FunkyPig

The Wagon will be released in Australia around March next year, this is planned (I have read) to take attention off the new generation Ford Falcon which is planned to launch then too. In reality the wagon is probably ready for production now. I wouldn't be surprised if Pontiac get a version of this and the Ute to create a diverse and interesting G8 lineup.

I thought Lutz said the HHR wasn't engineered for Europe as GM Europe said they didn't want it originally.

Here's the hi res Commodore image gallery http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/*query?holden...p;source=holden Good to see they didn't F#*^ up the styling like they did with the Monaro-GTO transition.

L98 is just a version of the LS2. In Australia all V8 Holdens badged versions get a 6.0 L98 with about 360hp (270kW), while the HSV badged versions get a 410hp (307kW) LS2. As the GTO had the LS1, then LS2, I would assume Pontiac would get the LS2 again for the G8. But if not and they do get the L98, it isn't the end of the world.

Wheels, Australia's most respected car magazine, says the VE Commodore (G8) has "steering and ride that are as good, or better, than any current BMW". Unsurprisingly Holden used this quote in their advertisements. I don't think anyone will be disapointed with the way the G8 drives. Its amazing.

Sales of these cars in Australia have gone down a lot in recent years, and Holden has often played this down by implying they will make up the difference with increased exports. So 50k is very possible in my opinion. Also... keep it V8 only initially, add V6 later if volume/market requires. V8 only will give it a nice muscle car image too.

What you saw was not a Catera but a export version of the Holden Calais (up spec Commodore), a four door GTO effectively. They expotr them to Brasil in very low numbers each year.

GM could release anything and still there would be a thread full of people complaining. I don't mind it.

Official photos of this have been available for months now, why is everyone surprised to see a camo version now? Strange! The only real news is that it appears the Saturn will have a slightly different dash than the Opel version.

If GM is actually serious about being more 'global', I see no reason why this shouldn't be sold in the US as well as the rest of the world. Why redesign it for the sake of redesigning it? Ideally GM will only have two excellent small cars anywhere in the world, Astra and Cobalt, both sold all around the world under various brands. Perfect, good work GM. As the Kalos as been renamed Aveo in Europe, I wouldn't be surprised if the Lacetti is renamed Cobalt in Europe to align the naming around the world. Lacetti is an old Daewoo name, so I don't see them retaining that anyway.

I think there will certainly be an Astra sedan for sale in the US (based on the south american Chevy Vectra I'd guess), and maybe the 3 door hatch and the wagon. 5 door hatchbacks are not popular in the US like they are in Europe though. But if its an import volumes might be restricted, so maybe less bodystyle variations, at least until they can build the next generation version in the US.

No where do they give any indication when (or if) this vehicle will be produced. It certainly looks more 'production car' than 'far out concept'. And the fact its an evolved version of the orginal GM Sequel shows there are pans for the car... but some info however vague about a timeframe would be good. I think they've mentioned 2010 in the past haven't they? I don't see why they would show a very production ready looking concept a full 4 years out from its on sale date though.

It does seem that the tide has turned doesn't it. It might just be working, there might be a GM in the future just yet.

Wow thats impressive, 250hp even at idle!

No it isn't, apart front similar frontal themes the styling is completely different. Perhaps the next generation Aura will be a Vectra rebadge, as the "lets make Saturn Opel" idea came too late to change the Aura more than just superficial styling front and rear.