Ford Or Holden???

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by fpv_gtho

Its not a given though that what GM uses for Cadillac, they'll be able to use for Pontiac and Holden. Otherwise Commodore wouldve been shifted onto the Alpha platform used by the CTS instead of a new platform being developed.

Theres alot of rumours suggesting Holden will begin developing a new medium sized RWD platform in the near future, but it wont be for Torana. They'll shift Commodore onto it as Zeta is too big for them.

That is true. I guess that it also depends if the Opel/Vauxhall Vectra will eventually switch to rear drive. If they do, maybe then a Toarana would be possible. I doubt this will happen, though. Another option would be a new Opel Omega to go together with a downsized Commodore, altough that's unlikely too.

[fpv_gtho]

I cant see Vectra moving to RWD. Trying to shift existing FWD cars back to RWD like Impala has been hurting GM to the point that in the face of the CAFE regulations theyre freezing all future Zeta spin-offs. It would probably be alot easier keeping Vectra FWD with AWD capability.

[clutch-monkey]

i guess the issue is most people don't even know what layout their drivetrain is, let alone have a preference for RWD.
that said it's sort of holden's 'thing' to have RWD cars, but the RWD econoboxes of yesteryear are all FWD now

[fpv_gtho]

Originally Posted by clutch-monkey

that said it's sort of holden's 'thing' to have RWD cars

Holden as an engineering centre are RWD, but only on account of thats all theyve ever done for themselves. As a brand and a showroom theyre far from it. Commodore could be FWD and conservatively styled and wouldnt stand out from the rest of their range. They probably stand out more right now being a RWD sports biased sedan.

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by fpv_gtho

I cant see Vectra moving to RWD. Trying to shift existing FWD cars back to RWD like Impala has been hurting GM to the point that in the face of the CAFE regulations theyre freezing all future Zeta spin-offs. It would probably be alot easier keeping Vectra FWD with AWD capability.

But that's not a problem of the layout. If GM fitted good economical engines to its Zeta offerings they could turn up good fuel economy. Downsizing could also help.

But mostly I agree woth you, front drive family car aren't going to return to rear drive any time soon.

[SlickHolden]

JD
where did you here about the downsizing is it for real??.. Moving back to the old days when the VB-VH were mid size but offered as family large cars.
I still say the VB was a good size of a car to have, I was always pretty comfy in it, And 2 big lumps in the back seat fit just ok, 3 was pushing it.

[fpv_gtho]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

But that's not a problem of the layout. If GM fitted good economical engines to its Zeta offerings they could turn up good fuel economy. Downsizing could also help.

But mostly I agree woth you, front drive family car aren't going to return to rear drive any time soon.

RWD can definately be done economically, especially with alternative fuels like diesel or even going hybrid. I dont think GM have the provisions in place to tackle the economy targets bit by bit, perhaps as Ford plan on doing with their Ecoboost engines.

Originally Posted by SlickHolden

JD
where did you here about the downsizing is it for real??.. Moving back to the old days when the VB-VH were mid size but offered as family large cars.
I still say the VB was a good size of a car to have, I was always pretty comfy in it, And 2 big lumps in the back seat fit just ok, 3 was pushing it.

Well its just rumours coming from FAF.com, so take of that what you will. The consensus seems to be Zeta cant be narrowed for what Holden REALLY need, the platform was what GM needed for cars like GTO, Impala and Camaro. I dont think they'd go back to VB-VL size. Probably something like VZ wheelbase with smaller overhangs. It remains to be seen what happens, but most talk is it'll be done for the 2012 reskin.

[2ndclasscitizen]

I think Holden could be on to a definite winner if they shrank the Commodore to the dimensions of the TTV6 concept. They could keep RWD but use smaller 4 bangers and a low-3 litre V6.

[SlickHolden]

Originally Posted by fpv_gtho

Well its just rumours coming from FAF.com, so take of that what you will. The consensus seems to be Zeta cant be narrowed for what Holden REALLY need, the platform was what GM needed for cars like GTO, Impala and Camaro. I dont think they'd go back to VB-VL size. Probably something like VZ wheelbase with smaller overhangs. It remains to be seen what happens, but most talk is it'll be done for the 2012 reskin.

Sounds weird, VE and VZ almost share same size interiia now.
And just when they got the perfect set-up track road they go and change it?.

Holden should have been well into the platform for the VE back in 1997, Then GM comes along as they always do to fluff up the situation with arciticture that is very flexible already, If holden go to FWD Commodores and drop V8's, My word vocabulary will scrap Holden And GM for ever.

They need to be careful with what they build next, I don't mind a downsize but thinking Torana size might be just to little as a family car..

4700mm Long 1800mm wide 470 litre boot and work from there. Just don't go to far back with the wheelbase.. 2800mm min..

[SlickHolden]

Originally Posted by 2ndclasscitizen

I think Holden could be on to a definite winner if they shrank the Commodore to the dimensions of the TTV6 concept. They could keep RWD but use smaller 4 bangers and a low-3 litre V6.

Go the Coupe-60

[2ndclasscitizen]

Which is built off Zeta, and not that small?