Five minivan models have earned the 2011 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The winners are the safest vehicles around, with better rollover crash protection than other models. Other qualifying factors include the highest ratings for side, frontal, and rear crash protection, along with electronic stability control.

On the top of the list is the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Volkswagen Routan. Roof strength is the defining factor in rollover protection, and is gauged using pressure applied via a metal plate. Good ratings are issued to vehicles that can hold up on a five inch give to forces 4 times their weight.

With three of the top five making 2012 model year improvements, the minivan segment appears to be catering to its market with enhanced safety features. ESC is also now a requirement for all passenger vehicles, also. As it is estimated that having it will reduce the number of fatalities in rollover crashes, a strong roof is still the most effective preventative measure.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Known internally as the RD 001, the Hurricane is a rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine, two-seater sports car that carried a bunch of technology and features ahead of its time.

“At Holden we have always prided ourselves on our ability to look into the future through our concept cars,” Simcoe said. “It’s amazing to think that the features we take for granted today were born out of creative minds over 40 years ago.”

The original Holden Hurricane was powered by a conceptual 4.2 liter V8 engine that eventually gave way to the brand’s V8 program in late 1969. The Hurricane’s experimental engine produced about 262-hp, which was a big thing back in those days.

The original concept also featured innovative technology like the ‘Pathfinder’ route guidance system and the rear-view camera.

“There are some genuinely remarkable ideas and technology in the Hurricane,” Martin said. “From the automatic air-conditioning and magnet-based guidance system, to the inertia-reel seat belts and metallic paint, this was a car that was genuinely ahead of its time. The hand-picked team of engineers and designers who built the original Hurricane worked in strict secrecy and began Holden’s now proud tradition of ground-breaking concept cars.”

The main man behind the restoration of this remarkable machinery was Paul Clarke, Holden’s manager for Creative Hard Modelling. Clarke made sure that the team used as many of the original parts as possible have been used or remade using modern techniques to 1969 specification.

“The entire team has done a fantastic job in bringing this beautiful concept back to life,” Clarke said. “The Hurricane plays a crucial role in Holden’s story and the company has such a great sense of history and heritage that it was very important to bring RD 001 back to life. It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding process.”

The original Hurricane Concept made its debut at the 1968 Melbourne Motor Show – 42 years later it has been restored and will debut at the 2011 Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building from October 21-23.

- By: Omar Rana

During the press days of the 2011 Australian International Motor Show, Holden unveiled its version of the Chevrolet Colorado Concept. The concept hints at the 2012 Holden Colorado due in production form sometime next year.

The Holden Colorado Concept features an extended-cab body built on an all-wheel-drive chassis – power comes from a fuel-efficeint 2.8L turbo diesel engine.

The production Chevrolet Colorado will go on sale in Thailand later this year.

Holden Colorado Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

GM has asked its Australian Holden engineering team to help fine-tune the new mid-sized 2013 Holden Malibu that will go on sale in Australia and 100 other countries late next year.

“Engineers from Holden’s Powertrain Engineering team are currently calibrating the Malibu for GM’s global markets, where it will play an important role in the Chevrolet portfolio,” GM said in a statement. “The Malibu is being calibrated at Holden’s Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria and is also being evaluated on public roads. It has been pictured at the coastal resort town of Phillip Island.”

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Malibu.

GM said that Holden’s work on the 2013 Malibu showcases the company’s global workshare strategy. The Holden team will continue to work on Malibu until the end of 2012.

Refresher: The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will go on sale in the United States in 2012 in LS, LT and LTZ trim-levels. The standard engine offering in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is a 2.5L Ecotec direct-injected 4-cylinder making more than 190-hp with a maximum torque of 180 lb-ft. The Chevrolet Malibu Eco is powered by GM’s eAssist system and is mated to a 180-hp 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Chevrolet Malibu Eco estimated to get 38 mpg on the highway.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu:

- By: Omar Rana

Pontiac G8 Sport Truck was killed along with the brand

Yesteryear is filled with tons of tragic fads that we thank God came before our time. The most notable one for me, is the Chevrolet El Camino. The hideous love child of a Chevy pickup and a Chevy Caprice, the El Camino was an aesthetic nightmare.

