Official Pics of the Whole VE Commodore And WM Statesman range

[Red AH SRI T]

VE Commodre Omega
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/omega002L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/omega006L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/omega021L_m.jpg

VE Berlina
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/berlina031L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/berlina035L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/berlina042L_m.jpg

VE Calais
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/calais045L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/calais048L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/calais058L_m.jpg

VE Calias V
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/VE_Calais_V_031_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/VE_Calais_V_034_m.jpg


VE Commodore SV6
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/SV6094L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/SV6095L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/SV6108L_m.jpg

VE Commodore SS
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/SS116L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/SS117L_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/17/SS121L_m.jpg

VE Commodore SS V
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/VE_SS_V_001_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/VE_SS_V_005_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/VE_SS_V_019_m.jpg

[CJB]

Apart from it looking like a Falcon at the front, I think, this is the BEST Commodore they have come out with.

I personally like it very much :D

Is it true that after this Commodore they are importing from the US?

[Red AH SRI T]

WM Statesman:
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Statesman_083_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Statesman_082_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Statesman_084_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Statesman_086_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Statesman_085_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Statesman_090_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Statesman_088_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Statesman_087_m.jpg

WM Caprice
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Caprice_061_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Caprice_063_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Caprice_065_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Caprice_072_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Caprice_079_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Caprice_077_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Caprice_062_m.jpg
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/07/16/WM_Caprice_074_m.jpg

[Red AH SRI T]

damn u crispy, posting in between my posts :p

all this talk about commodores being imported into australia from other countries is bullsh!t

[oneightoo]

why does the base model omega get a screen and the ss doesnt???

[CJB]

damn u crispy, posting in between my posts :p



I'm quick :p

Like it very much, very very much. Having many ppl interested in them???

[Red AH SRI T]

why does the base model omega get a screen and the ss doesnt???

yes it does. Look closley, the Omega has a green screen and the SS's is red.

[oneightoo]

yeah the omega's screen in twice the size..

[Red AH SRI T]

yeah the omega's screen in twice the size..


oh god, all the big men driving their big SS's are going to want the big screen out of the Omega

[Shaun]

The SS dash reminds me of a Mazda 6 in sum ways. Would go for a SS-V so long as the interior wasnt in red.

[Red AH SRI T]

the SS V Interior shown is Actually in Ignition, Holden speak for Orange.

It will also be available in Red and Black

[JohnBu]

look good.. but i dunno it looks alittle too much like my astra turbo for my liking! haha

[rjastra]

Anyone notice the HIDs on the Caprice?

[Red AH SRI T]

yep, they are Xenons with Washers ;)

[oneightoo]

oh god, all the big men driving their big SS's are going to want the big screen out of the Omega
if im buying an ss, i'd want the bigger screen..

[Wraith]

Very, very nice, I too like it alot........

Front headlights do look a bit BA Falcon, but better.

Big wheel arches look hot, it's about time they made a come back.

Side on shots with with big arches and tail lights showing looks very much like an Audi.

If Holden do indeed do a 2 door coupe model, it'll be fantastic.

[mr_sikma]

they do look good!

the ss was spose to have some big double spoiler tho!??!?!

the wood grain bits looks very cheap and tacky

[Poogene2001]

Statesman has a bit of an S-class merc thing going on in the profile shot. Not a bad car to draw inspiration from if you ask me!

[pred8r]

the ss was spose to have some big double spoiler tho!??!?!


HSV stuff maybe?
If you can remove the crappy wood, therell prolly be dash kits soon. Either that or you could 'folia tec' it.

[entice]

i like the dash illumination!

[MatsHolden]

Love it. Looking forward to seeing one at the dealer. I'd definately go the SS-V looks more finished than the SS with highlights like the black tail lights etc. Although the Calais-V is looking pretty nice too! I do prefer the larger headlights on the Statesman, more true to the headlights on the TT36 Concept.

[pred8r]

I'd definately go the SS-V looks more finished than the SS with highlights like the black tail lights etc

and YOU are the customer they are aiming for with their marketing (down spec the ss and create a higher model to justify the price increase)

[jerrypufflewell]

I know it's old hat now but I swear I saw 2 VEs near murrumbateman yesterday... Thought it was exceedingly weird would anyone have bought any yet??

