VE Wagon Due In 2008 - Chrysler 300C Provides Inspiration For Exterior Design Chief

[JoeT]

VZ Series II Coming, VE Wagon Due In 2008

Byron Mathioudakis
31 July 2006
www.goauto.com.au

Holden is set to release a series of engine, mechanical and trim upgrades to its continuing VZ Commodore wagon and commercial vehicle range.

GoAuto understands that Holden may release the cars to act as a "spoiler" to Ford’s upcoming BF Series II facelift earmarked for an announcement over the next few weeks.

The VZ Series II changes may include the upgraded 180kW and 195kW High Output Alloytec V6 and Gen IV 270kW 6.0-litre V8 engines and transmissions.

Expect to see the revised VZ range by the time the Australian International Motor Show opens in Sydney in October.

Holden has hinted that the VE wagon may be as far as two years away, even though it refuses to publicly confirm the existence of one.

GM Holden executive director of engineering Tony Hyde told GoAuto this week that the short- and long-wheelbase sedans were the two most important cars "from a revenue and profitability point-of-view". "The others come in sequence now afterward," he said.

When asked if it would take a similar two-year timeframe as the 1997 VT Commodore took to the 1999 WH Statesman, he said:

"Yes, pretty close to it. We only have an engineering department that is so big, with a budget that is so big, and the third thing is that the company can only generate a certain amount of capital, and they’re all multi-million dollar programs, so we have to space it out."



'Sportwagon' Future For Holden?

Joe Kenwright
3 August 2006
www.carpoint.com.au

Holden is playing its VE wagon and commercial cards close to its chest.

Almost the moment Holden unveiled its VE and WM ranges in Melbourne last month speculation began regarding the follow-up commercial variants, and the future of the Commodore wagon.

Though the company has confirmed the carry-over VZ range of Utes, Crewman and wagons (pictured) in both two and all-wheel drive form (see separate story here), it has refused to be drawn on details and timing for the next generation of vehicles. In fact, there has been no indication as to when the VZ-based vehicles would be retired totally.

It is known that the VE commercials are well down the development track. However, a decision about a future VE wagon is not as clear cut.

It now seems certain there will be a VE wagon -- Holden chief Denny Mooney and other key Holden spokespeople have all but confirmed the fact. What sort of wagon it will be is now the subject of speculation.

There has been considerable internal debate at Holden over whether to continue with a long-wheelbase load carrier or introduce a 'sportswagon' or Touring-style vehicle on the standard wheelbase.

CarPoint's sources suggest the debate was re-ignited relatively recently after Toyota abandoned the Camry wagon and Mitsubishi killed its Magna wagon last year. Both 'extinctions' potentially open up extra volume for Holden.

Archrival Ford continues to build its BF wagon primarily as a load carrier. That said, the Ford wagon's sales have flattened as a company/fleet vehicle. Nor has it received the same development as the sedan range after Ford directed resources to the Territory.

CarPoint has confirmed that a direction on the next VE Commodore wagon has been locked in, however, Holden remains tightlipped on what that direction is.

It is known that the latest Saab SportCombi wagons were closely assessed as a future direction for Holden -- especially now the Korean-built Holden Captiva SUV (due next month, also pictured) is set to cater for the seven-seat wagon market and a Territory alternative.

CarPoint believes that Holden will follow the lead of the Chrysler 300C Touring with a sporty wagon based on the standard wheelbase (which is now almost as long as a VZ wagon's anyway). The aim would be to attract private wagon buyers who enjoy driving, or a sedan buyer who needed more space. It would provide a stark, sleek contrast with the tall and sometimes clumsy look of SUV wagons

What is likely is that the wagon will not arrive until some time after the VE light commercials. Our tip is that the VE ute will debut at Sydney Motor Show next year (late 2007) possibly with Holden's first six-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

Based on the current wagon, the Adventra is very unlikely to continue in a VE model. In fact, it may be the first of the VZ-based cars to be withdrawn -- especially if the Captiva is a success.



VZ Commercials & Adventra Soldier On

Joe Kenwright
3 August 2006
www.carpoint.com.au

The new VE will be offered alongside a range of carry-over VZ models. But which ones have survived and what are the changes?

The VE sedans may be rolling down the production lines of Holden's plant at Elizabeth in Adelaide's north but the rest of the VE range is a year or more away.

Indeed, latest rumours suggest the VE wagon may be a 2008 proposition (see separate story here) while ute and other variants could surface in late 2007. Thus Holden will, for a time, be building VE and VZ variants alongside each other.

Holden has completely revamped its plant to achieve the task. There's been other changes too -- GM Holden Executive Director Manufacturing, Rod Keane said the relatively low number of common parts shared between VZ and VE was a challenge from a logistic and supply perspective but arrangements had been made to ensure VZ supplies would continue.

The VE versus VZ model line-up is confusing even for us. For a start, the surviving VZ range features no less than six different engine specifications, none of which are the same as those in the VE.

The current state of play is thus...

Though VZ Crewman Cross6 and Cross8, One Tonner Cross6, Adventra V8 and Monaro Coupe models have already ended production, the base VZ and SS utes continue while a new SV6 ute replaces the previous S. The dual cab Crewman ute continues as a base Crewman, S and SS. The VZ wagon continues as an Executive, Acclaim and Berlina. The Adventra is all that's left of Holden's ambitious AWD program as it continues in SX, CX and LX as a V6 only.

Two new colours have been introduced to selected models. The VE's bright orange Ignition will be available on S Crewman, SS Crewman, SV6 Ute and SS Ute. A new dark silver called Nickel is restricted to Ute, SV6 and SS Ute. Devil Yellow, Quicksilver and Turismo are deleted.

The base Alloytec V6 that comes with most VZ models (except SV6 Ute, SS Ute and Crewman SS) delivers 172kW/320Nm while the LPG version with auto-only drops back to 165kW.

The SV6 Ute's High Output six offers 190kW/335Nm as an auto but drops back to 187kW as a manual. In the Adventra, this same engine delivers 188kW/330Nm.

All figures are achieved on 91 RON basic unleaded.

Finally, the SS models feature the earlier L76 version of the Generation IV engine with 260kW/510Nm on 98 RON Premium Unleaded.

Originally Posted by Univex

HOLDEN’S exterior design chief Richard Ferlazzo confirmed last week that both the VE Commodore wagon and ute designs had been completed, even though GoAuto understands they still have not been signed off for production.
Mr Ferlazzo, who is currently driving an Adventra and admits to having a soft spot for station wagons, purely because of their practicality, claimed the VE wagon was as sharply styled as the sedan.
He also admitted to being a big fan of the Chrysler 300C Touring and Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon – and that their wedge designs, small rear window glass and hatches that cut into the roof-line were trends that would work well with a VE wagon.
The wagon and ute are expected to arrive late next year and early 2008 respectively.
In other VE news, the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia last week awarded the new Commodore the 2006 gold automotive engineering excellence gong, specifi cally for the sedan’s front-end module design.
In awarding the prize the judges said the VE’s front-end module embodied an excellent balance between design engineering, manufacturing/production engineering and aftermarket servicing.
“It also enables the off-line sub-assembly of a major module of the vehicle, which can be assembled with the highest level of fi t and fi nish,” the Society said.
“Major problems with the prior model frontend assembly were eliminated by allowing full walk-in access to the engine bay on the assembly line and many existing OH&S issues were concurrently eliminated.
“The bolt-on modularity of the front end not only allows nine versions of front end module to be readily assembled to the vehicle, it will also enhance in service access and repair capability and cost.
“This assembly approach is a sought-after feature by OE manufacturers in assembly operations worldwide.”
NEIL McDONALD

GoAuto e-news

VE wagon development took a back seat to the WM Statesman range

[demonv8]

I can see sales of the wagon suffering, but the ute should still sell well, even if they will look old compared to the sedan.

[mikmak]

Who buys the wagon anyway?

[HEVguy]

Um, well, as an American, and see the a$$ on that wagon... I have to say - who cares!

