Spied: GM Daewoo Veritas (L4X) spotted in person

Here are the first images of the GM Daewoo Veritas, originally named L4X, spotted outside auto show venues for the first time. A rebadge of the Holden WM Caprice, the Veritas replaces the GM Daewoo Statesman that was on sale since 2005. The Statesman was also a rebadge of the previous generation Holden Statesman from Australia. The Veritas sports a unique vertical-slat grille and badging. The Statesman rides on Holden's RWD Zeta platform.

GM Daewoo pits the Veritas against the Hyundai Genesis 3.3L, Ssangyong Chairman W V6, and BMW 528i. Alike all three of these cars, the Veritas is rear-wheel driven. Its dimensions are (mm) 5195 x 1895 x 1480. The Veritas is powered by a 3.6L Alloytec V6 that produces 258 horsepower. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Veritas features a myriad of premium amenities such as bi-xenon headlamps, navigation system with DMB TV, tri-zone automatic climate control, power rear seats with massaging, power rear window curtains, and a rearview camera.

Reports say the Veritas is scheduled to go on sale by the end of 2008.

Continue reading to view more images.

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Australia: Holden releases facelifted 2009 Epica

GM's Australia division, Holden, unveiled the facelifted Epica mid-size sedan today. A rebadged version of the GM Daewoo Tosca, the revised Epica features minor exterior changes and introduces a new diesel model for the first time.

Holden refreshes the outside of the Epica with a revised grille, rear fascia, standard Aero kit, and new set of wheels. The equipment list is also rehashed with standard electronic stability control (ESC). Upping the ante, the CDXi features rear parking assist, heated front seats, and leather-trimmed interior.

For 2009, Holden adds a diesel variant of the Epica. Replacing the 2.0L petrol V6, the 2.0L 4-cylinder Variable turbine geometry (VTG) diesel generates 110 kW (148 horsepower) and 320Nm of torque. The 115 kW (154 horsepower) 2.5L petrol inline-6 remains. The new diesel boasts a mileage rating of 7.6L/100km (31 MPG). All models are now equipped with the 6T40 Active Select 6-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 5-speed manual and Aisin 5-speed automatic transmissions.

The new Holden Epica is available now. The entry-level petrol CDX model is priced at AUD$27,990. The petrol CDXi model stickers at AUD$30,990. Diesel adds AUD$2,000 to both models. The Epica is produced in GMDAT's Bupyeong plant in South Korea.

[Source: Car Central]

Continue reading to view more images.

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Spied: Holden VE Commodore Wagon/ HSV Ute

This came as a surprise to us when we got this via mail. A member of the Australian LS1 and Holden Forums snapped two shots of the Holden VE Commodore Wagon and the HSV Ute Maloo during a product presentation. There was no official word regarding Holden's development on the new wagon, but these shots confirm the speculations. The second shot shows us the upcoming HSV Ute Maloo. Both shots are the real deal.

The VE Wagon will be powered by the same engines as its four-door sibling: a 3.6L 255hp V6 and a 6.0L 362hp V8 on the SS model. We have no word whether the wagon will be brought over to North America as a Pontiac G8 Wagon, but if it does, it will make a viable competitor to the Dodge Magnum. HSV, Holden's high-performance division, is prepping for the unveiling of the new HSV Ute Maloo. Based on the VE Ute, the Maloo packs a 6.0L 411hp LS2 V8 and adds an aggressive HSV bodykit.

Both models are speculated to debut at the upcoming Sydney International Motor Show in October. Continue reading to view an image of the HSV Maloo.

[Source: Australian LS1 and Holden Forums]

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OFFICIAL: 2008 Holden VE Ute

The wait is over. Holden officially unveiled their newest iteration of the El Camino, eh hem, Ute today. Replacing the aging VZ Ute, the VE Ute is now available alongside the numerous variations of the VE Commodore Sedan. The new Ute implements the same front-end as the Commodore Sedan, but morphs into a pick-up at the back. The combination is well-blended overall.