Visually unfortunate for us though, is the fact that multiple contraptions designed off of the same concept could be a real possibility soon, if proposed CAFE regulations go into effect in 2017. The tougher emissions standards will force auto-makers to rethink the way in which they deliver the utility of a pickup vehicle.

GM North America president Mark Reuss, said that tougher regulations could open the door for the Commodore Ute to make its way over from Australia. Commodore is GM’s flagship brand in Australia, and the Ute is its equivalent to the Chevy El Camino.

”I’ve lived in Australia and I’ve seen where fuel prices are $5 a gallon,” Reuss said. “Lots of tradesmen will use a ute with a tray on the back to do lots of different things. They don’t need the bandwidth of a big pickup truck.”

-By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News

2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV

The Zeta platform could be seen as one of the most popular platforms ever to come out of General Motors. Ever since the return of the Chevrolet Camaro, there have been rumors that the platform was eventually going to see North American production and will host an entire lineup of rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

However, all that changed when gas prices went up and GM underwent bankruptcy structuring. Nonetheless, GM fans are still longing for a new Zeta-based sedan. Following the death of the Pontiac G8, there has been a lot of internal debate and rumors saying that GM will resurrect the Zeta-based sedan as a high-end Chevrolet, internally known as the ‘SS Sedan.’

Originally, GM had plans to launch the Chevrolet SS Sedan as a 2012 model year, but plans were pushed back to 2014. Since then, we haven’t heard much… until now.

According to internal documents obtained by GM Inside News, the ‘SS Sedan’ is moving forward as an approved project. The program is currently operating under the Z2SC code and is expected to launch in North America in early 2013 as a 2014 model year vehicle.

That’s nice to know – however, it makes us sad that 2013 is pretty far away.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: GMI

Chevrolet Cruze Z-Spec Concept

We recently heard that General Motors vice president of global design, Ed Welburn, and his team are pitching a performance version of the Chevrolet Cruze sedan inspired by the WTCC racing version of the model. According to a new report Holden, GM’s brand in the land down under, is developing a Cruze SS that will go head-to-head with the likes of the Ford Focus ST.

While details are limited, the model is likely to be available as a sedan and a hatchback. No word on what will power the Cruze SS, but OPC’s turbocharged 286-hp 2.0L unit seems to be a good choice. Along with a more powerful engine, the Cruze SS will get a sport-tuned suspension and revised steering system.

No word on whether the model will make it to the stateside but we’d be surprised if it doesn’t – so cross your fingers.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Cruze.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze base LS model is powered by a 136-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, while the Eco, LT and LTZ model get a 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder Ecotec engine making 138-hp and a maximum torque of 148 lb-ft. The 1.4L turbo models are expected to have a cruising range of more than 500 miles and the Cruze Eco is estimated to get an EPA fuel-economy rating of 40 mpg on the highway. All 2011 Cruze models are available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at $16,995 for the base model to $22,695 for the top-of-the-line model.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: GoAuto (via MotorAuthority)

For the folks living in the land down under, Holden today unveiled the new 2012 Holden Series II Captiva 5 and Captiva 7. The 2012 Holden Series II Captiva gets more performance, better fuel-economy and pricing is kept the same as the outgoing model.

First time at egmCarTech? Visit our home page for the latest news.

The 2012 Holden Captiva 5 and 7 Series II are available in SX, CX and LX trim levels with a choice of nine exterior colors.

The 2012 Holden Series II Captiva II gets three new engine choices including a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder, a 3.0L SIDI V6 and a 2.2L turbo diesel. All engines are matted to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Captiva 7 now includes a two-wheel-drive model powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder gasoline that has more power and better fuel-economy. The all-wheel-drive Captiva 7 CX and LX models are offered with a choice of 2.2L turbo diesel or a 3.0L SIDI V6. Those interested in the 2012 Holden Series II Captiva may choose between an AWD 2.2L turbo diesel model and a 2WD 2.4L 4-cyinder gasoline.

Hit the jump for the press release and the high-res gallery.

Press Release:

New Series II Holden Captiva makes a good thing even better

More performance punch, improved fuel economy, keen pricing

The introduction of new-look Series II Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 models have given Holden’s strong-selling SUV range even more widespread appeal.

High-performing new generation petrol and diesel engines matched to smooth six-speed transmissions and exceptionally competitive pricing are the big Captiva stories.

There’s more power on tap across the range, complemented by fuel efficiency gains on all models.

