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Showing posts with label Holden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holden. Show all posts

Friday, July 1, 2011

Saturday, June 18, 2011

First Drive: 2011 Holden Cruze Series II SRI-V


Appearing soon after General Motors announced its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, the Cruze � which launched in Oz almost two years ago� aims to appeal to buyers that would normally not buy a Holden. Its key competitors in the Australian market are the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and the (European) Ford Focus.
With the recent launch of the Aussie-built Cruze Series II, we thought it was about time we tackled GM�s �game changing� small car. The 1.4 L turbo is said to be the cherry on top of the Cruze cake, and the perfect target for a review. The question is: can it live up to the hype?

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Holden Engineers Fine-Tuning 2013 Chevy Malibu


The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has made its way to Australia landing in the hands of Holden�s engineering team, which was recruited by General Motors to assist in the calibration of the mid-size sedan for both the local and global markets outside of North America.
The Australian team is working on the Malibu at Holden�s Lang Lang Proving Ground in the State of Victoria while also evaluating the car on public roads. GM said Holden will continue development of Malibu until the end of 2012.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Hoon Crackdown: Two Anti-Hooning Ads from Different Ends of the Spectrum


In Australia and New Zealand, �hooning� is a term applied to any anti-social and often dangerous behavior behind the wheel of a car. Burnouts, car surfing and illegal street racing all fall under this rather broad definition. And it�s an ever-growing problem. Each year there are more reports like, �Hoons kill innocent driver in Dandenong, say police� and, �Man killed in Burwood Highway 'hoon' crash.�
So it�s obvious that cracking down on hooning is very important to the governments of both nations. Here we have two adverts, one from Oz and one from Kiwiland, that use tactics both old and new to get their message across. The Aussie one plays on that, �If you hoon, you�ll lose your car� message while the NZ one plays on the, �If you hoon, you�ll lose your life� vibe. Who knew that New Zealand�s roads were covered with hidden landmines?

Monday, May 23, 2011

Report: Next Holden Commodore VF to get Aluminium Panels, Electric Power Steering


*Current Holden WM Caprice pictured in the above development sketch

When Holden�s next-generation VF Commodore series launches in Australian in 2014, it will be the first locally-produced automobile to incorporate mass produced aluminium panels in its construction. In addition, the new large car, which will also spawn a long-wheelbase Caprice model, will get improved aerodynamics and electric power steering in place of the current-gen�s hydraulic unit. It�s all part of an effort by Holden to lighten up its flagship model and thereby make it more fuel efficient in an effort to remain competitive with the likes of the locally-produced Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Fuel savings are expected to be around the 7% mark, bringing the 9.1lt /100 km (26 mpg) combined rating of the 3.0 L V6 SIDI down to a more politically-correct 8.4 lt/ 100 km (28 mpg). Similar savings will be experienced with the older 3.6 L Alloytec V6: 9.1 lt / 100 km (26 mpg) down from 9.8 lt / 100 km (24 mpg). The program is part-funded by the Australian federal government, which poured AU$39.8 million in from the now defunct Green Car Innovation Fund.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

2011 Holden VE II Commodore Omega Review

VE and WM-Series II is the latest version of Australia's most popular sedans, wagons, utilities, luxury cars and a long wheelbase. New range has seen the refinement to the formula that made Holden Commodore of the best-selling car for 14 years, directly importing intelligent multimedia technologies, fuel economy, and the ability to use eco-friendly bioethanol.VE Series II brings more multimedia

Friday, May 20, 2011

2011 Holden VE II Commodore SV6 Review

VE and WM series II marks the latest versions of the most popular sedans in Australia, cars, utilities and luxury vehicles with long wheelbase. The new series saw Holden fineness of the formula that made the nation's best selling car in the Commodore for 14 consecutive years by the introduction of intelligent multimedia technology, fuel economy improved and the ability to run on the

2011 Holden VE II Ute SV6

VE and WM-Series II is the latest version of Australia's most popular sedans, wagons, utilities, luxury cars and a long wheelbase. New range has seen the refinement to the formula that made Holden Commodore of the best-selling car for 14 years, directly importing intelligent multimedia technologies, fuel economy, and the ability to use eco-friendly bioethanol.VE Series II brings more multimedia

2011 Holden Volt Review

GM Holden has released the first images of Holden's much anticipated Volt extended electric vehicles, as it will appear on the roads of Australia. The images, which show a version of right-hand drive Holden Volt Sport badges on the front and rear aerodynamics, were released as part of the presentation of Holden International Motor Show Melbourne. This is a place to take the vehicle that was

Monday, May 9, 2011

Holden Begins Local Testing of New Cruze Hatchback


Following the Australian market launch of the locally made and subtly refreshed Cruze Series II Sedan in March, GM�s Holden division announced today that it has began testing the five-door hatchback version of the subcompact model to fine tune the car before its introduction later this year. Holden also released two new photos of the Cruze hatch, which was designed by the firm�s Port Melbourne design studio.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Sport Truck Redux: New Rumors About the Holden Ute Heading to the U.S.A.


It�s a poorly kept secret that many Americans are quite fond of the Australian-made and Commodore-derived, Holden Ute, which we recently drove in Queensland. It�s big, brutish and comfortable with a bevy of engine and equipment options to suit virtually any budget or taste - so long as those tastes only extend to, �Big, brutish V6 or V8 engined utes�.

Before the Global Financial Crisis of 2009, the subsequent bankruptcy GM and the disillusion of the Pontiac brand, as many as half of the Holden Commodores built in Australia were destined for the U.S. and the world in the form of the Pontiac G8. A thinly disguised Holden Ute even made a showing at the 2008 New York Auto Show as the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck.

Read more �

Sport Truck Redux: New Rumors About the Holden Ute Heading to the U.S.A.


It�s a poorly kept secret that many Americans are quite fond of the Australian-made and Commodore-derived, Holden Ute, which we recently drove in Queensland. It�s big, brutish and comfortable with a bevy of engine and equipment options to suit virtually any budget or taste - so long as those tastes only extend to, �Big, brutish V6 or V8 engined utes�.
Before the Global Financial Crisis of 2009, the subsequent bankruptcy GM and the disillusion of the Pontiac brand, as many as half of the Holden Commodores built in Australia were destined for the U.S. and the world in the form of the Pontiac G8. A thinly disguised Holden Ute even made a showing at the 2008 New York Auto Show as the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Celebrating 50 Years of Queensland�s Lakeside Park [with Gallery]


Nestled somewhat innocuously behind a golf course in Pine Rivers Shire, South East Queensland, Australia, is historic Lakeside Park Raceway. It holds the distinction as the Queensland�s first permanent, purpose-built racetrack and has sat - for fifty years - on the banks of Lake Kurwongbah. It is a monument to both motorsport and Australia�s can-do attitude, having been built on a foundation of favors, borrowed equipment and volunteer labor - not to mention a former dairy farm.

It is 2.4 km (1.5 miles) of bitumen and yet, it is so much more. Several Aussie motorsport legends � including Dick Johnson, Tony Longhurst and Mick Doohan � cut their teeth at Lakeside. It may not share the prestige or recognition afforded to other tracks like Mount Panorama or Philip Island, but to those who know it Lakeside is just as beloved.

Read more �

Sunday, April 24, 2011

First Drive: 2011 Holden VE Series II SS V8 Ute


2011 is a very special year for two Australian motoring icons. For one, it�s the 50th anniversary of Queensland�s first permanent, purpose-built raceway: Lakeside Park. It�s also marks the 60th anniversary of Holden�s FX Utility, a vehicle widely considered by enthusiasts to be the forefather of the home grown Aussie �ute�. In recognition of these historic occasions, we took a Holden VE Series II SS Ute for a test drive and headed north to attend the first of Lakeside�s three 50th anniversary events. Part one of this feature will cover my impressions of the Ute, whilst part two will take in the event itself. So let�s get cracking.

Overview

The VE Ute is already an attractive vehicle and in SS guise this is complemented with 18-inch alloys, front fog lights and a lowered sports suspension. With its 6.0 L V8 the SS is certainly powerful, but it�s also safe with a maximum 5-star ANCAP rating thanks to its six airbags and electronic stability control.

Read more �

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Debut Holden Barina Spark At Motor Show

GM getting ready to launch Australia from new Chevrolet Spark, which has been sold in Asia and Europe for several months. The first step is to look toward the local launch in Australia International Motor Show in Sydney next week, before the went on sale locally as the Holden Barina Spark at the end of 2010.Curiously, Holden sells first-gen Chevrolet Aveo as the Holden Barina with a range

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Holden Special Vehicles W427 Concept, 2008

HSV W427 Concept, 2008

 
 

Holden Special Vehicles unveiled a seven litre program at the 2008 Melbourne Motor Show, the last instalment of the company s 20th anniversary celebrations.
The car to be known in its final development stages as the W427 is finished in the same Panorama Silver paint scheme as the original Group A SS VL Commodore, released at the Melbourne Motor Show of 1988, exactly 20 years ago.
 
While power output figures are still to be confirmed, the W427 is likely to produce in excess of 370kW of power and 640NM of torque.

The Holden W427 receives a bimodal active exhaust system to improve noise quality and back pressure management.
Styling and design highlights include an all new front fascia, a three piece carbon fibre rear spoiler, 20 inch machined faced alloy wheel, unique exhaust tips and red leather interior.
HSV W427 Concept

Specifications
Exterior
          o All new Front Fascia exclusive to W427
          o All new three piece rear spoiler in carbon fibre
          o All new 20 inch wheel
Interior
          o HSV performance seats in full red hot trim with W427 logo, steering wheel, gear shifter and console lid in full red hot leather
Powertrain
          o 7.0 Litre, LS7 Engine with HSV specific calibration
                + 370kW @ 6500 rpm
                + 640Nm @ 5000 rpm
          o Over radiator style cold air induction system with high flow air filter
          o Dry sump lubrication system with 2 stage pump
          o Hand fabricated aluminium oil reservoir, with internal baffles for high G loading
          o Front mount, 13 row engine oil cooler
          o Ceramic coated, high flow four into one extractors
          o High flow catalytic converters and exhaust system (3 into 2 � )
          o Active bi-modal rear mufflers for exhaust back pressure management to improve noise quality
          o High strength limited slip differential
          o New high strength six speed manual gear box (TR6060)
          o GMPT LS7 Clutch with new actuator and pedal assembly for high clamp loads
Suspension
          o New springs, 30% stiffer than GTS
          o Revised ride height 20mm lower than GTS
          o New stiffer rear suspension bushing
          o All new MRC calibration
Brakes
          o New 6 piston front braking system (50% increase in pad area)
          o Strap drive, 2 piece floating front rotors (380 x 35mm compared to 365 x 32mm one piece on GTS)
          o High friction pad material

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Holden W427 Concept, 2008

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) W427 Concept, 2008






Holden Special Vehicles unveiled at the 2008 Melbourne Motor Show, the last instalment of the company s 20th anniversary celebrations.

A new six piston front braking system will provide a 50% increase in pad area, while the Holden W427 also receives a revised ESP calibration, six air bags, improved handling and new Magnetic Ride Control settings.

The Holden W427 receives a bimodal active exhaust system to improve noise quality and back pressure management.

Styling and design highlights include an all new front fascia, a three piece carbon fibre rear spoiler, 20 inch machined faced alloy wheel, unique exhaust tips and red leather interior.

Specifications

* Exterior
o All new Front Fascia exclusive to W427
o All new three piece rear spoiler in carbon fibre
o All new 20 inch wheel

* Interior
o HSV performance seats in full red hot trim with W427 logo, steering wheel, gear shifter and console lid in full red hot leather

* Powertrain
o 7.0 Litre, LS7 Engine with HSV specific calibration
+ 370kW @ 6500 rpm
+ 640Nm @ 5000 rpm
o Over radiator style cold air induction system with high flow air filter
o Dry sump lubrication system with 2 stage pump
o Hand fabricated aluminium oil reservoir, with internal baffles for high G loading
o Front mount, 13 row engine oil cooler
o Ceramic coated, high flow four into one extractors
o High flow catalytic converters and exhaust system (3 into 2 � )
o Active bi-modal rear mufflers for exhaust back pressure management to improve noise quality
o High strength limited slip differential
o New high strength six speed manual gear box (TR6060)
o GMPT LS7 Clutch with new actuator and pedal assembly for high clamp loads

* Suspension
o New springs, 30% stiffer than GTS
o Revised ride height 20mm lower than GTS
o New stiffer rear suspension bushing
o All new MRC calibration

* Brakes
o New 6 piston front braking system (50% increase in pad area)
o Strap drive, 2 piece floating front rotors (380 x 35mm compared to 365 x 32mm one piece on GTS)
o High friction pad material

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Holden Viva Automatic Ultimate Choice

Holden Viva is the ultimate choice if you are looking for a mid-sized car that isn�t a Corolla. Holden Viva is meant for those buyers on a budget. If you are confused whether to buy it or not then read on.Very simply, the Holden Viva is a keenly priced automobile and is well equipped, two of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new car. In addition to this, it has a reasonable

Thursday, August 26, 2010

New Holden Announces New Compact Car for 2010

GM Holden manufacturer from Australian has announced plans to build a new small car based on the Delta platform which is also the basis of the Chevrolet Cruze and Opel Astra 2010. Unlike traditional Holden new car will be driving the front wheels and features new technologies to improve fuel economy.The new car will be available in both sedan and hatchback body style when it goes into production