VF COMMODORE: Launched at last

Holden's VF Commodore is officially, and fully, launched at last. After a drip feed of information, multiple drives, broken media embargoes, and the small consideration of its archrival throwing in the towel, arguably the last large car to be built and engineered in Australia for Australia is officially in the open.

The billion-dollar VE Commodore of 2006 was always going to be a hard act to follow, but seven years on a dedicated group of designers and engineers have delivered the finest car ever manufactured in Australia.

We’ve driven the VF – and we can confirm it’s good. Holden promises significant fuel economy gains and it’s slashed the price of the VF across the board. The company is serious about wanting you to give large cars and Commodore in particular another look.

The story behind the VF is detailed in our news pages (for full details follow the links below) but the car could have been very different. The 2014 model Adelaide-made large car you’ll be able to buy from June was originally envisaged as a full re-skin of the VE. Indeed, in a sign of our downsizing times, one early design proposal almost saw it shrink by 80mm into a five-door hatchback.

Then the GFC struck and GM filed for bankruptcy just two years into the VE’s life. Plans were scrapped and the VF budget slashed. By the time Holden started work on it two years later than planned in 2009, the VF program approved by GM included little more than new bumpers.

It’s a measure of the dedication and persistence of those within Holden that more money was obtained to create new front and (for the sedan) rear sheetmetal, a full interior redesign and the adoption of GM’s latest electronics and infotainment hardware, as well as chassis development work across the range. Much-discussed government funding helped pay for weight reductions and aerodynamic measures that have improved efficiency.

Holden still won’t say exactly how much it spent on the VF but admits it was considerably less than the VE’s budget. What’s certain is that everyone at Fishermans Bend eked every cent they could from what was on the table.

The result is the most advanced vehicle ever created Down Under.

Links to motoring.com.au’s VF Commodore news
>> Mission accomplished: Holden had simple aims for VF
>> Steering a new path: EPAS is the headline item but VF’s chassis represents significant change
>> Aero Dynamic: Pedestrian safety and aerodynamics have shaped VF
>> Inside Job: Fewer parts and better materials drive VF Commodore’s interior upgrade
>> Large car future proofed: VF’s new electrical platform plays a vital role
>> Power games: Carry over powertrains don’t detract from VF story
>> Getting connected: VF delivers impressive connectivity
>> Safely integrated: No US-spec kneebag but Holden says VF is safer
>> Cut-price Caprice: More kit, less tax for stretched-wheelbase Holden

>> First Drive -- VF Commodore SS
>> First Drive -- VF Commodore Evoke
>> First Drive -- VF Commodore Calais V
>> First Drive -- VF Commodore SV6 Ute
>> Along for the ride: In a very small way motoring.com.au played its part in the VF