The seven-seat Captiva 7 range now offers three new powertrain options including a price-leading 2.4 litre four-cylinder petrol variant, a 2.2 litre turbo diesel and the Commodore-proven performance benefits of Holden’s advanced, Australian-built 3.0-litre Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) V6.

Captiva 5 buyers get the choice of a turbo diesel powerplant for the first time while refinements to all Series II models deliver quieter cabins and improved ride and handling quality.

The makeover is accentuated by striking new design treatments and additional convenience features which include Bluetooth connectivity and wireless music streaming on all seven-seat models.

Captiva’s safety features have also been enhanced with the introduction of six airbags as standard on all models, an electric park brake and Hill Start Assist technology to prevent “roll-away” on inclines.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux, said updates to the Series II Captiva were intended to build on the strengths of an already successful model range in a growing market.

“The introduction of three powerful new generation engines, each providing a performance boost and fuel efficiency benefits will make compact and medium SUV buyers sit up and take notice,” Mr Devereux said.

“That’s on top of the fact that Captiva 5 and 7 continue to hit all the right notes in terms of good looks, high-ride comfort, safety features and flexibility.

“They’re more well-specified than ever and our pricing structure means they remain excellent value for money with each recommended retail price $2000 lower than the previous model.”

Performance and Fuel Economy

Three new Captiva engine choices – a 2.4 litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol with variable valve timing, 3.0 litre SIDI V6 and a 2.2 litre turbo diesel – each paired with six-speed transmissions, spearhead the Series II line-up.

The new powertrain combinations deliver fuel efficiency savings across the board while generating more performance punch than previous models.

The Captiva 7 range now includes a two-wheel-drive (2WD) model powered by a 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol engine. It delivers fuel economy of 9.1L/100km (ADR081/02) – the most fuel efficient petrol seven seater in its class, while producing 123kW of power and 230Nm of torque.

The new, perky 2.2 litre turbo diesel SX model, delivers fuel economy of 8.1L/100km, 135kW of power and 400Nm of torque – a 25 per cent increase on its predecessor.

All-wheel-drive (AWD) Captiva 7 CX and LX models offer a choice of the 2.2 litre turbo diesel or 3.0 litre SIDI V6 powerplants. The 3.0 litre V6 produces 190kW of power and delivers fuel economy of 11.3 L/100km.

Meanwhile buyers of the Holden Captiva 5 compact SUV may now choose between an AWD 2.2 litre turbo diesel model and a 2WD 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol model which offers 19 per cent more power than the engine it replaces.

Styling

The smart Series II Captiva 5 and 7 feature dynamic new front-end styling, dominated by bold facia treatments which delineate differences in character.

Captiva 7 sports a robustly assertive look with its new twin portal grill flanked by prominent fog lamps. Elongated prism style headlamps sweep back to wheel arches which now accommodate three wheel sizes -17-inch (SX), 18-inch (CX) and 19-inch (LX).

The bonnet surface is re-shaped and sculptured; turn signals are integrated into external mirrors; and a clear lens tail lamp design updates the rear end.

The more Euro-style compact Captiva 5 is set apart by a subtle new grille treatment with mesh detailing, echoed in the slim air intake below. Chrome-surround fog lamps make a stylish statement while tough five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels accentuate an athletic stance.

Interior

Featuring abundant space and a standard equipment list to match, all Series II Captiva 7 cabins include MP3 compatible CD players with auxiliary input, Bluetooth® for hands-free calling or music streaming, plus air conditioning, leather wrap steering wheel and cruise control.

The CX model ups the luxury factor even further with climate control, Sportec bolsters, driver information display and Rear Park Assist, while the range-topping LX adds leather appointed seat trim, Satellite Navigation, Rear View Camera, USB port and a 7-inch multifunction touch-screen.

Clever flush fold second and third row split seating, easily transforms the Captiva 7 from spacious seven-seat people mover to ample cargo carrier. Smart storage spaces are in abundance, including centre console and second row armrest compartments, front and rear cup holders, and front and rear door pockets.

The inclusion of the electric park brake also adds elegance to the interior by removing the bulky lever and creating space for a multi-purpose storage compartment.

The Captiva 5 cabin is also equipped with stylish features including a six-disc MP3 compatible CD player, semi-automatic climate control system, leather wrap steering wheel, front and rear park assist, cruise control, trip computer and driver information display as standard.

