Automotive News, Media & Press - Holden Commodore Returning to the US as 2014 Chevrolet Super Sport V8, RWD Sedan

GM had this up on facebook a few minutes ago

http://www.washingtonpost.com/cars/2014-chevrolet-ss-confirmed-as-vf-holden-commodore-official/2012/05/17/gIQA7fu6VU_story.html

http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/7941421/chevrolet-ss-replace-impala-sprint-cup-series


"Chevrolet, together with officials from fellow GM subsidiary Holden, has confirmed today that the Australian designed and built Holden Commodore sedan will return to U.S. shores as the 2014 Chevrolet SS."

Hell YES!

I bet it'll run a direct port injected 6 cycl and be front wheel drive....boooooooo

I bet it'll run a direct port injected 6 cycl and be front wheel drive....boooooooo

:confused:

it's a rebaged Pontiac G8 (which was a rebadged Holden Commodore to begin with)

I bet it'll run a direct port injected 6 cycl and be front wheel drive....boooooooo

:confused:

it's a rebaged Pontiac G8 (which was a rebadged Holden Commodore to begin with)

Agreed. That would be a lot of retooling on an existing platform to run a DI V6 with FWD... This car will be V6/V8 and RWD, just like the G8. The car is GM's answer/competition for the Charger.

This again? How many times does it take?

Very good news. :thumb: Now let's hope that the Ute (El Camino?) comes in next. :D

No pics :-( I think it's a great idea to offer us another option and I don't get how you guys can knock it before you see it's not like it's going to look just like the g8 so relax and be grateful that GM is in the position to be able to offer us these kind of cars again plus it will be like a poor mans cts-v well hopefully price wise.

Nascar has also confirmed that it will be a v8, rear wheel performance sedan. Chevy has already built test cars for nascar and have been testing them.

I HOPE they keep the exterior the same as this..

http://www.driversutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Commodore.jpg

Just change the badge on the front and keep the rest the same and we have a winner.


This again? How many times does it take?

Both the GTO and G8 were fantastic car just 1 suffered the fate of people not liking the idea of it being a GTO and the other suffered a fate of the Pontiac brand dying but you cant deny inside and out both were fantastic cars.

Keyword everyone is missing is that it is a limited production vehicle, which leaves it open to interpretation. Could be a few year run car or something that is supposed to be a specialty car and killed off after a few years like another car on the same/similar platform.

The only downside to this will be the same as it is with the 99 - 05ish Monte Carlo's, because the car has some tie to Nascar, the price will instantly be hiked to high hell. Brother went to look at a 04 MC SS (no SC) and they wanted $12.5k for the damn thing. :confused: He asked if someone screwed up putting the #'s on and they said no, because it is used in Nascar it is worth more. :jest:

I HOPE they keep the exterior the same as this..

http://www.driversutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Commodore.jpg

Money!!!!! That is a sexy four door I just hope they offer a 6 speed. The down side is I doubt they will be able to keep those panels do to our crash regulations.

I HOPE they keep the exterior the same as this..

http://www.driversutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Commodore.jpg


That is today's VEII Commodore. The original VE Commodore was sold as the Pontiac G8 here.

The car is getting restyled front, back and inside for 2013 and that is what will be exported to the US as the Chevrolet Super Sport.

http://images-2.drive.com.au/2012/04/16/3222277/P1060649_729-420x0.jpg

Apparently it's going to employ some aluminum body parts and other tricks to shave a little weight as well.

I wish they would sell the pickup truck they have in australia or whatever, those are badass

I wish they would sell the pickup truck they have in australia or whatever, those are badass

Reports are saying the Commodore Sportwagon and Ute are likely in the cards for Chevrolet in the US as well.

Commodore gets another shot at the American market — and VF will debut earlier than expected?

http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/motoring/general/editorial/ge4826449346869525073.jpg

motoring.com.au

Holden has been given the go-ahead by parent company General Motors and American division Chevrolet to export the Commodore to the USA. The local manufacturer will start shipping the Chev-branded production VF Commodore across to the US from late 2013. It has been confirmed now that in America the car will be sold as the Chevrolet SS, a name long associated with the Chevy brand.

