- Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Sedan, Performance, Holden, Australia
While the Holden Commodore VE had a rather short visit to the U.S. in the form of the Pontiac G8, it's still in production Down Under - and still a worthy platform for hotted-up special editions. This one comes from none other than Holden Dealer Team, the revived tuner once owned by Aussie racing legend Peter Brock.
The theme here is a time machine tribute to the 1986 Holden Commodore VL Group A Plus Pack, the car that led to Brock famously severing his ties with Holden. The row was the result of Brock's insistence in fitting an "Energy Polarizer" to the Plus Pack cars, a device containing crystals and magnets that the new age race driver claimed improved the performance of the cars through a process of molecular realignment.
Well, not only has the VL-series Group A look come back, but so too has the Energy Polarizer, one of which will be fitted to all 250 of the HDT VL Group A Plus Pack Heritage Series cars. Perhaps more importantly, these special HDT Commodores will receive a 470-horsepower, supercharged 6.0-liter LS V8. Other kit includes a Bilstein suspension package, complete body kit including hood scoop, Harrop performance braking package, 20-inch wheels, and a customized interior.Holden Dealer Team brings out VE Retro Commodore originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Coupe, Etc., Holden, Australia
Holden has resurrected the company's ground-breaking 1969 Hurricane Concept with a complete restoration. The low-slung, mid-engine coupe served as a showcase for technology that wouldn't find its way into production vehicles for almost three decades, including a turn-by-turn navigation system, automatic climate control and a rear-view camera. At the time, engineers relied on genuine ingenuity to load the Hurricane with equal parts performance and technology. The navigation system relied on magnets embedded in the road surface to illuminate a series of arrows on the dash while the rear-view camera borrowed from closed-circuit TV.
A group of dedicated Holden workers took it upon themselves to put the Hurricane back in working order using as many original parts as possible. That includes the experimental four-barrel 253ci V8 mounted mid-ship. Holden eventually used the design as the platform for its small-displacement V8 effort, which began later in '69, though as GM points out, the V8s wouldn't receive the four-barrel treatment until much later in the '70s.
Holden has been working to restore the Hurricane since 2006, and now that it's finished, the concept will be on display at the Motorclassica Car Show in Melbourne from October 21-23. Follow the jump for a quick video on the car as well as the press release.Continue reading Holden restores its first ever concept car, the 1969 Hurricane [w/video]
Holden restores its first ever concept car, the 1969 Hurricane [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Holden, Australia, Racing
Australian V8 Supercar races are coming to the U.S. in 2013, and here's another look at what you might be able to expect at the end of six hours of racing.
This time, rookie veteran Garth Tander, who shared race duties with rookie Nick Percat, in a ragged Holden has to hold off veteran Craig Lowndes in a slightly better car if Tander is going to win, and... well, you'll just have to flip past the jump for the last few laps to find out. If you like racing at all, it'll be worth it.Continue reading Final lap of Bathurst race is definitely worth watching
Final lap of Bathurst race is definitely worth watching originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Holden, Australia, Celebrities, Humor
Darrell Waltrip is no stranger to going fast. After all, he's got three Winston Cups to his name and 84 race wins at the pinnacle of stock car racing.
But you see, he's used to driving. On ovals. So when they flew him Down Under as part of Speed's coverage of the Bathurst 1000 - one of the most recognizable events in the V8 Supercars series - he got an entirely different perspective: one from the passenger seat, riding shotgun in a Holden Commodore around the Mount Panorama circuit. We'll let the video after the jump for itself, but suffice it to say Waltrip had the ride of his life.Continue reading NASCAR great Darrell Waltrip gets the ride of his life in V8 Supercar at Bathurst, Australia
NASCAR great Darrell Waltrip gets the ride of his life in V8 Supercar at Bathurst, Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Etc., Chevrolet, GM, Holden
General Motors has been fairly tight-lipped about whether or not we'll see the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado here in the Land Of The Free. Right now, most signs point to "no." That's a real shame, too, given that the new mid-sized pickup packs what appears to be an efficient and powerful 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine and some snappy styling. That's the kind of combination that could make us miss the new global Ford Ranger all the less. Regardless of whether or not the new Colorado makes it to our back yard, the truck promises to bring buyers elsewhere in the world the capability they want in a convenient package.