Safety and driving dynamics

Captiva’s impressive array of active and passive safety technology is augmented at Series II with the inclusion of side impact airbags as standard across the range, bringing the airbag total to six.

An Electronic Stability Control system incorporates anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control, active rollover protection and the active AWD system which determines requirements for optimum traction.

Series II also sees the introduction of Hill Start Assist (HSA) technology across the Captiva range. It holds the vehicle on gradients of 3 per cent or steeper for 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal has been released, to assist in a smoother and safer drive away from standstill.

Captiva models are also fitted with a descent control system which maintains a slow speed for navigating steep downhill gradients.

Front and rear park assist comes standard on Captiva 5 while Captiva 7 CX features rear park assist and Captiva 7 LX combines rear park assist with a standard rear-view camera.

Re-tuned chassis dynamics and improvements to steering feel contribute to a more refined ride quality and sharper handling feel. A hydraulic control feature automatically adjusts the suspension to maintain a level ride height on the Captiva 5 Diesel and all Captiva 7 models.

Colour Selection

Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 SX, CX and LX are available in a choice of nine exterior finishes including three new colours exclusive to the Series II range. They are:

Olympic White
Ironite
Desert Sand*
Carbon Flash
Thunder Grey
Moulan Rouge Red*
Nitrate
White Pearl*
Midnight Blue

*denotes new colour

- By: Omar Rana

Holden VE Commodore SS

The Holden VE Commodore was previously exported to the United States as a Pontiac G8 with a V6 and V8 engine. However, that program ceased when General Motors went through bankruptcy and Pontiac was killed off as a result. Ever since, many G8 fans have asked the Detroit automaker to bring back the rear-wheel-drive sedan under another brand.

Reports now suggest that the Commodore is set to come back to life with a Chevrolet badge (something we’ve heard many times before). Senior engineer for General Motors, Al Oppenheiser, confirmed to Drive at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show that negotiations are under way to sell the Commodore in North America as a Chevrolet sports sedan.

“We are definitely looking at that, although we have made no official announcement as yet,” Oppenheiser said. “We are definitely looking at doing something with Holden for the retail market.”

A separate source said that the export deal had been improved.

“What we are looking at is bridging a gap in the performance sedan market that was vacated by the Pontiac G8,” Oppenheiser said. “With no Pontiac, the obvious performance brand is Chevrolet.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Drive

Rumors are floating on the internet that General Motors will show a Cruze hatchback at the 2010 Paris Motor Show – don’t get excited just yet because it doesn’t look like the 5-door Cruze will make it to the United States.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Cruze.

Reports from Australia suggest that Cruze hatchback will be one star from GM at the Paris event and Holden director of external communications Emily Perry has also told GoAuto: “There will be some exciting news coming out of the Paris motor show and the Chevy reveals for the Australian market.”

The Chevrolet Orlando, which will debut in Paris as well, and the Chevrolet Cruze sedan are built on GM’s Delta II platform.

We’ll have to wait and see.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze”s base LS model is powered by a 136-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, while the Eco, LT and LTZ model get a 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder Ecotec engine making 138-hp and a maximum torque of 148 lb-ft. The 1.4L turbo models are expected to have a cruising range of more than 500 miles and the Cruze Eco is estimated to get an EPA fuel-economy rating of 40 mpg on the highway. All 2011 Cruze models will be available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at $16,995 for the base model.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: GoAuto

A certain group of enthusiasts will always appreciate the late Pontiac G8 GXP and its Australian sibling the Holden Commodore lineup. Many wagon lovers will also miss the Holden SS-V Special Edition Sportwagon, which shares the same front face of the Pontiac G8.

Even though the 362-hp V8 powering the Holden SS-V Special Edition Sportwagon may be enough for some, Australian tuner Walkinshaw Performance felt it could use a little more power. With the help of a supercharger and a water-to-air intercooler Walkinshaw’s SS-V Sportwagon makes a total of 600-hp and 568 lb-ft of torque.

Walkinshaw says it can fit the performance package on any other Holden VE model, including the Statesmen, Caprice, and Ute.

Prices for the fully modified Holden SS-V Sportwagon start at AUS $43,990 ($40,200 USD). The package itself is available for AUS $3,590 ($3,300 USD).