The announcement ends months of speculation that the Commodore would fill a premium niche in the Chevrolet range. That speculation grew apace with Chevrolet's official confirmation it would enter a new model in NASCAR from next year, based on a new platform with a new nameplate.

Chevrolet has declared its existing NASCAR campaigner, the Impala, will definitely be put out to pasture at the end of this season. The new race car will debut at Daytona on February 24 next year, raising the prospect of Holden revealing the VF Commodore before then. As the picture here shows, the race car is already being tested for NASCAR racing, camouflaged to the hilt. The Daytona 500 will be a fitting launch venue for the car, given Commodore's Aussie motor sport heritage and successes over the years.

“Holden has a great track record of producing performance cars for GM and the world,” said Greg Tyus, Holden's Executive Director of Engineering, as quoted in a press release issued by Holden yesterday. "We were responsible for the design and engineering of the Chevrolet Camaro, VE Commodore was sold as the Pontiac G8 and we are currently exporting the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle - so we understand the needs of the North American market."

Kate Lonsdale, Holden's Senior Product Communications Manager, was not in a position to reveal much about the export program to motoring.com.au — and certainly not from the Chevrolet perspective — but she did confirm the SS will be a "high-end" model when it goes on sale in the US.

"This vehicle's going to be a top-end, premium vehicle; it's a high-performance sedan, so it's a really niche-volume product," Ms Lonsdale said. Holden is not revealing how many cars it hopes to export to the US, with Ms Lonsdale simply reiterating it will be a "niche product". Nor could she say how Chevrolet will price the car in the US.

"That's a question for Chevrolet and they're not announcing pricing until closer to the launch. It's still some way off."

Holden is sticking to the "icing on the cake" line the company trots out whenever talk turns to exports, but it's clearly good news for the folks at Fishermans Bend.

"We will continue to pursue targeted, profitable export programs, however... we're making sure first and foremost we're profitable domestically. Any export program on top of that is a lovely bonus," said Ms Lonsdale. "[The export program] shows confidence in our product and I think the US are excited as we are about this, and we're getting some good feedback from some of the speculation that's been out..."

If there's one hurdle to overcome, it's the viability of the program with the Aussie dollar at historically high levels, although currency exchange rates have been considered in establishing the framework for this deal.

"If [we] had a crystal ball it would make our jobs a lot easier," said Ms Lonsdale. "Our feeling is that we've taken into account the current exchange rate with this program and the fact that it is sort of a more high-end, less price-sensitive market [sector] does help. It's not easy to export to the US at the moment, but that's been taken into account."

The VF model is shaping up to be significantly lighter than the current VE model Commodore — which indicates major changes to the platform, the underpinnings and sheet metal to reflect the depth of those changes. But how different will the Chev SS look, in contrast with the Commodore?

"[We're] Not announcing anything specific about the product," Ms Lonsdale replied, "but it will have Chevrolet cues."

An Aussie enthusiast mag created a render of what the next Commodore and our Super Sport will look like.

http://images-2.drive.com.au/2012/04/16/3222277/P1060649_729-420x0.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7215707110_5e9e5ba823_b.jpg

Compared to the prototype spied it looks fairly close.

Keyword everyone is missing is that it is a limited production vehicle, which leaves it open to interpretation. Could be a few year run car or something that is supposed to be a specialty car and killed off after a few years like another car on the same/similar platform.

The limited production will probably be the same as the GTO was which was 12-14k units per year. Which can be bad since dealers will mark up the price big time like they did to the GTO.

Cover story Down Under.

http://hostingbytes.us/images/3/7157623.jpg

You can buy one right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Police-Car-New-CD-AM-FM-Stereo-Air-Conditioning-Center-Arm-Rest-Center-Console-/190626259789?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2c6235e34d

Come on Commodore!!!!!!

Holden wins grant to lighten Commodore

DANIEL DEGASPERI THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

Holden has been awarded $39.8 million by the Federal Government, as part of its revived Green Car Innovation Fund, to assist with funding technologies designed to make the forthcoming VF Commodore lighter and more fuel efficient.