Holden has invested $105 million onto the new Ute, in addition to the $1 billion used for the VE Commodore range. The constructor's pet on weekdays and the racetrack's best buddy on the weekends is now better than ever from its predecessor. The Ute comes in 4 different models: Omega, SV6, SS, and the SS-V. The Omega is standard with a 241 horsepower 3.5L V6 when opted with the 4AT. An extra 20 horsepower is jolted when coupled to the 6MT. The SV6 is standard with the 261hp 3.5L V6 and is available in a 5AT or a 6MT. If you want a Corvette that can carry the plywood, upgrade to the SS or the SS-V, which comes standard with a staggering 6.0L V8 producing 362 horsepower. The tranny is also upgraded to a 6AT and the 6MT is always available.

Holden's quirky color name scheme has proved existence with 9 different variations including K-Pow Metallic Blue, Redhot Red, and Morpheous Purple. The VE Ute will go on sale in Australia and Nouveau Zealand in October. Continue after the jump to view hi-res image galleries and the official press release.

[Source: GM Holden]

Holden VE Ute SV6


Holden VE Ute SS-V


PRESS RELEASE: HOLDEN'S ALL NEW VE UTE RAISES THE BAR

GM Holden today unveiled its all new VE Ute range - the latest iconic model in a line-up that spans almost 60 years of Australian motoring.

VE Ute is Holden's first completely new ute design since the VU series in 2000. It offers more features, more useable interior space, greater storage flexibility and more performance than any of its predecessors.

Holden invested an extra $105 million on top of its $1 billion VE Commodore sedan program and carried out more than 650,000kms of reliability testing on the new VE Ute.

Launching the new range in Melbourne today, GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Chris Gubbey said almost 60 years of history had established the Holden Ute as a true Australian icon.

"The ute's development tells the story of Australia. Today's ute is about working hard, playing hard and enjoying an active lifestyle," Mr Gubbey said.

"VE Ute raises the bar in this segment and sets new standards in safety, comfort, flexibility and performance, and all at the great value price you'd expect from Holden."

Holden's world-class design and engineering expertise has created a vehicle that successfully integrates sports car performance, ride and handling and workhorse practicality.

Sharing the same genetic make-up as the multi-award winning VE Commodore sedan, the all new VE Ute was designed, engineered and built in Australia.

It will be the first locally produced ute to offer the acclaimed Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) crash avoidance safety technology standard across the range. High levels of safety carry through to the vehicle's structure which incorporates the same high-strength steels introduced in VE sedan.

VE Ute's interior offers increased cabin comfort and significantly increased storage space. The tray has a new cargo liner fitted as standard.

Performance is stepped up and there are wider wheel and tyre combinations across all models. A new-to-the-range SS V model marries 270kW of V8 power with high-level features.

These include 19-inch wheels, dual zone electronic climate control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, alloy pedals and a premium audio system, setting a new standard in the ute segment.

Introduced in July 2006, Holden's VE range has won a host of accolades including Wheels Car of the Year, News Ltd's Car Of The Year, MOTOR's Bang For Your Bucks and Drive.com People's Choice Award.

Design Overview

Holden designers captured the dual role of today's ute as a practical workhorse with recreational sports car credentials. A priority was to create more practical cabin space and storage flexibility.

Like its sedan sibling, VE Ute has authoritative stance and poise. The signature raked bodyside and distinctive flared wheel arches feature prominently.

The silhouette features a coupe-like integrated roof-line and retains the classic Holden Ute proportional trait with the tray perfectly balanced above the rear wheels.

The clean presentation is aided by the use of a single piece body side outer which runs from the A pillar to the tailgate. The new one-piece side structure delivers significant quality improvements through dimensional stability and repeatability.

There are unique wrap-around tail lamps and tailgate hinges are now fully concealed. Dual and quad exhaust systems enhance the VE Ute's sports car appeal.

Interior Features

VE Ute introduces several design solutions that increase interior storage space, improve rear compartment access and add more convenience features.

The cabin interior draws on the award-winning VE sedan, with individual treatments increasing buyer choice.

Specific centre stack features, mouldings, displays and illumination colours create maximum differentiation between variants.

The aggressive quality standards applied to VE sedan were also applied to ute, with critical areas such as part-to-part fit, material surfaces, storage openings and other treatments reviewed to the tiniest detail.

Rear seat access has been opened up with a quick release seat latch now standard. Storage volume behind the seats is now 245 litres, a significant increase over VZ Ute's 90 litre space.

There are two storage compartments beneath the load floor and all models except Omega and SV6 have dual cargo nets in the rear panel. A new rear centre T-panel provides a striking visual element.

Exterior Features

While the new ute takes many of its design and styling cues from the successful VE sedan, its body structure has more than 60 unique panels.

The rear structure has been significantly reinforced to accommodate the load-carrying capacity and robustness required for a light commercial vehicle.

The cargo area is more functional and versatile. A heavy duty moulded cargo liner is now standard fitment.

It helps protect the tray space and load materials from damage. Floor corrugations allow water run-off and easy cleaning.

The flush-fitting soft tonneau cover (all models except Omega) features Holden's unique 'snap lock' clipping system. The six cargo tie-down hooks have been redesigned for improved functionality.

Safety Technology

VE Ute incorporates more standard safety features than its predecessor and benefits from the largest crash modelling program Holden has undertaken.

The focus was on crash avoidance and providing optimum occupant protection should a crash occur.

Safety technologies were benchmarked against the world's leading brands and major engineering programs delivered a stiffer body structure and significantly increased usage of advanced strength steels. Seventy seven per cent of VE Ute's structure is advanced strength steel.

Load path strategies established for VE sedan have been adapted for VE Ute with a focus on side and rear impact. Structurally optimised crush zones help absorb crash energy.

VE is the first locally produced ute equipped with the acclaimed Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) safety technology standard across the range. This integrates traction control, anti-lock braking systems, electronic brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution to help prevent skidding in critical driving situations by applying corrective braking to different wheels and reducing engine torque.

New dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, which inflate in two stages according to impact severity and respective seating positions, further enhance occupant safety.

Other protection features include a steering column ride-down mechanism and breakaway brake pedal.

Performance

The new VE Ute is all about performance, whether as a day-to-day commercial workhorse or a two-door sports car in its own right.

The Omega Ute offers a four-speed automatic transmission paired with Holden's locally built 3.6 litre V6 Alloytec engine, delivering 180kW of peak power and 330Nm of peak torque.

The six-speed manual Omega has the more powerful High Output V6 Alloytec, delivering peak power of 195kW and peak torque of 340Nm, with dual exhausts added.

SV6 utilises the same combination of High Output V6 engine, six-speed manual transmission and dual exhausts but adds sports suspension. Five-speed automatic transmission with Active Select is optional.

The SS and new high-end SS V Ute models are powered by Holden's 6.0 litre Gen IV V8, which delivers 270kW of peak power and 530Nm of peak torque. It is matched to a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select.

Wheel and tyre packages are larger across the range. The entry level Omega ute moves from 15-inch to 16-inch steel wheels. At the performance end, SV6 and SS utes move from 17-inch to 18-inch alloys as standard and the new SS V boasts 19-inch alloy wheels.

Quad exhausts add to the performance package on SS and SS V models.

Ride and handling

Holden's chassis engineers have translated the luxury smoothness, great linear handling and steering feel of VE sedan into the ute driving experience.

At the same time, they have maintained the ride comfort characteristics and sporting appeal of the successful VZ Ute. The result is a balance between passenger car comfort, sporty handling and the practical requirements of a load-bearing commercial vehicle.

Rear suspension was a primary focus for change and the new ute delivers even greater lateral grip and linear response during cornering. VE Ute also benefits from larger fade resistant brakes and larger wheel and tyre packages.

Further Feature Highlights

* All-new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system - 20 fan speeds
* High quality instrument clusters with larger dials and displays, night mode dash illumination, 16 personalisation options, multifunction driver display
* All models satellite navigation and telematics capable
* Blaupunkt audio systems
* Six disc CD player (SS and SS V)
* Sports-contoured seats (SS and SS V)
* Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity
* Euro-style flat blade wipers
* Locking fuel filler door
* One touch lane change indicator
* LED high-mounted stop lamp (SS and SS V)
* Dual zone electronic climate control (SS V)
* Projector headlamps (SS V)
* Alloy faced pedals (SS V)


Accessories include:

* Super Box
* Hard tonneau cover
* Cargo tie-down rails
* Sports bar
* Ladder and roof rack
* Sports decal kit
* Interior luggage organiser
* Colour selection


A varied and expressive colour palette emphasises ute's sports persona. Three exciting new colours - Atomic, Crunch and K-Pow - are included in a total of nine exterior colour choices.

Available on all models

Heron White - solid white
Phantom - metallic black with silver highlights
Redhot - highly chromatic solid red metallic
Nickel - mechanical dark silver with coarse metallic highlight
*K-Pow - highly chromatic metallic blue with purple undertones
Additional colours available on SV6, SS and SSV

Ignition - chromatic red orange metallic with fine mica gold highlight
*Atomic - metallic green, bright and packed with chroma
*Crunch - a green-biased metallic yellow
Morpheous - purple metallic
* denotes new colours

Holden VE Ute Range:

Omega (new) - 3.6L V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic and 3.6L V6 195kW peak torque 340Nm six-speed manual;
SV6 - 3.6L V6 195kW peak torque 340Nm five-speed automatic and six-speed manual;
SS - 6.0L V8 270kW, peak torque 530Nm six-speed automatic and six-speed manual;
SS V (new) - 6.0L V8 270kW, peak torque 530Nm six-speed automatic and six-speed manual;
Fuel Economy (based on ADR 81/01)

NB - Figures based on pre-production vehicles

Omega (auto) 11.3 L/km
Omega (manual) 11.4 L/km
SV6 (auto) 11.6 L/km
SV6 (manual) 11.4 L/km
SS & SS V (auto) 14.0 L/km
SS & SS V (manual) 14.5 L/km

Recommended Retail Pricing (Australian)

(Excluding delivery and government charges)

Omega (6-speed manual) V6
$30,990 with air conditioning

Omega (4-speed automatic) V6
$30,990 with air conditioning

SV6 (6-speed manual) V6
$35,990

SV6 (5-speed automatic) V6
$36,990

SS (6-speed manual) V8
$39,990

SS (6-speed automatic) V8
$41,990

SS V (6-speed manual) V8
$44,990

SS V (6-speed automatic) V8
$46,990

Leather smart pack (SV6 and SS)
$1,250

On Sale:
October 2007

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Holden counts down to debut of new Ute

Holden is busy keeping up with demands for the VE Commodore as of today, albeit being launched in 2006. The Ute, however, stay put and the old WM generation lived on. Well, Holden is prepping for the unveiling of the all-new VE Ute tomorrow and we're very excited. Possibly one of the top cars that we want GM to bring over to North America, the modern El Camino will receive a consistent restyle to that of the VE Commodore, and new powertrains will definitely be in the batch. We have no more and no less details on the Ute, so we'll sit aside and watch the temperature rise through the roof as the day goes on.

The Ute will be officially unveiled at Tuesday 7pm EST in the United States and Canada. The Aussies will see the Ute first at Wednesday 9AM Australian EST. All we have official for now is the beast waiting to be shown around the world in a mere day. Click the image to visit the teaser website.

[Source: Holden via GMInsideNews]

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Sydney meets Rio: Chevrolet Omega, Holden VE Berlina with a bow-tie, goes on sale in Brazil

Following the steps of Holden's unveiling of the first engineering prototypes of the Pontiac G8, Chevrolet unveiled the Omega for the Brazilian market. Underneath the bow-tie badge is a Holden VE Commodore Berlina. Its predecessor ceased production in 1999, and was based on the Opel Omega (Cadillac Catera in US).

The Omega CD is powered by a 3.6L Alloytec V6 producing 250HP (190kW). The RWD Omega won't be available with the V8, which will find a spot under the hood of the Pontiac G8. Follow the jump to view more images of the Omega.

[Source: GoAuto]

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Holden VE Commodore SS Police Car

Even the cops in Australia have it over us. While we wait (impatiently) for the Pontiac G8 to start rolling off transport ships originating from the island continent sometime next year, the new VE Commodore is now entering fleet duty as a police interceptor. Holden released a trio of shots showing full-dress VE Commodore SSes ready for duty on the undoubtedly long stretches of road running through the Outback in Australia's Northern Territory. Boy, we would burn through a lot of gas if we were Australian police officers on patrol out there with one of these as the "company car."

[Source: Autoblog]

Continued- More images

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2007 Vauxhall VXR8 (UK)

We all know that General Motors plans to sell the Australian built Holden Commodore sedan as a rebadged Pontiac in the US, but what we didn’t know is that its UK division, Vauxhall, will be offering the high-performance HSV Clubsport R8 variant as its new VRX8. HSV is an acronym for Holden Special Vehicles, a tuning company that specialises in modifying V8 Commodore sedans, and now its latest E-series Clubsport will be hitting showrooms in the UK.

The new model features the same 6.0L LS2 V8 engine shared with the Corvette, developing a very healthy 420hp and 550Nm of torque. Expect the 0-100km/h sprint to take just 4.9 seconds for the conventional six-speed manual. A performance bargain at just £34,995. For an extra £1,400, customers can opt for a new six-speed automatic with manual mode that’s just half a second slower to reach 100km/h than the manual. Huge 365mm front disc brakes will slow the big saloon down from 100km/h to a standstill faster than a Lamborghini Murcielago or BMW M5. Options include sat-nav and 20inch alloys.

Although the new VXR8 is expected to be based on the Clubsport R8 model, there are rumors that the more potent GTS version equipped with GM’s magnetic ride control suspension system and a possible supercharged version may be hitting the streets.

Stay tuned for the official press release.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Follow the jump for more images.

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Bitter building limo based on Holden Statesman

German automotive outfit Bitter Cars will be making a comeback with a new limousine based on the Holden-sourced Statesman (above), which it will showcase at this year’s Frankfurt International Auto Show. Bitter has a long history of building cars based on models from Opel, but this time looked elsewhere within the GM stable as Opel no longer has a decent large sedan.

The Statesman is powered by a 340hp 6.0L V8 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and this drivetrain is unlikely to be changed for the car being developed. Bitter is no stranger to modifying cars from Holden. In 2003 it displayed a car based on the Monaro coupe at the Geneva Motor Show labelled the CD2.

According to the Dutch site Autoweek.nl, the new Bitter limo will be going into limited production, with the first models scheduled to be delivered soon after the Frankfurt show.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Brisbane: Holden Epica

GM Holden’s new mid-size sedan, Epica, made its Australian debut today at the Brisbane International Motor Show. On sale in early April 2007, Epica will be available in two variants (CDX and CDXi) with a choice of either a 2.0 or 2.5-litre in-line six cylinder engine, depending on model.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Denny Mooney said Epica would offer outstanding value for money, an extremely refined drive and fuel economy comparable to a four cylinder car. Mr Mooney said exact pricing would be announced in due course but Epica would be aimed at the value end of the mid-size sedan segment. A five-speed manual or automatic transmission will be offered depending on model. Epica’s impressive fuel economy (ADR081/01) is 8.2 litres/100km for the 2.0-litre manual variant and 9.3 litres/100km for the 2.5-litre automatic.

“Epica’s in-line six cylinder engine delivers a very refined and smooth ride and returns better fuel economy than some of the four-cylinder rivals in the mid-size sedan segment,” Mr Mooney said. “It has generous interior space, excellent standard specifications and stylish fit and finish. We believe Epica will suit the value end of the mid-size sedan segment but will also be a great alternative to vehicles right throughout that segment.”