Walkinshaw Performance Holden SS-V Special Edition Sportwagon:

- By: Kap Shah

It seems like Bob Lutz just can’t let the Holden Commodore based Pontiac G8 go. The GM vice chairman is now interested in offering a high-end Chevrolet based on the Holden Commodore as a “four-door Corvette” sports model. Lutz said that after work on developing a Holden based police car was completed, Chevrolet would consider a high-end Commodore-based model for the public.

Here are Lutz’s own words:

“If we can pull that off and we have the next generation Commodore in as a police vehicle then we want to take a look at reintroducing a civil version as a high-end Chevrolet. Because when you get down to it the thrill of high performance driving is unmatched by anything that doesn’t have rear-wheel drive, bags of torque and a nice transmission. So there’s a possibility of a premium Chevrolet sedan that would be sold in limited numbers. Think of it as a kind of four-door Corvette.”

Keep your fingers crossed but don’t keep your hopes up.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Drive

While we’re still mourning the death of the Pontiac G8 sedan, Holden has launched two special edition models of the Commodore, which the G8 was based on. The two models, based on the SS V-Series Special Edition sedan, Sportwagon and Ute, get styling treatments that are reminiscent of our beloved Pontiac G8.

The models ditch the original Australian style grille in favor of the two-part grille as seen on the Pontiac G8. Basically, the special edition models are a Pontiac G8 without the Pontiac badge.

Check out our review of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP here.

Click through to learn more in the press release posted after the jump.

Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition:

Press Release:

Holden to Launch Two New Special Editions

Holden will hit the streets with two new special edition models delivering very different approaches to Australia’s best-selling car range.

The SS V-Series Special Edition sedan, Sportwagon and Ute will achieve immediate attention with styling treatments even more aggressive than Holden’s established performance hero models.

For motorists seeking great value, International sedan and Sportwagon models will deliver $7,500 of extra features (based on recommended retail price of extra features) including leather seat trim and 18 inch alloy wheels.

Holden Director of Marketing Philip Brook said the two offerings highlighted the different ways in which Holden special editions stimulated demand in Australia’s best-selling range.

“These vehicles cater to motorists at both ends of the Commodore-buying spectrum – those looking for great value and those looking for striking performance looks,” Brook said.

“SS V-Series has always been about sports performance and ultimate road presence. Now we’ve dialled it up even further.

“The International edition is even better value when you combine extra features with the advanced 3.0 litre direct injection engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.”

SS V-Series Special Edition Sedan, Sportwagon and Ute

The SS V-Series Special Edition will boast a new aggressive twin nostril front fascia with unique lower splitter and twin letter-box hood scoops. The sedan variant will feature a decklid spoiler and chrome highlights.

On sale from November, the SS V-Series Special Edition will be available in three colours ““ Phantom black, Red Hot and Voodoo blue.

The Recommended Retail Prices (RRP), not including dealer delivery or Government charges, for the three SS V-Series Special Edition packs are carryover from the standard SS V-Series models and are as follows:

- VE Ute SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $47,490 RRP
- VE Commodore sedan SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $55,290 RRP
- VE Sportwagon SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $57,290 RRP
- Six-speed automatic transmission +$2,000 RRP

The SS V-Series Special Edition Ute will make its debut at this year’s Deni Ute Muster which starts on Friday 2 October.

“Holden has sponsored the Deni Ute Muster for 11 consecutive years and its popularity continues to grow,” Brook said.

“The event that attracts the country’s most passionate Ute enthusiasts is the perfect place to launch this special edition Ute.”

Special Edition International Sedan and Sportwagon

The new International offers an impressive level of standard features, five star safety and the performance and refinement of the all new 3.0 litre Spark Ignition Direct Injection V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The new powertrain offers fuel efficiency that is better than some major four cylinder competitors.

In addition to Omega, the Special Edition Commodore International includes:

- 18 inch alloy wheels (4)
- Berlina front grille
- Leather appointed seat trim
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Bluetooth for compatible mobile phones
- International badge
- Chrome decklid eyebrow moulding (sedan only)
- Rear Park Assist (sedan only as already standard on all Sportwagon models)

On Sale from November, the driveaway pricing for the two International packs is as follows:

- VE Commodore International Sedan (auto) $35,990 driveaway
- VE Commodore International Sportwagon (auto) $37,990 driveaway
- Metallic paint $500

A 3.6 litre dual fuel LPG Alloytec V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission is available on Commodore International sedan only.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Just when you thought you were finally getting over the fact that the Pontiac G8 will not be offered as a Chevrolet Caprice or as a Buick Grand National, Holden pops up with its new Commodore based Holden Special Vehicles E Series 2 lineup, which now has more options and upgraded design across the range.

