This is Holden's new flagship Commodore - and there's not a V8 in sight.
Only two days after images leaked of the Chinese-market Buick Regal GS, Holden has revealed official details of the new V6-powered Commodore VXR. This will replaced the V8-powered Commodore SS as the performance flagship of the range when the imported model goes on sale in 2018.
Holden has confirmed the SS nameplate will be retired with the demise of the V8. The VXR name originates from Holden's British sibling, Vauxhall, who used the badge for its performance models, including the Astra VXR and previous generation Insignia.
"SS is a very specific nomenclature in this country, it's always had a V8 under the bonnet," explained Sean Poppitt, Holden's director of communications. "We wanted to gracefully retire that name."
Speaking about the decision to use the VXR badge Poppitt said: "We wanted to have continuity and familiarity within the family. We've had the Astra and Insignia VXR as well. It was a natural fit."
As expected the new Commodore VXR will be powered by a 3.6-litre V6 that will produce 235kW of power and 381Nm of torque. It will send power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system is known as 'Twinster' and features torque vectoring that allows performance to be split between both front and rear axles as well as each side of the car, depending on the conditions.
Befitting its place as the performance flagship the VXR will also feature Brembo brakes and adjustable drive modes thanks to a system it calls Continous Damping Control.
Other VXR touches include 20-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers, rear lip spoiler and leather sports seats.
Poppitt defended the decision to make the flagship model a V6, sitting above a predominantly four-cylinder range, despite the Commodore's image traditionally based around its V8-powered muscle car.
"People have definitely thought that," Poppitt admitted. "Historically, prior to the launch of [the] LS3 [V8 in the SS and SS-V], over the previous 10 years 76 per cent of models were V6 powered. The most popular models were cars like the SV6.
"The challenge for us will be showing people just how good the new four cylinder engine is. There's more to Commodore than what's been traditionally known."
Holden's lead dynamic engineer Rob Trubiani, who developed the acclaimed local Commodore range, acknowledged the imported model is a very different proposition. But he has been part of the local development team that has driven more than 100,000km in Australia to tailor it to local roads and tastes and believes it can win over potential customers.
"The next-gen Commodore VXR offers a different execution of performance to the outgoing SS but make no mistake, this is a more than worthy successor," Trubiani said. "We've been involved in the development of this car from the beginning and I personally have spent significant time behind the wheel overseas and at Holden's Lang Lang proving ground."
Poppitt also teased V8 Holden fans with another reference to Holden's mooted "two-door sports car", hinting it will fill the void left by the Commodore SS if the VXR doesn't. The 'Holden sports car' was first cryptically announced by GM International boss Stefan Jacoby at the 2015 Detroit motor show but since then the brand has refused to reveal any further details, but speculation suggests it will be either the Chevrolet Camaro or Corvette; or potentially both will come down under in future generations.
"Let's not forget that at some time in the not too distant future there will be a sports car," Poppitt said. "The sports car is so important to us."
But he didn't give any further details on the project.
The VXR will launch with the Commodore sedan and wagon in the first quarter of 2018, with the Subaru Outback-rivaling Tourer due later in the year.
2018 Holden Commodore VXR price and specification
On sale: Q1 2018
Price: TBA
Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrol
Power: 235kW
Torque: 381Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: TBA
14 Comments
DanMan82 | 2017-07-19 21:46:32
But I thought all traditional fair dinkum commodore and falcon owners would have rushed out and bought a Kia Stinger by the time this is released?
Honest but a bit trolly | 2017-07-19 23:11:03
The challenge for us will be showing people just how good the new four cylinder engine is. There's more to Commodore than what's been traditionally known. No, the challenge will be explaining why the flagship model has a 235kw v6 with less power than a raft of four cylinder hot hatches even though it'll probably weigh half a tonne more
Ian Smith | 2017-07-19 23:27:14
... VXR? a MOST unfortunate choice of badge. The current Insignia VXR (yes it is still in the showrooms!) is a big bucket of poo, a truly awful vehicle! I got lent one a few weeks ago for a couple of days while my Commodore got some warranty repairs.. and oh dear. Poor paint, bad interior, the WORST auto gearbox I have ever seen in a modern car, no wonder Holden could not shift it. And ASTRA VXR???... even HSV gave up on that one. Who actually bought one? And now? some lazy Holden marketing person has decided to mark the new so called sporty Holden (from Opel) ...a VXR. BAD CHOICE THERE!
Mr Majestyk | 2017-07-20 03:00:13
Temporary flagship at best. Don't worry performance is coming, but if it doesn't, Kia and Hyundai have you covered and Holden can rot on the vine
Boo | 2017-07-20 06:06:46
This high output V6 will come in handy when the Federal Govt. builds a new Autobahn. With our compromised roads a V8 was arguably more about the sound and feel rather than outright speed. The other issue - everyone I have spoken to who has experienced Insignia in Europe says they are seen there as a cheap and cheerful car with quality to match. Combine that with what will inevitably be a stiff price here and they don't have this buyer on the hook yet anyway.
parishiltons Boo | 2017-07-21 02:46:36
Looks way more modern and better finished that the old Commodore, but as Boo says, it is not up to the same standard as say, a Passat.
| 2017-07-20 06:24:08
@ Honest but a bit trolly - what four cylinder hot hatches have 235kW? None that I know of. And I'd be very, very surprised if the Commodore VXR was heavier at all than something like a Golf R or AMG A45, which come closest. An A45 auto is 1555kg, which is less than 100kg lighter than the current VF SV6. Given that Holden are saying the NG model will be 200-300kg lighter, the VXR should be lighter than the A45. But let's not let the facts get in the way of a good sook. @ Ian Smith - Given that there are currently 17 HSV VXRs, 19 Holden Astra VXRs and 12 Opel Astra OPCs for sale on CarSales, obviously quite a few people bought them. As they explain, the VXR name is established and your opinion of the Insignia goes against every one I have read elsewhere.
Honest but a bit trolly | 2017-07-20 07:03:07
Since you named one of the hatches in your 'question' I'm going to assume that you were being rhetorical for some, strange, reason
yarpos | 2017-07-31 23:20:55
Love the tortured weight estimate rational :-) AWD comes with weight, it will need all of that power. Happy to wait until they release the specs.
Steve 0 | 2017-07-21 03:53:42
Just give us the Camaro. Not interested in some V6 ugly four door boringmobile.
stevecro Steve 0 | 2017-07-31 10:44:29
yes, because everyone who wants a higher end type Commodore repalcement will realize they really need a 2 door for the family
DJM61 | 2017-07-21 07:34:21
I suspect this will a great car that very few will buy. This should be sold as very European.
2ontrack | 2017-07-22 14:15:48
Temporary until the French owned Opel start changing their models to French designs and drop the V6
stevecro | 2017-07-31 10:42:48
@ Steve O: yes sure, because everyone who wanted a high end Commodore will decide they really need 2 doors - doh