VE is World Car of the Year finalist

[cwhast]

Holden's new VE Commodore, developed at a cost of more than $1 billion, has been nominated for the World Car of the Year Award and is the only Australian-made vehicle among the 28 finalists.

The award, presented by a worldwide jury of motoring journalists, is judged according to styling, performance, handling, comfort, value, safety and environmental responsibility.

To be eligible, a new car must be available in a minimum of five countries on at least two continents.

Article continued here (http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,23636,20795251-462,00.html)

[xr8_forever]

After having driven a VE omega in Bris Vegas recently, i am starting to understand what the fuss is about....

Hopefully it should do well.

It doesn't make it on these lists for no reason.

[Angelo_XLR8]

bravo. be tops if we won it

[Stevotski]

I just spotted that article and the first thing i did was ls1.com.au :)

Hopefully it does well - I can see the thread filling with 'if only car xxx was sold in 5 countries/2 contients etc'

[Funky_Munky]

Awesome. Totally deserves the win.

[Fnomna]

http://www.wcoty.com/vehicles/?year=2007&cat=1

The competition:

Audi A6 Allroad
Audi Q7
Audi TT
BMW Z4 Coupe / Roadster
Cadillac STS
Citroen C4 Picasso
Citroen C6
Dodge Caliber
Fiat Grande Punto
Holden VE Commodore :)
Honda CR-V
Honda FIT
Jaguar XK
Jeep Commander
Jeep Compass
Lexus LS460
Mercedes CL
Mercedes GL
Mercedes R Class
MINI
Nissan Note
Opel Corsa
Renault Clio
Suzuki SX4 / Fiat Sedici
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen EOS
Volvo C70
Volvo S80

[CalaisRider]

[QUOTE=Fnomna;773697]http://www.wcoty.com/vehicles/?year=2007&cat=1

The competition:

Audi A6 Allroad
Audi Q7
Audi TT
BMW Z4 Coupe / Roadster
Cadillac STS
Citroen C4 Picasso
Citroen C6
Dodge Caliber
Fiat Grande Punto
Holden VE Commodore :)
Honda CR-V
Honda FIT
Jaguar XK
Jeep Commander
Jeep Compass
Lexus LS460
Mercedes CL
Mercedes GL
Mercedes R Class
MINI
Nissan Note
Opel Corsa
Renault Clio
Suzuki SX4 / Fiat Sedici
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen EOS
Volvo C70
Volvo S80
[/QUOT

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME:bounce:

Regardless of the final win or not it is in some top classs company which reflects on its improvement and attributes. :flip3:

As with most people I would just love it to win - GOOD LUCK Holden - well done::shock:

[PaulST]

It's fantastic to see our Aussie Commodore (and this is coming from a Ford man) up there. Hopefully it wins (possible because the competition isn't all that brilliant) and the Australian engineers get the credit they deserve. And hopefully Detroit realizes that our little convict settlement is decades ahead of their dodgy designers and allow Ford Australia to design Ford’s new global RWD platform.

[Ghia351]

The only downside I can see is if the judges, once the selection is narrowed to ten cars are able to get to analyse the VE properly as some of the other competitors are available in far larger markets where their exposure to the judges might be far greater....good luck!

Process A two-level, secret-ballot voting process was developed to initially create a short-list of ten finalists; then, from those finalists, to chose the World Car of the Year. Far from a simple popularity contest, in both cases the process was intense. All of which makes the ultimate decision more meaningful
taken from: http://www.wcoty.com/about/theprogram.asp

[seldo]

http://www.wcoty.com/vehicles/?year=2007&cat=1

The competition:

Audi A6 Allroad
Audi Q7
Audi TT
BMW Z4 Coupe / Roadster
Cadillac STS
Citroen C4 Picasso
Citroen C6
Dodge Caliber
Fiat Grande Punto
Holden VE Commodore :)
Honda CR-V
Honda FIT
Jaguar XK
Jeep Commander
Jeep Compass
Lexus LS460
Mercedes CL
Mercedes GL
Mercedes R Class
MINI
Nissan Note
Opel Corsa
Renault Clio
Suzuki SX4 / Fiat Sedici
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen EOS
Volvo C70
Volvo S80


Bah....! No competition there..........:shock:

[clixanup]

The competition:
...
Fiat Grande Punto
...