I personally like the look of all of them except the Calais- looks like it could hit me at 60 and all I would feel was cushiony softness :P

[MatsHolden]

and YOU are the customer they are aiming for with their marketing (down spec the ss and create a higher model to justify the price increase)

Doesn't worry me if i'm getting the better finished package. The SS basically takes place of the SV8 and SS-V taking place of the SS. So people who previously bought the SS will naturally buy the SS-V. Anyway I won't have to worry for quite a few years yet before I look at a Commodore lol.

[MatsHolden]

I know it's old hat now but I swear I saw 2 VEs near murrumbateman yesterday... Thought it was exceedingly weird would anyone have bought any yet??


Not on sale yet. But that's not to say it wasn't a mule but with it's covers removed, being driven by Holden staff doing final testing.

[jerrypufflewell]

That's what I thought when I saw them :)

[cyclonic]

They look AWESOME! Now, just bring on the HSV variants....

[Red AH SRI T]

and YOU are the customer they are aiming for with their marketing (down spec the ss and create a higher model to justify the price increase)


The only thing missing out of the SS to bring it down to its new spec is Leather and Climate Control.

It has a hell of a lot more equipment than the old SV8.

I've read the official equipment list ;)

I think Holden should be congratulated for their great pricing

[rjastra]

Bit dissappointed that side airbags/curtain airbags are optional and that the option is so damn expensive.

At least they could have matched the standard side airbags of the Astra and Mitsu 380.

[Wraith]

Bit dissappointed that side airbags/curtain airbags are optional and that the option is so damn expensive.

At least they could have matched the standard side airbags of the Astra and Mitsu 380.

Good point, but what you've got to remember is that Mitsubishi Aust. are struggling and have been for several years now, hence they offer so many extras and 10 year warranty etc. etc. to try and get their sales up, if they were in a competative position, they would do the same as GMH !

Holden arn't exactly in the same boat with their Commodore, which in contrast is this countries best seller and this new VE will undoubtably follow suit.

[sasrit]

yep, they are Xenons with Washers ........


does this mean that the Berlina, SS and Calais lose the Xenons they gained on VY2 and maintained on VZ?

Saw a new Statesman yesterday on the road, was near the factory. Has much more road presence than the old model, which is what you want when you buy a luxo sedan.

[bill142]

I would suspect they might go on the berlina but the rest of the range should keep them. Might also be missing on SV6

[bill142]

I know it's old hat now but I swear I saw 2 VEs near murrumbateman yesterday... Thought it was exceedingly weird would anyone have bought any yet??

I personally like the look of all of them except the Calais- looks like it could hit me at 60 and all I would feel was cushiony softness :P

Yes, Ye ole Barton highway is a bit rough. Good work out for your suspension.

[MatsHolden]

yep, they are Xenons with Washers ........
does this mean that the Berlina, SS and Calais lose the Xenons they gained on VY2 and maintained on VZ?


No model on VY II or VZ got Xenon headlights. Think you are getting confused with projector headlamps. Projector headlamps aren't Xenon lights. The projector lense has a globe behind it, it is this globe that can either be halogen or xenon. The VY II Commodore variants that recieved projector headlamps had halagen globes, not xenon. :)

[jerrypufflewell]

Yeah but too many out there with aftermarket xenons ;)

Barton Highway seems a bit far from home to do suspension testing though... Oh well maybe all Vic roads are smooth :P

[rjastra]

Yeah but too many out there with aftermarket xenons

Never seen a commode with a xenon kit fitted. Usually just poxy jap cars and wanna-be people driving low cost euro cars ;)

[jerrypufflewell]

You mustn't get out much :P lol

Nah might be a geographic thing

[cybermonkey]

the VE is absolute sex

:D:D

[MatsHolden]

the VE is absolute sex

:D:D

That just about somes it up. :D

[bill142]

Yeah but too many out there with aftermarket xenons ;)

Barton Highway seems a bit far from home to do suspension testing though... Oh well maybe all Vic roads are smooth :P

Perhaps. But I would have thought that Parramatta road would be the ultimate test.

[Red AH SRI T]

well i saw the car on Friday nite, got to sit in them and play with them, all i can say is WOW

so un-commodore, they have torn up everything u used to know about the car!

Can't wait til tomorrow - Drive day @ eastern Creek!!!!!

[Red AH SRI T]

I just got back from the Drive Day.

FU.CK ME SIDEWAYS!!! THIS IS A FU.CKING AMAZING CAR!!!!!


