How will Holden send off Aussie built commodore?

[SprintFg]

We all know how falcon will finish up, the sprint models are a lovely send off

But surely Holden have not already played their card? They have a bit more time before they finish up.

What will be in store for SS? They already have the ls3 engine and nice handling redline, but surely that's not it?

Isn't the ls3 already on the edge regarding emissions so not sure what they can do with it.

Is it possibly that the final SS gets LSA? Or because they have no competition in falcon do they just do a sticker special to send it off? Maybe just do a hero hsv model and be done?

Pretty soft way to send off commodore if it's not something special

[nstg8a]

As was pointed out to me on another forum, since commodore isnt actually ending they can't really do an 'end of Aus built' special, if they expect the commodore badge to still carry weight with buyers.

[Qwerty321]

They won't send it off with anything too fancy. Holden PR doesn't want to portray this as the "end of the commodore" or "the last commodore" or anything to that extent. They're trying their damned hardest to convince everyone that the Commodore we know and love is going to live on after the VF in the form of a Turbo 6. Think of how the commodore started off and how much has changed over the decades, they next generation commodore will just be one of the bigger changes, but still a Commodore. Sure it's no longer Aussie made, but nothing else will be. The Commodore will still be the most "australian" car on the market, and if I'm going to be buying some car, it might as well be a Holden or a Ford, cause atleast they're designed or have their settings tweaked by the same people who gave us the Falcodores of today.

If you tell yourself that the consumer really cares that Holden/Fords are built in Australia, you're a fool. All the consumer cares about is value for money, and if patriotism was a real driving factor in their purchasing decisions, Holden and Ford wouldn't be in the dire state they're in today. If you still believe that aussie manufacturing means a lot, what if Toyota stayed on and the only aussie car you could buy from here on forth was a Camry/Aurion? Would you be walking into the Toyota dealer and buying the "Australian" Camry? Or would you still be going after the imported Commodore or Mondeo of the future cause atleast they hold some performance merit. Perhaps even a 300 because you still want your large RWD sedans. The moral of the story is you'd be buying the car based on it's own merits, not by where the bloke who made it lives.

[Trump]

Wait, are they keeping the Commodore nameplate alive once Holden shuts up shop this time next year???

[Falcon SXR8]

They should chuck in a free football maybe a meat pie and a kangaroo

[RHR]

Wasnt the "Director" edition floated around recently

[Qwerty321]

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

Wait, are they keeping the Commodore nameplate alive once Holden shuts up shop this time next year???

Yep, they're going to keep the Commodore going. It'll just be a re badge. I believe the next generation Opel Insignia is going to be what gets rebadged as the Holden Commodore for us. In the future we might see them start importing the future Chevy SSes or Caddilacs and adding them into the portfolio too. In the short run we're a bit stuffed for choice, but in the long run we'll eventually see the whole of GM's global platform opening up for us. If it gets made in RHD we'll probably get it here, and at some point in the future we'll be getting the likes of the CTS-V and whatnot. From what Holden is doing, I assume that whatever their flagship sedan is, will end up getting the Commodore badging. Could be a Insignia today, and a Impala or a CTS tomorrow. Ford on the other hand is killing the Falcon off, but bringing the Mondeo as the immediate replacement. Likewise though, we could see Tauruses, Fusions and the F-Series trucks coming here too.

[GazzF6]

Quickly one hopes..

[CyberWasp]

Don't they have Bathurst and Panorama names trade marked to be used for special editions?

[Trump]

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

Yep, they're going to keep the Commodore going. It'll just be a re badge. I believe the next generation Opel Insignia is going to be what gets rebadged as the Holden Commodore for us. In the future we might see them start importing the future Chevy SSes or Caddilacs and adding them into the portfolio too. In the short run we're a bit stuffed for choice, but in the long run we'll eventually see the whole of GM's global platform opening up for us. If it gets made in RHD we'll probably get it here, and at some point in the future we'll be getting the likes of the CTS-V and whatnot. From what Holden is doing, I assume that whatever their flagship sedan is, will end up getting the Commodore badging. Could be a Insignia today, and a Impala or a CTS tomorrow. Ford on the other hand is killing the Falcon off, but bringing the Mondeo as the immediate replacement. Likewise though, we could see Tauruses, Fusions and the F-Series trucks coming here too.

