Holden Commodore in disguise

main, the reduced exterior dimensions are recouped by smarter packaging which includes generous rear legroom.

In terms of Australian input into the Commodore there has been Holden involvement since the start of the programme five years ago.

The design team has collaborated with GMdesign centres on the styling of the fivedoor and wagon. Holden engineers are participating in Nurburgring chassis testing and in the “buy- off” WE WERE DRIVEN AROUND A GRAVEL TEST LOOP AT NEARRALLY PACE BY OPEL ENGINEER ANDREAS LILJEKVIST TO SHOWCASE THE ALL- WHEEL- DRIVE CAPABILITY rides in Europe and Australia where progress is evaluated and decisions made on specification.

The primary work being carried out at Lang Lang is suspension tuning and calibration of the electric power steering, stability control and traction control systems for Australasian conditions along with work on noise, vibration and harshness.

Lang Lang’s lumpy ride and handling course showed off

settled suspension response and consistent steering feel which point to a solid basis for the Holden engineers to carry out the local development work that has recently delivered accomplished products as diverse as the fun- to- drive Spark small car and a greatly improved Colorado utility line- up. In the V6 AWDguise, the prototypes point to a high- tech Commodore combining sportssedan character with sophistication that will capture interest from SV6 and Calais owners. Of course the biggest talking point in the months to come will be whether a frontwheel- drive car with a four- cylinder engine can carry the weight of Commodore expectations at the entry level. And, for the meantime, there aren’t even any 65 per cent complete pointers that begin answering that question.