Automotive News, Media & Press - Revealed - Holden Coupe 60 Concept (New Monaro/Pontiac GTO)

Holden Fans Get 60th Anniversary Present

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/coupe60-19.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/coupe60-24.jpg

GM Holden today marked the diamond anniversary of its first all Australian car by unveiling a stunning two-door performance thoroughbred called Coupe 60.

Coupe 60 celebrates the six decades since GM Holden built the 48-215 at its Fishermans Bend plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria, and provides a glimpse of Holden's future directions in design, engineering and emerging engine technologies.

Exemplifying sports luxury, Coupe 60 is a pillarless concept car that explores the limits of Holden's current rear-wheel drive capabilities, combining racing looks and technology into a road going sportscar experience.

Its sophisticated appearance is delivered through simple and powerful design, highlighted by the pillarless construction and V8 supercar inspired cockpit layout and side-exiting chambered exhaust system with billet alloy tips.

Almost 60mm shorter than the VE sedan, and sitting on 21-inch centre-lock alloy wheels with unique design Kumho high performance semi-slick tyres, Coupe 60 captures all that's exciting about the Holden DNA.

Other racing-derived enhancements include full flat under body, rear underbody air diffuser and functional rear deck-lid spoiler with unique designed LED tail lamps.

The interior also has several unique features. They include one piece carbon fiber bucket seats (featuring leather and suede pad design) and a sports-inspired flat bottomed steering wheel with integrated shift light display and LCD sports instrument cluster.

The high gloss carbon fiber carries through to doors and rear trim providing a contrast to the leather trimmed instrument panel and black suede trimmed pillars, headliners and parcel shelf.

Details and accents are picked out with a distinctive red high shine leather on the seats and dark gunmetal finish and satin chrome on the consoles and doors.

Front seats are adjustable fore and aft to allow easy access to the rear, with four-point race harness restraints for all seating positions.

Under the bonnet is just as forward looking, with a 6.0 litre V8 engine incorporating the latest technologies such as active fuel management and calibrated for E85 ethanol fuel.

Even the paint is a one-off. Called 'Diamond Silver' by Holden designers, it gives a liquid aluminium finish that almost slides off the bodywork.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said, "Coupe 60 is Holden's 60th anniversary gift to its fans worldwide.

"It highlights Holden's heritage of rear wheel drive performance whilst looking ahead to the potential offered by new technologies and materials.

"This is a vehicle I know our designers would dearly love to see go into production, but for the moment it has to remain a concept only," he said.

Project Designer Manager, Peter Hughes, said, "We were looking to mark the diamond anniversary with a car that captured the Holden DNA and took the current VE range to an exciting next step.

"Even in the early stages of VE development, we knew there was a sensational coupe waiting to get out and the 60 th anniversary has given us the chance to explore that.

"With Coupe 60 we think we have designed a car that has the potential to write another chapter in the book of Holden icons."

Coupe 60 – Specifications and Features (Coupe 60 overlaid on VE Sedan)

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/coupe60-12.jpg

Main Features:

Pillarless coupe body;
Derived from flexible GRWD platform;
VE sedan wheelbase.

Powertrain:

6.0L V8 with Active Fuel Management, calibrated for E85 Ethanol fuel;
6-speed manual transmission (SS specification);
Engine oil cooler.

Exterior:

Unique "Diamond Silver" paint colour;
Electrically dropping front & rear side windows;
Racing-derived aerodynamic down-force enhancements:
Rear under-body air diffuser;
Full flat under body;
Functional rear deck-lid spoiler;
21-inch centre-lock alloy wheels;
Unique design Kumho high-performance semi-slick tyres;
High-performance Brembo brake hardware with ducted air cooling for front callipers;
Side-exiting chambered exhaust system with billet alloy tips;
Unique design LED tail lamps;
Exterior mirrors with integral LED side markers.

Interior:

V8-Supercar inspired cockpit layout for enhanced driver visibility and spaciousness;
LCD sports instrument cluster located in a unique column-mounted binnacle;
One-piece carbon fiber bucket seats, featuring unique suede-pad design and distinctive red high shine leather accents;
Front seats are adjustable fore-aft and allow easy access to rear;
Four-point race harness restraints for all seating positions;
Unique sports-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated shift light display and suede grips;
Unique interior details including air vents, column switches, gear shift knob and pedals.

