[News] Holden Takes The Covers Off the Next Gen 2018 Commodore

Holden has today revealed official images and more details of the all-new Commodore, providing Kiwis with their first look at the new design that will be making its debut on local roads in 2018.  

Designed in Germany by Opel with input from GM Holden Australia, the new Commodore takes the best of Europe and makes it great for New Zealanders through the delivery of leading-edge safety, engaging aesthetics, a dynamic driving experience and exponential advancements in infotainment technology.

“Building on information released last month regarding the next-generation Commodore, Holden has today confirmed a raft of premium technologies which will make Commodore the most technologically-advanced Holden ever,” said the Managing Director of Holden New Zealand, Kristian Aquilina.

“From potentially life-saving safety technology features, to active driving technology and seamless infotainment, the all-new Commodore will make driving safer, easier, more involving and more connected than ever before for existing, as well as a whole lot of new, Holden enthusiasts.

“The Commodore combines technology across a number of areas in a way usually found in high-end prestige vehicles and introduces these features into mainstream, attainable motoring.”

Going on sale in New Zealand early in 2018, the new Commodore range will be headlined by the V6 flagship model.  With a all-wheel-drive system channeling 230 kilowatts and 370 Newton metres to the road, combined with adaptive suspension technology, a company-first nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the next-generation Commodore will continue to cement Holden’s reputation for class-leading driving dynamics and on-road refinement.

Jeremy Tassone, Holden Australia’s Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Development, said the technical underpinnings of the next Commodore also represents Holden’s commitment to bringing the best vehicles from around the word to customers Down Under.

“From its all-wheel-drive system, to nine-speed transmission and adaptive suspension, this is a true driver’s car in the way Commodore has always been.  We’re taking the best of Europe and making it even better for our customers and can’t wait for them to get behind the wheel and let us know what they think.”

In addition to the Commodore’s unique all-wheel-drive system, further details surrounding the ‘FlexRide’ suspension system have also been confirmed.  The continuously adaptable FlexRide chassis electro-hydraulically adapts the dampers to the road and the driving conditions 500 times per second or 30,000 times per minute.

Additionally, the driver can save personal preferences for the steering characteristics, throttle response and dampers via the ‘Sport’ button.

• ‘Standard’: The automatic control selects the best set-up based on the information collected by the vehicle sensors.

• ‘Tour’: Comfortable chassis configuration, and throttle response for best fuel consumption and most relaxed touring. The right mode for relaxing long-distance drives.

• ‘Sport’: Brake dive is reduced, flat and responsive chassis control at high speeds and the throttle and steering provide more direct feedback.

The new central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis.  It continuously analyses the information provided by the sensors and setting and recognizes the individual driving style.  The individual systems are then optimized for the best traction and road position.

Exterior Design:

The design of the next Commodore is based on the ‘Monza’ Concept car, created by the Opel Design team in Germany.  The prominent front grille and the slim-line headlamps are directly inspired by the Monza Concept enhance the wide horizontal gesture of the front end and provide it with a bold appearance.  The grille sits lower than on the outgoing model and further emphasises the solid stance.

The side window graphics feature with an upper chrome strip, rather than a full-chrome treatment, and the coupé-like roofline graphically pull the car down and emphasize its stretched appearance.  The ‘blade’ light catcher in the lower doors pulls attention rearwards. The new Commodore also has a drag factor of 0.26 making it one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in its class.

At the rear, clear and simple lines combined with the slim, precise double-wing LED signature also give the car a wider appearance.  The newly designed center high-mounted LED stop lamp has been integrated into the roofline. It helps to give the rear end a more high-tech look typical of premium brands’ vehicles.

Interior Design:

The attention to the smallest detail is also evident inside the Commodore.  The cockpit is organised along horizontal lines, enhancing the feeling of elegant lightness and of space.  The cockpit is orientated to the driver for a sportier feeling.  The generous center console that further embraces the driver provides the feeling of sitting in a much larger class of vehicle.

Infotainment system design:

Equal attention has been paid to the controls and the infotainment interface.  The frameless touchscreen of the infotainment system exudes a sophisticated and technical charm.  Many functions are controlled via the touchscreen in order to simplify the interface, while three clusters of buttons have been designed to allow quick and intuitive operations: the upper ones for the major functions of the infotainment system, the central ones for climate and heating controls, the lower ones for driver assistant controls.  This very clear set-up avoids drivers and passengers having to access sub-menus on the touchscreen to find the most essential functions.

NEXT-GENERATION COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Cutting-edge driver assistance systems and technology:
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Speed Limit Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Side Blind-Zone Alert
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • 360-degree Camera

• Next-generation comfort and convenience technologies:
  • Massage Seats
  • Rear one-touch folding seats
  • Heated Front and Rear seats
  • Ventilated Front seats
  • Express up/down all windows
  • Wagon power lift-gate
  • Active Noise Cancellation

Programme overview:

• Next-generation Commodore built in Germany on all-new, global E2 architecture shared with Opel Insignia
• Lightweight construction methods result in approximately 200kg weight savings compared to current Commodore
• Flagship model offers V6 AWD drivetrain with Holden-first 9-speed transmission
• V6 engine delivers 230kW / 370Nm while being incredibly efficient thanks to Stop-Start technology and Active Fuel Management
• 0T petrol and 2.0T diesel front-wheel drive models also coming to New Zealand
• Liftback and Sportwagon body-styles
• Cutting-edge, adaptive all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and twin-clutch (‘Twinster’) rear differential system
• Adaptive ‘Flexride’ suspension system offers three settings: ‘Tour’, ‘Standard’ and ‘Sport’
• Next-generation matrix lighting system
• Infotainment includes:
  • Apple Car Play and Android Auto
  • 8-inch configurable LCD instrument display,
  • next-gen head-up display

Holden say that pricing will be confirmed closer to launch date.

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