Forget everything u know about Commodore.

First car i drove was a V6 Statesman. Haven driven the Current WL many times i'm used to driving a car where you are always aware of its size and weight. The WM does not feel like the huge car that it is. The V6 engine is no longer a wheezy breathless harsh sounding piece of sh!t. Its got a good induction growl with a good exhaust note too. The Active Select being in the gear shifter is great. The Suspension was very good as was the Steering. The steering was much much more direct than anything commodore/statesman has ever had.

Next was an Auto SS. WOW! The 6 speed is such a difference to the current 4 speeder behind the V8. Its nice and smooth to shift and both it and the 5 speeder were quick to react to inputs via Active Select. The note on the V8's is just amazing too.

Next was a V6 Calais, which was superb to drive. Like i said, forget everything that you know about commodore.

Also drove and Auto SV6.

Then came the slalom test. This was my opportunity to test the Omega with the 4 speed and also the ESP (although i tested this many times in the other cars going around the track he he he). The upgrades they made to the 4 speed box is nothing short of amazing and the way the car handeled the test is a credit to Holden.

Anyway, i give the car 3 thumbs up (yes i am a freak)

[DirtyHarry]

also biast since your a holden dealer.

[Red AH SRI T]

also biast since your a holden dealer.


ummmm, No.

I know the current VZ is a complete bucket of ****, and have no problems telling people this. But like i said this car it is amzaing what they have done. And it shows what aussies can do, because it is nothing like the current commodore.

[MatsHolden]

Saw the broshures for VE today, look very nice. The images of the vehicles used in the broshures are actually computer generated models... you wouldn't know though. Very well done.

[CJB]

I saw the Holden ad where they were advertising the new cars to come...

the Captiva and the VE... My mate Matty looked at the VE and was impressed.


The car sounds awesome Kurt - am very jealous... and yeah, ur a freak, but ur the freak on Opel :D hahaha

[DirtyHarry]

man the fuel figures dont look to impressive. which i guess you should expect it anyway its a big car.

[Red AH SRI T]

New V6 Commodore is 10.9l/100km

compare that to the all new Camry which is 4cylinder and 9.9l/100km and suddenly the VE is very impressive!

[EL BURITO]

thats alright but still dosnt make me want one

[01CDsedan]

All I can say is: I'm buying.

The only question that remains to be answered is when.

[DirtyHarry]

everyone knows that those figures on the commodore are totaly crap. even with the current models. with the commodore a more accurate figure is high 12's -low 13's for an auto.
the tests that are used to formulate the fuel consumption are total crap, cause the "highway" driving speed is never at 110, its more around the 90km mark, which is when the car is most fuel efficient.

[MatsHolden]

Will be good when DOD is activated on the 8's, hopefully on series 2.

[Red AH SRI T]

everyone knows that those figures on the commodore are totaly crap. even with the current models. with the commodore a more accurate figure is high 12's -low 13's for an auto.
the tests that are used to formulate the fuel consumption are total crap, cause the "highway" driving speed is never at 110, its more around the 90km mark, which is when the car is most fuel efficient.



my, aren't you an angry little soul?


:p


Its not just Commodore's, the fuel consumption figures on ALL cars are fairly unachieveable for most people.

Besides, the figure is just a guide, its not the bible. And its an average of 50km in city and 50km on highway, so obviously you are going to use more in the city and less on the highway.

Its not rocket sience. And its not just a commodore thing

[rjastra]

everyone knows that those figures on the commodore are totaly crap. even with the current models.

Blah blah blah... this applies to ALL new car consumption figures. It is for comparative use only.

Just did a trip the snow (well lack of ...) in a VZ acclaim and it averaged 8.7L/100km on the return trip (avg speed was 103km.h). So the Commodore on the open road is a fairly economical beast.

[Wraith]

Blah blah blah... this applies to ALL new car consumption figures. It is for comparative use only.

Just did a trip the snow (well lack of ...) in a VZ acclaim and it averaged 8.7L/100km on the return trip (avg speed was 103km.h). So the Commodore on the open road is a fairly economical beast.

They sure are.........

I had a HSV Clubsport R8 '99 LS1 250kw job and on freeway cruising at 100-105km/h I was always getting under 11ltrs/100km........not bad at all with all things considered, in fact "specifically" speaking, that's miles better than any 4 cylinder I've ever owned including my 1.6ltr Toyota Corolla.........

