Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules

rmodys · 07-26-2006, 11:46 AM

Behind the scenes with GM test mules

In a seemingly unprecedented move, GM has released some behind-the-scenes images of the development of its recently-introduced 2007 Holden VE Commodore. Among the images are shots of prototypes — known as test mules — at various levels of development and disguise. The cars are the same vehicles that were stalked by spy photographers only weeks ago. The images show GM engineers working on test mules at a GM shop, as well as making changes on the road.

(More photos at link)

rmodys · 07-26-2006, 11:48 AM

Awesome pictures..

69Firebird400 · 07-26-2006, 12:26 PM

Really cool. They supposedly had a ton of these things scooting around (disguised) on public roads prior to the public unveiling, but IMO they did a pretty nice job of keeping the final shape and detailing under wraps.

The red one on the right side of the second-last row is interesting - must be the previous generation's body with the new mechanicals or something along those lines.

What an awesome job to have, to drive prototype cars all day in all conditions. That would make me so happy. It's a shame that the prototypes are always covered in camo, though; that's a nice shape underneath the disguise!

rmodys · 07-26-2006, 12:45 PM

Why is the wheel on the wrong-right side of the car?

kmacleod · 07-26-2006, 12:49 PM

Looks like the LHD Omega with the Opelized interior.......

Ken

give_it_all_ · 07-26-2006, 01:20 PM

Maybe for America......like it was suggested before, Pontiac Grand Prix needs some updating

Randle2I · 07-26-2006, 01:38 PM

Interesting. On the Calias, when you fold down the middle seat (which acts as the cupholders for rear seat occupants) it goes straight through to the trunk. While I understand why it does that, I think it looks rather cheap having that gaping hole right there.

Gixx · 07-26-2006, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by give_it_all_

Maybe for America......like it was suggested before, Pontiac Grand Prix needs some updating

That would be a major coup if GM could get a high volume car like the Grand Prix made in Australia. Not sure if the UAW would go for it, with the 30,000 buyouts and all, but why not give it a shot.

Also would tie in nicely at what is happening at current production local, Oshawa.

GM_Fanatic · 07-26-2006, 01:42 PM

A lot of these pictures are shown on the Commodore's minisite. The next set of sections go online the 1st of August. I think that website will go along way in making people feel connected to the car, especially for the local Aussies. It evokes a bit of patriotism.

mikesright · 07-26-2006, 01:54 PM

The new pictures make the car look sweet! They add that dynamic all of GM's media shots normally look like. Love those fender flares! It would be sweet as a Grand Prix, GM!!!

01cavalier · 07-26-2006, 01:55 PM

Great pictures! Selling these in the US would be a good move, even if only in limited numbers.

asim · 07-26-2006, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by give_it_all_

Maybe for America......like it was suggested before, Pontiac Grand Prix needs some updating

Now that would be cool!

Ty_99 · 07-26-2006, 02:09 PM

Wow awesome stuff, never though I would see a company do this before. Really gives you a sense of what is going on. Good job GM and Holden.

JVal14 · 07-26-2006, 02:14 PM

That's pretty clever: they build hype for the car, and take the spy-shooters out of the equation.

zl-1 · 07-26-2006, 04:11 PM

LHD is probably the Chevy Lumina/Omega for ME/Brazil.

07-26-2006, 11:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
rmodys 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Florida Drives: 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, 1996 Jeep Grand Che Posts: 9,499	Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules Behind the scenes with GM test mules In a seemingly unprecedented move, GM has released some behind-the-scenes images of the development of its recently-introduced 2007 Holden VE Commodore. Among the images are shots of prototypes — known as test mules — at various levels of development and disguise. The cars are the same vehicles that were stalked by spy photographers only weeks ago. The images show GM engineers working on test mules at a GM shop, as well as making changes on the road. (More photos at link) __________________ 1986 Monte Carlo SS, 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

07-26-2006, 11:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
rmodys 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Florida Drives: 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, 1996 Jeep Grand Che Posts: 9,499	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules Awesome pictures.. __________________ 1986 Monte Carlo SS, 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

