New MOTOR mag with VE info and REAL PICS!!

[GTS_300_Coupe]

Has anybody seen the new motor mag which has come out today?
Its got news and fresh pics on the new VE commodore.

It appear to be technically a milestone ahead of the VZ in terms of sophistication and the LS2 will be standard across the VE range.
The only thing I dont like here is the way it looks.

Basically reminds me of a pumped up Vectra. Very ugly IMO.
It has a very Euro look to it but I dont want that, I'd rather an Aussie muscular look than a refined classy appearance.

The VT Commodore is still the best looking I reckon.
From VY onwards, things just got uglier.

Discuss here.

[HRT Stroker]

LS2 Standard..........another hit on poor HSV owners.......I can hear a Dalek....

DEPRECIATE!

DEPRECIATE! :lol: :lol:



Shocking. :confused:

[hsv423]

can we get pics?, or is it just some dodgy, cartoon looking things like the last time...

[Grif]

Just as i grabbed my LS1 and with the thought that not many things can really compete with this beauty of a V8, the LS2 comes around... OK, not that many HSV's so im still pretty up there... Now LS2 is going to go standard on Holdens... Well dont i just feel like a VT series 1 guy right now. :eek:

I feel sorry for my mate that just forked out the cash to get a new Clubby, cause he wanted the LS2 and how exclusive it is. Aint he in for a suprise.

[VXEXEC350]

Excellent. I have been holding off on a SS ute waiting for an LS2. I will have 3 HSV eaters then LOL,
Pete :burnout: :hide:

[VooDoo]

http://voodoo.theddrzone.com/carstuff/2006vecommodore.jpg

There ya go. Like the VT when it first cam out, it takes a bit of getting used to.

[Wezza]

It's inevitable that the LS2 will come online at some stage!! Can't think of any better time to launch the LS2 in the Holden range really? On the looks side of things, i love it!! Love those pumped out guards. It's not an offical pic of it, could be a bit different to that anyway.

[xcapee]

very euro indeed

[Wayne@GM Motorsport]

I think it looks pretty tough, will look even better with the SS stuff on it and lowered a bit more, a nice set of 20's and one of tunas gen-T's under the bonnet. :D

[Drizt]

I like the look of it a lot. But is it a photo shop or an actual photo? Because a lot of the front looks like a photoshop. Either that or it looks a lot like VZ, Torana, Vectra put together, which i think looks quite nice. Can't wait to see the whole range.

http://www.fast-autos.net/holden/tt36.jpg

[GTS_300_Coupe]

just to let you guys know, MOTOR also states that the LS2's that will be used in the VE Commodores will be DETUNED to give HSV their performance lead however there were no figures on what kW/Nm rating the new Holden LS2 will run at.

Also, pics of the new VE in the mag are REAL.
According to MOTOR anyway.

[statesy]

Thanks for the pic Voodoo :cool:

[vp2nv]

I got the mag last night and have to agree, i think it looks awesome!! cant wait to start seeing it on the road! even more excited to see what hsv can do with this...

[HRT Stroker]

...... LS2's that will be used in the VE Commodores will be DETUNED to give HSV their performance lead however there were no figures on what kW/Nm rating the new Holden LS2 will run at.



yep, that 'll take about one hour to rectify..... :lol:

When is HSV going to wake up?? If they dont go back to the times when the ONLY way to get Factory Performance was to go the tier two cars (strokers C4B etc).......owners will get fed up loosing 20k a year in depreciation and move back to the Holden product in droves.....

My Senator depreciated $70,000 dollars in 6 years, 60,000 of that was in the first 4years!! :eek:

[bigdongers]

Also, pics of the new VE in the mag are REAL.
According to MOTOR anyway.

those pics are not real. They are computer generated. I remember the article states somewhere that the pics are based on a Torana. Hence they have modified some Torana pics.

[bigdongers]

I forgot to say I reckon it looks great! I doubt all models will be that sporty looking though.

Now for some exclusive interior pics :)

How accurate are these pics Holden insiders?

[ss-gt]

If the pics are real wont it give ford a bit of a jump on holden?

[hsv423]

i reckon it looks sh!thouse, only thing that looks half good is the front end..the back n side looks fugly

[jsttry]

I actually like it. A lot more modern and very aggressive with those rims and guards.

[vxcalaiszzz]

I like it. I'll stop thinking about Audi A6 now. VE Calais LS2.
Does the article say anything about 5spd auto? Is AWD dead? Might wait for the VE Series II for the "power upgrade" to VZ HSV LS2 spec and the inevitable bugs to be ironed out :rolleyes:

[chesso]

Phat guards. I think the front wheels should move forward tho. ;)

Methinks VE Monaro will be fully sic, provided we buy enough of the VZ Munroes to justify its existence.

[wally01]

Saw something similar to this on a truck coming out of the factory this morning ,same front no grill black bumper ( FRONT) was in traffic so i could not get a real good look didn't look like VZ anyway the black bumper no grill bit got me the car was also red.
Maybe nothing

[Ghosn]

LWB Vectra.

[SLE355]

LWB Vectra.

Yep, not good really :(

[ROBSKI]

i reckon it looks sh!thouse, only thing that looks half good is the front end..the back n side looks fugly

YEAH GOTTA AGREE, ARE WE IN A NEW MILLENIUM OR WHAT ???

http://photothingo.com/users/1010/20050609211759.FORDSUCK.gif

[holdennutta]

Any chance of a scan of the actual text of the article? I can't afford to get a copy unfortunately :(

I reckin it looks alright.

[kompiler]

LS2 Standard..........another hit on poor HSV owners.......I can hear a Dalek....

DEPRECIATE!

DEPRECIATE! :lol: :lol:



Shocking. :confused:

Anyone gravely concerned with depreciation probably wouldn't buy new cars to start with, or Holdens at all for that matter. Many other vehicles hold their value better than these.

It is inevitable that the LS2 is going to trickle down to other breeds, but by the time this happens, they will had the daily pleasure of driving an LS2 for 18months already. The article says that the LS1 will stop production later this year.

Cars are not a smart investment. Take it from someone that has learnt the hard way and who unfortunately doesn't learn from his mistakes ;)

[Goggles]

LS2 Standard..........another hit on poor HSV owners.......I can hear a Dalek....

DEPRECIATE!

DEPRECIATE! :lol: :lol:



Shocking. :confused:

it's a shame, but unfortunately the adoption of the LS2 for all V8 Holdens cannot be avoided as the LS1 ceases production at the end of this year.

anyway, I like the VE as it appears in Motor.

[abi]

I think this model will be a porker. As this is a clean sheet with a 10 year life span it will be very crash worthy. So expect the weight to be 1800KG's plus. I expect the track and cabin area to be significantly more which means more strength/weight will be inevitable.

I think 300cc's and LS6 heads/cam won't make it much quicker off the line than a VZ.

I think Noise, vibration and harshness and high speed stability will be very good though.

P.S. I like the styling, very modern, elegant.

[Marco]

I like it, a lot actually. Some of the proportions are a little off, but I put that down to it being a computer-generated pic - Holden's designers seem to have a good track record when it comes to getting proportions right.

I hope the side windows aren't that small, though. The TT36 pic on the next page has taller windows that make it look quite a bit better - again, a proportion problem caused by it being a hack-job pic I think.

[Wezza]

I like it. I'll stop thinking about Audi A6 now. VE Calais LS2.
Does the article say anything about 5spd auto? Is AWD dead? Might wait for the VE Series II for the "power upgrade" to VZ HSV LS2 spec and the inevitable bugs to be ironed out :rolleyes:
The article doesn't say anything about the autos. But the V8's will have a 6 speed auto. I'd say the 5 speed auto will be standard across the V6 range. Possibly the Calais V6 may have a 6 speed?

[Uncle Tone]

I think this model will be a porker. As this is a clean sheet with a 10 year life span it will be very crash worthy. So expect the weight to be 1800KG's plus. I expect the track and cabin area to be significantly more which means more strength/weight will be inevitable.


Very good point. Commodores have been gaining weight with each new body shape, haven't they?

[pagey]

she looks a whole lot like an AUDI to me.. not such a bad thing.. if you were looking to buy an AUDI.... Does it look like a Holden.. probably not. but time will tell.... my arse hurts from stting on the fence at the moment :D

I must say I agree with HRT Stroker.. that while Holden/HSV have managed to get away thus far with the ever increasing depreciation.. the addition of the LS2 - while inevitable - may tip a fewpeople over the edge. Just becuase people can affor 70K for a clubby etc.. doesn't mean they like throwing money away - just like the rest of us. Remember the HSV needs to something that others dont have/can't afford.. the guy/girl in the comfy leather seat needs to know his Clubby can beat the "poor Man's" SV8. If too many Executives with 5K of mods start to wipe the floor with cars 40K more than them.. people tend to get a little cranky..

Thats my take anywho...

[mavss]

I think it looks fantastic, albeit a bit rough around the headlights.

I also got the impression it would look "wedge-ier" than what's in this pic.

I can't wait to see the SS with it's full bodykit, mags (hopefully better than VZ - yuck) and lowered a bit.

My fear is that we get our hopes up over these fantastic looking images, only to have them smashed to a million pieces when the VE come out looking like a dog.

As far as HSV keeping their edge after the VE release, I reckon they'll get the 7.0 LS7?

Interesting times ahead - indeed.

[Kirium]

As far as HSV keeping their edge after the VE release, I reckon they'll get the 7.0 LS7?

Doubt it... It's a hand-built engine... Chev will be flat out making them for the C6 Z06 let alone making them for tarted-up taxis half way across the planet...

I reckon the GTS may get the LS7, and that'd make it a real rocket, worthy of a $100,000 price tag (Which the previous VX and VY GTS' really haven't been)
But the rest of the range will get either the 6.0L with a better tune/headers (don't be surprised) or a 6.2L

[bigdongers]

The article did say that VE will lauch with both sedan and long wheelbase models. They will also have a "surprise" model. I wonder what they will be? Turbo SV6 anyone?

[myles]

If the pics are real wont it give ford a bit of a jump on holden?

Holden's new VE shape will see the Ford design team taking a good look at the VY series (as a Ford styled VY shape will look completely different to the current Ford BA and the new Holden VE) or start designing their new model straight from the Motor magazine pics. :p ;) just jokes.

I like it. It looks good. Although the pics would be a standard VE executive, can't wait to see what the SS will look like. :)

[COUPE]

Doubt it... It's a hand-built engine... Chev will be flat out making them for the C6 Z06 let alone making them for tarted-up taxis half way across the planet...

I reckon the GTS may get the LS7, and that'd make it a real rocket, worthy of a $100,000 price tag (Which the previous VX and VY GTS' really haven't been)
But the rest of the range will get either the 6.0L with a better tune/headers (don't be surprised) or a 6.2L


I agree, 7.0L is a hand built engine, can't see it being in anything other than a $100K special order GTS or something like that. But I don't think a 6.2 is on the cards either, they'll stick with the 6.0 for a long time, as they did with the 5.7. Just with the HSV cars you'll get a higher state of tune, headers, better exhaust etc etc.

Someone mentioned VE Monaro? Don't think so ... not based on the new VE architecture anyway. I'd also be very surprised if the VE doesn't put on quite a few kilos as well over the VZ. So real performance gains might be negated.

We'll just all have to wait and see. :nyuk:

[markone2]

http://voodoo.theddrzone.com/carstuff/2006vecommodore.jpg

.


As Pagey has rightly surmised .the side-on shot closely resembles one of the new league of German prestige car makes....so closely it's uncanny..

LS2 in an SV8...got me :D

[Waughy]

The article did say that VE will lauch with both sedan and long wheelbase models. They will also have a "surprise" model. I wonder what they will be? Turbo SV6 anyone?

That sounds alright, something like bringing one of the prototypes to production would be nice as well. Hmmm VE SSX with LS2 and AWD. At least we have our dreams.

[NickS]

http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/NickS/File0021.jpg

3rd page from Motor with side on view.

vxcalaiszzz asked "Is AWD dead", I recall seeing an interview with John Crennan (I think?) some months back. He said that he expected that within the next 5 years AWD will make a significant proportion of all HSV sales. To make this sort of statement I would say that AWD is a definate goer ... maybe why they have the flared guards ??? As for Holdens getting the LS2, is anyone really suprised ?

[mavss]

Ahhhh. There's the wedge I was talking about. Thanks NickS.

Based on the side-on view, I would have preferred less overhang over the front wheels.

Otherwise, that's one hell of a classy looking piece of kit.

[NickS]

Otherwise, that's one hell of a classy looking piece of kit.

No worries mavss ... I agree, I can already picture the HSV Senator :drool:

[vxcalaiszzz]

Styling tweaks and more power to overcome any weight increase is something the aftermarket can take care of. Give the forum sponsors something new to work on and the rest of us something to save for! :(

[Dacious]

This is someone's very nice photochop. Like all photos, the real thing will look different in the flesh.

Things you can take for granted:

1. It will be heavier
2. It will be expensive (will defray depreciation of old ones)
3. After initial mixed reactions people will decide it looks much better than the old ones (won't help depreciation of old ones)
4. It'll sell like white masks at a KKK convention
5. The SS versions will look lean and mean

If Holden wants to break into more markets (and it does) this is the way to do it. And while the VT series chassis was flexible, the features in this one will make it way more so.

LS1s are still a fine piece of kit and won't be obsolete due to 1. and 2.. A tune will still work more wonders than on an LS2. As for LS7? Well it's a $US15K motor, so don't expect it any time soon.

[Chris5.7ltr]

I think it looks great, when the VY came out it took me a very long time to get used to that magna rear but the VE got me at hello.
Funny thing about those 'first pics of the new model cars' in mags, they never look as good as the real thing.:D

LS2?yes please!
If they are going to detune it even more then the HSV cars I think we'll still see 260kW SS and SV8's
Maybe when they sell these cars they should just include two cards in the glove box.
One for a exhaust place and another place for a tune.:D

[Patrick]

http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/NickS/File0021.jpg

3rd page from Motor with side on view.

vxcalaiszzz asked "Is AWD dead", I recall seeing an interview with John Crennan (I think?) some months back. He said that he expected that within the next 5 years AWD will make a significant proportion of all HSV sales. To make this sort of statement I would say that AWD is a definate goer ... maybe why they have the flared guards ??? As for Holdens getting the LS2, is anyone really suprised ?

I agree this side on view looks wedgy, looks good, I like the proportions. :cool:
It has a "very Vectra" look to the front overhang.
The cabin looks very roomy.

[Marco]

Based on the side-on view, I would have preferred less overhang over the front wheels.

Just under the Torana pic in the article, they had a quote from one of the Holden design guys from when the Torana came out saying that short overhangs would be one of the Holden styling features from now on. Based on that, I'd say the front wheels on the VE side-on pic should be a fair way further forward - that pic looks to have more overhang than the current car.

You can also see what I meant about the Torana pic having a taller glasshouse, too. I think they may have based the side pic on a Vectra pic which has a too-short glasshouse.

[lxhatch]

I reckon it looks pretty good - wider track and bulging flares, these are the attributes that many people have told me, they like about the current AWD Holdens. :)

They will be mad to drop the awd's, as those ppl on this board who own them will testify - the grip levels are insane. Only enthusiasts would understand.

Similarly, they will be mad to drop Monaro - ppl on the street love 'em and want one - and its something Henry doesnt have (but plenty of his supporters admit they wish he did).

[BLK6T]

I dont know peoples, its not very aussie to me but i could be stuck in the ages. I love the look of the VT-VZ its the best thing holden has done. It has that aussie design, look and feel. But the VE is to euro for me and to vectra, it just dosnt have that aussie look to it. This car will take time for alot of red blooded drivers to get used to.

But im abit more keen on the new falcon which i have heard looks :cool:

[Danv8]

The Commodore has always looked european to me mainly because its derived from a European car in the first place.

BA looks very european as well.
Sure there is some aussie influence in it.

[xshore]

I think most are seeing the car in the style they want, like SS form which is fine. What I want to see is the car in family sedan form because I don't think it's going to come with those alloys as in the pic. Put on some people mover tyres and the car may not look as nice.

[JohnS]

This is a photo chopped audi RS6. Look at the front wheel arches they nearly touch the front door and there is a large front overhang which is typical for audis with there awd setups.

http://www.fast-autos.net/audi/rs65.html

The rear is pure audi and the roof and doors are probarly from a VW Jetta.

The brake discs must be 360mm+

I am sure MOTOR has sold lots of mags but wonder what the real VE will look like.

[ASC-07]

If they are the real pictures of the new VE commodore I must say that thing is dam' sexy!! Love the front headlights and pumped up gaurds!! Bring it on I say; x1 VE SS, Gen 4 v8, manual, black in colour with leather seats and sunroof... :drool:

[JoeT]

These pictures are just photoshopped. They aren't real.

Want proof. Look at the pic on the front cover.
It looks like some silly bugger at Motor forgot to remove the old TT36 rear quarter window before adding his own.

Even so, I like it.


:bash:

[kryten2001]

ermmmm I dunno about those headlights............ :spew:

Not my bag.

But let's wait and see I spose... I remember clearly how people hated the VN when it was released...

[Nobby]

I think it looks alright, and it should be a good seller (not controversial, but lots of people will love its New And Futuristic Styling! TM). I like it. Now I cant wait to see what the BB will look like though; everyone keeps saying it will rip Holden a new corn-shute, lets see some damn pictures.

And to those of you genuinely shocked that the LS2 is in the VE accross the range, I have some more revelations for you; Easter Bunny: Not Real. :D

[JoeT]

There's nothing shocking about it.
The LS1 isn't going to be produced much longer so they have to get a new V8 from somewhere. Might as well be the LS2


:bash:

[PepeLePew]

Didnt Mickey T say someplace that they are sketches BUT from insiders who'd done plenty of digging (i.e. theoretically reliable?)

[HRT433]

These pictures are just photoshopped. They aren't real.

Want proof. Look at the pic on the front cover.
It looks like some silly bugger at Motor forgot to remove the old TT36 rear quarter window before adding his own.

Even so, I like it.


:bash:
there is also part of the Torana headlight left behind as well

not to mention its says they aren't real....

[vxcalaiszzz]

VE II, LS2, 6spd Auto, AWD, twin turbo sleeper. :drool:

[qik_sv8]

[QUOTE=NickS]http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/NickS/File0021.jpg

3rd page from Motor with side on view.

looze the magna door handles......looks sh1thouse :bash: what r u doing holden??? need to looze the euro influence :bash:

[highlander_69r]

personally i like it and cant wait to see the ss , anybody want a vy ss?

[ACT_Cross8]

"Do our computer generated drawings..."

"Pictures of new VE, my ar$e! What a waste of reading this post was. Sorry if I offend anyone.

[plonkerchops]

I fink it looks sh!thows..looze...er loose..ummm luze...er get rid ov the afalong..er..avulon.er Toyota peterol cap..
need to back to the shape of me haitch kew wot r u finking Holden


oops sorry spent the day in the shed with the sanding sealant... :confused:

we could only hope that its built half as good as an Audi
If thats close then I'll have one

[VXEXEC350]

personally I am looking forward to placing my order.

[mavss]

Wouldn't it be fantastic to lock this thread away for 1 year and then re-visit it on the day the VE is officially released.

We could compare how we felt about what we perceived the VE to look like now, with the way we feel when we have all the details at hand.

It'll be interesting to see who changed their minds about :

- buying (or not buying) one
- liking (or disliking) the way it looks
- etc

The VE is a MASSIVE milestone for Holden so it won't suprise me if they come out with all guns blazing.

[smoke]

for a "suprise model" think..... 4 door Monaro! :eek: Another thread mentioned that the monaro would continue,but maybe in a different form.

[bigdongers]

for a "suprise model" think..... 4 door Monaro! :eek: Another thread mentioned that the monaro would continue,but maybe in a different form.

they have a 4 door monaro. Its called the SS and its 10k cheaper :)

[smoke]

Could you imagine holden putting "monaro" badges on a ss. Would anyone buy it? (They did it with the HQ-HZ range.) It would be a slap in the face for REAL monaro owners.

[Fabio's CV8]

I like it! Rims look hot too!

[mavss]

Did someone say 4-door Monaro?

Say hello to the CLS-Coupe.

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/content/media_library/mbcom/products/passengercars/cls-class/clsclass/CLS-Coupe_Impressions_Gallery_02_770x200_04-2005.object-Single-MEDIA.jpg

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/content/media_library/mbcom/products/passengercars/cls-class/clsclass/cls-class_wallpaper8.object-Single-MEDIA.jpg

[COOKIE!]

Cant waot to see what the stato look's like...
Or should i just pre order the LS2 barge now :lol: :lol:

[HERCULES]

Did someone say 4-door Monaro?

Say hello to the CLS-Coupe.

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/content/media_library/mbcom/products/passengercars/cls-class/clsclass/CLS-Coupe_Impressions_Gallery_02_770x200_04-2005.object-Single-MEDIA.jpg

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/content/media_library/mbcom/products/passengercars/cls-class/clsclass/cls-class_wallpaper8.object-Single-MEDIA.jpg

That car is awesome, AMG Supercharged V8 :drool:
Was featured on the last "TOP GEAR" show as well, really nice car.......

[smoke]

That car is awesome, AMG Supercharged V8 :drool:
Was featured on the last "TOP GEAR" show as well, really nice car.......
1.Looks like an AU on steroids, from the rear :D
2.Cant wait to see what the LS2 lux-o-barges look like too!!!!!!!!

[plonkerchops]

Did someone say 4-door Monaro?

Say hello to the CLS-Coupe.

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/content/media_library/mbcom/products/passengercars/cls-class/clsclass/CLS-Coupe_Impressions_Gallery_02_770x200_04-2005.object-Single-MEDIA.jpg

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/content/media_library/mbcom/products/passengercars/cls-class/clsclass/cls-class_wallpaper8.object-Single-MEDIA.jpg
some one say AU Falcon with a Merc badge??? :lol:

[mavss]

1.Looks like an AU on steroids, from the rear :D
2.Cant wait to see what the LS2 lux-o-barges look like too!!!!!!!!
Wow. It does look like an AU (on steroids) from the rear :)

I was sitting behind one only yesterday and loved the way it looks.

A 4-door Monaro coupe along these lines would be sweet :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Here's a view I forgot to include last night which really highlights the coupe shape. I think you'll agree it looks phenomenal.

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/content/media_library/mbcom/products/passengercars/cls-class/clsclass/wallpaper_5_770x200.object-Single-MEDIA.jpg

[Danv8]

Looks like Stampy the Elephant sat on the AU Falcon.

:D

[Jac001]

Looks like Stampy the Elephant sat on the AU Falcon.

:D


Maybe they Indian guy (fromt he Peogeot ad) decided he would prefer a Merc! :D

[Nobby]

Although Ford DID get the proportions wrong with AU, people thought they were mad as hatters when they said this would be what cars looked like in the near future.

Turns out they weren't smoking some trippy weed!

[Brendan]

there is also part of the Torana headlight left behind as well

not to mention its says they aren't real....
You can also see ET and the shark from Jaws

[SeNaToR185i]

lol its a much more attractive AU ... its got some similiaritys but i wouldnt say its that similiar. I mean, the AU is one ugly automobile, but the Merc is just sexy... But its release didnt make the AU look any better unfortunatley :P lol.

I dont think thats the VE at all. Mind you it looks good, and similiar to what i imagined it would, but there will be a few differences i reckon. LS2 + 6 Spd. Auto would be great :-D.

[Goggles]

Did someone say 4-door Monaro?

Say hello to the CLS-Coupe.



saw the review of this vehicle on Top Gear last night....what a monster....0 to 100 in 4.5 secs

exhaust note sounds awesome....why can't our V8s sound so good stock??

[SV8VY]

I think it look classy...and variety is the spice of life.
Cant wait to get my hands on an SV8 and take it to the strip :D
Looks like a sleeper.
I remember when I bought my one and was one of the first around and no one liked it.
No one knew what it was ....or had the V8 in it.
As soon as they raced the Vy everyone changed their mind.
I wonder if we will see this shape at Bathurst soon.
I think Ford will release something simular soon...as always.

Its about time we caught up to the world.

[V-Car]

http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/NickS/File0021.jpg

3rd page from Motor with side on view.

http://www.e-wire.net.au/~eb_recci/r/SaturnAura1.jpg

Who else thinks Motor used a pic of the Saturn Aura (based on Vectra) to photoshop into what they think the VE might look like? ;)
http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_detroit/saturn/aura/pages/1.htm
http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000590026385/

[bigdongers]

nice find! they didnt even bother changing the rims!

[MNR-0]

Wheels need to move forward, like the BMWs for a shorter nose overhang. How to make the Monaro look good in that body? Have no idea. :spew:

Apart from the LS2 upgrade, I still prefer the cleaner lines reminiscent of the VX. They still can't beat the S1-3 Monaro for its simple clean lines and understated elegance.

If weight is an issue with the VE, perhaps we will find a lot of transplants of LS2s going into VY SV8s?

[SV99]

1.Looks like an AU on steroids, from the rear :D
2.Cant wait to see what the LS2 lux-o-barges look like too!!!!!!!!


it does like an AU how scary lol

[V-Car]

Couple more pics for the non believers. :D

Motor's version of the VE.
http://www.e-wire.net.au/~eb_recci/r/Aura_6.jpg

Real pic of the Saturn Aura.
http://www.e-wire.net.au/~eb_recci/r/Aura_5.jpg

Whaddayareckon? :lol:

[ledtool]

thats crazy, its so obvious, the shadows and reflections are exactly the same, you would think the would change them a bit.

[Kirium]

Busted MOTOR... All they've done is soften the arches and change the lights, the boot and stick VZ monaro wheels on it...

Top find guys. :thumbsup:

[V-Car]

Busted MOTOR... All they've done is soften the arches and change the lights, the boot and stick VZ monaro wheels on it...

Do you reckon ill get a free subscription to Motor for that scoop? :lol:

Whats the bet they dont put my pics side by side in the next issue! :p

[Danv8]

Good spotting V-car!
I guess used it as a decoy. :D

[HFV6]

Its official then, this entire thread is a complete waste of time. The pics published in motor look nothing like what the VE will look like. Unless of course the greatest inspiration for Holden's design team was North America's Saturn division? Motor has just lost all credibility to me, to simply pull out some random picture which has no connection to VE and slap on the nose of the TT36 and the rear lights of the VZ is low. And to boldly say 'This is VE'. Who the hell r u Motor blokes kidding, so much for their 'reliable insiders'. Mickey T is a phony. And now that i have had a bitch after being excited over the Motor pics. . .

Fantastic find guys? How did u make the connection, thats why the pics looked so credible. I want to see some abuse in Motor's mailbag next month, probably wouldnt publish it though.

[Goggles]

Its official then, this entire thread is a complete waste of time. The pics published in motor look nothing like what the VE will look like. Unless of course the greatest inspiration for Holden's design team was North America's Saturn division? Motor has just lost all credibility to me, to simply pull out some random picture which has no connection to VE and slap on the nose of the TT36 and the rear lights of the VZ is low. And to boldly say 'This is VE'. Who the hell r u Motor blokes kidding, so much for their 'reliable insiders'. Mickey T is a phony. And now that i have had a bitch after being excited over the Motor pics. . .

Fantastic find guys? How did u make the connection, thats why the pics looked so credible. I want to see some abuse in Motor's mailbag next month, probably wouldnt publish it though.

I guess we will all see the truth sometime in 2006 then....

[V-Car]

How did u make the connection

At first i thought it looked a bit like the Chevy Malibu and Maxx, and too much like a front driver (cab forward) to be a RWD Commodore.
http://www.chevrolet.com/malibu/sedan/

Which are based on the Opel Signum, a stretched Vectra.
http://www.opel.de/shop/cars/signum/index.act

But i remembered seeing the pics of the upcoming Saturn Aura at the Detroit Auto Show last january, which is another version of the Vectra/Signum/Saab 9-3/Pontiac G6/Malibu/Maxx Epsilon FWD platform.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_detroit/saturn/aura/pages/1.htm

Had another look, and there it was, so just a bit more searching, and up came the pics that MOTOR used.

[Kirium]

You're right there... Holden may very well have no imagination and it may very well be the new VE... But MOTOR really haven't tried to even do anything imaginative with it... like i said, rear lights, boot, monaro wheels, and softer arches... all the reflections are identicle.

Having said that, they've gotten sketches right in the past tho. i was flipping thru an old issue today and there were "scoop" photo's of what the VY series SS would look like, and it came pretty close...

Like goggles said, we'll find out in 06...

[HRT433]

I'm not saying that V-Car didn't find this on his own, but I also found this connection (wish I'd posted it now...), and several people have also pointed it out on a number of other forums (mainly US forums, because the Aura is a US vehicle, and they are more familiar with it.).

These are the images they used:
Side: http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/previewpage?022373
Front: http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/previewpage?022364
Rear: http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/previewpage?022365
This particular side shot is even closer than the one posted by V-Car.

MOTOR never specifically said they were real photos of the VE. So why exactly would they "busted" or deserve abusive mail?

They say in the article that the computer renderings a based on the "Torana show car", ok so they stretched the truth a little, but the whole front end has been practically lifted of the TT36 and dropped onto the Aura. Maybe they didn't mention the Aura becuase no one would have known what they were talking about. Or maybe they didn't want a bunch of idiots on some forum starting up a discussion about how the all-new VE Commodore would be based on a Vectra-sized platform and would built in the US on a predominenly US design....who knows?

For those train-spotter who keep referring to them just slapping some Monaro wheels on the pics....have another look. They AREN'T Monaro wheels, for starters they have HSV logos in the centre of them. The wheels are from the HRTE Maloo from a couple of years ago.

As for this comment from HFV6:

Who the hell r u Motor blokes kidding, so much for their 'reliable insiders'. Mickey T is a phony.

They're not kidding anyone, see my above comment. They used their sources to put together a computer rendering of what they believe the VE might look like, so what if we now know what they based the images on. As for calling Mickey T a phony....well thats one of the dumbest comments I've heard in a while. :rolleyes:

I think that'll do me for this rant...

I might keep my VE Monaro rendering (and the pic it was based on) to myself for the moment.

[HFV6]

Sorry im not gonna take that. No matter what you say (and yes this argument is pointless but ill go there anyway) MOTOR and Mickey T insinuated that they had credible information regarding what the VE would look like. The materialisation of this was in the artists impression in this month's magazine which were said to be based on sources within the company. My point is correct and that is: that the pictures are not at all based on 'sources' and are not therefore at all credible, though MOTOR may like to sprook that they are i.e. "This is the VE Commodore". The pictures were not a result of insider information, nor the fruit born from successful clairvoyance. They simply arose after some fellow skilled in the Adobe arts of Photoshop decided to slice apart a VZ rear end, the doors and proportions of some random North American front wheel drive mid-sized Saturn, and the front end of a Holden concept, the Torana TT36. Motor never stated that they were spy pictures, nor modified pictures of the real VE deal, but they did say that they were accurate and they did say they were credible. They werent and they werent so i stick by my previous claim that Mickey T and MOTOR are clearly phonies. I don't like being deceived by a magazine reporting to have credible information when all it has is some mozaic GM mash-up. We all thought it was credible, hence the massive thread, and now we all know that MOTOR was quite clearly faking it. They've been spot on in the past, but this time they were deceptive, tricky and just plain lazy. There's my 42.75 cents, and don't tell me my comments are ridiculous again. Thanks and goodnight.

[Kirium]

For those train-spotter who keep referring to them just slapping some Monaro wheels on the pics....have another look. They AREN'T Monaro wheels, for starters they have HSV logos in the centre of them. The wheels are from the HRTE Maloo from a couple of years ago.

Crikey! That makes ALL the difference... kudos to Motor... :lol:

As HFV6 mentions, they claimed their "artists impression" were based on reliable sources within...

So apparently their source has said the VE will look like a Saturn Aura with a TT36 front end, and Audi rear end and HRTE Maloo wheels... And an "artist" has come up with these renderings?? Seems to be stretching it a bit...

Motor has done much better in the past... This seems like a bit of a half-arsed attempt at a scoop.

But, we'll just wait and see..

BTW, don't hesitate to put up your VE Monaro. Your work has a far higher level of class and effort than Motor's photoshop guru. I've always enjoyed seeing your renderings, they're great, and I'm sure I'm not the only one on here to think so. :cheers:

[mavss]

Regardless of the authenticity of the pics, if that's the next VE, I'd buy it, as would a lot of others on these forums.

Mickey T - can you please ask the Motor photochopper to come up with his idea of the VE SS based upon this image. Pretty please :)

[COSMOS]

put an LS2 under the bonnet of the Aura and make it rear wheel drive and i will take 2 thanks. Having sat in that car at the NAIAS i wouldnt hesitate to drive one around every day.

if the VE looks even a little like those renderings then i am getting one, actually when this lease is up in 07 i am getting one anyway.

oooooohhh norty norty motor for putting in a sexy rendering of what our next big car may look like. DONT believe the hype. I think it looks horn and i hope the real thing has some if not all of the visual cues and elements of this frankenstein.

[HRT433]

Sorry im not gonna take that. No matter what you say (and yes this argument is pointless but ill go there anyway) MOTOR and Mickey T insinuated that they had credible information regarding what the VE would look like.

Pointless or not, its a valid argument. So they 'insinuated' that they had credible info, has anything they have said or published completely disproved that?


The materialisation of this was in the artists impression in this month's magazine which were said to be based on sources within the company. My point is correct and that is: that the pictures are not at all based on 'sources' and are not therefore at all credible, though MOTOR may like to sprook that they are i.e. "This is the VE Commodore".

How does this prove your point to be correct? How the hell can you say that the pictures aren't based on information given to MOTOR by their sources?
Ok they did use "This is the VE Commodore" as the headline, but the sub-healineon the cover says "We're getting warmer", its not like they said "here look at this, we've got our hands on some genuine photos of the as yet unbuilt VE from the good fellows down at Holden Design, and they have no problems with us publishing them..."


The pictures were not a result of insider information, nor the fruit born from successful clairvoyance. They simply arose after some fellow skilled in the Adobe arts of Photoshop decided to slice apart a VZ rear end, the doors and proportions of some random North American front wheel drive mid-sized Saturn, and the front end of a Holden concept, the Torana TT36.

Again, how do you know they aren't the result of insider information? Again, do you expect them to just have some photos of the VE fall into their lap (highly unlikely at present since they haven't built any), and even if they did would you expect them to publish the images unmodified? Because if you think that they would, then the issue those pics appeared in would probably be the last issue you would read...because I'm sure Holden's legal dept. would not take it too well.

And the whole idea of the Artists impression is to put together something that may resemble the VE. So what if they have used a number of source images to piece it together. Their insider info could be something like: "we can't tell you much but the VE is going to be a bit bigger overall, with a slightly wider track so they'll have some flared guards, oh and that little kick-thing that the BMWs have on their rear windows, it'll have something like that too, the front follows a similar theme to the Torana concept, as does the waistline, the side profile might not be dissimilar to that Saturn Aura concept that was in the US earlier this year, just on a bigger scale, oh and the rear will have a touch of Audi I guess would be the best way to describe it..."

I don't know about you (well I could probably guess) but if that was the inside info that MOTOR had, it is VERY easy to see how they got their final artists impression.


Motor never stated that they were spy pictures, nor modified pictures of the real VE deal, but they did say that they were accurate and they did say they were credible. They werent and they werent so i stick by my previous claim that Mickey T and MOTOR are clearly phonies.

Spy pictures? Modified VE pictures? I don't recall anyone saying that.
How do you know they aren't acurate? Do you work in the design dept at Holden? Have you seen the VE? If not, then I hardly think you can accuse them of being inaccurate and not credible...


I don't like being deceived by a magazine reporting to have credible information when all it has is some mozaic GM mash-up. We all thought it was credible, hence the massive thread, and now we all know that MOTOR was quite clearly faking it.

You're only decieved if you dumb enough to think that you we're looking at real pictures of the VE....especially since we're still probably about 10 months from release. I don't agree that alot of this thread is because we thought the images we're credible....sadly a lot of the comments have been about "err, how ugly is it, err its a piece of euro crap, blah blah" For those who have referred to Euro trash, you might want to think that over and think of all those European brands that, are far superior to our beloved Commodore in design, technology and build quality...


They've been spot on in the past, but this time they were deceptive, tricky and just plain lazy. There's my 42.75 cents, and don't tell me my comments are ridiculous again. Thanks and goodnight.

Yes they've been spot on, particularly with the VY, but that was only about 2 months before its release, maybe around Jan-Feb next year they'll have some "spot on" pics of the VE.

And for the record I didn't call you're comments ridiculous (in fact I only quoted one sentence from you in my last post), I said that they were dumb.

[HFV6]

I don't know what your problem is buddy but if this is all you have to fill your time then you need to get a life. You are pretty talented with the old Photoshop and i always thought that you gave authoritative and pretty solid, constructive comments but this is just plain riduculous. My point is that Motor has said that they had credible information regarding VE, and Mickey T himself has been on this forum saying that in the coming months they are going to have some pretty major revelations. I seriously doubt that Holden's new Commodore will resemble the Saturn Aura, and its quite obvious (as other members of this forum have commented) that Motor intended the pictures to be seen as accurate. I'd like to place a bet on the fact that this does not resemble the VE due out in 12 months. A photoshopped Saturn does not a VE Commodore make. Anyway, as for your rude and derogatory commments, its obvious you have no idea what you are talking about, because as i said above, if all you have to do to fill your time is come on a peaceful forum where people are presenting their views and attack them, labelling their comments as 'dumb' i suggest you go and join the Vogue forum, i'm sure you'll fit in nicely there with all the bitchiness. Its called free speech and the right to have an opinion, i don't attack people for their views, and you shouldn't either. I hope this is the end of this pointless banter because I've well and truly had enough.

[HRT433]

yeah, ok, whatever.

I stand by what I said, why? because, as you said, we have the right to have an opinion. I don't necessarily agree with yours and you don't necessarily agree with mine, so we agree to disagree.

back to the topic.

[V-Car]

back to the topic.

Yes! And the topic is "MOTOR mag with VE info and REAL PICS!!"

Real pics of a Saturn Aura! :p

Headline of the article says:

This is the new VE Commodore

That was NOT the new VE Commodore.
They were pics of a (very cab forward) FWD Saturn Aura that (probably) some bored school kid had found on the net, photoshopped the front and rear, and flogged to Motor.
At the end of the day, who really cares!
Motor have probably sold a heap more mags by tampering with the truth....and are laughing all the way to the bank.

[Kirium]

And that's the closest thing to the truth we've seen in this thread V-Car... :lol:

[TJS-81]

You guys should be happy its not the VE...cause it is BLOODY TERRIBLE!!! Who the hell wants a long wheel base Vectra!? Its interesting how many people will convince themselves it looks great when they believe its the real thing.

Actually, I'm almost disappointed cause it would have been a great thing for us 'blue bloods'. Notice I said almost...

[mickeyVX350]

Very Mazda 6.. I DUNNO

[Dacious]

I think this is as close as anyone in Holden apart from the graphic artists and clay modellers have seen.

Holden has been dropping clues all over the place

'current VZ has VE hits'
'TT36 shares some styling elements'
'GM is moving to global look for all it's brands'

I'm with HRT on this. Take any contemporary fullsize GM 4-door sedan and you can photoshop it with Opel Insignia/Torana/Vectra/VZ features and you'll end up with something close. Proportions may vary - ignore grille, wheels and trim. But it can't ary too much and enclose the engine, passenger compartmet and luggage space.

Anything being built now will not look like any of the 'classic' shapes of the past. It will be wedgey. It will have a high waistline. It will be very low-nose/sloping windshield.

Within those parameters it is possible to visualize what it is.- and the Motor renderings will be close.

I reckon the 'mystery model' will be a hatchback.

[Marco]

Hmm, Commodore Hatchback...a la SSX and Torana concepts? The hints are there, would make sense...

Nah, actually I reckon the mystery model will be a three-wheeler :P

[jason phillips]

Did someone say 4-door Monaro?

Say hello to the CLS-Coupe.

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/content/media_library/mbcom/products/passengercars/cls-class/clsclass/CLS-Coupe_Impressions_Gallery_02_770x200_04-2005.object-Single-MEDIA.jpg

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/content/media_library/mbcom/products/passengercars/cls-class/clsclass/cls-class_wallpaper8.object-Single-MEDIA.jpg

Looks like a deformed AU :eek: :spew:

[Redbull-Racing]

Looks like a deformed AU :eek: :spew:
I think the CLS is one of the most gorgeous cars out there, its what the AU could have been.