It would be properly stupid on their part if they re-badge the Insignia seeing as it is already here under that name.

GM and Ford NA won't spend money engineering RHD versions of their current lineup, they won't be able to justify the spend for a market that is a tenth the size of the LHD one. I'm not even sure how Ford NA gave a RHD Mustang the green light knowing the volumes would be so small compared to the home market.

[Qwerty321]

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

It would be properly stupid on their part if they re-badge the Insignia seeing as it is already here under that name.

GM and Ford NA won't spend money engineering RHD versions of their current lineup, they won't be able to justify the spend for a market that is a tenth the size of the LHD one. I'm not even sure how Ford NA gave a RHD Mustang the green light knowing the volumes would be so small compared to the home market.

Well they're rebadging the next generation Insignia cause that will coincide with the death of the current Commodore.

As far as the market goes, your forgetting South East Asia, India and South Africa are all RHD markets. Considering the fact their emerging markets, they become bigger and bigger by the day. Engineering a model that can be manufactured in both RHD and LHD is not too large an issue, but uptil now there was no real financial gain in doing it. Considering the death of the Australian auto industry, we're now a it actually makes financial sense for them to build the NA models for the RHD market, which is a substantial market now. It doesn't matter how much larger the LHD market it, all that matters is that the RHD market it large enough to justify the investment, and very soon it will be.

[malazn mafia]

Seeing some Cruze, Camry police cars being decked out and also undercover ones. Thinking the last of the Falcons and Commodores once the security is nutted out completely, will be the weapon of choice to pull off a bank robbery if all Mr Plod has is a Daewoo Cruze or Camry..

[Sabantien]

Upgrade with a chev badge should get plenty of interest.

[Stefan]

No more V8 though, i'd be surprised not to see a cracker SS to send it out.

[hackney]

Originally Posted by Sabantien

Upgrade with a chev badge should get plenty of interest.

And wouldn't the "Bogan's" love that!

[hackney]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

Seeing some Cruze, Camry police cars being decked out and also undercover ones. Thinking the last of the Falcons and Commodores once the security is nutted out completely, will be the weapon of choice to pull off a bank robbery if all Mr Plod has is a Daewoo Cruze or Camry..

Well they will want to get their "running" shoes on to "secure" a Cruze.Production ceases in Oct-Nov.

[aussie muscle]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Don't they have Bathurst and Panorama names trade marked to be used for special editions?

YOu can't trademark common words (and probably place names either)

[blackf6]

On the back of a tow truck, straight to the crusher.

[tranquilized]

It won't be the end of the Commodore but it's most definitely the end of the Performance Commodore. In an era when it seems every new model car gets it's wheelbase extended, overall length kept similar, tracks widened etc etc chasing those taught, sporty proportions that everyone loves even if they're blissfully unaware of the fact, the Insignia based Commodore will move in the opposite direction. The next-gen Insignia will actually be longer than the VF, but with a significantly shorter wheelbase, and a decent whack narrower according to a Wheels story a few weeks back. Based on that alone it's not a suitable replacement regardless of what the performance numbers might say.

Most performance Commodore buyers are aware of this, and Holden would be aware that they're aware. I think we'll see a pretty constant rollout of limited edition V8's of various merit between now and the factory's closure. Holden don't need to advertise them as the end of anything, the target market already know.

[Qwerty321]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

It won't be the end of the Commodore but it's most definitely the end of the Performance Commodore. In an era when it seems every new model car gets it's wheelbase extended, overall length kept similar, tracks widened etc etc chasing those taught, sporty proportions that everyone loves even if they're blissfully unaware of the fact, the Insignia based Commodore will move in the opposite direction. The next-gen Insignia will actually be longer than the VF, but with a significantly shorter wheelbase, and a decent whack narrower according to a Wheels story a few weeks back. Based on that alone it's not a suitable replacement regardless of what the performance numbers might say.

Most performance Commodore buyers are aware of this, and Holden would be aware that they're aware. I think we'll see a pretty constant rollout of limited edition V8's of various merit between now and the factory's closure. Holden don't need to advertise them as the end of anything, the target market already know.

You're seriously underestimating the Insignia. The VXR puts out quite a bit of grunt and the AWD system makes it very nimble indeed. I don't think the end of the V8 Commodore = the end of the Performance Commodore. Both are performance orientations, the Commodores we have today are built on an old school performance philosophy that's tested time and time again, it's not the fanciest or the most efficient but it get's the job done every time. The replacement is innovation, we're taking a conventionally "non performance" build and making it performance through the use of technology from the current generation, not the 70s.

[FTE]

Originally Posted by aussie muscle

YOu can't trademark common words (and probably place names either)

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

You're seriously underestimating the Insignia. The VXR puts out quite a bit of grunt and the AWD system makes it very nimble indeed. I don't think the end of the V8 Commodore = the end of the Performance Commodore. Both are performance orientations, the Commodores we have today are built on an old school performance philosophy that's tested time and time again, it's not the fanciest or the most efficient but it get's the job done every time. The replacement is innovation, we're taking a conventionally "non performance" build and making it performance through the use of technology from the current generation, not the 70s.

I guess the main point I was making is that the Insignia is a very different car to the current Commodore, and I think many if not most of the current Performance Commodore buyers will not be interested in the new car.

It's not an argument about capability, or modern vs old. The new Insignia will achieve impressive performance figures no doubt. But it's a FWD car with an AWD system thrown in to handle the power. The engine is transversely mounted which moves it out over the front axle line which plays havoc with weight distribution and brings an understeer bias to the handling.

Old fashioned or not, the classic RWD layout, with the engine behind the front axle, with 50/50 (or close to it) weight distribution, will always provide a more enjoyable drive in a larger car with high horsepower.

The new AWD Commodore will be an impressive enough car for many, but for the purists like myself... thanks but no thanks.

[NX74205]

Originally Posted by FTE

image

I don't know how old that screenshot is, but that trade mark is showing as having been withdrawn as of 31 March 2016.

'Panorama', however, remains a registered trade mark owned by GM.

[bobthebilda]

They will send it off with how they do all their other vehicles. A recall a few months after the last commodore is sold.

2016
GM Holden Ltd—TJ Trax 5 Seater SUV19th May 2016
GM Holden Ltd—JG Cruze11th May 2016
GM Holden Ltd—VF Commodore & Caprice26th February 2016
GM Holden Ltd—TM Barina MY12 to MY1422nd January 2016
2015
GM Holden Ltd—CG Captiva 2007-2008 MY (Rocker Arm Bearings)24th December 2015
GM Holden Ltd—CG Captiva - Vehicle Jack2nd November 2015
GM Holden Ltd—VF Commodore/WN Caprice – Seat Position Sensor7th October 2015
GM Holden Ltd—RG Colorado7th July 2015
GM Holden Ltd—Holden JG & JH Cruze - Cruze Park Brake System20th May 2015
GM Holden Ltd—YG Cruze SUV5th May 2015
GM Holden Ltd—Holden Volt Passenger Vehicle29th April 2015
GM Holden Ltd—RG Colorado & RG Colorado 723rd April 2015
GM Holden Ltd—CG Captiva (Fuel Pump Flow Control Module)20th April 2015
GM Holden Ltd—CG Captiva 5 (Maxx) & CG Captiva 7 - Series 1 (ignition key cylinder actuator trigger)15th April 2015
GM Holden Ltd—EM Malibu Sedan11th February 2015
GM Holden Ltd—MJ Barina Spark with manual transmission5th February 2015

[Qwerty321]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

I guess the main point I was making is that the Insignia is a very different car to the current Commodore, and I think many if not most of the current Performance Commodore buyers will not be interested in the new car.

It's not an argument about capability, or modern vs old. The new Insignia will achieve impressive performance figures no doubt. But it's a FWD car with an AWD system thrown in to handle the power. The engine is transversely mounted which moves it out over the front axle line which plays havoc with weight distribution and brings an understeer bias to the handling.

Old fashioned or not, the classic RWD layout, with the engine behind the front axle, with 50/50 (or close to it) weight distribution, will always provide a more enjoyable drive in a larger car with high horsepower.

The new AWD Commodore will be an impressive enough car for many, but for the purists like myself... thanks but no thanks.

Well I'm not arguing the fact that a Longitudinal RWD based system is superior to the one the Insignia has. But Holden knows that once the falcodores are gone, the "purists" have nowhere else to go for performance sedans. The only option on the market is a Chrysler 300 SRT and that's costly, heavy and has a lack of spares.

At the end of the day we have no other option and Ford/Holden know that when push comes to shove and we need a new car we'll end up trudging back into the Ford/Holden dealerships and ordering a Modeo or Commodore, cause while there not the RWD falcodores we'd ideally buy, they're the closest we can get to them.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

You're seriously underestimating the Insignia. The VXR puts out quite a bit of grunt and the AWD system makes it very nimble indeed. I don't think the end of the V8 Commodore = the end of the Performance Commodore. Both are performance orientations, the Commodores we have today are built on an old school performance philosophy that's tested time and time again, it's not the fanciest or the most efficient but it get's the job done every time. The replacement is innovation, we're taking a conventionally "non performance" build and making it performance through the use of technology from the current generation, not the 70s.

Insignia - weighs the same as Commodore , is narrower and less spacious with less performance and uses as much fuel as a V8 .Claimed 0-100 is 6.5 but it is more like mid 7s.Sometimes old school works better :-)
Good points are latest tech and decent traction from awd. They ve sold all of 71 VXR Insignias in a year when it was offered with Opel badging.
They are to Commodore what Mondeo is to Falcon. A large european family car vs
old school RWD sedan. Aurion (and 380) were kind of in the same position.

[Bossxr8]

It will be a hatch or wagon. No commodore sedan. Fwd 4 cylinder with a v6 on some models. Ss will use turbo v6 and awd. No v8, no sedan, no ute, no lwb, probably no manual gearbox. I'd expect sales to fall off a cliff.

Ss won't be a 44k entry, it will be much more expensive.

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

Well I'm not arguing the fact that a Longitudinal RWD based system is superior to the one the Insignia has. But Holden knows that once the falcodores are gone, the "purists" have nowhere else to go for performance sedans. The only option on the market is a Chrysler 300 SRT and that's costly, heavy and has a lack of spares.

At the end of the day we have no other option and Ford/Holden know that when push comes to shove and we need a new car we'll end up trudging back into the Ford/Holden dealerships and ordering a Modeo or Commodore, cause while there not the RWD falcodores we'd ideally buy, they're the closest we can get to them.

Well that's precisely what Holden are desperately hoping for, but if you look at what's selling now it's an unlikely scenario. The percentage of Commodores sold today that are V8's is higher than ever before. Falcon XR8's and XR6T's are actually still selling at least in comparison to the rest of the range. What that tells me is that the only people who still want a large sedan type car are the performance buyers. Everyone else buys a duel cab tractor, SUV, or small hatch. So who is going to buy the Insignia based Commodore? A: Potentially anyone who buys V6 Commodores now, which is a pretty small group of buyers.

[MethodX]

Originally Posted by blackf6

On the back of a tow truck, straight to the crusher.

That's the ford Aus factory

[Chopped]

Won't be any more power for the SS models, maybe just some more sticker specials though.

The LS9 HSV will be the last Holden hero that gets remembered as the best of the breed. So why bother tinkering with the humble SS.