07-26-2006, 12:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
69Firebird400 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Philadelphia Area Drives: 08 CTS DI RWD Nav, 08 Sienna Limited AWD Nav Posts: 5,639	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules Really cool. They supposedly had a ton of these things scooting around (disguised) on public roads prior to the public unveiling, but IMO they did a pretty nice job of keeping the final shape and detailing under wraps. The red one on the right side of the second-last row is interesting - must be the previous generation's body with the new mechanicals or something along those lines. What an awesome job to have, to drive prototype cars all day in all conditions. That would make me so happy. It's a shame that the prototypes are always covered in camo, though; that's a nice shape underneath the disguise! __________________ Autosavant Cars and Technology

07-26-2006, 12:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
rmodys 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Florida Drives: 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, 1996 Jeep Grand Che Posts: 9,499	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules Why is the wheel on the wrong-right side of the car? __________________ 1986 Monte Carlo SS, 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

07-26-2006, 12:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
kmacleod 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: AZO Drives: 02 Montana, 88 Fiero GT Posts: 644	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules Looks like the LHD Omega with the Opelized interior....... Ken

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
GM Inside News Forum Advertisement

07-26-2006, 01:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
give_it_all_ 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Canada :) Drives: '06 G5 Posts: 1,648	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules Maybe for America......like it was suggested before, Pontiac Grand Prix needs some updating __________________ 2006 Pontiac G5 Pursuit----Yellow Coupe

07-26-2006, 01:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
Randle2I 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,636	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules Interesting. On the Calias, when you fold down the middle seat (which acts as the cupholders for rear seat occupants) it goes straight through to the trunk. While I understand why it does that, I think it looks rather cheap having that gaping hole right there. __________________ Watch The 4400 or suffer the fate of a terrible future. I'm a new VW Whore and owner of a 71 VW Super Beetle .

07-26-2006, 01:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
GM_Fanatic 5.3 Liter LS4 V8 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3,469	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules A lot of these pictures are shown on the Commodore's minisite. The next set of sections go online the 1st of August. I think that website will go along way in making people feel connected to the car, especially for the local Aussies. It evokes a bit of patriotism. __________________ My thoughts and random babblings... http://perpetualanticipation.blogspot.com/

07-26-2006, 01:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
mikesright 3.6 Liter V6 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Des Moines, IA Drives: 2009 Mercury Mistress Posts: 1,100	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules The new pictures make the car look sweet! They add that dynamic all of GM's media shots normally look like. Love those fender flares! It would be sweet as a Grand Prix, GM!!! __________________ 1,000 Posts, baby!

07-26-2006, 01:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
01cavalier 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, OR Drives: 2007 Cobalt Posts: 4,818	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules Great pictures! Selling these in the US would be a good move, even if only in limited numbers.

07-26-2006, 02:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
Ty_99 3.6 Liter V6 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Drives: 1999 Chev Malibu LS Posts: 1,075	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules Wow awesome stuff, never though I would see a company do this before. Really gives you a sense of what is going on. Good job GM and Holden. __________________ Current: 99 Malibu LS Sdn 3.1L V6 FWD Past: 90 Cutlass Supreme 2Dr 3.1L V6 FWD 90 Lumina Eurosport 4Dr 3.1L V6 FWD 83 Camaro Z-28 T-Top 350 V8 3Spd Shift Kit 84 Fiero 2.5L L4spd Auto Future: Another CAMARO!!

07-26-2006, 02:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
JVal14 3.9 Liter V6 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 994	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules That's pretty clever: they build hype for the car, and take the spy-shooters out of the equation. __________________ Blah blah blah....green green green....global warning....blah blah....carbon footprint....green green....blah blah....catch phrase...talking head...blah blah blah

07-26-2006, 04:11 PM	#15 (permalink)
zl-1 3.8 Liter V6 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 337	Re: Behind the Scenes with GM Test Mules LHD is probably the Chevy Lumina/Omega for ME/Brazil.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode