Holden hints at the next generation Commodore with last V-car update

By BRUCE NEWTON 10 August 2004
GoAuto

LOOK at VZ and squint hard because here’s the strongest hint yet to what Holden’s all-new VE Commodore will look like when it is launched in the first half of 2006.

While VZ itself is an evolution of the sharper and more aggressive lines introduced with the VY Commodore mid-life makeover, Holden design director Tony Stolfo makes it clear that it represents more than that.

“VZ shows a hint of the design direction we will take with the next generation V-car,” Mr Stolfo confirmed at last Thursday night’s VZ media launch.

Going by Mr Stolfo’s hints, we can expect VE to be a taut and crisp design with clear European overtones.

And it’s noticeable that Holden has attempted to give the impression of a lower ride height and more aggressive stance for VZ via the new front-end look.

“The significantly stronger new graphics accentuate width across the front,” Mr Stolfo said. “Road presence is emphasised by the larger air intake openings, the use of textures and a more compact headlamp design.

“The more powerful form of the new bonnet is a big contributor. The twin spears that develop from the bottom of the fascia, through the radiator grille to chase across the top of the bonnet are consistent with GM Euro themes and give a more pronounced, sculptured appearance.”

The VZ is the last significant restyling of the current V-car before it abandons its ancient Opel-sourced underpinnings for an all-new locally developed architecture called Zeta.

The VE and WM long wheelbase external design development has been led by Richard Ferlazzo with another senior designer, Peter Hughes, responsible for the exterior shaping of the staple Commodore sedan.

Both Mr Ferlazzo and Mr Hughes are among Holden’s group of young stars who emerged with the VT Commodore under the tutelage of Mike Simcoe.

Sources within and close to Holden who have see the VE shape insist it is an outstanding design.

The use of VZ as an introduction to VE styling cues is a tactic common in many new model introductions across the history of the automotive industry.

Holden plans high-tech upgrade
By Toby Hagon
The Age
Thursday August 12 2004

The humble Commodore may soon get an advanced collision-avoidance system or headlights that peer around corners as part of a push to ensure Holden adopts world-class technology sooner.

Holden chairman and managing director Denny Mooney says Commodores of the future will borrow advanced electronic features that may be too expensive to develop locally from other General Motors brands such as Cadillac.

"Cadillac will always be leading edge for GM. But we (Holden) want to be fast followers on this stuff," Mr Mooney said at the launch of the latest VZ Commodore.

The new VZ is available with an electronic stability system, which uses sensors to help detect and correct a slide. Despite being commonplace on imported and luxury vehicles, such systems have been slow to arrive on locally produced vehicles.

General Motors' group vice-president of advanced vehicle development, Mark Hogan, said recently the Commodore would get advanced electronic systems, some of which could even be downloaded using advanced telematics systems linked to satellites.