The announcement was made today by Senator the Hon. Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, at the Holden’s manufacturing plant at Elizabeth, South Australia.

As first reported in Wheels, May 2011 issue, Holden today confirmed that the next Commodore would employ innovations, such as the use of aluminium body panels and aerodynamic parts, to cut fuel consumption by more than seven percent compared with today’s VE Series II range.

Currently a base model Commodore Omega is rated at 9.1L/100km (ADR 82/01 combined cycle). Using Holden’s target percentage reduction, that figure will drop to at least 8.4L/100km.

Holden uses the rule that one kilo of weight saved equals an 0.02L/100km improvement in fuel consumption. An alloy bonnet is said to save 8.8kg, low rolling-resistance tyres a further 5.8kg, delivering an 0.3L/100km reduction. That leaves drivetrain and aero improvements to bring home the remaining 0.4L/100km needed to achieve the 8.4L/100km target. Refinements to the Australian-built Alloytec V6 and aero improvements such as reducing the VE’s flared front guards are expected.

Although the VF Commodore isn’t expected until 2013, later this year Holden will introduce a dedicated-LPG Commodore and E85 flex-fuel capability on 3.6-litre models.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the scrapping of the Green Car Innovation Fund back in January to allow the Government to contribute to rebuilding efforts due to the Queensland floods. With the scheme now revived, and with cash-strapped GM reluctant to splurge on engineering projects, Holden is no doubt glad that it has secured the funds to help engineer VF. The $39.8 million government grant announced today is in addition to the $149 million the company received to build the Cruze small car in Australia.

http://motoring.ninemsn.com.au/img/logo/wheels.png (http://motoring.ninemsn.com.au/cars/news/8251284/holden-wins-grant-to-lighten-commodore)

Holden Commodore VF Spy Shot

http://www.carsguide.com.au/images/uploads/holden_vf_commdore_spy_photo_1-w.jpg

By Paul Gover Carsguide.com.au 07 May 2012

Fast shooting Carsguide readers have opening a new window on future cars for Australia.

The Commodore VF, Holden Colorado 7 and Opel Astra GTC have all been caught on camera in recent weeks during test runs out of Melbourne.

The hottest hit was scored by Ben Williams, who shot the camouflaged Commodore during country runs with a group of current cars and - surprisingly - a full-sized Dodge Charger.

"I saw the car in country Victoria. It was with a group of Commodores. There was also an American car," says Williams.

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_leotf4GLP11qdlkgg.gif

yes.

Surprised no one posted this, but buried in the announcement for next years Sprint Cup car, came news of a 4 door next gen commodore based car coming to the US. The article is a little short of details and high on speculation but worth a read. I wish I would have bought a G8 when I had the chance.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-ss-2.html
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/54156/ss-chevrolet-commodore-exports-returning-to-us-market-in-2013

There are many rumors flying around about this car. I guess it all depends on what article you read. In an article from GM I read that you can probably expect a 6.2L with about 425hp. They also mentioned that this version will only be a place holder until they come out with a North American version in 2016.

[QUOTE=jmurray87;16324039




Both the GTO and G8 were fantastic car just 1 suffered the fate of people not liking the idea of it being a GTO and the other suffered a fate of the Pontiac brand dying but you cant deny inside and out both were fantastic cars.[/QUOTE]

G8 was dead before Pontiac. The only way it sold was to offer huge incentives. When sales peaked the incentives were over $5000. Both were complete sales flops.

You can buy one right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Police-Car-New-CD-AM-FM-Stereo-Air-Conditioning-Center-Arm-Rest-Center-Console-/190626259789?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2c6235e34d

That is the VE platform, We are talking about the VF platform.

That is the VE platform, We are talking about the VF platform.

VE is the current car, which was sold here as the G8 and the longer version as the Caprice right now, which will get a refresh and be designated VF. The updated VF version of the car is what will be sold as the Chevrolet Super Sport here but will still be a Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Caprice underneath.