Interior trim.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/coupe60-15.jpg

Perforated leather trimmed instrument panel;
Black suede trimmed pillars, headliner and parcel shelf;
High gloss carbon fiber used as a structural material for seats, doors and rear trim provides contrast to leather and suede trim;
Details and accents are picked out with red high shine leather, a dark gunmetal finish and satin chrome.

GM Holden in 2008

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2008 is a diamond year for GM Holden which will be recognising a number of key anniversaries. These include: the 60 th anniversary of Australia's Own Car – the 48-215; the 50th anniversary of the founding of Holden Vehicle Operations at Elizabeth; 40 years since the introduction of Monaro; 30 years of the Commodore nameplate; and the General Motors centennial.

http://www.performancedriving.com.au/images/logo_top_02.gif (http://www.holdencampaign.com.au/concept/)

More Pic's Here... http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=873151:)

They aren't screwin' around...

http://www.jillandnick.com/gmi_photos/gto_new.jpg

GTO anyone?

I think I am moving to Australia for the car's

http://www.jillandnick.com/gmi_photos/gto_new.jpg

GTO anyone?


I would take that over the new camaro

damn! Australia dont play around. Why o why cant we that here!

I need to move down under :D

yeah, looks really nice. I like the new camaro but this would not be a bad substitute at all.

I would take that over the new camaro

OMG!!! X2!!!

Pure sex!!!! Why can't GM of America do that? It wouldn't be hard and would probably save money since they wouldn't have to tool the FWD BS we get and the cool RWD stuff the rest of the world gets. I wish I was the GM of GM.

It does make you want move over there. Nice ride

On the fence, kinda ricey in some aspects.

Ill take two.

screw the new camaro

That looks excelent!

Looks mean!

Unique sports-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated shift light display and suede grips;

i think thats just plain cool.

On the fence, kinda ricey in some aspects.

:eyes:

I know this is a concept and it says it has the 6.0, but did anyone else notice that the instrument panel is set on a boost gauge? LSA GTO anyone? Maybe this means the top of the line Camaro will get the LSA as well... but just hopes and dreams.

damn! Australia dont play around. Why o why cant we that here!
The stupid EPA and the f*heads in Washington telling us we can't pollute, we can't drill, and we can't fart.

Damn, that could be a real winner. Pontiac GTO, Buick Grand National, Chevy Chevelle. All or any of those names would actually be proper on that car.

Damn, that thing looks wicked. Sign me up!

:eyes:

Great post!

On the fence, kinda ricey in some aspects.

Maybe, but who cares as long as it wipes the streets up with all of the f'ing rice out there??!?

Personally, I think it looks 'over the top' hot/sweet, and the suede is cool (a la F430 Scuderia, M3 Competition, and Porsche GT3). I just wish they did the whole steering wheel in suede.
CENTER LOCK WHEELS!!! <-:drool:

Sadly there will still be those who will reject/bash it (here) because it does not look EXACTLY like a '67 GTO, just like the last one.

BTW; my ONLY complaint/problem with the last GTO was the weight!!

Maybe, but who cares as long as it wipes the streets up with all of the f'ing rice out there??!?

Personally, I think it looks 'over the top' hot/sweet, and the suede is cool (a la F430 Scuderia, M3 Competition, and Porsche GT3). I just wish they did the whole steering wheel in suede.
CENTER LOCK WHEELS!!! <-:drool:

Sadly there will still be those who will reject/bash it (here) because it does not look EXACTLY like a '67 GTO, just like the last one.

BTW; my ONLY complaint/problem with the last GTO was the weight!!
When you really look at it the weight of a GTO wasnt much different than a fully loaded T/A. My friend had an 04 and his only weighed 100lbs more than my Z28 at the track on the same day.
My biggest complaint is that the car was rushed to get here, so it had no trunk. Also the rear seat access was terrible. Other than that it was a nice looking car, although a little plain, with a great interior and finish.

As far as this car, not my style. It is a little too over the top for me.

http://www.jillandnick.com/gmi_photos/gto_new.jpg

GTO anyone?
Get rid of the flares and tuck the tires under, raise it up slightly, maybe a different set of wheels and I would like it better. Basically all the things that make it look more like a real car and less like a concept car.

Actually, somebody photoshop that for me.:secret2:

Get rid of the flares and tuck the tires under, raise it up slightly, maybe a different set of wheels and I would like it better. Basically all the things that make it look more like a real car and less like a concept car.

Actually, somebody photoshop that for me.:secret2:

Why? You will likely just slam it and put bigger wheels and tires and more power anyway. I think concept cars just show ideas for modding production cars anyway, so use this as a concept of future mods to the stock car.

Why? You will likely just slam it and put bigger wheels and tires and more power anyway. I think concept cars just show ideas for modding production cars anyway, so use this as a concept of future mods to the stock car.

that's right
I think that bitch looks bad ass the way it is.

the word "boost" appears on the dash display.....you guys are losing sight of more pressing issues here...

"boost" implies supercharger/turbo for those who haven't quite applied any abstract thought into the matter...

Why? You will likely just slam it and put bigger wheels and tires and more power anyway. I think concept cars just show ideas for modding production cars anyway, so use this as a concept of future mods to the stock car.
How many muscle/sports car owners do you know who put on wide body kits, the turtle offset wheels or slam the car completely on to the ground? Not many. Although it may appeal to some people, it is mostly the ones driving Civics with lambo doors. I have no problem with a lowered vehicle, larger wheels or even a body kit, its just that the ones here went in the wrong direction.

It looks alright. The rims are ugly. But it does have that kind of rice feel to it. Which sucks, but overall I would say that its about a 6.5 out of 10

Motor Trend reports this Holden concept is actually what's left of the redesigned Pontiac GTO before it was killed by GM.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2008/112_news290802_secret_pontiac_gto

The Camaro is GM's muscle car priority and star for now.

Although it may appeal to some people, it is mostly the ones driving Civics with lambo doors.

Judging by the reaction to this show car internet-wide it certainly appeals to a broad range of people, including people who love muscle cars.

Motor Trend reports this Holden concept is actually what's left of the redesigned Pontiac GTO before it was killed by GM.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2008/112_news290802_secret_pontiac_gto

The Camaro is GM's muscle car priority and star for now.

You mean this? :barf:

Judging by the reaction to this show car internet-wide it certainly appeals to a broad range of people, including people who love muscle cars.
Lots of people react well to show cars, especially on the interent. Doesnt mean it will be accepted or sell. SSR, Prowler, etc. They were received well until it was time to purchase.
IMO, and some others who already posted, it is to "Fast and Furious" looking. A little wheel flare isnt bad, lowering a car some isnt bad, but the car in that picture goes too far.

Lots of people react well to show cars, especially on the interent. Doesnt mean it will be accepted or sell. SSR, Prowler, etc. They were received well until it was time to purchase.
IMO, and some others who already posted, it is to "Fast and Furious" looking. A little wheel flare isnt bad, lowering a car some isnt bad, but the car in that picture goes too far.

The problem with the SSR was that it was too bloody expensive. No one wants a less capable Camaro with a bed and a price tag $10K higher....

Now if the SSR had had a six-cylinder option that had been in the 25k range, you can bet your ass they would still be being made...alas:bang:

How many muscle/sports car owners do you know who put on wide body kits, the turtle offset wheels or slam the car completely on to the ground? Not many. Although it may appeal to some people, it is mostly the ones driving Civics with lambo doors. I have no problem with a lowered vehicle, larger wheels or even a body kit, its just that the ones here went in the wrong direction.

I think you may have read to much into my post. I was merely stating that concept cars are always over the top and the production car is usually a lot more tame. People use the concept as an idea of what is possible with the car. There are a lot of nicely done body kits for Mustangs right now and I am willing to bet there will be a couple for the Camaro too. Likely to make it look more like the concept car. There are things about this concept I wouldn't want on a car I own but I still appreciate the time and effort that went into it and if it is produced I am willing to bet there will be quite a few that would want a body kit to make it look more like the concept. May not be what I or you would do but if they like it and they do it an a tasteful manner why can't we say "Its not for me but you did a good job and it looks nice". Notice I said tasteful and they did good work. Ricer gear doesn't fall into that category.