[Assada]

I bet a V6 ZC would still be quicker and use less fuel than an alloytec 195 VE...

[Shaun]

everyone knows that those figures on the commodore are totaly crap. even with the current models. with the commodore a more accurate figure is high 12's -low 13's for an auto.
the tests that are used to formulate the fuel consumption are total crap, cause the "highway" driving speed is never at 110, its more around the 90km mark, which is when the car is most fuel efficient.


Thats not correct. My sister has a VU S Pack Ute that uses around about 9 ltr /100km and its an AUTO As well. And my sister isnt someone this is light footed with her car as well.

[jerrypufflewell]

in fact "specifically" speaking, that's miles better than any 4 cylinder I've ever owned including my 1.6ltr Toyota Corolla.........

That's a very dodgy 1.6 then. I average about 7 combined. Although given my "city" driving is usually Canberra... :p

[stevedee3]

I bet a V6 ZC would still be quicker...A (manual/auto) V6 ZC will do 248/246 km/h.
...and use less fuel than an alloytec 195 VE... My manual CDXi will sip around 8 l/100km on pure highway driving.

[sparks]

Was at the gmh launch of the new ve and vm commodore and statesman they look mad let me tell ya....And yep sri astra 4 door 2.2 in october wait for that!

[DirtyHarry]

well my astra does 5.7L /100 on the highway.

[Shaun]

My Turbo Astra Doses 7.6 Per Hundred on a Long Distance trip.

[MatsHolden]

well my astra does 5.7L /100 on the highway.

So it should. 2 less cylinders and 400 odd kilos lighter. The thing is an Astra or similar sized car just isn't going to cut it for some people who need the extra space and power of the Commodore. Comparing the Astra's fuel consumption to the Commodore is a bit silly. It's a large car so obviously can't expect 6L per 100km but it actually is quite good for its size when compared to other large cars.

[jerrypufflewell]

So it should. 2 less cylinders and 400 odd kilos lighter. The thing is an Astra or similar sized car just isn't going to cut it for some people who need the extra space and power of the Commodore. Comparing the Astra's fuel consumption to the Commodore is a bit silly. It's a large car so obviously can't expect 6L per 100km but it actually is quite good for its size when compared to other large cars.

Sure, I agree except on one point- They usually don't need the extra space. And if it was lighter then they wouldn't need the power either, actually mostly they don't- big car should mean slow if you ask me ;)

The point that we were all making with our fuel consumption was the remark back there about the commis being better than 4 cyl cars (an example given was a 1.6L 'rolla). I mean, seriously??

[pred8r]

Just out of curiosity;

ANY of the new Commy/Stato range suitable for LPG?
If only the 8's were.... :(

[Red AH SRI T]

yes, u can get the Omega with a LPG engine

[MatsHolden]

Sure, I agree except on one point- They usually don't need the extra space. And if it was lighter then they wouldn't need the power either, actually mostly they don't- big car should mean slow if you ask me ;)

The point that we were all making with our fuel consumption was the remark back there about the commis being better than 4 cyl cars (an example given was a 1.6L 'rolla). I mean, seriously??

Hmm I think familys with 2 or 3 kids definately need a large car like a Commodore, particularly for travelling away on a weekend. Trying to fit 4 or 5 people plus all the luggage into an Astra sized car... difficult. And if you did manage to stuff it in, it wouldn't be as comfortable to travel in, and the weight of the occupants plus all their luggage would kill a 4 cylinder, you'd hardly move. That's where the torquey 6 or 8 comes into play. Then there's the safety issues of having more stuff inside the cabin rather than in the boot such as things put on the rear parcel shelf restricting rear vision and becoming deadly projectiles in an accident.

Big car should mean slow? lol Tell that to HSV. You'd be shot. :D I wish it worked that way that big cars were slow and small cars were fast... because mine would be a rocket! lol

[jerrypufflewell]

lol. What I meant about big cars being slow was partly because people should be discouraged from getting a car larger than what they need. E.g anyone single or not planning on having children anytime soon does not need a large car. I agree that in some situations they are advantageous though ;)

Your Corsa wouldn't be as fast as my Fiori though :p

[jerrypufflewell]

Oh and btw. Our Maz 626 and Toy Tarago were both 2L 4 cyl and they survived our 6 person family for at least 15 years (including towing yes). The only thing that stopped the 626 was a truck! :p

[pred8r]

yes, u can get the Omega with a LPG engine

Only the base model?
Or available on all the 6's? (inc. Calais and Stato)
8's? or does the LS2 not like it either(it didnt like the LS1, FWIR)

[Red AH SRI T]

only on Omega at this stage

[entice]

is it a dedicated LPG like the falcon? what's the premium?

[pred8r]

hehe if you can afford a Calais you can afford petrol (stab at GM)

OR

We dont want our 'prestige' cars being taxi-ized. ;)

[Red AH SRI T]

is it a dedicated LPG like the falcon? what's the premium?

no, its a dual fuel system, not 100% sure on the premium

[180HOA]

Hmm I think familys with 2 or 3 kids definately need a large car like a Commodore, particularly for travelling away on a weekend. Trying to fit 4 or 5 people plus all the luggage into an Astra sized car... difficult. And if you did manage to stuff it in, it wouldn't be as comfortable to travel in, and the weight of the occupants plus all their luggage would kill a 4 cylinder, you'd hardly move. That's where the torquey 6 or 8 comes into play. Then there's the safety issues of having more stuff inside the cabin rather than in the boot such as things put on the rear parcel shelf restricting rear vision and becoming deadly projectiles in an accident.

Big car should mean slow? lol Tell that to HSV. You'd be shot. :D I wish it worked that way that big cars were slow and small cars were fast... because mine would be a rocket! lol

I think the 'need' for a big car is more about perception than anything else - a lot of big car buyers probably still think small cars are cheapo things they were a decade ago. My folks bought a TDi Golf to replace a Grand Cherokee. Last Christmas/new year doing the family thing, we (4 adults) travelled in the Golf for 6 hours one day. I'm 6'3" and travelled in the back seat the whole time. No complaints about space or comfort from anybody. In fact, as a driver or a passenger, I'd take the Golf over a Commdore for long trips anyday. Powerwise, there's no way a V6 Commodore would get away from the TDi, even with 4 adults on board. Granted, the luggage space is a bit leaner than the Commodore, but I still think it'd be fine for a typical family with a couple of young kids. If not, there's still plenty of cars out there that are bigger than a Golf, but not wastefully so like a Falcodore...

[entice]

sounds liek your parents have yet to try popping in a pram, and 2 baby seats in the golf.

Let me know how they go when they try, and we'll talk about the need for bigger cars then.

Not that the commodore has a massive boot, but there is still a need for cars with boots liek the vectra hatch...

[MatsHolden]

Saw a white WM Statesman today on the Frankston Fwy completely uncovered and it looks fantastic. Amazing road presence. Looks twice as good on the road than in the photos.

[pred8r]

Got a pic last weekend of 'something' all car-bra'd up.

White, LHD, on the Northern Ring Rd.

http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/pred8r/th_IMAGE_00021.jpg (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/pred8r/IMAGE_00021.jpg)

EDIT: sorry about pic size, I tried to resize the pic but its filesize ended up larger than this ones :(

EDIT2: I had a fiddle and now its my FIRST 'clicky' redirect pic :D
(http://www.opelaus.com/forum/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/pred8r/IMAGE_00021.jpg%5B/IMG%5D)

[jerrypufflewell]

Saw the same cars (as I spotted before) going out of Canberra on the Barton except they were all covered up. How silly :p

[MatsHolden]

Also saw a Chev badged Statesman last week. Had covers on though.

[stevedee3]

How silly :pMaybe left hand drive Commodores are still considered "secret"...

[MatsHolden]

Maybe left hand drive Commodores are still considered "secret"...

Nah, there's still RHD mules getting around with the covers on too, just think it's as simple as them being lazy. lol

[jerrypufflewell]

Nah, there's still RHD mules getting around with the covers on too, just think it's as simple as them being lazy. lol

The funny thing is the first time (going into ACT) they had no covers, second time (coming out) they had covers... Someone's playing silly buggers :p

[MatsHolden]

The funny thing is the first time (going into ACT) they had no covers, second time (coming out) they had covers... Someone's playing silly buggers :p

Maybe they weren't getting as much attention without the covers on so they put them back on because they wanted to feel important again... haha

[MatsHolden]

Saw a Red Hot base model VE today coming home from uni, pulled out of a dealer so pulled a U'y and followed it.... One of the first production vehicles. Definately has good road presence for the base model. Here's some photos...

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f320/MatsHolden/smallVE2.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f320/MatsHolden/smallVE1.jpg

[bill142]

Holden website has been updated to show the new range. options listing will come in a few days and the statesman willbe there next month (I would assume)

[MatsHolden]

The HDB Accessories are looking good... looking forward to seeing the complete list of what is available.

[Shaun]

is it me or doses the Omega in the shots above look like its sitting really high?

[MatsHolden]

Looks worse on the side shot, as he fanged it out of the street and all the weights tranferred to left side...

[DirtyHarry]

i still dont like the flat looking boot. especially with that spoiler on the ss. looks terrible.

[Alfonzo]

is it me or doses the Omega in the shots above look like its sitting really high?You can thank the sloping lines up the doors for that illusion. It's actually relatively flat through underneath. Though I agree, it does look high.

I really like the look of this one. I love the handbrake too. My only gripe is that wood strip across the Berlina. Just looks a little tacky, especially since it'll be around a lot of places (being in the Berlina model). SS-V is hawt, I'd have its babies if I could. Though I'd go and have DoD genitically engineered in there somewhere :p

[MatsHolden]

You can thank the sloping lines up the doors for that illusion. It's actually relatively flat through underneath. Though I agree, it does look high.

I really like the look of this one. I love the handbrake too.

Not only the aggressive sloping lines, but more so the large (huge) wheel arches. They make 18" rims look small. lol Also the high wasteline contributes to the high visual effect.

The handbrake according to the critics who've tested the VE feels cheap and "flimsy". Want to feel it for myself first, because I know some of these journos just don't like Commodores, so even if they know the car is top shelf, they'll find the most rediculous thing to gripe about.

[CJB]

I saw one today in Ipswich town, looked hot, a black one.

[Red AH SRI T]

yes, thanks for that text message

[CJB]

yes, thanks for that text message

sorry, I just got excited when I saw it and knew you'd be the only person who'd understand :p

[EL BURITO]

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f320/MatsHolden/smallVE2.jpg


I think from that shot its looking laike the VIVA sedan :eek:

[jerrypufflewell]

eww didn't realise. Perhaps they are gearing up to make the whole range look the same :p

[MatsHolden]

Saw a truck load of VE's today. SS's and SV6's, they look damn good.

[MatsHolden]

I think from that shot its looking laike the VIVA sedan :eek:

http://www.holden.com.au//images/viva/viva_sedan/overview/img_Modelhero.jpg

Hmm I don't believe so.

[Red AH SRI T]

yeah, nor do i :p

[MatsHolden]

Went to my dealers 'launch' of the VE tonight, VIP customers lol. Got up close and personal with the whole range, including the Statesman and Caprice which isn't due on official sale for another month or so. VERY impressed. They also showed a presentation of the models to come and showed the Astra Convertable, very hot, interestingly it's coming out here in the 2.2L only, not available in the 2.0 Turbo initially which will dissapoint some of you I'm sure.

[Vectracious]

Went past Booran Holden last night to have a look - they've got some Omega's and SV6's on the front lot - the sporty models definately look better - the Omega's look kind of "sparse". I never actually noticed in the pics what little front overhang they have - the front wheels are basically in the corners!!! They look good from most angles, the only thing that I didnt completely like is the view from directly front on - the flared wheel arches look good from any other angle, but from front on they look huge!

The other thing that made an impression on me was that VT-VZ was good at hiding how big a Commo actually is. The VE though IMHO looks big.

[MatsHolden]

It does look big, especially when you get up close, thanks to the muscular lines and flared gaurds, don't mind that though, gives it a real on road presence.

[Vectracious]

I liked VT-VZ to VE changeover better than the VR-VS to VT changeover. I remember when the VT first came out I absolutely hated it - whereas I like the VE a lot more than I did the VT when it first came out.

If that makes sense.. ;)

[MatsHolden]

Yeh it does. I think what has made the VT-VZ to VE changeover much more seemless is that Holden's designers were using styling cues from VE on VY and VZ, and also on the front bar of the VZ Monaro, coupled with the TT36 Concept, which got people use to the design language, so when VE was released it wasn't a massive shock. Whereas with the VN-VS to VT changeover there were no real hints of the VT styling in the VS Commodore prior to the VT's release.