What’s our favorite model? The new HSV GTS, which now carries an upgraded 435-hp LS3 V8 engine.

Holden is also offering a range of options under the SV Enhanced banner to further customize your HSV E2 Series. For example, those who go for the new six piston brake calliper option receive their SV Enhanced and GTS badges in yellow.

Brings back some great memories.

Click through for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

2010 HSV E Series 2:

Press Release:

Holden Special vehicles E Series 2 Lineup

GTS to top 325kW, new SV Enhanced options and stunning design theme across the range

The new HSV E Series 2 range, unveiled for the first time today, represents the best in Australian luxury and performance motoring. As part of the unveil, each model receives its own unique character and points of difference, which will be readily identifiable to the HSV owner.

A range of options are also available under the ‘SV Enhanced’ banner, to further customise the HSV E2 Series.

SV Enhanced optioned vehicles receive a new ‘Race Relations’ inspired rear designator in red, courtesy of the HSV design team. GTS owners who purchase the new six piston brake calliper option receive their SV Enhanced and GTS badges in yellow.

ClubSport R8

• All new front and rear design encompassing performance bonnet scoops and ‘shockwave’ inspired theme.
• 317kW LS3 V8 engine.
• Competition Mode ESC
• Extended Cruise Control
• Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
• Four piston front and rear brakes.
• All new E2 Sports 19 inch wheels
• Sports cloth seating as standard.
• SV Enhanced options include Performance suspension, bi-modal exhaust,
• Sports leather seats and 20 inch wheels.
• Retails from $65,990
• Maximum Recommended Retail Price only, subject to state taxes and dealer delivery charges.

Maloo R8

• All new front appearance encompassing performance bonnet scoops and ‘shockwave’ inspired theme.
• 317kW LS3 V8 engine.
• Competition Mode ESC.
• Extended Cruise Control.
• Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
• All new E2 Sports 19 inch wheels.
• Sports cloth seats as standard.
• Driver & passenger front airbags now include front, seat side & curtain side airbags.
• Addition of dual 8″ subwoofers located in the rear cabin quarter trims. Audio output 170W.
• SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust, Sports leather seats and 20 inch wheels.
• Retails from $62,990

ClubSport R8 Tourer

• All new front appearance encompassing performance bonnet scoops and ‘shockwave’ inspired theme
• 317kW LS3 V8 engine
• Competition Mode ESC.
• Extended Cruise Control.
• Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
• Four piston front and rear brakes.
• All new E2 Sports 19 inch wheels.
• Sports cloth seats as standard.
• SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust, Sports leather seats and 20 inch wheels.
• Retails from $66,990

GTS

• All new front and rear appearance encompassing performance bonnet scoops and ‘shockwave’ inspired theme.
• Upgraded 325kW LS3 V8 engine.
• Hi-flow intermediate exhaust with bi-modal mufflers.
• Competition Mode ESC.
• Extended Cruise Control.
• Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
• Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Performance suspension, stiffer and recalibrated.
• Four piston front and rear brakes. All new E2 Performance 20 inch wheels
• Performance leather seats.
• SV Enhanced options include six-piston front brake callipers, finished in SV Enhance yellow with black HSV insignia and four-piston rears with unique wheel accenting.
• Retails from $80,990
• Maximum Recommended Retail Price only, subject to state taxes and dealer delivery charges.

Senator Signature

• All new sophisticated front and rear appearance incorporating subtle elements of the shockwave graphic theme.
• 317kW LS3 V8 engine.
• Competition Mode ESC.
• Extended Cruise Control.
• Launch Control (manual vehicles only).
• Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Premium suspension.
• Luxury Nappa leather seats.
• Four piston front and rear brakes
• All new E2 Luxury 19 inch wheels.
• SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust and 20 inch wheels.
• Retails from $82,990

WM Grange

• 317kW LS3 V8 engine.
• Competition Mode ESC.
• Extended Cruise Control.
• Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Premium suspension.
• Luxury Nappa leather seats.
• Four piston front and rear brakes
• All new E2 Luxury 19 inch wheels.
• SV Enhanced options include bi-modal exhaust and 20 inch wheels.
• Retails from $87,990

As GM prepares to sell its Swedish and German brand, Opel and Saab, the bankrupt automaker’s Australian brand is safe. After its surgical bankruptcy, the ‘New GM’ will consist of just four core brands including Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick.

