Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts

Saturday, 16 February 2013

2014 Chevrolet SS revealed. We already saw him as the Holden VF SS V


Externally the only difference from the Holden Commodore SS V VF is the different logo on the front and the back, besides the new paint and wheels, but what is worth mentioning is that it is the first Chevrolet V8 rear-drive performance sedan in 17 years.

But when the Holden was introduced a few days nothing was revealed about the engine so it was with some joy that i saw Chevrolet revealing the engines specs in their press release. The SS comes with the 6.2liter LS3 Chevrolet V8, producing around 415hp and 562Nm (415lb/ft) of torque, so you know it will be fast.

The LS3 is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission that works together with the TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel for a 0 to 60mph (97km/h) run in about five seconds. Unfortunately nothing was said about the top speed but i am sure it is limited to 155mph (250km/h).

The exterior includes the same ventilated Brembo brakes with 355mm rotors and two-piece, four-piston front calipers, aluminum hood and rear deck lid for a near 50/50 weight distribution, and forged aluminum wheels, with Bridgestone tires: 19 x 8.5 inch wheels with 245/40ZR19 tires in front; 19 x 9.0 inch wheels with 275/35ZR19 tires rear.

Inside we get 42 inches (107cm) of front legroom, and 39 inches (99cm) of rear legroom, leather seats as standard, the Chevrolet MyLink system in a color touch screen, Bose® Nine-speaker premium sound system besides several other safety systems like, the Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert.

Sales will start in the fourth quarter of 2013 with prices being disclosed closer to the on-sale date.

Friday, 15 February 2013

Holden unveils the Commodere VF SS V


Recently the Australian company revealed the first car from the VF Commodore Series, the Calais V, and soon enough they showed us the more sporty VF SS V, that for now is only a show car but promises to "to seriously challenge any large performance sedan on the planet".


The exterior of the car as some changes to the body, including new front and rear bumpers, 20inch black double five-spoke wheels, a little spoiler at the back and a custom Fantale orange metallic paint. While the interior features the same arrangement as the Calais V but with a gloss black trim and leather seats.

In a mechanical level we only know that it has Brembo brakes, everything else is unknown for now.


Saturday, 9 February 2013

Holden reveals the new VF Commodore (Calais V). The Chevrolet SS Sports Sedan for the USA


Holden is really going crazy over this new Commodore, calling it the best Commodore ever, that is also safer, more user-friendly and more fuel efficient. But what bothers me is that it looks like an Opel even if they say they "raised the bar". Richard Ferlazzo Holden Chief Designer (Creative Design) even said they took "a great existing form and brought it up to another level,”

I disagree, it still looks like an Opel Insignia (the back is more similar to the Malibu), and i actually prefer the VE, it was more distinctive. Having said that the car isn't ugly, it is classy and looks more luxurious, and while the interior is completely new, the exterior has the roof, doors and glasses of the older model. Besides that it was completely designed and engineered in Australia, something to be proud of.

One of the main aspects is the inclusion of several technologically advanced features, like the Auto Park Assist available on all modes, where the driver operates the pedals but the car effectively parks itself and you can choose between a parallel or 90 degree angle park. You also have the MyLink infotainment system and keyless entry and start.

The new safety features include Reverse Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and a Head-Up Display. Pretty cool, right?

Engines or specifications weren't revealed but the car will go on sale in Australia from Mid-2013, and will reach the United States of America as the Chevrolet SS, both built in Australia. Still the engines should be the same V6 and V8 from the VE model. See the Calais V gallery below.

Oh and don't worry this won't be the last Commodore, a new one will show up in 2016.


 
//PART 2