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2018 Holden Commodore VXR revealed

The range-topping 2018 Holden Commodore VXR has been revealed with Holden claiming it offers a “different execution of performance” compared to the outgoing SS.

THE RANGE-TOPPING 2018 Holden Commodore VXR will see performance Commodores move away from their traditional rear-drive V8 grunt to V6 and all-wheel drive. “The next-gen Commodore VXR offers a different execution of performance to the outgoing SS but make no mistake, this is a more than worthy successor,” said Holden’s renowned Lead Dynamics Engineer, Rob Trubiani.

You can read our Paul Horrell’s first drive of the Opel Insignia (Holden Commodore) HERE.

The Commodored VXR (besides no longer being an SS) will run a 3.6-litre V6 engine pumping out 235W and 381Nm, paired with a 9-speed transmission and all-wheel drive, torque vectoring and a twin-clutch rear differential. It will also be available with active, variable dampers and several driving modes adjusting the damping, steering, transmission and the all-wheel drive system.

Holden is keen to emphasise its involvement in the development of the new Commodore/Opel/Vauxhall Insignia to show Australians it will be more than just an importer of someone else’s vehicles.

“We’ve been involved in the development of this car from the beginning and I personally have spent significant time behind the wheel overseas and at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground,” said Rob Trubiani.

“The V6 engine with the adaptive AWD and 9-speed transmission make the VXR a quick and smooth car to drive, even in wet conditions. Importantly we also have Brembo front brakes and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and drivers can switch between three driving modes for distinctly different drive experiences.

“We can’t wait to get the car in the hands of our customers next year but for now, we’ve still got some work to do and will continue to work with the team in Europe, who are currently completing chassis development at Nürburgring in Germany.”

Commodore VXR highlights

  • Performance
    • 3.6-litre V6 engine
    • 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifter select
    • Adaptive AWD with torque vectoring
    • Hi-per strut suspension
    • Three driver-select modes for engaging drive experience;
  • Styling
    • Front and rear sports fascias
    • Unique VXR rear lip spoiler
    • 20-inch alloy wheels
    • Unique VXR sports performance front seats
    • Heated and ventilated leather front seats
  • Driver assistance and technology: 
    • Next-generation Adaptive LED Matrix headlights
    • 360-degree camera
    • Autonomous Emergency Braking (with pedestrian protection)
    • Adaptive Cruise Control
    • Lane Departure Warning 
    • Lane Keep Assist 
    • Forward Collision Alert 
    • Side Blind-Zone Alert 
    • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert 
    • Head Up Display

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Glenn
Glenn
6 years ago

Rather WRX then that, not very much torque,

John Ernst
John Ernst
6 years ago

How is this any different to the Sprintex VRX AWD Magna?

Paul
Paul
6 years ago

Holden are going the way of the Dodo. They now have nothing to offer that someone else cannot do better and cheaper. Wonder how long before GM Detroit euthanize the poor thing.

Monty
Monty
6 years ago

It’s hard to predict how Holden fans will respond to the new car. People bought the Lexcen even though it was obviously a Commodore and people bought the Nova (?), a badged Toyota. Does Holden have a reason to exist as a separate brand? Ford blew all their brand loyalty over the last few years. I don’t see the same problem with Holden. I do believe that they need a seriously good SUV to compete with the CX-5, Tucson and similar. The Captiva is not it, but there are a lot on the road. It only really matters to the huge dealer network. We have more than enough choices already!

ShaneMcGrath
ShaneMcGrath
6 years ago

300kw and SS owners may get interested!

Bruce Blom
Bruce Blom
6 years ago

dear holden, the new commodore is already a lemon, its now a peugot, GM have given pug a 5 year life with gm platforms, the new car is on the alpha platform. the alpha platform has the ATS cadillac, V6TT, rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. manufactured RHD for the japanese market. why are we getting this pug when we can have cadillac? the ATS big brother the CTS is a V6 or V8 rear wheel drive, both avaiable in 4 door or coupe. i ask again, why are we getting a pug with a 4 year life by the time its on sale? two series and gone. cadillac CEO writes that they lost sales by going front wheel drive. their sales have improved dramatically by dropping front wheel drive and taking up rear wheel drive again. better handling and performance has excited its customers. 235kw in a tank of a car, awd weighs 76 kg more than the VFiiSS, the VF SS is written up as having no peers by most car magazines, loved by top gear. the pug has lots of peers, is more expensive than an SS. its just wrong holden. big sales bust just like the mitso 380.

GuruCraig
6 years ago

Commodore in name only. French built front wheel drive with the option of rear assistance in top end spec. (60K plus) seems we are not getting the turbo or twin turbo V6 Holden were talking about either. HSV if they still exist should be able to get 250kw from a NA tune or 300kw from Twin turbo setups..but the point is this ‘Commodore’ is primarily an European large family economy hatch, with most sales to be a 1.6 Diesel turbo in Europe. The ‘New’ commodore may well be a decent car but its not a real Commodore. French cars have NEVER been reliable, Never! so there’s that fact out of the way, its going to struggle with Aussie conditions because its not been designed for them, IDC what Holden say, they didnt even know if they were going to get the thing after Opel was sold, not much input if any would have been given barring say spring and damper rates and tyre choices. Would be a decent competitor for Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry etc.

Frenchcars
Frenchcars
6 years ago
Reply to  GuruCraig

This won’t be french built. If it is going to be a decent competitor for Mazda or Honda it means it would be reliable.

Azmodan
Azmodan
6 years ago

Holden didn’t get the memo, the Stinger GT is the SS replacement. VXR will kick the SV6 into the weed no doubt, but hardly flagship worthy performance. If it does under 6s it’ll be pretty well received as it looks a lot better than current Commodore and 200kg or more lighter.

Isaac Bober

Isaac Bober