[Martino_z]

Funny that the wagon doesn't sell neer as well. Ive always thought them to be a great idea, and I've always liked the smooth look of them.

[RedHotMike]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Who buys the wagon anyway?

Well if they did a SS/V Wagon (or similar) I would get one. Unfortunatly the timing was wrong for the VY wagon otherwise I would have got one of those.

RedHotMike

[JoeT]

'Sportwagon' Future For Holden?

Joe Kenwright
3 August 2006
www.carpoint.com.au

Holden is playing its VE wagon and commercial cards close to its chest.

Almost the moment Holden unveiled its VE and WM ranges in Melbourne last month speculation began regarding the follow-up commercial variants, and the future of the Commodore wagon.

Though the company has confirmed the carry-over VZ range of Utes, Crewman and wagons (pictured) in both two and all-wheel drive form (see separate story here), it has refused to be drawn on details and timing for the next generation of vehicles. In fact, there has been no indication as to when the VZ-based vehicles would be retired totally.

It is known that the VE commercials are well down the development track. However, a decision about a future VE wagon is not as clear cut.

It now seems certain there will be a VE wagon -- Holden chief Denny Mooney and other key Holden spokespeople have all but confirmed the fact. What sort of wagon it will be is now the subject of speculation.

There has been considerable internal debate at Holden over whether to continue with a long-wheelbase load carrier or introduce a 'sportswagon' or Touring-style vehicle on the standard wheelbase.

CarPoint's sources suggest the debate was re-ignited relatively recently after Toyota abandoned the Camry wagon and Mitsubishi killed its Magna wagon last year. Both 'extinctions' potentially open up extra volume for Holden.

Archrival Ford continues to build its BF wagon primarily as a load carrier. That said, the Ford wagon's sales have flattened as a company/fleet vehicle. Nor has it received the same development as the sedan range after Ford directed resources to the Territory.

CarPoint has confirmed that a direction on the next VE Commodore wagon has been locked in, however, Holden remains tightlipped on what that direction is.

It is known that the latest Saab SportCombi wagons were closely assessed as a future direction for Holden -- especially now the Korean-built Holden Captiva SUV (due next month, also pictured) is set to cater for the seven-seat wagon market and a Territory alternative.

CarPoint believes that Holden will follow the lead of the Chrysler 300C Touring with a sporty wagon based on the standard wheelbase (which is now almost as long as a VZ wagon's anyway). The aim would be to attract private wagon buyers who enjoy driving, or a sedan buyer who needed more space. It would provide a stark, sleek contrast with the tall and sometimes clumsy look of SUV wagons

What is likely is that the wagon will not arrive until some time after the VE light commercials. Our tip is that the VE ute will debut at Sydney Motor Show next year (late 2007) possibly with Holden's first six-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

Based on the current wagon, the Adventra is very unlikely to continue in a VE model. In fact, it may be the first of the VZ-based cars to be withdrawn -- especially if the Captiva is a success.



VZ Commercials & Adventra Soldier On

Joe Kenwright
3 August 2006
www.carpoint.com.au

The new VE will be offered alongside a range of carry-over VZ models. But which ones have survived and what are the changes?

The VE sedans may be rolling down the production lines of Holden's plant at Elizabeth in Adelaide's north but the rest of the VE range is a year or more away.

Indeed, latest rumours suggest the VE wagon may be a 2008 proposition (see separate story here) while ute and other variants could surface in late 2007. Thus Holden will, for a time, be building VE and VZ variants alongside each other.

Holden has completely revamped its plant to achieve the task. There's been other changes too -- GM Holden Executive Director Manufacturing, Rod Keane said the relatively low number of common parts shared between VZ and VE was a challenge from a logistic and supply perspective but arrangements had been made to ensure VZ supplies would continue.

The VE versus VZ model line-up is confusing even for us. For a start, the surviving VZ range features no less than six different engine specifications, none of which are the same as those in the VE.

The current state of play is thus...

