VE Launch - LIVE STREAM - Sunday 16th July @ 10.30am

[Polyal]

Ok well that was an effort! 21 pages worth!

I was only in tassie for a week, got back yesterday (stupid fog!), and not once did I hear anything about the VE launch...lol

Its not that its an ugly car, its typical holden, conservative, but its just not new enough IMO.

And you cant blame them for the styling, GM US would have want it to carry as much Global GM DNA as possible.

Personally I dont like it, but I can see normal aussies not finding it to ugly. SV6 has dual exhausts aswell....WTF.

And that optional SSV interior is a shocker, but what is funny is that its aimed right at the typical SS owner...lol...'nuff said!

And what the heck is with 20's! I guess someone with the cash to buy a new car can handle it, but jezz, thats going to up the maintaince costs a bit.

/waits for the first VL to have VE rims (if they can still do that becuase of the "new" platform)

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Polyal

/waits for the first VL to have VE rims (if they can still do that becuase of the "new" platform)

Nah I don't think, you can put them on older models.

I was thinking about it the other day, but I like the VY SSs more.

[blackahcdx]

Originally Posted by EA2BA

Thats another good point Bucket, the drive train appears to have been allocated very little of the $1 billion investment, well from all press releases to date, it may have wider track and longer wheel base but thats about it, no song and dance has been about it, the biggest noise being is about how the interior is easy to make different between models and can be left or right hand drive .........

there is more to a drive train than just engines and transmissions.

I agree, verry little seems to have been spent in these areas, however the all new front and rear suspensions should be quiet impressive. Remember, platform wise this shares nothing at all with the VZ

[EA2BA]

As Darran said, time to wait for the motor mags to give the VE a beating and see how it holds up, should happen in the next week or so from what I have read.

[blackahcdx]

New Omega model and V-Series headline value-packed VE lineup Commodore V special model announced for private buyers


Holden today released pricing for the all-new 2006 series of Holden Commodore, highlighting several significant reductions compared with equivalent models in the previous generation.

Prices were also announced for the upcoming WM Statesman and Caprice, with Caprice moving under the $70,000-mark and the V8 flagship version priced at less than the previous V6 model.

Holden released the information after briefing almost 300 Holden dealers at a national event in Queensland today.

The VE and WM pricing schedule reflects the revised model lineup for the all-new Commodore and represents outstanding value in every model. They include the new Omega model and flagship VSeries models, plans for which were announced at Holden’s VE reveal event on Sunday.

Buyers are now able to purchase SS performance or Calais luxury for $6800 and $8400 less respectively than their VZ equivalents.

Buyers are now able to purchase SS performance or Calais luxury for $6800 and $8400 less respectively than their VZ equivalents.

Pricing for the new Berlina has been rolled back $3900 to a recommended retail price of $39,990 despite offering more prestige, technology and value.

Holden also announced plans for a special model for private buyers, the Commodore V-Series, to be offered from September to celebrate the release of the fourth generation Commodore family.

Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said Holden had designed a model structure which offered compelling choice at every level of purchase.

Batey said the pricing left no doubt about Holden’s intent in Australia.

“Commodore has always represented exceptional value for money and Holden has added even more value with the all-new models,” Mr Batey said.

“Almost 40 passenger car brands are competing for market share and we need to consider more competitors than ever before in setting our pricing structure.

“Our model lineup enables us to make SS and Calais more accessible to buyers, while allowing room for differentiation with the new V-Series variants.”

Source - Holden Media Web Site

[blackahcdx]

Commodore V-Series special model

Mr Batey said the Commodore V-Series was Holden’s gesture to celebrate the first all-new Commodore in nine years.

He said Holden had defined the practice of regular special edition releases and Commodore VSeries was the best possible way to mark the company’s biggest milestone for many years.

“Special edition models have long been a part of our plan. Commodore V-Series is designed for private buyers to celebrate the arrival of VE and recognise Commodore’s compelling value,” Mr Batey said.

“The Commodore V-Series will be on sale for the rest of this year and we expect there will be strong demand.”

Based on the Omega model, the Commodore V-Series includes air conditioning, 17-inch alloys, rear spoiler, body color mirrors and door handles. The Commodore V-Series is for sale to private buyers only.


Fleet consultation

Mr Batey said Holden had already consulted widely with major fleet buyers and was confident its pricing would also exceed expectations for fleet and user-chooser markets.

“The consultation process has been extremely valuable,” he said.

“We have put together a package which continues to represent strong value for fleets with specification level and key price points meeting the needs of diverse fleet policies.

“The pricing and model repositioning strategy will support long term value in these vehicles and ultimately maintain a strong residual value position over its competitors.”

Mr Batey said corporate buyers had shown particular interest in key safety features, including the standard provision of Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and the availability of side impact and
curtain airbags in all models.

“We have put in what is important to our biggest customers in each model,” he said.

The 2006 Holden Commodore range will go on sale across Australia in August 2006. The Commodore V-Series special model will go on sale in September.

A full list of features for the WM Statesman and Caprice will be released closer to the start of sales in September 2006.


2006 VE Commodore Range Features - Hightlights

Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said the 2006 VE Commodore range established a clear identity for each model.

“Each car has a stand-alone position in the market, a unique set of features over the model below and logical price gaps around its position,” Batey said.

“Holden buyers know they can buy a VE Commodore with advanced safety and technology built into every car, along with Euro-style looks and a major focus on exterior and interior quality.

“They also have defined choices about where in the range they wish to purchase and whether they are seeking prestige or performance.” Key features for each model are as follows -


Omega

“Omega is an extremely well packaged, value for money entry level car for our new range. Omega is high on standard safety with passive and active features thanks to Electronic Stability Program
and the structural rigidity and crashworthiness built into every VE Commodore. It comes with the capability to build in even more safety with an optional pack of side impact and curtain airbags and
active head restraints,” Batey said.

“Omega is also high on comfort which provides significant incentive for fleet, lease and private buyers alike. The replacement of two models with one has created a great first step into the allnew
Commodore range.” Standard features on Omega include -
3.6L V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic
Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
16-inch steel wheels
Dual stage front airbags; side and curtain impact airbags optional with active head restraints
Cruise control
Single disc CD player with MP3 compatibility
Four-way power drivers seat
Multi-function display with trip computer – five-inch screen
Power windows front and rear


Berlina

“Berlina is a more significant step up in the VE range despite coming down significantly in price compared with the previous car. The realignment has allowed us to give Berlina greater
personality with far greater standard specification. We can see great potential for this car in corporate and lease fleets as well as driveways around the country,” Batey said.

Berlina has all Omega standard features in addition to -
Optional 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic
17-inch alloy wheels
Additional cluster displays
Six-inch multi-function display screen
Side impact airbags; curtain airbags optional with leather trim seats
Rear Park Assist
Bluetooth connectivity
Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
Leather wrap steering wheel
Dual zone climate control


SV6

“The Holden model which created such a positive impact with its introduction in the VZ range in 2004 has stepped up another gear with the all-new Commodore,” Batey said.

“The High Output Alloytec V6 engine and choice of two highly regarded transmissions has equal appeal to retail and corporate customers. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and features dual
exhausts, sport suspension and rear spoiler.

“SV6 really looks the part and has the V6 performance to compete with anything in the market. We have delivered one of Holden’s most impressive six-cylinder sports models in recent years.”
3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic with Active Select
18-inch alloy wheels
Dual stage front airbags, side impact airbags; curtain airbags optional with leather trim seats
Sports suspension
Sports fascia, body kit and rear spoiler
Front fog lamps
Body color mirrors and door handles
Dual exhaust with chrome tips
Leather wrap steering wheel
Bluetooth connectivity
Power windows


SS

“There is no question in our minds that the Holden SS is the king of the Australian sports sedans. The new price position of this car is going to cause a real stir in the market,” Batey said.

“It has 270 kilowatts of peak power and six-speed automatic and manual transmissions which are shared with the Chevrolet Corvette. We have rolled back the price of this car almost $7000 and
made quality performance more affordable and value-packed than ever.”
6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed manual with optional six-speed automatic with Active Select
Quad exhaust with chrome tips
18-inch alloy wheels
Dual stage front airbags, side impact airbags; curtain airbags optional with leather trim seats
Sports fascia, body kit and larger rear spoiler
Sport suspension
Sports seats
Unique SS seat trim and logo
Six-disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility
Leather wrap steering wheel


SS V

“SS V is Holden’s king of the jungle, the new hero of our performance range. It also delivers front, side and curtain airbags, multi-function color LCD screen, premium stereo system and the ability to choose color-coded interiors,” Batey said.

“This is a powerful example of how the V Series concept can be applied. It takes what is already stunning value and shifts it to new heights.”

SS V has all SS features in addition to –
Projector headlamps
19-inch alloy wheels
6.5-inch multi-function display
Curtain airbags
Dual zone climate control
230 watt audio system with sub-woofer
Color coded instrument cluster
Sports gauges
Sports profile leather wrap steering wheel
Leather seat trim
Alloy pedals


Calais

“Calais continues to target luxury car buyers but makes it easier than ever to become a Calais owner with prices more than $8000 below the previous model. VE Calais has sports suspension,
front, side and curtain airbags, color information display and superb European design themes. It’s a truly stunning car which leaves behind other locally built prestige vehicles for value,” Batey said.
3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic
Sport suspension
Projector headlamps
Chrome bonnet header
Dual exhaust with chrome tips
Curtain air bags
Six-way power driver’s seat and passenger seat with leather bolsters
6.5-inch full color multi-function display
Leather grip on gear shift
Rear seat centre armrest


Calais V

“There is no question that Calais V is the pinnacle of the VE range, a car designed expressly to attract people who had previously driven European brands,” Batey said.

“We believe it is the classiest Calais we have ever delivered. It offers 18-inch alloy wheels, luxurious leather trim seats and premium stereo system. It has useful technology such as rainsensing
wipers and a first for an Australian-built vehicle in zoned front and rear park assist.”

Calais V has all Calais features in addition to -
Zoned front and rear park assist
Rain sensing wipers
External mirror puddle lamps
18-inch alloy wheels
Leather seat trim
Single screen roof-mounted DVD
230-watt audio system with sub-woofer
Priority seat and mirror memory
Eight-way power front seats
Sliding centre armrest

V Series Details and Pricing
http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/...2&d=1153201578
VE and WM Pricing and comparisions
http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/...1&d=1153201578


from www.justcommodores.com.au

[XR8putts]

Who saw those prices coming?

Also anyone think that the SV6 and SS wheels are ripped straight off a BA2 Typhoon????!!!

[TheSneakiness]

For the sake of having to sign up to the JustCommodores forums, can someone just post the details and pricing here, that's already a member?

Yes, it's being slack day today.

[Ryan]

EDIT: Sorry. Got beaten to it.

[blackahcdx]

2006 Holden VE Commodore V-Series special model
RRP $34990
Air conditioning (Omega)
$2000
Side Protection Pack – side and curtain airbags, active head restraints (Omega)
$2000

Leather trim seats and curtain airbags (Berlina, SV6, SS)
$2500
Six-disc CD stacker (Omega, SV6)
$595
Bluetooth (Omega)
$390
Full-size spare wheel and tyre (Omega)
$100
Full-size spare wheel and tyre (Berlina, SV6, SS, SS V, Calais, Calais V)
$250
Leather trim, eight-way front seats with memory, heated mirrors (Calais)
$3000
Country pack suspension (Omega – not available with LPG)
$330
Sports suspension (Omega, Berlina)
$695
Electric tilt and slide sunroof
$1690
Overhead DVD player (all models except standard on Calais V)
$1290
Metallic paint
$375

2006 WM Statesman and Caprice options pricing
RRP
Electric tilt and slide sunroof
$1690
Overhead DVD player (Statesman)
$1290


thanks to www.ls1.com.au for the pic

[XR8putts]

And yet no Kerb Weights?

Could these be short term prices to shift the Commodores then all of a sudden theres a large price hike early next year?

Those prices are bloody good though.

I doubt the fuel economy figures will look as good though.

[4Vman]

Smoke and Mirrors!!!
They've VERY cleverly down spec'd models and added new model "names" above them to make it look like they're cheaper. Clever marketing!!
i.e:

VZ SV8 = VE SS
VZ SS = VE SS-V

VZ Exec = VE Omega

Given upto 75% of their sales go to fleet or the Omega model, which is the new "Exec" at 0.7% increase the net result will mean very little discounting in reality.

The SS-V will be in reality $2200 more expensive than the VZ equililant SS, or 4.2% more expensive!.

[TheSneakiness]

Thnaks for that blackahcdx.

[blackahcdx]

no problems

The Space Saver spare is a 17" X 4" Steel wheel with the full size wheel avaiable at a few hundred extra

[Full Spectrum]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

Smoke and Mirrors!!!
They've VERY cleverly down spec'd models and added new model "names" above them to make it look like they're cheaper. Clever marketing!!
i.e:

VZ SV8 = VE SS
VZ SS = VE SS-V

VZ Exec = VE Omega

Given upto 75% of their sales go to fleet or the Omega model, which is the new "Exec" at 0.7% increase the net result will mean very little discounting in reality.

The SS-V will be in reality $2200 more expensive than the VZ equililant SS, or 4.2% more expensive!.

It just means more for your $$.. They couldn't survive in this market with a $37,000 base car with No A/C they be dead in 2 years.

[JPFS1]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

Smoke and Mirrors!!!
They've VERY cleverly down spec'd models and added new model "names" above them to make it look like they're cheaper. Clever marketing!!
i.e:

VZ SV8 = VE SS
VZ SS = VE SS-V

VZ Exec = VE Omega

Given upto 75% of their sales go to fleet or the Omega model, which is the new "Exec" at 0.7% increase the net result will mean very little discounting in reality.

The SS-V will be in reality $2200 more expensive than the VZ equililant SS, or 4.2% more expensive!.

exactly - yet more than 50% of components are sourced from low cost, developing overseas nations. Good for their bottom line, pity same can't be said for out local suppliers.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by JEM

exactly - yet more than 50% of components are sourced from low cost, developing overseas nations. Good for their bottom line, pity same can't be said for out local suppliers.

Holden "allegedly" fell foul of the Federal govt recently for questionable use of grant funds allocated to help source parts from local manufacturers...

[Full Spectrum]

hahah i knew the price's might shock some but this much:P

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by SlickHolden

hahah i knew the price's might shock some but this much:P

what Shock? Shock that there's no real discount but an increase if you READ them properly?

[Full Spectrum]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

what Shock? Shock that there's no real discount but an increase if you READ them properly?

LOL your shocked cause it's back to the old ways ;).

Yes there is a drop in prices if you read it well.
Base being so close to the old mark is well i didn't think they could do it. Considering they claimed a min of $2000 up.
Berlina is $4000+ cheaper for both V6 and V8. SV6 is much the same.
SS we all know it's the SV8. But the SS-V offers much the same with a little more for the old price of the VZ SS. Calais V6 and V8 are cheaper and much more affordable.
Statesman is about par with the previous model.
Caprice is down under what the old Caprice with V6 was. But with a V8. Tell me how is that not something to be shocked about? Pricing is on par if not well under previous models prices. To offer more and make it on par or less is a indication of our market.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by SlickHolden

LOL your shocked cause it's back to the old ways ;).

.

Id suggest you quickly loose the attitude and leave the Troll fanboy stuff out of your posts or you're stay will be brief...

[Full Spectrum]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

Id suggest you quickly loose the attitude and leave the Troll fanboy stuff out of your posts or you're stay will be brief...

And there it is again;)

[SpoolMan]

isn't the VE Berlina the old VZ Aclaim?
If so how can this be a $4k discount..
Eg:
Would this be like Ford dropping the BA Futura, calling it the new BF Fairmont and saying the BF Fairmont has dropped in price, when in actual fact its the same car with a name change from a previous more prestige model.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


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Now play nice boys...
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[RPO83]

Originally Posted by SlickHolden

hahah i knew the price's might shock some but this much:P

I don't think many out there are shocked, the dealer conference in Queensland left nobody really shocked...

The AU RRP was cheaper than the EL when it was released so this is hardly breathtaking pricing.

[Bucket]

Originally Posted by SlickHolden

And there it is again;)

I have been watching your posts through out this thread Slick and they reek of smugness and arrogance.
Grow up.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by Bucket

I have been watching your posts through out this thread Slick and they reek of smugness and arrogance.
Grow up.

Without any reason either, the car isnt even in showrooms or on the road yet, its got allot to prove before its deemed a worthy replacement for VZ yet alone a worthy opponent to the BF.

[Full Spectrum]

Originally Posted by Bucket

I have been watching your posts through out this thread Slick and they reek of smugness and arrogance.
Grow up.

Take your own advice on board.
Smugness and arrogance take a trip over to the open for all forum and see ;).
My point of view has been as always backed up with 100% truth and facts, Now if i had a mines better then your cause it's better! then say that. It's not my fault that other have opinions and wont allow me to have myn.

[Full Spectrum]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

Without any reason either, the car isnt even in showrooms or on the road yet, its got allot to prove before its deemed a worthy replacement for VZ yet alone a worthy opponent to the BF.

And if you go back up the thread you will see my comments on we will have to wait and see, have a look and see.

[Bucket]

Originally Posted by SlickHolden

Take your own advice on board.
Smugness and arrogance take a trip over to the open for all forum and see ;).
My point of view has been as always backed up with 100% truth and facts, Now if i had a mines better then your cause it's better! then say that. It's not my fault that other have opinions and wont allow me to have myn.

Your entitled to your opinion Slick, it's encouraged here...but find annother way to do it because you portray your opinion as "I'm right, your wrong" Your sensationalising some of your posts, i think thats what is getting up people. Like we should all be quivering in our shoes because the VE is here...wait until the official reviews to be vindicated (if you are) and if pricing matches quality

[SpoolMan]

Originally Posted by SlickHolden

Take your own advice on board.
Smugness and arrogance take a trip over to the open for all forum and see ;).
My point of view has been as always backed up with 100% truth and facts, Now if i had a mines better then your cause it's better! then say that. It's not my fault that other have opinions and wont allow me to have myn.

Slick well stick to the facts and forget the snide remarks.

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Guys only post car topic related stuff, or the thread will be closed.