Holden and Aussie Ford usually designate refreshes with different model letters even if the car isn't entirely new, for instance the current Falcon started life all the way back in the late 90s and is on it's third big refresh with no ground-up redesign.

Both the GTO and G8 were fantastic car
but you cant deny inside and out both were fantastic cars.I agree, both were (are) great cars in my opinion as well, especially the G8 GXP. :nod:





http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_leotf4GLP11qdlkgg.gif:lol: :D

Thanks for the great info Trishield!

I am willing to bet that the fuel for this project is from law enforcement
agencies hating front drive cars and going with the Dodge Challenger.
GM is missing out on a lot of money without a rear wheel platform.

repost

http://ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1547844-holden-commodore-returning-us-2014-chevrolet-super-sport-v8-rwd-sedan.html

it's an updated Holden Commodore again.

I am willing to bet that the fuel for this project is from law enforcement
agencies hating front drive cars and going with the Dodge Challenger.
GM is missing out on a lot of money without a rear wheel platform.

We love the Charger units, doubt its from that.

I am willing to bet that the fuel for this project is from law enforcement
agencies hating front drive cars and going with the Dodge Challenger.I think you mean Charger, not Challenger.
And as far as fuel for the project coming from law enforcement, that might be somewhat true...but you do know that they've already had access (and only they have, not the general public) to a GM 'Holden based' RWD PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle) 4 door for quite a few months now, right? :)

Cover story Down Under.

http://hostingbytes.us/images/3/7157623.jpg

I just wonder which LSx engine will end up in it now....

Hopefully a turbo V6 version around 300hp and a LS3 to satisfy gear heads :D

And Idk if it's just the picture but it looks smaller than the G8 which might mean a couple of hundred pounds lighter, which is always a plus :burn: Is this the same platform as the Buick Regal or a different one? Cause the front grille has the same styling as the Buick

BAD ASS! Good job GM... Kind of looks like a Taurus but with 5th gen Camaro/Malibu tail lights

I may just trade my Challenger in for one... GOD DAMNIT!

I hope they sell like hot cakes. Maybe then they'll bring me my Ute!

VE is the current car, which was sold here as the G8 and the longer version as the Caprice right now, which will get a refresh and be designated VF. The updated VF version of the car is what will be sold as the Chevrolet Super Sport here but will still be a Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Caprice underneath.

Holden and Aussie Ford usually designate refreshes with different model letters even if the car isn't entirely new, for instance the current Falcon started life all the way back in the late 90s and is on it's third big refresh with no ground-up redesign.

I am aware that is an upgrade (VE to VF) and not a ground up redesign. His assertion that you can buy one now is still not correct. The VE Caprice is also long wheelbase, and this will not be.

G8 was dead before Pontiac. The only way it sold was to offer huge incentives. When sales peaked the incentives were over $5000. Both were complete sales flops.

Maybe true, but man it has helped us that do own one. I got a 08 that stickered for 32k for 27k. I now owe 17k on it and trade in value is 23k retail 25k. So yeah, I'm kinda happy it happened that way so is everyone else that owns one, I'm sure.
Tate

sumbitch i want one BAD.

Maybe true, but man it has helped us that do own one. I got a 08 that stickered for 32k for 27k. I now owe 17k on it and trade in value is 23k retail 25k. So yeah, I'm kinda happy it happened that way so is everyone else that owns one, I'm sure.
Tate

They're great cars no doubt. The American buying public has rejected the commodore twice now for whatever reason, and continually bringing the car to market is starting to look foolish from a business perspective. Hopefully things will be different this time around.

They're great cars no doubt. The American buying public has rejected the commodore twice now for whatever reason, and continually bringing the car to market is starting to look foolish from a business perspective. Hopefully things will be different this time around.

The Commodore was sold here once before as the Pontiac G8, it did not recieve huge manufacturer incentives. It was not sold here twice.

It also landed during an economic crisis when the entire industry wasn't selling cars. Many dealers firesaled them after Pontiac was discontinued and they lost their franchise agreements. Considering the times it sold quite well and much better than the prior Holden import. Being an exceptional car and the last muscle/performance car Pontiac sold has resulted in many G8 owners having equity in their cars. There aren't too many vehicles made like that.