A keen-eyed member of Asian forum BBZnet has managed to snap a few quick shots of what appears to be a production version of the pickup. The vehicle has lost the integrated rear bumper of the concept as well as its large 20-inch wheels, but remains fairly true to the original design otherwise. Head over to the BBZnet for more photos.Chevrolet Colorado successor spied almost completely camo-free originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Truck, Videos, Holden, Australia
Holden Colorado - Click above to watch the video after the jump
The next generation Chevrolet Colorado hasn't been announced for the U.S. just yet (and we're not holding out much hope for its arrival, either), but the sharp-looking truck will be heading to Thailand later this year. In fact, the overhauled pickup, which will reportedly feature a 2.8-liter diesel at launch, will likely make its way into several markets around the world, including Australia. The only real difference is that the Chevrolet Bowtie will be replaced with Holden badging.
Beyond the jump is a four-minute video that shows how the Colorado went from design to show truck. It's always interesting to see all that goes into designing a new vehicle, and this video includes all computerized design, clay modeling and last-minute detailing you'll ever need to see. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.Continue reading GM design gives a sneak peek into birth of Holden Colorado pickup concept
GM design gives a sneak peek into birth of Holden Colorado pickup concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Truck, Hatchback, GM, Misc. Auto Shows, Holden, Australia
2012 Holden Colorado - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's winter time in the land down under, and General Motors has arrived at the 2011 Melbourne Motor Show with a handful of new Holden models. Australians will soon see the 2012 Holden Colorado, 2012 Barina and 2011 Cruze Hatch arriving on dealer lots.
The Australian Colorado gets buff body lines and stylish LED running lamps in the bumper (at least on premium trims). Holden's Sonic, known in Oz as the Barina, is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (we get 1.4 or 1.8-liter engines in the States), which can be paired with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Finally, the 2011 Holden Cruze Hatch is the five-door we would love to see arrive stateside wearing a Bowtie.
The Holden Cruze Hatch has already hit UK and Korean showrooms in its Chevrolet guise. The diesel-powered Holden Colorado goes on sale next year. Expect the Barina to arrive towards the end of 2011.
Dive into all three Holden vehicles by clicking past the jump for the full press release on each. Also, be sure to look through the galleries below.Continue reading Holden reveals own versions of Chevy Colorado, Sonic and Cruze hatch
Holden reveals own versions of Chevy Colorado, Sonic and Cruze hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Holden, Australia
Holden Malibu - Click above for high-res image gallery
While GM's once-vast array of worldwide brands operated as separate units in the past, in today's global economy they've all got intertwining roles. Case in point: the new Chevy Malibu.
The new mid-sized sedan is being prepared for its global rollout, but before it is, GM needs to prepare it for the wide variety of different road surfaces encountered in overseas markets. So it's turned to its Australian subsidiary, Holden, to help fine-tune the chassis.
The work is being undertaken at Holden's Lang Land Proving Ground in Victoria, Australia, and along public roads in places like the coastal resort town of Phillip Island, where the car is pictured above.
Of course this won't be the first time Holden has been called upon to help with global products; its chassis have been exported on such products as the Pontiac G8 and GTO, Vauxhall VXR8 and Chevrolet Camaro. But lest you think it's all give and no take for the Australian marque, the Malibu will be sold Down Under as a Holden, as opposed to the Chevrolet bow-tie it will wear in North America and other markets. The press release is posted after the jump.Continue reading GM is be-Holden to Australian unit for global Malibu development
GM is be-Holden to Australian unit for global Malibu development originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Videos, Holden, Australia, Racing
Karl Reindler's crash at Barbagallo - Click above to view video after the jump
Today's round of the Australian V8 Supercar series at Barbagallo didn't even get to the first corner before a massive accident brought out the caution. When the green flag waved, driver Karl Reindler stalled his Holden Commodore and was rammed from behind by Steve Owen. Owen had already accelerated to almost 95 mph by the time he came into contact with Reindler.
The enormous impact was enough to make Reindler's Holden explode into flames, and sent both parties spinning into the infield. Luckily, Reindler was able to find his own way out of his stricken Holden, and somehow escaped with only minor burns to his hands and face. Owen was unharmed in the wreck, though officials sent him to the infield medical center after he complained of soreness. After a 95-0 impact, we'd say that much is expected. Hop over the jump to see the video for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Anthony Mark!
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Terrifying V8 Supercar crash on the grid at Barbagallo
Terrifying V8 Supercar crash on the grid at Barbagallo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 May 2011 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Chevrolet, GM, Holden
2011 Holden Commodore SSV - Click above for high-res image gallery
With General Motors' cash flow back to reasonable levels, the company is re-evaluating its position on Australian-built Zeta rockets like the Holden Commodore. The last one we had on our shores was the much-lamented Pontiac G8, which was essentially a Commodore with a new set of badges.
