GM News: Rumorpile: Will Holden Announce An Export Program For The Commodore?

[William Maley]

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

May 16, 2012

There is a new report from Australia saying Holden will be announcing a new export program to bring the next generation of the Commodore sedan codenamed VF to America as the new Chevrolet SS sedan.

If and when this announcement, this could end the long running speculation, ranging from a U.S. trademark filling to an OnStar leak.

The report from News.com.au also ties the announcement to it being the replacement for the current NASCAR Impala. Also, the report brings up Holden doing tests of left-hand drive models of the Commodore and comparing it to the Dodge Charger.

Source: News.com.au

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[Camino LS6]

They aren't seriously going to call this car the "Chevrolet SS Performance" are they?

[William Maley]

They aren't seriously going to call this car the "Chevrolet SS Performance" are they?

I don't know.. But I Really, Really, Really hope they have a better name

[hyperv6]

They will have a name as they are looking into doing a wagon, V6 sedan and an outside chance at a Ute. You can't call all of them a SS performance sedan.

Al Oppenhieser said they had a name almost two years ago picked out and he liked it. Lets just let them get this deal closer and they will anounce and show you what it will be.

SS will be in the name but you will get another well known name to go with it. The question is just which one.

What I wonder is will they export this for a year and then move to the old Camaro line. I am watching to see where the Camaro Alpha will be built and that may be our next clue. If Chevy plans on a larger volume V6 model I wonder if they would move this car to Canada and only import the low volume Wagon and Ute after 2015.

Not sure on this but it might prove to be worth watching. They may be doing a Regal kind of intro so there is no down time between models. The Regal did the Euro to Canaa move in the second year and added more options.

[Camino LS6]

I question the wisdom of a V6 sedan version, especially if it is an import.

[hyperv6]

I question the wisdom of a V6 sedan version, especially if it is an import.

There are many people that would be happy with a RWD sedan V6 with 323 HP. Not all the Dodges are V8 as they sell a hell of a lot of V6 cars.

Also not everyone will be ready to pony up $40,000 for a SS sedan no matter how many like it. The V6 is added sales and added production for Holden as they are not selling as many as they used to. It would help them if they keep production there.

I also see the positive motorsports connection here as this car will be the racing choice in to different markets. Chevy and Holden could market them together as the Austrailian sedan series is becoming very popular here. While they are more stock than NASCAR they still are far from stock but it would help make a nice connection to the street car.

The thing with this car is they can't hide it much longer as they need to get it on the track to test. Once it is on the track we will get a good idea of the basics even in primer. I just hope they fix the grill and get away from the small Aveo like grill of the Caprice. It is not bad but it is far from agressive for a car that will wear an SS badge.

[Camino LS6]

This thing is just an updated G8, and the G8 V6 cars sat on lots - nobody wanted them.

GM really flubbed that product mix.

As long as this remains a low-volume import, the V6 car is of questionable value.

If production moves to Canada, well, that's another story.

[smk4565]

We've seen this not work with the GTO and the G8. The only Zeta car that has worked is the one that is built in Ontario Canada.

Price could be an issue also. Assuming the Impala goes up in price some to the $28-35k range (and maybe even $40k as the Avalon and Maxima go up that high) would the SS sedan then be priced at $40k or even more?

[Camino LS6]

We've seen this not work with the GTO and the G8. The only Zeta car that has worked is the one that is built in Ontario Canada.

Price could be an issue also. Assuming the Impala goes up in price some to the $28-35k range (and maybe even $40k as the Avalon and Maxima go up that high) would the SS sedan then be priced at $40k or even more?

Umm.... no, no, and no again.

It worked with GTO (not a Zeta BTW)

It worked with G8

It works with Camaro

And it will work with this car as well.

[daves87rs]

Name should be interesting....

[Camino LS6]

Name should be interesting....

I'm wondering if they might just go with Commodore, it would fit the pattern of Holden using the Cruze and Volt names in their home market.

[Robert Hall]

Sounds like the name is going to be 'SS Performance', but that seems rather odd to me..

[riviera74]

I question the wisdom of a V6 sedan version, especially if it is an import.

Look at the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger as precedent. A V6 sedan (and possible wagon and ute) is a wise choice because not everyone and their brother wants a V8. I would probably go for the V6 over the V8 since I do not see a need for the V8. Camino, this is not 1980 when v6 meant underpowered compared to v8 models. RWD and V6 is a potent combination; just ask BMW.

I do NOT like the name SS for one reason: SS sounds like a trim level. Or am I sounding like an old fuddy-duddy from the '60s? It should be named Commodore (with SS as the performance trim).

Edited May 17, 2012 by riviera74

[z28luvr01]

_{The V6 they put in the G8 was the non-DI (252hp) 3.6. if Holden were to drop the 323hp version into a lighter Commodore that manages to break 30mpg highway, a V6 variant could be a very engaging option. I don't expect it to happen though given the low volumes planned for this program.}

[Camino LS6]

Yes, it isn't the potency of the V6 that I question.

As a low-volume import the take rate on V6 cars would be so low as to be counter-productive - the G8 proved this.

Until this can be built in Camaro volumes (which means building it in Oshawa), the V6 really isn't viable.

[Drew Dowdell]

The G8 proved nothing about V6 import cars. If you were shopping for a 2008 G8 and could only afford a V6, you were better off looking at a 2007 Cadillac CTS. Same engine, lighter weight by 300lbs, more upscale badge (if you cared), and still great handling. Interiors were just about a wash either way. And somehow, GM managed to screw with the excellent 5-speed automatic so that it performed great in the CTS (as it always had) and yet was a sore spot in the G8. Another kicker for V6 buyers was that the CTS 3.6L V6 could be had with a 6-speed manual transmission while Pontiac's "sport sedan" V6 could only come with the 5-speed auto.

Thus, if you really wanted a G8, you bought the V8 version.

If you just wanted a RWD car with great handling, but could only afford a V6 or wanted a manual, you bought a CTS.

[riviera74]

I personally doubt that will happen again, Oldsmoboi. The 6AT should take care of that. Moreover, I am sure everyone has heard the news that the SS is a go for 2014. If GM is smart, they will build it here in NA soon and make it as commonplace as a Camaro.

[Drew Dowdell]

Moreover, I am sure everyone has heard the news that the SS is a go for 2014.

You think?

[daves87rs]

I personally doubt that will happen again, Oldsmoboi. The 6AT should take care of that. Moreover, I am sure everyone has heard the news that the SS is a go for 2014. If GM is smart, they will build it here in NA soon and make it as commonplace as a Camaro.

I hope.....