Subtle Updates for 2012 Holden Commodore

While Holden's engineering team is working hard on the development of the new generation Commodore dubbed VF, which is expected to launch within the next two to three years, the company's designers took some time off to spiff up the current model.

For the 2012 model year, Australia's homegrown Commodore VE (sold as the Pontiac G8 in the States before the brand was axed) receives some minor exterior and interior enhancements, plus the introduction of the track-inspired FE3 sports suspension on the Redline series.

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In the Works: Become a Car Tycoon in New Automation Game

There are all sorts of games for car enthusiasts in the market ranging from racing to action, but a young startup from Melbourne, Australia, called Camshaft Software, promises to offer something entirely different in the form of a game that will allow players to become car tycoons.

The game, which is still under development, is named Automation and it's the creation of Caswal Parker, the Lead Programmer and Andrew Lamb, the Lead 3D Artist, with the additional help of Jayelinda Suridge, Games Engine Programmer, Bernardo Del Castillo, 2D/3D Artist/Programmer and Stephan Schutze, responsible for Sound Design/Recording.

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GM’s Holden Readies Rebadged Chevys Photos

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It’s a global economy we live in and as such, it doesn’t come to much of a surprise when we see the same vehicles launched under different brands and names in various parts of the world.

Of course, it would be somewhat unfair to Holden if we didn’t mention that it has played a key role in the development and design of several GM products including the 5-door Cruze that will be show in pre-production trim at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS), which takes place in Melbourne from July to 10.

The hatchback body style of the Cruze will be joined by the new Barina (a.k.a the Chevrolet Sonic) and the Colorado 4x4 concept pickup truck, which we’ve already seen with Chevrolet's bowtie.

“The Colorado show car is the biggest and brightest star on the Holden stage this year,” said Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux. “The next generation Colorado will be an important player in light commercial/pickup 4x4 segment which is up 11 per cent this year,” he added.

The new Colorado pickup will be introduced into the Australian market in production form next year.

Holden is also updating its bread-and-butter Commodore series with the presentation of an E85 capable V6 engine option.

“We’ll be adding to the Ecoline model range, extending E85 flex-fuel capability to the popular 3.6 litre SIDI V6 engine and launching a new dedicated LPG Commodore range to take advantage of the CO2 benefits of the locally-abundant fuel,” said Devereux.

HOLDEN COLORADO

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HOLDEN CRUZE

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HOLDEN BARINA

HSV Black Edition Sedan Photos

General Motor’s Holden Special Vehicles unit in Australia is following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division as well as more recently, Porsche, with the presentation of a black-themed and named special edition series based on the E Series 3 range launched last September.

Making its world debut at the 2011 Australian motorshow in Melbourne, the SV Black Edition package is offered in the ClubSport R8, Maloo R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer, which are the sports versions of the Commodore sedan, ute, and station wagon models respectively.

Despite the name, the SV Black Editions are available in four more colors other than Phanotm black, namely Alto Grey, Nitrate, Sting and Heron.

The “darkness” of the limited edition comes in the details starting with the exterior and the matte black trims on the front and sides as well as the “Vector” hood scoops and side vents. It continues with the new, 20-inch forged SV Performance alloy wheel finished in gloss black.

Inside, all models feature a unique finish on the console, instrument panel and steering wheel while special edition sill plates, Onyx leather trim, matte black badging and a subtle lip spoiler on the ClubSport R8 complete the package.

There are no upgrades under the hood with power coming from HSV’s 317 kilowatt (425HP), 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine.

“I believe this is one of the best looking limited edition vehicle’s we have ever produced at HSV,” said HSV’s General Manager of Sales, Darren Bowler. “The matte black paint outs combined with an all new, forged alloy wheel and subtle badging gives these vehicles a truly unique HSV look. I am confident these limited edition models will become true collectors items,” he added.

HSV plans to limit production of the SV Black Edition package to 100 ClubSport R8s, 100 Maloo R8s and 25 ClubSport R8 Tourer’s. Prices for the SV Black Edition start at AU$67,990 for the Maloo R8, AU$71,990 for the Clubsport R8 and AU$72,990 for the ClubSport R8 Tourer. Sales officially start in September.

PHOTO GALLERY