Manufactured at GM’s Bupyong plant in South Korea, Epica was extensively tuned by Holden engineers at GM Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground before its global release, ensuring it met Australia’s diverse driving conditions. The 2.0-litre engine produces peak power of 105kW and peak torque of 195Nm. The 2.5- litre engine produces peak power of 115kW and peak torque of 237Nm. All models meet Euro IV emission standards.

[Source: WorldCarFans via GM]

Follow the jump for the official press release and more images.










PRESS RELEASE:

Epica Steals The Show In Brisbane

The new mid-size sedan, Epica, will headline Holden's stand at the 2007 Brisbane International Motor Show.

Making its Australian debut, Epica will boast outstanding value for money, driving refinement and excellent fuel economy. Exact pricing will be announced in due course but Epica will be aimed at the value end of the mid-size sedan segment.

It will be available from April in two highly specified variants, CDX and CDXi, with a choice of either a 2.0 or 2.5-litre in-line six cylinder engine, depending on model.

Holden also welcomes a new turbo diesel engine for Rodeo. The 120kW* 3.0-litre VCDi common rail turbo diesel engine is the most powerful diesel Rodeo yet.

Other show stand highlights include the all new VE Commodore and WM Statesman and Caprice models, the stunning Astra line-up including the newly released Astra TwinTop and Astra SRi models, and Holden's new mid-size SUV Captiva range.

Epica
Epica's in-line six cylinder engine delivers a very refined and smooth ride and returns fuel economy comparable to some four-cylinder rivals in the mid-size sedan segment.

The 2.0-litre engine produces peak power of 105kW** and peak torque of 195Nm. The 2.5- litre engine produces peak power of 115kW and peak torque of 237Nm. All models meet Euro IV emission standards.

Epica's impressive fuel economy (ADR081/01) is 8.2 litres/100km for the 2.0-litre manual variant and 9.3 litres/100km for the 2.5-litre automatic. A five-speed manual or automatic transmission will be offered depending on model.

Epica has generous interior space, excellent standard specifications and stylish fit and finish.

Manufactured at GM's Bupyong plant in South Korea, Epica was extensively tuned by Holden engineers at GM Holden's Lang Lang proving ground before its global release, ensuring it met Australia's diverse driving conditions.

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Brisbane: Holden Commodore VE SS "Morpheous"

By all accounts, we believe we can safely refer to the hue of the Commodore SS shown above as "purple." The VE Commodore SS is a pretty mean piece of machinery though, and for some, purple could be a tough sell. And really, the endgame is to get the shopper to part with a down payment. What's the solution? Call it something decidedly "un-purpley." Like Morpheous. Yeah!

[Source: Autoblog]

Follow the jump for the official press release and more images.






PRESS RELEASE:

Epica Steals The Show In Brisbane

The new mid-size sedan, Epica, will headline Holden's stand at the 2007 Brisbane International Motor Show.

Making its Australian debut, Epica will boast outstanding value for money, driving refinement and excellent fuel economy. Exact pricing will be announced in due course but Epica will be aimed at the value end of the mid-size sedan segment.

It will be available from April in two highly specified variants, CDX and CDXi, with a choice of either a 2.0 or 2.5-litre in-line six cylinder engine, depending on model.

Holden also welcomes a new turbo diesel engine for Rodeo. The 120kW* 3.0-litre VCDi common rail turbo diesel engine is the most powerful diesel Rodeo yet.

Other show stand highlights include the all new VE Commodore and WM Statesman and Caprice models, the stunning Astra line-up including the newly released Astra TwinTop and Astra SRi models, and Holden's new mid-size SUV Captiva range.

Epica
Epica's in-line six cylinder engine delivers a very refined and smooth ride and returns fuel economy comparable to some four-cylinder rivals in the mid-size sedan segment.

The 2.0-litre engine produces peak power of 105kW** and peak torque of 195Nm. The 2.5- litre engine produces peak power of 115kW and peak torque of 237Nm. All models meet Euro IV emission standards.

Epica's impressive fuel economy (ADR081/01) is 8.2 litres/100km for the 2.0-litre manual variant and 9.3 litres/100km for the 2.5-litre automatic. A five-speed manual or automatic transmission will be offered depending on model.

Epica has generous interior space, excellent standard specifications and stylish fit and finish.

Manufactured at GM's Bupyong plant in South Korea, Epica was extensively tuned by Holden engineers at GM Holden's Lang Lang proving ground before its global release, ensuring it met Australia's diverse driving conditions.

New Common-rail Turbo Diesel Rodeo
Holden has added a new powerful turbo diesel engine to the already comprehensive Rodeo line up by introducing the new 3.0-litre VCDi common rail turbo diesel engine.

The new engine delivers 25 per cent more peak power at lower revs while meeting strict new Euro 4 emission requirements.

Other changes include several design enhancements, increased braked towing capability and a new five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission to manage the increased torque and retain a light shift feel on the new turbo diesel.

Redesigned front and rear fascias, including front and rear lamps, updated over-fender flares and a bold bonnet air-induction scoop are all part of the new turbo diesel exterior changes.

Inside, the new Rodeo gets improved driver and passenger seating, new steering wheel, HVAC controls and interior trims, updated instrument clusters and interior side vents, plus redesigned transmission levers, making this Rodeo an outstanding new model which represents great value for money.

VE Commodore / WM Statesman and Caprice
Hailed as Wheels Car of Year 2006, Holden's award-winning VE Commodore program represents the company's largest ever vehicle development program.

The VE Commodore has more power, torque and refinement than any previous Holden sedan range. It was described by Holden's Executive Director of Engineering, Tony Hyde, as "the car we always wanted to build".

A strong focus was placed on active and passive safety with features such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) now standard on all models.

The Holden stand will feature a range of VE Commodores including the SV6, SS V-Series, Calais V-Series, the special edition Commodore V-Series and the introduction of a brand new colour, Morpheous.

The top-of-the-range WM Statesman and Caprice models are also on show, offering more differentiation from their short wheelbase siblings than ever before.

Major aspects of the interior design, including the instrument pad, cluster, centre console, seating, door trims, fabrics and finishes are exclusive.

Detail highlights include signature LED repeater lamps in the fender vents, striking LED tail lamps and bright chrome accents. The jewelled headlamp design is also unique.

Astra
Astra, Holden's second biggest selling carline, welcomes three new additions to the already extensive range. These additions confirm Astra's position as one of the most comprehensive small car ranges on the market today.

The new retractable hard top convertible called Astra TwinTop, a sporty SRi three-door coupe and five-door hatch are the three latest additions to the AH Astra line-up.

All are driven by a 2.2-litre direct injection four cylinder ECOTEC engine that produces 110kW** of peak power and 210Nm of peak torque.

The new models are highly specified with features including 17-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Program, a sports chassis pack and leather trim seats. The new model Astras will be on display joined by the turbo diesel Astra CDTi and the sporty Astra SRi Turbo.

Captiva
Holden's all new Captiva SUV range, including the Euro-styled five-seater MaXX and the luxury seven-seater LX, will be on display.

The choice of five and seven seats delivers a flexible and highly specified range that will appeal to the medium and compact-sized SUV market.

Powered by the high-performance Australian-built Alloytec 3.2-litre V6 engine, Captiva produces 169kW** of peak power and 297Nm of peak torque in the SX, CX and LX models. Captiva MaXX generates 167kW** of peak power and the same peak torque as other Captiva models.

The intelligent active all-wheel drive system found on all models contributes to Captiva's versatile appeal and is fully integrated into the ESP and ABS systems, improving vehicle control and active safety.

Small car range
To complement the small car range, the Viva five door hatch and wagon will be on display next to the Barina three door and sedan models. Like the Epica, these variants have been tailored for Australian driving conditions by Holden engineers and offer outstanding levels of standard equipment and value for money.

The Brisbane International Motor Show will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 2-11 February 2007.