This one cures the problems of the last Goat. I for one was a fan...not on the looks but the drive train. This car would have the drive train and the looks that say...GTO. The old Goat was just too blah to be as popular as something like this would. This car should come here as the new Goat. You could sell that for 35k.

W

I like it. :cool:

This one cures the problems of the last Goat. I for one was a fan...not on the looks but the drive train. This car would have the drive train and the looks that say...GTO. The old Goat was just too blah to be as popular as something like this would. This car should come here as the new Goat. You could sell that for 35k.

W

I totally agree with you, this thing has Judge written all over it. It has a tough modern look to it, and those side pipes really work great with the body of the car. As MZOOMORA stated i would like to see it raised a bit, not because i don't like the look. I think it looks fantastic, but here in Miami the streets are garbage, and every entrance and exit to a gas station looks like your going up hill. That car would be a real winner in the states, and if gas prizes weren't as ridiculous as they are, im sure GM will make a killing off it.
-Joel

Agree it should be raised a bit. That would be a pain in the ass in DC. But it is really shit hot!!!

W

A little riced-out looking to me as well, I like the Camaro prototype much better. Not a bad looking car though, just not my taste.

But besides the "boost" on the dash, is it just me or does that look more like an intercooler than a radiator in the front there?

Keep the fender flares, raise it up an inch or so, and get some 17" wheels that look more like a muscle car and less like a Skyline.

The boys down under are starting to make some sick cars.

Keep the fender flares, raise it up an inch or so, and get some 17" wheels that look more like a muscle car and less like a Skyline.

I think it looks awesome! I reflect your sentiments on this issue as well. That's the only flaw I find with the car.

I think it looks awesome! I reflect your sentiments on this issue as well. That's the only flaw I find with the car.

Yep, I am waiting for GM to announce this is the new Chevelle/GTO.............maybe I should not hold my breath:bang:.

I want that car. I dont want it to be labeled a Pontiac GTO, a Chevy Chevelle, or anything like that. Just keep it a Holden. You wouldn't be trying to recreate a legend. You would be creating a new legend. And screw all this retro stuff. If they were selling this car in the U.S. I would buy it. Why don't you listen GM?

I think G8 coupe would be good. The hi-po LS3 G8 coupe could wear "GTO" like other Pontiacs where "GXP".

A G8 coupe should be offered, I agree.

G8 lineup:
Sedan
Coupe
Ute
Wagon

Would be a nice lineup.

W

A G8 coupe should be offered, I agree.

G8 lineup:
Sedan
Coupe
Ute
Wagon

Would be a nice lineup.

W

Indeed it would. Those cars combined with the new Alpha platform and kappa's would make a fairly complete, yet fairly unique lineup for Pontiac.

Off topic, but I think Buick needs some small cars...

Perhaps old news, but I thought I'd share...

A Motor Trend article on the coupe stated that in order for it to reach production, even in Australia, it would have to be sold under a different GM division in the US, and that "the G8 front clip, left hand drive interior set, badges, and other bits have already been engineered and basically would bolt straight on."

Now, there's good news in that, and bad. First off, GM execs are worried that there may not be room for the coupe as the mid-price rear-drive coupe market is going to be saturated with the new Challenger and Camaro. Also, to meet safety requirements a new B-pillar would have to be engineered to meet side-impact crash standards. Now if they want this car to sell, I suggest leaving it as is. If all that is done to the car, and I mean ALL, is what was shown in that artist's conception earlier in the thread the car will probably sell well. Keep it looking like a Holden. So many American cars, some European and Asian as well, come to look like every other car offered by the manufacturer. Pontiac is pretty guilty of this, by trying to add the same grill to every car they put out. Replace the badge, and nothing else. I like the clean look of the car's side profile as well, and adding a B-pillar would break it up too much. I don't see why they couldn't keep it the way it is with a floating B-pillar, much the same as the Chevy SS concept from a few years back. If it won't pass crush-standards, market it as a convertible. Add a sliding or removable roof panel if necessary. I'm incredibly anxious for the return of the Camaro, but if what I said here was actually implemented, I'd have a tough choice on my hands.

Sick!

I think that is one of the coolest cars ive ever laid eyes on. I want one!