The Monaro was sold here as the Pontiac GTO years priors and that car did recieve up to $7,000 off direct from GM to customers.

The Commodore was sold here once before as the Pontiac G8, it did not recieve huge manufacturer incentives. It was not sold here twice.

It also landed during an economic crisis when the entire industry wasn't selling cars. Many dealers firesaled them after Pontiac was discontinued and they lost their franchise agreements. Considering the times it sold quite well and much better than the prior Holden import. Being an exceptional car and the last muscle/performance car Pontiac sold has resulted in many G8 owners having equity in their cars. There aren't too many vehicles made like that.

The Monaro was sold here as the Pontiac GTO years priors and that car did recieve up to $7,000 off direct from GM to customers.

My mistake on the monaro

You can look at the sales figures with rose colored glasses but after a couple good months after being released they weren't selling. There was a large unsold inventory going into the Pontiac sale, period. In addition incentives on the G8 were greater than those for other models during the fire sale.

Blame what you want, they didn't sell until the price was dropped several thousand below msrp.

I have a feeling that the Gen V engine will be debuted in the SS.

My mistake on the monaro

You can look at the sales figures with rose colored glasses but after a couple good months after being released they weren't selling. There was a large unsold inventory going into the Pontiac sale, period. In addition incentives on the G8 were greater than those for other models during the fire sale.

Blame what you want, they didn't sell until the price was dropped several thousand below msrp.

I can't think of any vehicle on the planet, good or bad, that would sell for shit when the consumers know the company is going under. Even though GM covers Pontiac, the Pontiac name being discontinued was a pretty big deterrent on the sales. Same issue with all Saturn vehicles.

I have a feeling that the Gen V engine will be debuted in the SS.

GM will debut the new Gen V engine in a flagship car (Vette), not this. Vette will go Gen V first, followed by this car, Camaro, and CTS-V.

I have a feeling that the Gen V engine will be debuted in the SS.

I was thinking the Corvette would get first dibs myself. Then trickle down to the Camaro, CTS-V and this new "SS" that is emerging into the market.

Edit: Damn you Fury!! Beat me to it...lol.

GM will debut the new Gen V engine in a flagship car (Vette), not this. Vette will go Gen V firstI was thinking the Corvette would get first dibs myself.I agree.
The 2014 Corvette will likely be the very first vehicle to receive the new (Direct Injection, VVT?) V8.
We should know more about it by January (or sooner). :nod:

I can't think of any vehicle on the planet, good or bad, that would sell for shit when the consumers know the company is going under. Even though GM covers Pontiac, the Pontiac name being discontinued was a pretty big deterrent on the sales. Same issue with all Saturn vehicles.



You were so far off my point its not even funny

If they offer it as a performance model only it will fail period. I would like to see them have multiple trim models much like the G8 but with better looks and cheaper price. I know it's asking alot but with so many well built sedans in the class that it will fall into they can't screw up like most feel they did when they brought back the attractive yet some what under performing f-body.

they can't screw up like most feel they did when they brought back the attractive yet some what under performing f-body.

You can say what you like about the 5th Gen. A sales failure it is not.

You were so far off my point its not even funny

You said G8 sales were horrible because the car sucked and no one liked it. I say the car was fine but suffered due to Pontiac being discontinued. I don't see how that is off the point, but whatever...

If they offer it as a performance model only it will fail period. I would like to see them have multiple trim models much like the G8 but with better looks and cheaper price. I know it's asking alot but with so many well built sedans in the class that it will fall into they can't screw up like most feel they did when they brought back the attractive yet some what under performing f-body.

The concern with too many trim levels is that it throws this car into a pretty packed sedan lineup for GM/Chevy. In V6 trim, it will be in direct competition with the Impala, which already suffers a bit from buyers preferring the redesigned Malibu to it.

You said G8 sales were horrible because the car sucked and no one liked it. I say the car was fine but suffered due to Pontiac being discontinued. I don't see how that is off the point, but whatever...