However, managing director of GM Holden, Mark Reuss, says that the Australian brand will not be sold.

“I can’t say forever because some day when I’m not here, and more perhaps when someone may have that idea, but we have not been approached, nor have we been offered, nor are we pursuing any sale of Holden,” Reuss said.

“This is one of the iconic brands in Australia, and I think it always will be as long as we take care of it and feed it with the products and the different dealer services that we do today, which are very good.”

As GM files for one of the biggest bankruptcies in U.S. history, Reuss said that Holden will remain unchanged and will join the ‘New GM.’

Reuss said that company is now focused on improving the Commodore lineup and launching the Holden Cruze and Volt models.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Drive

Holden’s Commodore is expected to get its smallest engine in more than 20 years as Holden looks to fill demands for more fuel-efficient cars.

According to a report by Drive, the Commodore is expected to get a new 3.0L V6 later this September. The smaller capacity V6 will get an advanced direct-injection fuel-system to further improve efficiency and most likely be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The current 3.6L V6 in the Commodore gets an average fuel-economy of 22 mpg. The new 3.0L V6 is expected to average closer to 25 mpg.

Holden refused to comment on upcoming Commodore update saying: ”We don’t talk about future products.”

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Drive

Holden’s chairman and managing director Mark Reuss has confirmed that GM’s Australian division is working on a new compact hatch for global markets. Reuss said that the hatch will be built alongside the Holden Cruze sedan at the company’s Elizabeth plant in South Australia in the third-quarter of 2010.

The Cruze-based hatch will be designed and engineered entirely in Europe. Sharing the same underpinning as the Cruze, the hatch will get steering and suspension input from Holden engineers for a more European feel. Styling cues are expected to come close to Holden’s flagship Commodore model.

It is said that the hatch will be positioned as a more upmarket model than the Cruze sedan when it hits showrooms.

Insiders say that Holden’s new hatch could get Opel’s new 140-hp 1.4L turbocharged engine. Holden’s energy and environment director Richard Marshall says that some engine options from the Cruze sedan that have “best-in-class” fuel-consumption could also be considered.

So now that you’re all excited about this new Holden hatchback, you’re probably wondering if it will ever come to the United States. So far, the answer to that question is – yes. But keep your fingers crossed because you never know with General Motors.

Apparently the car is being produced for global markets and chairman Reuss says that Holden has been “aggressively pursuing” a deal to replace the $1 billion U.S. Commodore, aka Pontiac G8, export program that was recently canned by GM.

2010 Holden Cruze:

- By: Omar Rana 

Source: Drive 

“We are not going to give up on getting the Commodore into the US,” a Holden insider has told GoAuto. Holden has made it pretty clear that ever since GM announced the death of Pontiac, it is doing all it can to not end Australian exports to the U.S.

Insiders say that ever since the death of Pontiac was announced, officials have been looking at different options that they are not able to discuss as of yet.

It is reported that Pontiac’s partnership with Holden was originally an unfortunate mistake. Apparently Bob Lutz fell in love with Monaro and thought it would a great vehicle to replace the Pontiac GTO. Eventually, that brought the Commodore to the U.S. as the G8.

For those of you still upset about the death of the Pontiac G8 ST (which was cancelled before the death of the brand since GM ran out of cash to market the car), Holden feels that the model could now perform well in the GMC range. Holden and GMC have already been working together on the Denali concept car, which was built by Holden in Australia.

Other options to continue Holden exports to the U.S. include Chevrolet. Currently, Holdens are sold as Chevrolets in the Middle East. Sources say that Holden could also supply Cadillac with rear-wheel-drive long and short wheelbase VEs.

Holden believes that there is clearly a high demand in the U.S. for its Commodore as a niche vehicle – and we definitely agree. GM sold a total of 2,939 units of the G8 in March despite cutting back on marketing.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: GoAuto