It is clear that the success of the Australian built Holden Cruze, is having a big influence on the new Commodore VF. We are spotting the first computer images coming out for the 2013 Commodore.

The on sale date we hear is planned for the first half of 2013, with much of the updates focused on fuel efficiency with improved engines and transmissions and more efficient body design. The increased use of aluminum by most carmakers is part of the drive to create better efficiency (see our aluminum story) and is likely to be used for the bonnet and boot lid. The Holden Commodore VF is a $1 billion development, which is less than was spent on the VE.

Some variants are expected to retain 3.0 L and 3.6 L V6 engine, while the V8 engine is expected to change from the current 6.0 L to the 6.2 L (LS3) V8 same as is in the US Chevrolet Camaro muscle car. The 6.2 L is rated at 310 kW, giving V8 Commodore owners a 40 kW power increase.

This time we hear that only a few thousand of the 2013 Commodore will be exported to America as a rebadged Chevrolet SS just like the VE when it was sent as a rebadged Pontiac G8.

We also understand that Holden has yet to commit itself beyond the Commodore VF. Holden has announced however that it will build two global GM vehicles from around 2015 until 2022. One of these is sure to be the next generation Cruze. What the second Global model will be is anyone’s guess. It could be that the Holden Commodore VF will be the last Commodore to be entirely designed, developed and built in this part of the world.

October 2012