macadamianut

The thing that doesn't come across in pics is that in the real world the commodore is BIG. Looks as big as a 7 seies. The Statesman is even bigger, looks longer than 300c but not as chunky. I don't really like the tail lights of the Holdens but the HSV's are well done. The car can look either elegent or ferocious, depending on the spec. I have driven Omegas and one SS v8. The SS was excellent, Omega good too! Love to drive a HSV. I still wonder if they are the right car for the time. If they have an LPG version like Falcon I will be buying one as its time for a new car this year. The 300c wasn't too bad on fuel for a big V8. It has a slightly rough idle at times and I guess that is the cylinder deactivation. That would be a great car to put on lpg too. The new Chev (Caprice I think) has a rear that reminded me of Statesmans (very similar), the front was very old fashioned. I bet GM will make the next Caprice either a rebadged Statesman or start engineering the next one on Zeta! On the subject of rear ends, I hope Chrysler tidies up the rear of the 300c, It could be better as it doesn't relly go with the rest of the car which is the only retro styled car I like. I was really disappointed with the Mustangs in while in the States, they lack something, originality I guess. I do agree that Commodore is best from the side. Hope the Pontiac uses HSV tail lights and does something (subtle) to the front to link it with Pontiac. Why are they persisting with the twin Kidneys, why not style in the Pontiac V, way better!

After just driving a 300c through 6000 miles of the US I am not sure that it will be a competitor for the Commodore. 300c is a tourer with a softer nature than the commodore. Even in Omega trim the Commodore is a sportier ride. Loved the 300c as it was economical, powerful and generally comfortable. The Commodore, while actually as big as the Chrysler in the interior, is an aggressive, fun and comfortable car. The car that would compete with the Chrysler would be the Statesman. Not sure you will get that. The commodore would compete against the Charger. The Charger has awful styling, went way too far with the hips on the side. I agree that the Commodore should not be called a G8. Different car altogether. Pick another non-numeric name and it would go better. I also hope they dont overstyle the front as they did to Monaro to make the GTO. That was a real dud look compared to the original. Saw a few GTOs over there and they did look dated. You cant take a model at the end of its product life and dress it as a new generation car in a new market. The lesson for GM would be to get the VE to the States pronto while it s still fresh! As a last thought, the Commodore interior is classier than the 300c, but not as visually appealing. I loved the way the 300c dash illuminated! PS If you guys thought the GTO drove well, wait for the HSV's.