Though VZ Crewman Cross6 and Cross8, One Tonner Cross6, Adventra V8 and Monaro Coupe models have already ended production, the base VZ and SS utes continue while a new SV6 ute replaces the previous S. The dual cab Crewman ute continues as a base Crewman, S and SS. The VZ wagon continues as an Executive, Acclaim and Berlina. The Adventra is all that's left of Holden's ambitious AWD program as it continues in SX, CX and LX as a V6 only.

Two new colours have been introduced to selected models. The VE's bright orange Ignition will be available on S Crewman, SS Crewman, SV6 Ute and SS Ute. A new dark silver called Nickel is restricted to Ute, SV6 and SS Ute. Devil Yellow, Quicksilver and Turismo are deleted.

The base Alloytec V6 that comes with most VZ models (except SV6 Ute, SS Ute and Crewman SS) delivers 172kW/320Nm while the LPG version with auto-only drops back to 165kW.

The SV6 Ute's High Output six offers 190kW/335Nm as an auto but drops back to 187kW as a manual. In the Adventra, this same engine delivers 188kW/330Nm.

All figures are achieved on 91 RON basic unleaded.

Finally, the SS models feature the earlier L76 version of the Generation IV engine with 260kW/510Nm on 98 RON Premium Unleaded.

[mikmak]

Unfortunately, my one income/two kids formula makes the purchase of a V8 wagon economically non-viable. LSD makes the V6 more fun though.

[AusCalais]

I didn't know they were mutually exclusive...Can't we have a sportswagon on the LWB? Now that would be a differentiator...

[JoeT]

It depends on which way Holden goes. If is an up-right vehicle, like an SUV, it will be SWB, but if more of a traditional wagon, it'll probably be LWB.

If they placed an SUV on the LWB platform, the finished product would make the Territory look like a RAV4!

[AusCalais]

Originally Posted by JoeT

It depends on which way Holden goes. If is an up-right vehicle, like an SUV, it will be SWB, but if more of a traditional wagon, it'll probably be LWB.

If they placed an SUV on the LWB platform, the finished product would make the Territory look like a RAV4!

IMO they won't go the upright SUV route...the market will turn on them eventually (which will be a real shame for the Territory SUV Co.), and too many other groups in GM do them well (GMNA + GMDAT)...whereas a RWD sportwagon can be sold/built worldwide and not much else around (none?) in GM.

[mikmak]

I totally agree with you AusCalais. The LWB Sportwagon would be a standout vehicle. Then again there is the stigma of people (journoholics)that will cite it as a Commodore Wagon with a body kit. I dont think there is anything wrong with that but Holden will have to give it something different/ unique the make it work...like a supercharger. Whats the point of all that room to carry wetsuits and eskys (ice boxes) if you can't tow a ski boat? (its a hollow excuse because the HFV6 can tow, but I'm fishing for support here!)

[AusCalais]

Originally Posted by mikmak

I totally agree with you AusCalais. The LWB Sportwagon would be a standout vehicle. Then again there is the stigma of people (journoholics)that will cite it as a Commodore Wagon with a body kit. I dont think there is anything wrong with that but Holden will have to give it something different/ unique the make it work...like a supercharger. Whats the point of all that room to carry wetsuits and eskys (ice boxes) if you can't tow a ski boat? (its a hollow excuse because the HFV6 can tow, but I'm fishing for support here!)

I guess if it's built right to start with there will be no need to add body kits unless to differentiate models. From the look of VE front guards and expected rear end of any sportwagon there will be no need to resort to the black plastic Adventra-style flares for a VE AWD version.

There should be no stigma attached as it looks like wagons are making a comeback, particularly the good looking ones. ...may be hope for Adventra yet...a car which has been crucified by the Australian motoring press....even though it is very capable.

[BigAls87Z28]

As a "wagon" owner myself, If I could have gotten a RWD V6 GM wagon for about the same price as the Maxx, Id be all over it. But, Id probably want the Ute first. Man, that would have been a hot ride!!

[demonv8]

Holden should concentrate on the sedan, Ute, luxuary models and a 2 door sports coupe, forget about the wagon or SUV type vehicle, they can import those. Get the sedan right, that's their bread and butter.