Holden Vehicle Display – Brisbane International Motor Show 2007:

* Epica CDX
* Epica CDXi
* New Rodeo 4x4 LT Crew Cab Pickup 3.0L Diesel
* New Rodeo 4x2 DX Single Cab Chassis 2.4 litre 4-cyl SOHC Petrol
* VE Commodore V-Series
* VE Commodore SV6
* VE Commodore SS V-Series V8
* VE Commodore SS V8
* VE Commodore Calais V-Series V8
* WM Statesman V6
* WM Caprice V8
* Barina 3 Door
* Barina Sedan
* Viva 5 Door Hatch
* Viva Wagon
* Astra SRi Turbo 3 Door Coupe
* Astra TwinTop Retractable Hard Top
* Astra CDTi Diesel
* Astra SRi 5 Door Hatch
* Captiva MaXX V6 with Luxury Pack
* Captiva LX V6
* VZ SS Crewman V8
* VZ SS Thunder V8
* VE Calais V8 – Cutaway

ESP® is a registered trademark of Daimler Chrysler AG

* Power and torque figures quoted in DIN.

**Power and torque figures as per ECE regulations

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Holden Epica to be Unveiled in Brisbane

Holden will unveil its new medium-sized car – the South Korean-built Epica – at the Brisbane International Motor Show on Friday, ahead of its showroom release in April.

Pricing will be announced at the show, however Holden sources this week confirmed that the sedan would range from $25,000AUD to $31,000AUD, making it a strong contender against the formidable Toyota Camry and other medium-car rivals – not least because it will offer six-cylinder-only power and a highly competitive level of standard equipment.

The latter will include four airbags, traction control, ABS brakes, air-conditioning, an MP3-compatible six-speaker CD stereo, front and rear power-operated windows and 16-inch alloy wheels (with a 15-inch steel spare)...

[Source: GoAuto]

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As GoAuto revealed as far back as December 2005, the Epica is an Australian-tuned version of the new-generation GM Daewoo Magnus/Leganza (codenamed V250), which subsequently made its world premiere as the Chevrolet Epica at the Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva last March.

Holden confirmed this week that the front-wheel drive car would be sold with both the 105kW/195Nm 2.0-litre and 115kW/237Nm 2.5-litre versions of the transverse-mounted inline six-cylinder engine.

Paired solely with a five-speed manual transmission, the 2.0-litre engine achieves fuel consumption of 8.2L/100km according to the ADR 81/01 benchmark, while the 2.5-litre version – which combines exclusively with a five-speed automatic – returns 9.3L/100km. Both versions also meet the Euro IV emissions standard.

Model designations on the Epica will emulate those used on the European-built Vectra it replaces. The standard equipment listed above will be offered on CDX model variants across both engines, while a top-spec CDXi grade will also be available with the 2.5.

Additional features on the CDXi will include side curtain airbags, climate-control air-conditioning, a trip computer, eight-speaker six-CD audio, leather-clad steering wheel/transmission lever, front foglights, a sports bodykit and 17-inch alloys. Leather trim (with two colour options) will also be optional.

With no CD model variant, Holden has left open the possibility of a cheaper variant down the track. This could include a model with either a four-cylinder petrol or turbo-diesel engine, both of which are available in overseas markets but still to be confirmed for Australia.

GM Holden chairman and managing director Denny Mooney told GoAuto last week that he expected Epica would produce some cannibalisation of sales from its all-important Australian-built VE Commodore, although he insisted that buyers would understand fundamental differences such as front-wheel drive versus RWD.

Holden claims the Epica, which is built at General Motors’ Bupyong plant in South Korea, was "extensively tuned" by its own engineers in Australia. It will be the fourth vehicle Holden now sources from GM Daewoo, joining the Barina and Viva small cars and the Captiva SUV. A compact SUV is due to be confirmed later this year.

Holden is also set to announce pricing and specifications for its circa-$55,000 Hummer H3 SUV at the Brisbane show. Watch out for full details next week.

Gaining increasing importance on the Australian industry calendar, the Brisbane show will host a number of new Australian vehicle debuts.

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