That's it. May as well pack up and go home. How could we possibly beat a Fiat? :lol:

[lowriding]

The only downside I can see is if the judges, once the selection is narrowed to ten cars are able to get to analyse the VE properly as some of the other competitors are available in far larger markets where their exposure to the judges might be far greater....good luck!

[

but misses the point really . I'm fairly sure the WCOTY is euro centric and a european car will win .I heavily doubt the judges will cast serious vote for any australian car .I think the nomination,however, is recognition in itself.:beer:

[OPPYLOCK]

I got excited when I read the title of this thread but after reading the lineup I don't think the Commo's in very esteemed company. Four American cars two of which are Jeep's! WTF. How did they select these vehicles? I'm picturing a blindfold and a pin-the-tail -on-the-donkey type arrangement (except for the holden of course).
I wonder if they test all variants of each or if its one specific model in the range. Anyone have ideas? The big V8 maybe a drawback in a euro based contest.

[Ryzz]

Yep, the Holden Press Release can be found Here (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=65493)

[OPPYLOCK]

Interesting that Brocky was on the panel for 06 as a design expert and ironic in that it was because of the Daytona Coupe.

[Dacious]

It's not Peter Perfect - it's another P Brock - fair dinkum (what are the odds on that?)

And the overriding selection factor is 'sold in 5 countries or more'.

[ssv6spd]

Good to see the ve up there

[bruce350]

What???? No Ford made it to the final list?? :stick: :evil:

[Stormin]

What???? No Ford made it to the final list?? :stick: :evil:

I guess the Jag and two Volvos will have to do.

[Phantom-R8]

What???? No Ford made it to the final list?? :stick: :evil:
In the absence of a new model (as opposed to an update), I doubt that they would qualify.

[NRD80Y]

When they say the entry is 'VE Commodore" is that just the Omega or the whole VE platform (SS, Calais, Statesman, HSV, etc)?

[Stormin]

It's not Peter Perfect - it's another P Brock - fair dinkum (what are the odds on that?)


I wonder if it's Pete Brock from the USA? How about the odds on Pete Brock being involved in the production of a modern version of Daytona Cobra Coupe, similar to what Peter Brock was killed in?

[PaulST]

What???? No Ford made it to the final list?? :stick: :evil:
I don't understand why the Ford S-Max didn't make it in. It's just won the European COTY so I find that very odd.

[Invasionss]

All the best for your hard work holden over the years of developing the new VE...
I still haven't driven one yet:bawl: :bawl: :bawl:

Justin

[MOE308]

:burnout: I haven't drive the new VE yet either.. Quite disapointed they only have 4 speed auto's.. My current company VZ would probably be quicker, when the VE is revised with the new 6 speed auto & Direct Injection - might be more interested in taking it for a spin...

[1HotSSV]

:burnout: I haven't drive the new VE yet either.. Quite disapointed they only have 4 speed auto's.. My current company VZ would probably be quicker, when the VE is revised with the new 6 speed auto & Direct Injection - might be more interested in taking it for a spin...

The VE auto is a beautiful new 6 speed unit...you should take one for a spin.

[xr8_forever]

:burnout: I haven't drive the new VE yet either.. Quite disapointed they only have 4 speed auto's.. My current company VZ would probably be quicker, when the VE is revised with the new 6 speed auto & Direct Injection - might be more interested in taking it for a spin...

I wouldn't bet the VZ is quicker. Even with the 4spd auto.

I drove an Omega in Brisbane and it impressed the sh!t out of me!!!
Handling, performance, smoothness. It ticked nearly all of the boxes for me.

Fair dinkum, other than some crappy interior trims and cheap ass plastics, it was brilliant!

Overall, Holden have done a brilliant job with the VE.

Might even trade in the VZ for one!

I might just wait and see what orion is all about.

[vecommo]

I drove an Omega in Brisbane and it impressed the sh!t out of me!!!
Handling, performance, smoothness. It ticked nearly all of the boxes for me.

Fair dinkum, other than some crappy interior trims and cheap ass plastics, it was brilliant!

Overall, Holden have done a brilliant job with the VE.

I had a similar experience earlier this year. After reading all the negativity about the Alloytec V6's in reviews and people's comments in general, I was blown away after driving a VE V6 Calais. I realised that everything negative I had read about the V6 had been an utterly exaggerated crock of shit, making me wonder what crack these reviewers are smoking.
I still see comments referring to the Alloytec as 'atrocious' or a 'boat anchor', but seriously, people who say this have either never driven one or need to take a reality check quick smart.
I haven't driven an Omega yet but I will be hiring one for 4 days early next year, which will give me a good chance to compare the base Alloytec to the high output version.

[payaya]

I had a similar experience earlier this year. After reading all the negativity about the Alloytec V6's in reviews and people's comments in general, I was blown away after driving a VE V6 Calais. I realised that everything negative I had read about the V6 had been an utterly exaggerated crock of shit, making me wonder what crack these reviewers are smoking.
I still see comments referring to the Alloytec as 'atrocious' or a 'boat anchor', but seriously, people who say this have either never driven one or need to take a reality check quick smart.
I haven't driven an Omega yet but I will be hiring one for 4 days early next year, which will give me a good chance to compare the base Alloytec to the high output version.

You drive a VP Exec so anything would be more smooth :)

Drive its competitors then decide.

[csv rulz]

My mates got the VE SV6 and for a 6 its bloody awesome, it puts you in the back of your seat, its smooth as, and can pull from low down easily, Before he bought the VE SV6 he had the VZ SV6, while that was an impressive motor it wasnt quite as good as the VE SV6 (but that could come down to the VZ being auto and VE being manual)

So dont read into wat motoring journos have to say, go and drive on for yourself.

[payaya]

My mates got the VE SV6 and for a 6 its bloody awesome, it puts you in the back of your seat, its smooth as, and can pull from low down easily, Before he bought the VE SV6 he had the VZ SV6, while that was an impressive motor it wasnt quite as good as the VE SV6 (but that could come down to the VZ being auto and VE being manual)

So dont read into wat motoring journos have to say, go and drive on for yourself.

Power and smooth I agree with. But when pushed to high rpm the sound the vibration is what gives it a boat anchor name.

[csv rulz]

Power and smooth I agree with. But when pushed to high rpm the sound the vibration is what gives it a boat anchor name.

Thats crap if you ask me, iv given his SV6 a boot right through red line and the whole time it was composed and smooth. It was very suprising how smooth it was at such high revs. plus how often do everyday people flog there 6 cylinder car?

I know if i was flogging a 6 cylinder car i would rather be in an SV6 than an Aurion.

Have you actually driven one?

[Dacious]

Power and smooth I agree with. But when pushed to high rpm the sound the vibration is what gives it a boat anchor name.

Drink the Ford Blue koolaid if you like, but stay over in Phord Phorums if you regurgitate it.

Wheels new comparo between XR, SV, VXR and ZR sixes indicates the SV6 is as or more economical despite Ford's claims driven back/back.

Neither is a bad motor, and the fact they blew away the supposedly superior Aurion and vied for best six shows Ford and Holden still have it, and you can't really go wrong with either. Wheels seem to be the only media outlet (except maybe Carsguide) who haven't chained themselves to the 'Barra good, Alloytech bad' mantra.

[payaya]

Thats crap if you ask me, iv given his SV6 a boot right through red line and the whole time it was composed and smooth. It was very suprising how smooth it was at such high revs. plus how often do everyday people flog there 6 cylinder car?

I know if i was flogging a 6 cylinder car i would rather be in an SV6 than an Aurion.

Have you actually driven one?

Yes I have. Smooth and powerful yes. How does it sound at high rpm??? Very similar to the 3.8??? Smoother yes, but sounds rough. The LS1 is smoother i reckon, as I'm in either the 3.6L or the 5.7L every day.

In never said the 3.6L was bad just harsh.

What are you comparing the 3.6L to in terms of refinement??? What have you driven??

[SS Enforcer]

Yes I have. Smooth and powerful yes. How does it sound at high rpm??? Very similar to the 3.8??? Smoother yes, but sounds rough.

In never said the 3.6L was bad just harsh.

What are you comparing the 3.6L to in terms of refinement???

I had a VZ sv6 it was a bloody corker for a NA 6 . I don't know what drugs some of the critics were on but buggered if I could find the faults.
To suggest that it sounds rough at high revs is ludicrous, they rev to 6700 if you hold em flat before they change. I have never heard anything sound rough at 6700 !!!

There is absolutly no similarity to the 3.8 I had one of them as well ran out of puff at about 4400 .

cheers

[payaya]

I had a VZ sv6 it was a bloody corker for a NA 6 . I don't know what drugs some of the critics were on but buggered if I could find the faults.
To suggest that it sounds rough at high revs is ludicrous, they rev to 6700 if you hold em flat before they change. I have never heard anything sound rough at 6700 !!!

There is absolutly no similarity to the 3.8 I had one of them as well ran out of puff at about 4400 .

cheers

Why would magazines say something about an engine its not??? They have said the V8 5.4 in the ford is crap, which I believe it is.

I guess if your use to the 3.6L you would not notice how it sounds. Im in a lot of other cars, and I agree with the mags, the 3.6L sounds rough.

Drive something out of the Ford/Holden range and you'll notice it.

You have the 6 speed manual?? consider it smooth??


Drink the Ford Blue koolaid if you like, but stay over in Phord Phorums if you regurgitate it.

Wheels new comparo between XR, SV, VXR and ZR sixes indicates the SV6 is as or more economical despite Ford's claims driven back/back.

Neither is a bad motor, and the fact they blew away the supposedly superior Aurion and vied for best six shows Ford and Holden still have it, and you can't really go wrong with either. Wheels seem to be the only media outlet (except maybe Carsguide) who haven't chained themselves to the 'Barra good, Alloytech bad' mantra.

I'll just go over to the Ford Forums and say the 5.4L sucks arse compared to the LS1!!.

[vecommo]

You drive a VP Exec so anything would be more smooth :)

Drive its competitors then decide.


What I drive is totally irrelevant. Just because I drive a VP doesn't mean I haven't driven or been in plenty of late model cars to be qualified to comment. The descriptions I gave of the VE V6 are based on comparisons with its competition and NOT my VP.
As for reviews claiming the Alloytec sounds harsh, well they are just somebody's opinion, and we all know opinions are like arseholes. Maybe they like driving cars with engines that sound like "a straining electric motor", as Danv8 put it in another thread.
Personally I prefer the nice grunty (although by no means harsh) note of the Alloytec compared to the dull and lifeless drone of the Ford and Toyota 6's.

[Danv8]

What I drive is totally irrelevant. Just because I drive a VP doesn't mean I haven't driven or been in plenty of late model cars to be qualified to comment. The descriptions I gave of the VE V6 are based on comparisons with its competition and NOT my VP.
As for reviews claiming the Alloytec sounds harsh, well they are just somebody's opinion, and we all know opinions are like arseholes. Maybe they like driving cars with engines that sound like "a straining electric motor", as Danv8 put it in another thread.
Personally I prefer the nice grunty (although by no means harsh) note of the Alloytec compared to the dull and lifeless drone of the Ford and Toyota 6's.


Found a youtube clip of a 07 Camry V6 (Aurion).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmhPoBh0JJA

Sounds like a slow running dentist drill.
:D

[vecommo]

Found a youtube clip of a 07 Camry V6 (Aurion).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmhPoBh0JJA

Sounds like a slow running dentist drill.
:D


Lol, that sounds worse than a clapped out old VN S1 Buick.

[Danv8]

Lol, that sounds worse than a clapped out old VN S1 Buick.

Yeah pretty much gut wrenching!



:)

[vecommo]

What I find ironic is that most of the people here who critisize the VE's NVH are performance enthusiasts who modify their cars in search of performance, which compromises NVH anyway.
An engine is a machine made up of many moving parts, of course it will make noise. If you are so concerned with this and want a silent car then go and buy a Prius or something.

The Alloytec is a well engineered motor with an impressive besign brief. I have found it to be just as good if not better than its competitors.

I find it very disappointing that people have jumped on the bandwagon and blindly continue to take journalist's drivel as gospel.

[Danv8]

What I find ironic is that most of the people here who critisize the VE's NVH are performance enthusiasts who modify their cars in search of performance, which compromises NVH anyway.
An engine is a machine made up of many moving parts, of course it will make noise. If you are so concerned with this and want a silent car then go and buy a Prius or something.

The Alloytec is a well engineered motor with an impressive besign brief. I have found it to be just as good if not better than its competitors.

I find it very disappointing that people have jumped on the bandwagon and blindly continue to take journalist's drivel as gospel.


Most probably why I don't buy Wheels or Motor magazines anymore the odd street machine or truckin life mag thats about it.

I find the Alloytec V6 in my rodeo just fine its smooth and has been very reliable. It pulls the beast pretty well and off the beaten track it performs very well. Although I wouldn't mind to mod it for some more grunt though.

[korrupt]

Unfortunately, the VE didn't make the final Top Ten for the award. Oh well, there is always the VF...

[CalaisOwner]

Here's the link for the top three finalists:

http://www.wcoty.com/media/?release=29&year=2007

[L98-SSV]

Unfortunately, the VE didn't make the final Top Ten for the award. Oh well, there is always the VF...

Spewin, thought the VE would have been in with a really good chance..

[qld para]

holden still tre best in my eyes

[Chris Bowen]

Without bragging, ive been lucky enough to drive most of the VE range. From the Berlina (basically the Omega with extras) to the Caprice. The major wrap I have on the fleet is the unbelievable steering finesse. All models give even an ordinary diver a great deal of confidence on the road. They really are a driver’s car. In terms of interior quality, it’s a massive leap forward, but I think after a couple of years the usual creaks here and there and bits falling of will start to become evident. You can’t match European attention to detail, that all obviously comes at a cost. My Fav was the Calais, I only drove the V6, which is nothing special, but gee it looks slick. Plus it has heaps of added luxury features over the SS. (Id def go for the V series on the Calais and SS) The Caprice has uncanny handling for a car that size.. Once again I had the V6..Even the Berlina impressed, suspension eats pot holes for brekkie.. Perhaps a little softly sprung though. Engine was quite sluggish and the car feels quite heavy. But OMG the weighting of the steering on them all is just about perfect. They are just fun cars to drive. Still think Holden V6's sound like blow dryers though!!

[seedyrom]

i hope this isn't bad taste, but maybe there was a void in someone flying the aussie flag?

A design panel consisting of four highly respected design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jury. The design experts were:
· Silvia Baruffaldi: Managing Editor, Auto & Design magazine
· Peter Brock: designer, Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe
· Robert Cumberford: design critic, Automobile and Auto & Design magazines
· Akira Fujimot Editor-in-Chief, Car Styling magazine

[korrupt]

I think it was the American Peter Brock.

[SchrgdVSV6]

...and the winner is?

http://www.thecarblog.com/the_hot_new_ish/2007_lexus_460_is_world_car_of_the_year.php?CFID=1 3004553&CFTOKEN=46239958