Wednesday, November 20, 2013

HOLDEN VF COMMODORE NAMED BEST LARGE CAR IN AUSTRALIA

Holden’s VF Commodore has been named the ‘Best Large Car Under $60,000’ in Australia’s Best Car awards, announced today by the RAA.

Following a rigorous evaluation of back-to-back driving tests on a variety of surfaces and conditions in an exhaustive, week-long process, the VF Commodore came out on top.  

The VF Commodore performed consistently high in all assessment areas including value for money, design and function and on-road ability. 

ABC Chief Judge and RAA Senior Manager Mobility & Automotive Policy, Mark Borlace said it was good to see a locally produced car win a category of the Australia’s Best Cars awards.

“The VF Commodore is arguably the ultimate evolution of the range which began in 1978. It’s little wonder then, that the volume selling SV6 sedan is our 2013 Australia’s Best Large Car Under $60,000,” said Mr Borlace.

“The VF earned a class-leading score for ergonomics and finished equal top for warranty/dealer access, safety, environment, build/finish quality, performance, handling and braking.

Executive Director of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, Philip Brook said the award was fantastic acknowledgment of the hard work and passion that went into creating the new VF Commodore.

“The VF Commodore is the most technologically advanced car ever created in Australia and something that everyone at Holden is incredibly proud of.

“This award is recognition for the talent, time and effort we put into creating this world class vehicle. “VF Commodore was about making a great car even better. More technology, greater functionality, additional safety, new features, value for money and an exceptional drive experience. And we believe that’s exactly what we delivered.”

 Australia’s Best Cars is an independent consumer focused vehicle testing and award program presented by the Australian Automobile Association, on behalf of Australia’s Motoring Clubs.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

What I was born to do...

We love Bathurst and watch it every year - Man Vs Mountain. This video is everything we feel about Mount Panorama and the mighty men and women who race there. Go #Holden - and be safe out there.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Plan YOUR The Great Escape - Beecham Holden


The Great Escape - Beecham Holden Salesman Colin daydreams about Escaping in the beautiful new Holden VF Calais V

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Holden VF Ute Conquers The Green Hell!

• VF SS V Redline Ute posts 8m 19.47sec lap at Nürburgring; sets world record for a commercial and utility vehicle* 
 • Holden Vehicle Dynamics Engineer, Rob Trubiani behind the wheel 
 • Record lap forms basis of new VF Ute advertising campaign Holden’s new VF SS V Redline Ute has proven itself Australia’s ultimate sports machine and a world-beating performance car by setting a world-record lap* at the toughest racetrack on the planet – the famous Nürburgring in Germany. 

With Holden Dynamics Engineer, Rob Trubiani, at the wheel of the VF SS V Redline Ute the Australian performance icon posted a sizzling 8m 19.47sec lap – faster than many exotic sports cars costing several times more than the Ute.

“We came up with a plan to tackle the Nürburgring and break the world record for a commercial or utility vehicle but when we did our research it seemed one didn’t exist, so we decided to set a record instead!” said Mr Trubiani. “Without a lap record to break, we sat down and calculated what we thought the Ute could do and targeted around 8min 30sec. Initial practice sessions at the track confirmed that was a stretch target so that’s what we aimed for.

To slash 11 seconds from that time with an 8m 19.47sec lap was incredible. There may not have been a utility-vehicle record before but I’m proud to say the VF SS V Redline Ute is now the Nürburgring benchmark!”

 This lap time was set during a full run of the Nordschleife section of the Nürburgring, a total of 20.8km. The pinnacle of Holden’s performance range, the SS V Redline range (available as a sedan, Sportwagon and Ute) has been specifically designed and tuned to maximise the three fundamentals of vehicle performance: Go, Stop and Turn. SS V Redline models are equipped with unique, ultra-sports tuned FE3 suspension, along with the widest wheels and tyres ever fitted to a mainstream Holden and the first ‘split’ front and rear tyre arrangement.

The SS V Redline split combination of 19x8.5-inch front wheels with 245/40/R19 ultra high-performance tyres and larger 19x9-inch rear wheels with 275/35/R19 ultra high-performance tyres emphasises its track-ready credentials. The SS V Redline chassis and suspension set-up includes new spring and damper tunes front and rear, larger stabiliser bars and stiffened suspension bushes. Brakes are track-tested, including front Brembo disc brakes utilising four-piston callipers. Rob Trubiani was accompanied to the ‘Ring in April by Holden technician Michael (‘Turbo’) Cutajar to achieve the world-record mission.

Michael is employed at Holden’s Proving Ground in Lang Lang, Victoria. The program was conducted during the ‘Industry Pool’ days, during which the track is shut to the public and manufacturers have exclusive access. “For any car enthusiast the Nürburgring is like the Holy Grail. It’s the toughest, craziest, most demanding race track in the world and for the Ute to handle everything that was thrown at it and set the time we did shows what an exceptional vehicle it is,” said Mr Trubiani. “The Nordschleife section of the ‘Ring is the ultimate test of man and machine. It’s 20.8km long and has more than 170 corners with huge elevation changes and multiple surfaces – there is no tougher test for a car and its dynamics.

If a vehicle can handle The Green Hell it can handle anything and proves yet again that Holden’s testing and development processes produce world-class cars with world-class handling.” “Being surrounded by mostly European manufacturers at the industry days, the Ute really stood out and I was getting plenty of thumbs up. Plus a few of the more expensive European cars on the track got a shock as this red Aussie Ute flew past them!” continued Mr Trubiani. “The VF Commodore can mix it with Europe’s best. The advanced technology, performance focus and attention to detail makes the SS V Redline Ute a bonafide track-capable sports machine. Right down to the Head-Up Display which can project lateral G readings onto the windscreen along with a tachometer displaying graduating shift lights – this car was born for the track. “The Ute was simply awesome to drive on the Nürburgring. When it comes to Go, Stop and Turn the SS V Redline is the ultimate Holden.

The redesigned suspension, the electric power-steering system, strategic weight reduction in key areas like the aluminium bonnet and countless other engineering upgrades has elevated the VF to a new dynamic level. Driving the SS V Redline Ute at the ‘Ring has been the highlight of my career,” said Mr Trubiani. The SS V Redline Ute that set the lap time was a product-correct engineering test vehicle that was being used in Europe for validation purposes before taking on The Green Hell. Stock standard apart from a small amount of additional negative camber dialled into the front wheels (although still within production tolerances) and the removal of the speed limiter, the Ute ran flawlessly for seven days and 35 gruelling laps in total. The only components that required changing during the entire program were tyres and brakes, a testament to the robust engineering of the VF Commodore range.

“We took a standard six-speed automatic VF SS V Redline Ute and subjected it to 35 laps and more than 720 kilometres of intense punishment at the Nürburgring and the car didn’t skip a beat; it soaked it all up and set a hugely impressive lap time,” said Andrew Holmes, Program Engineering Manager for VF. “We completed almost 3.3 million kilometres of testing during development of the VF and it’s a reflection of the uncompromising and world-class engineering that has gone into the new Commodore.

It’s something everyone is very proud of and shows the world what the Holden team is capable of. For the SS V Redline range we wanted to push the handling envelope to create the ultimate sports machine and the lap time certainly proves we’ve done that.”

“The VF Commodore really is the best car Holden has ever built and the most advanced car ever created in this country,” continued Mr Holmes.

Mark Reuss, President of General Motors North America and former Managing Director of Holden, also drove the SS V Redline Ute at the Nürburgring and described the Australian icon as: “Spectacular. The steering system is one of the best I’ve ever driven – a perfect balance with real track capability.”

The lap record at the Nürburgring also forms the basis for the new VF Ute advertising campaign.

For video of the full lap, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and to download the World Record Ute mobile game visit: http://www.holden.com.au/worldrecordute

About Robert Trubiani: Rob is a Vehicle Dynamics Engineer with Holden and the company’s premier test driver. Rob is the only Holden employee who is currently certified as a Nürburgring Industry Pool Driver and is one of only 21 employees across Holden and General Motors North America who holds this certification. The VF Redline Ute World Record was Rob’s third time driving at the ‘Ring and he has completed more than 150 laps of the world’s toughest racetrack. Rob started at Holden in 1996 as a Chassis Development Engineer and has worked on every Commodore program from VT through to the current VF. Rob also led development of the dynamics tune for the Chevrolet Camaro, based on the Holden-developed Zeta platform underpinning VE and VF Commodore. For the VF program, Rob led development of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, all FE2 and FE3 suspension tunes and tyre development. World Record Holden VF SS V Redline Ute Specifications: • VF SS V Redline Ute • 6.0L 90-degree OHV V8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology • 6-speed automatic transmission • 260kW @ 5600rpm • 517Nm @ 4400rpm • FE3 ultra-sports tuned suspension • Brembo® front disc brakes • Forged 19 inch alloy wheels • 245/40 R19 (Front) & 275/35 R19 (Rear) Ultra High Performance Tyres • Colour Head-Up Display • Electric Power Steering with selectable Competitive mode tune • Forward Collision Alert • Lane Departure Warning *Well, we’re claiming it anyway. VF Ute is certified by the Australian Government (DOTARS) as Class NA – Light Goods Vehicle.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

2013 Holden TVC -- Think now. Think Tomorrow. Think Holden.

There are over 60 car brands in Australia today. Only one was born here. Think now. Think Tomorrow. Think Holden. For more information: http://www.holden.com.au/thinkholden

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

VF Commodore, WN Caprice Gain Five Star Safety



Holden’s highly-anticipated VF Commodore and WN Caprice range has been awarded a maximum five star ANCAP safety rating just weeks before it officially arrives in Australian showrooms.



The five star rating applies to every new Commodore sedan, Sportwagon and Ute and long wheel base Caprice variant.

From the entry level Evoke sedan to the flagship Caprice V, every VF and WN variant is comprehensively equipped with advanced safety technology features including Auto Park Assist, rear view camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Holden also makes available Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Alert, Reverse Traffic Alert and Head-Up Display across a range of models.

This is in addition to the long list of standard safety features on Commodore and Caprice including front driver and passenger airbags, side curtain and new pelvis/thorax side impact airbags, Electronic Stability Control with ABS, EBD, EBA and TCS, rear seat belt reminder that alerts the driver if the rear seats are unbuckled in transit, and flashing emergency stop lights. 

Furthermore, all Commodore sedan, Sportwagon and Caprice models are equipped with three ISOFIX child seat anchorage points across the back row.

Holden makes this globally proven child seat safety technology available to Australian families by offering the latest ISOFIX anchorage system ahead of the technology’s official approval by Standards Australia.  ISOFIX is an international system for attaching child restraints to vehicles that assists in correct seat fitment. 

Holden’s Manager for Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration, Steve Curtis said achieving ANCAP’s five star safety rating reinforces Holden’s strong commitment to making safety accessible to all Australians.
“We worked extremely hard to advance every key safety metric across the new Commodore and Caprice range,” he said.

“Commodore is a popular family car, but what most large cars haven’t been able to offer before is three ISOFIX fastenings across the back seat. 

“Research suggests around 70 per cent of conventional Australian child safety seats are fitted incorrectly, which means ISOFIX technology will become an important feature for families with young children.”

For more information on Holden visit: www.media.holden.com.au or www.autonews.net.au

Holden’s highly-anticipated VF Commodore and WN Caprice range has been awarded a maximum five star ANCAP safety rating just weeks before it officially arrives in Australian showrooms.
The five star rating applies to every new Commodore sedan, Sportwagon and Ute and long wheel base Caprice variant.

From the entry level Evoke sedan to the flagship Caprice V, every VF and WN variant is comprehensively equipped with advanced safety technology features including Auto Park Assist, rear view camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Holden also makes available Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Alert, Reverse Traffic Alert and Head-Up Display across a range of models.

This is in addition to the long list of standard safety features on Commodore and Caprice including front driver and passenger airbags, side curtain and new pelvis/thorax side impact airbags, Electronic Stability Control with ABS, EBD, EBA and TCS, rear seat belt reminder that alerts the driver if the rear seats are unbuckled in transit, and flashing emergency stop lights. 

Furthermore, all Commodore sedan, Sportwagon and Caprice models are equipped with three ISOFIX child seat anchorage points across the back row.

Holden makes this globally proven child seat safety technology available to Australian families by offering the latest ISOFIX anchorage system ahead of the technology’s official approval by Standards Australia.  ISOFIX is an international system for attaching child restraints to vehicles that assists in correct seat fitment. 

Holden’s Manager for Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration, Steve Curtis said achieving ANCAP’s five star safety rating reinforces Holden’s strong commitment to making safety accessible to all Australians.
“We worked extremely hard to advance every key safety metric across the new Commodore and Caprice range,” he said.

“Commodore is a popular family car, but what most large cars haven’t been able to offer before is three ISOFIX fastenings across the back seat. 

“Research suggests around 70 per cent of conventional Australian child safety seats are fitted incorrectly, which means ISOFIX technology will become an important feature for families with young children.”

For more information on Holden visit: www.media.holden.com.au or www.autonews.net.au

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

New Holden Caprice: Luxury Lives Large



  • World-class technology and luxury features added to Caprice range
  • RRPs for Caprice and Caprice V reduced by $10,000
  • All-new rear seat entertainment in Caprice V
Holden has added cutting-edge technology and luxury appointments to its long wheel base Caprice and Caprice V models and rolled back recommended retail prices by $10,000.




The Caprice range boasts a completely redesigned interior and Holden’s new generation advanced technology and is offered in two powertrains.
The range-topping Caprice V benefits from Holden’s famous V8 performance with a 6.0-litre engine and is available at an RRP of just $59,990 – tremendous value for a model that epitomizes large car luxury.
Meanwhile, Caprice is powered by Holden’s seamless 3.6L LPG V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and has a new RRP of just $54,990. Caprice features new premium leather front seats, new 18 inch alloy wheels and chrome exterior detail.
Caprice features world-class technology including:
  • Sensor key technology with passive entry and push button start,
  • Satellite navigation with full colour mapping and live traffic updates,
  • An eight-inch, high-resolution colour touch screen with Holden’s MyLink app-embedded technology including enhanced voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free integration* and
  • Full iPod® integration and Pandora® and Stitcher SmartRadio™ built-in apps.
Caprice models also boast important new safety and vehicle technology advances including:
  • Auto Park Assist for parallel and right angle parking
  • Reverse Traffic Alert
  • Blind Spot Alert
  • Front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera
  • Electric park brake with automatic release
  • Hill Hold Control, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control
  • Remote vehicle start
Caprice V is powered by the Gen IV 6.0L V8 petrol engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and has a new RRP of just $59,990.
Caprice V features an all-new rear seat entertainment system with remote control, DVD, AUX input and dual channel wireless headphones.
Caprice V also adds the following features over Caprice:
  • Forward Collision Alert,
  • Lane Departure Warning,
  • Colour Head-Up Display,
  • Deluxe leather front and rear bucket seats,
  • New 19 inch alloy wheels (4) and quad exhaust outlets,
  • Leather wrap sports profile steering wheel,
  • Bose® premium nine speaker audio system and
  • Electric sunroof.
Holden Executive Director of Sales and Marketing, Philip Brook, said Caprice represented exceptional value in the upper large car segment.
“We think we’ve made a smart investment in our long wheel base models. Caprice has always been an extremely well designed, well-proportioned large car and the all new interior is particularly important to customers in this segment,” he said.
“Caprice has a smart powertrain combination with the 3.6L LPG offering great fuel economy in a luxurious limousine style package and Caprice V with great V8 performance and family car practicality.
“Holden has added the features and advanced technology that customers would only expect from prestige brands to Australia’s own large luxury car – and we’ve made Caprice available with an RRP under $60,000 for the first time.”

For more information on Holden visit: www.media.holden.com.au or www.autonews.net.au

New Holden VF Ute: More Safety, More Technology, More Value



  • Brawn and brains make Holden Ute the ultimate Aussie sports machine
  • Holden reduces RRPs and adds value to every Ute in the range
  • Auto Park Assist and rear view camera standard on every model


​Holden has added cutting-edge technology and features to its famous Ute and reduced recommended retail prices (RRP) by up to $5,500 across the range.




The range-opening, 3.6L SIDI V6 automatic Holden Ute has a new RRP of just $32,990, down $2,500, and comes standard with the premium features Holden has introduced across the VF range including Auto Park Assist, front and rear parking sensors, remote vehicle start (automatic models only) and a rear view camera.
VF Ute also comes standard with the class-leading Holden MyLink infotainment system. With an eight-inch, high-resolution colour touch screen, MyLink features enhanced voice recognition, full iPod® integration including Siri Eyes Free integration* and embedded app technology including Pandora® and Stitcher SmartRadio™.
Holden has rolled out its new VF vehicle technology, including electric park brake with automatic release, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and
remote vehicle start (automatic transmission only), across every model in the Ute range.
Holden Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Philip Brook, said VF’s stunning design and technology made the Holden Ute anything but utilitarian.
“VF offers the sort of world-class user technology that will redefine what it means to drive a ‘tool of trade’ vehicle. The Ute is so much more than its humble beginnings - it’s become an incredible vehicle by any definition,” he said.
“For performance lovers the Ute has become Holden’s ultimate two-door sports machine with half of our Ute customers choosing a V8 model. VF Ute offers more of what people want – great performance, luxury features and the latest safety technology – and red hot prices across the range.” 
The first sports model in the Ute range is the SV6 manual with an RRP of $32,990.  Standard with a manual transmission, SV6 is also powered by the 3.6L SIDI V6 with significantly more features and a price rollback of $5,500.
SV6 gains the following features over the highly specified range opening Holden Ute:
  • Blind Spot Alert,
  • Reverse Traffic Alert,
  • FE2 sports suspension,
  • 18 inch alloy wheels and chrome exhaust tip,
  • limited slip differential (manual only),
  • exterior sports styling and sports seats,
  • projector headlamps, LED daylight running lights and
  • soft tonneau cover.
With the same features and technology, the famous SS Ute adds the powerful 6.0L Gen IV V8 engine and comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. The new RRP for the manual SS Ute is $38,990, down $3,500 on the previous model.
Mr Brook said Holden had created a logical walk up for the Ute sport range, from SS to the coveted SS V-Series, which mirrored the sedan and Sportwagon line-up.
“We’ve reduced the new RRP for SS V-Series by $5,000 to $42,490. Which means for just $3,500, customers can add new 19 inch alloys, leather appointed seats, satellite navigation, colour multi-function driver information display and passive entry sensor key technology with push button start,” he said.
At the top of the performance table sits SS V Redline. Holden has added a significant number of advanced new technological features, yet still reduced the RRP for the manual SS V Redline Ute by $1,500 to $48,490.
In addition to the SS V-Series features, Redline adds Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Head-up Display driver safety technology. Redline also adds the  updated sports-tuned FE3 suspension package, Brembo® brakes, forged 19 inch alloys as well as wider rear wheels for extra traction and competition mode with launch control and track settings.
“We’re so proud of the Holden engineering work across the VF range, but particularly on our Redline models. Commodore’s ground breaking technology and our upgraded Redline suspension will absolutely make the new SS V Redline Ute our ultimate Australian sports machine,” Mr Brook said. 
Holden dealers can now take orders for VF Ute models with the start of production later this month.

For more information on Holden visit: www.media.holden.com.au or www.autonews.net.au