a slimmed-down Chrysler 300C.Of note on the front view of the long-wheelbase car is what appears like BMW 7 Series-style eyelid lamps
These appear to be integrated into the long wheelbase's unique headlamps and could be used as daytime running lamps in some markets.And it's not only the wheelbase of the luxury variant that's stretched.
Though camera angles can be deceptive it appears the long-wheelbase car's boot is significantly longer than the standard wheelbase model's which could translate to huge luggage capacity or (more likely) even more legroom than the wheelbase stretch would yield in isolation.
The long sloping rear window of the long-wheelbase model tends to suggest the rear seat has been pushed back to yield rear legroom that will rival the best overseas stretches can offer.
Caught in stark white wearing carryover SS badging and featuring the now-signature front wing vents, the SS gets a big rear wing and Astra-aping nose with aggressive splitter and rectangular under-bumper inlet.
The car looks cobby and compact belying its true size. It gets vertically stacked fog lights as features, above functioning front airdam brake vents
The SS's headlamps appear to be three-element units with clear indicator lenses and separate main and dipped beams.A larger and 'freshened' Holden lion badge dominates the trapezoidal grille opening.
The side-on shots show the aggressive bodykit that is the SS's trademark
There are heavy sill add-ons that work visually to 'pump-up' the flared guards. In all likelihood the sheet metal is unaltered from the standard cars, however.The camouflaged SS shot (image
) shows the car rolling on ultra-low profile tyres and what could be 20-inch wheels and oversize multi-piston brake calipers, hinting at the spec of the final item or perhaps HSV's yet-to-be spotted offerings?Pictured with the SS is also a mid-spec car (
). While there's insufficient detail to draw too many conclusions, the brightwork around the glasshouse and moderately-sized wheels suggests this car is the equivalent to the existing Berlina.These shots are proof positive of the international significance of the new Holden. While the Chevrolet variant might only be destined for the Middle East (and China as a Buick?) initially, the importance of the existence of the left hooker can't be under estimated.
Both Holden and Ford spokespeople have talked about the lack of new product being one of the key drivers in the decline of the Aussie large car sector in recent times. We're not suggesting that fuel prices won't continue to be a factor, however, the VE's quantum leap in looks and on-road appeal should see Holden dealers smiling.
Uprated engines, better economy and perhaps even a range of diesel engines won't hurt either.
It's unlikely you'll be able to drive away in your new VE until early September. Least that's what CarPoint's sources are saying, and it could be later than that.
Nonetheless, the publication of the these photos (and the flood of 'leaked' images that they may prompt) will have dealers on the other (blue) side of the fence deeply concerned. After all, in the face of this radically new, bigger Aussie sedan, they look likely to have to soldier on with the existing Falcon and its variants until at least late next year.
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