With the success of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, GM has reportedly okay'd the development of a new Zeta sedan for the American market. According to reports, it's slated to debut in early 2013 as a 2014 model, concurrent with the introduction of the redesigned Holden Commodore. Particular details, such as engine size, transmission options and horsepower figures are as yet unavailable. That said, a pushrod small block in the neighborhood of 430 horsepower probably isn't too far off the mark.
The rumor gets juicier, and a tad more unbelievable, with the revelation that a sport wagon and Ute version of the car are coming as well. The ute, if it happens, will debut around the same time as the sedan, with the sport wagon arriving later in 2013.
[Source: GM Inside News]Report: Holden Commodore coming to U.S. as Chevrolet SS sedan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Holden, Australia, Racing
Jenson Button laps Bathurst - Click above to view video after the jump
Jenson Button has become the first person to ever run an F1 car around Australia's legendary Mount Panorama Bathurst circuit. In an event organized by Vodafone, Button and Australian V8 Supercar driver Craig Lowndes traded laps in a 2008 McLaren MP4-23 car.
Button went out first and ran five laps of the circuit, clocking a best lap of 1:48 before coming in and giving Lowndes a turn. Lowndes' laps made him the first Australian to ever take an F1 car around Bathurst, beating Australian F1 superstar Mark Webber to the punch. Lowndes' best lap was a 1:49.
Click past the jump to see a video of Lowdes and Button's F1 laps, and some hot laps from Lowndes' Holden Commodore supercar.
[Source: YouTube via V8Supercars]Continue reading Jenson Button becomes first to run Bathurst in an F1 car [w/video]
Jenson Button becomes first to run Bathurst in an F1 car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Holden, Australia, Diesel
2011 Holden Series II Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery
Holden has unveiled the Holden Series II Cruze, the latest edition of its locally-built compact car. If the name and face look familiar, that's because the Holden is nearly identical to our good ol' American Chevrolet Cruze.
The Aussie version, however, gets a wider range of options, and some interesting versions we won't see Stateside. In particular, Australia will get two performance variants of its locally-built small car, the SRi and the SRi-V. There's also a 2.0-liter turbodiesel version available, which joins the 1.4-liter turbo and 1.8-liter naturally aspirated gas engines. Holden claims the diesel mill is good for 42 mpg, making the diesel Cruze the most fuel-efficient car built in Australia. The entire range meets strict Euro5 emissions standards.
The SRi-V is the top-dog Cruze in Australia. While it doesn't carry a much bigger punch than the others under the hood, it's loaded down gadgets and an complex infotainment system. The SRi-V sports keyless entry and start and remote key technology. The stereo has a 10-gig internal hard-drive, which Holden says will hang on to 2,000 of your favorite tracks.
Power is up across the range, starting with the 2.0-liter diesel, which now churns out a more impressive 160 horsepower and 265 pound feet of torque. The 1.4 turbo, which powers both the SRi and the SRi-V puts out just 138 horsepower, but has 147 pound-feet of torque available between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm.
Check out the differences for yourself in our massive high-res gallery below, or check out the official press release after the jump.
[Source: Holden]Continue reading Holden Series II Cruze checks in Down Under
Holden Series II Cruze checks in Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Crossover, Holden, Australia
Holden Captiva Series II - Click above for high-res image gallery
Holden has unveiled its Series II Captiva in both five and seven-passenger configurations, and the company says that buyers can now enjoy greater power and fuel economy thanks to a range of new and refreshed engines. The Captiva 7 (shown above) will come packing either a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel lump or the same 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 found in the nose of the company's Commodore. Likewise, the Captiva 5 will be able to take advantage of that same oil-burning engine in addition to the standard 2.4-liter gasoline four-pot. All three engines will be mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.
The Australian arm of General Motors has also gone about resculpting the Captiva 7's front fascia, and buyers can now choose between a total of three different wheel sizes from 17 to 19 inches. Meanwhile, the new Captiva 5 is only available with 17 inch rollers. Interestingly, the Captiva 5 retains a different look that's very close to that of the now-departed Saturn Vue.
Holden has also baked-in a new heap of standard equipment, including an MP3-compatable CD player with AUX input, Bluetooth hands-free calling and music streaming and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Hit the jump for the full press release and video.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading Holden Captiva gets big Series II update [w/video]
Holden Captiva gets big Series II update [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: GM, Holden, Australia, Rumormill
2011 Holden VE Series II Commodore - Click above for high-res image gallery
Since 1978, the Holden Commodore has been roaring across the land down under. It's worn a plethora of body styles ranging from coupe and sedan to wagon and ute, brought the Pontiac G8 to American soil and sold over 44,000 units last year in Australia. During its run, the Holden Commodore has been a rear-wheel drive vehicle, but new reports state that the front-engine/rear-drive layout may not be in the cards for much longer.
The next-generation Commodore is going to appear by 2015 and it's possible that General Motors may switch it to a front-wheel drive car. The goal is increased fuel-efficiency for GM's large cars and the front-wheel drive platforms are the ones set up to deliver the highest fuel efficiency.
The Holden Commodore could ride on the Super Epsilon II platform, which will also make its way into the next Chevrolet Impala and the upcoming Cadillac XTS. Sure, we understand why an automaker would look to make this change but it doesn't mean we have to like it. We prefer our Maltidas waltzing and our Commodores drifting.
[Source: Go Auto]Will the next Holden Commodore go front-wheel drive? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Truck, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia
Holden Commodore SS Ute Camaro Conversion - Click above for high-res image gallery
So you have a Holden Commodore SS Ute and, for some vexing reason, you want it to look more like the American-market Chevrolet Camaro. Well, we've got good news for you. An enterprising young soul from Victoria, Australia has worked up just such a kit. With new sheetmetal from the A-pillar forward and a custom Camaro nose cap, the end result is as close to a Camaro-meets-El-Camino mutation as you're likely to find. This particular example was spotted outside of a Nashville, Tennessee tuner.
We have to say that while the Commodore SS Ute is as handsome as can be right from the factory, the Camaro nose doesn't exactly do the car an injustice. There's no word on exactly how much the conversion kit will set you back, though with all of the appropriate pieces and sheetmetal, we'd be surprised if the final price tag were less than $5,000 - before paint. Worth it? That's a conversation you'll have to have with your wallet.
[Sources: Car Advice, Performance Street Car]Aussies build a Chevy El Camarino originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'HOLDEN' Category
Friday, February 25th, 2005
Posted in HOLDEN | No Comments »
Thursday, February 24th, 2005
Details info:
Type : sedan
Amount of the Doors : 4
The Place Seatings : 5
The Place Seatings макс. :
Sizes and mass : Mass, kgs : 1743
Type of the engine :
Preparation to air gas :
Design of the engine : V-образный
Наддув :
Amount cylinder : 8
Amount valve on cylinder :
Volume of the engine, sm3 :
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : 225 /
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines : 5200
Maximum turning moment, Nm : 460
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines : 4400
Class bad material :
Drive : back
Gearbox :
Amount of the issues :
Front springs :
Back springs :
Front brake :
Back brake :
Buses :
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. : 6.8
Maximum velocity, km/ch : 250
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km :
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km :
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km :
Volume of the tank, l. :
Type fuel :
Posted in HOLDEN | No Comments »
Thursday, February 24th, 2005
Posted in HOLDEN | No Comments »
Thursday, February 24th, 2005
Details info:
Type : sedan
Amount of the Doors : 4
The Place Seatings : 4
The Place Seatings макс. :
Sizes and mass : Mass, kgs : 1740
Type of the engine :
Preparation to air gas :
Design of the engine : V-образный
Наддув :
Amount cylinder : 8
Amount valve on cylinder :
Volume of the engine, sm3 : 5700
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : / 300
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines :
Maximum turning moment, Nm : 446
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines :
Class bad material :
Drive : back
Gearbox : automaticическая
Amount of the issues : 4
Front springs :
Back springs :
Front brake :
Back brake :
Buses :
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. : 7.0
Maximum velocity, km/ch : 245
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km :
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km :
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km :
Volume of the tank, l. :
Type fuel :
Posted in HOLDEN | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 23rd, 2005
Details info:
Type : sedan
Amount of the Doors : 4
The Place Seatings : 4
The Place Seatings макс. : 5
Sizes and mass : Mass, kgs : 1740
Type of the engine :
Preparation to air gas :
Design of the engine : V-образный
Наддув :
Amount cylinder : 8
Amount valve on cylinder :
Volume of the engine, sm3 : 5700
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : / 350
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines :
Maximum turning moment, Nm : 475
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines :
Class bad material :
Drive : back
Gearbox : automaticическая
Amount of the issues : 4
Front springs :
Back springs :
Front brake :
Back brake :
Buses :
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. : 6.3
Maximum velocity, km/ch : 260
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km :
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km :
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km :
Volume of the tank, l. :
Type fuel :
Posted in HOLDEN | No Comments »