The concern with too many trim levels is that it throws this car into a pretty packed sedan lineup for GM/Chevy. In V6 trim, it will be in direct competition with the Impala, which already suffers a bit from buyers preferring the redesigned Malibu to it.

I dare you to quote where I said it didn't sell because it sucked. Please do I'll admit I was wrong. I think I actually said the opposite.

You the point because what I was saying was it wasn't selling well even before Pontiac was known to be done. Reading comp, maybe you should take a class

My mistake on the monaro

You can look at the sales figures with rose colored glasses but after a couple good months after being released they weren't selling. There was a large unsold inventory going into the Pontiac sale, period. In addition incentives on the G8 were greater than those for other models during the fire sale.

Blame what you want, they didn't sell until the price was dropped several thousand below msrp.

They still moved 40k cars in two years, which is not a piddling amount.

Half the point of offering the car through Chevrolet is to take up Holden's excess capacity which is said to be about 10k units per year.

Between the Caprice and Super Sport that should make Holden pretty efficient and saves them and GM money.

For better or worse, GM is bringing the car to market again. It will find an audience which will likely be larger than the audience the CTS-V finds.

You can say what you like about the 5th Gen. A sales failure it is not.

I in no way meant I didn't like the 5th gen I love it I just can't afford one due to being unemployed so I deal with my 99. I'm a big dude and when I first sat in one I fell in love and I don't care about blind spots it's a sports car that swallows a big dude with ease and is way more comfortable then a 4th gen. I hope they continue to sell like hot cakes so more used models will pop so when I get the flow I can pick one up cheap but they seem to be holding there value. My only complaint is that I wish a RS model had the choice between a v6 or a 5.3 so you could get a cheap v8 and help set the SS model apart. I would rather see GM focus more on a lighter chassis then more power and let me bolt on what I want.

I dare you to quote where I said it didn't sell because it sucked. Please do I'll admit I was wrong. I think I actually said the opposite.
You did say the car was good, so I retract the first part of my comment, but I stand behind my second. I still believe the car did not sell because the buying public was well aware that GM was ditching Pontiac. You claim it is because people just didn't like the car. I disagree for the reason listed, and you don't seem to think that my point is valid. Again, whatever.

You the point because what I was saying was it wasn't selling well even before Pontiac was known to be done. Reading comp, maybe you should take a class
I wouldn't be so quick to throw stones, captain grammar.

They still moved 40k cars in two years, which is not a piddling amount.True, and while the G8 V6s and even the GTs might've been discounted by some dealerships, the GXP models NEVER were. From what I remember they sold every single one of those rather quickly and almost all at or near MSRP.

I hope it's as popular as the 94-96 Impala SS cars were. Pontiac G8 was a bit ill fated with the demise of Pontiac. But I think that the G8 in a Chevrolet format marketed correctly as the second coming of the popular B-body Impala SS would have done well. The Camaro has done well, so people aren't anti RWD as many would make you think. I considered a G8 GT versus a full size trick in 2008, ended up with the Sierra but all the reviews on the G8 I read were really positive. Every time I see a clean Impala SS at a car show, I am reminded how cool those cars were back in the day, I think a new one could do really well. I know I would replace my Sierra with one.

Here's the current HSV performance center in 2010, similar to what the new SRT8 cars have. It's a good chance the Super Sport will have this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLmLhHnkaQw

I hope it's as popular as the 94-96 Impala SS cars were. Pontiac G8 was a bit ill fated with the demise of Pontiac. But I think that the G8 in a Chevrolet format marketed correctly as the second coming of the popular B-body Impala SS would have done well. The Camaro has done well, so people aren't anti RWD as many would make you think. I considered a G8 GT versus a full size trick in 2008, ended up with the Sierra but all the reviews on the G8 I read were really positive. Every time I see a clean Impala SS at a car show, I am reminded how cool those cars were back in the day, I think a new one could do really well. I know I would replace my Sierra with one.:nod: I agree, if they can spin this just right with a nice all blacked out version (paying some homage to the '94-'96 cars) and some variation on the LS3/L99 or new Gen V motor under the hood it could be a real hit. :cool: