Detroit Motor Show: GM to Launch Opel in Australia Next Year

Last September, we reported that Nick Reilly, Chairman of Opel, hinted at the launch of the German brand in Australia. GM's European division made it official today at, announcing that Opel is set to enter the Australian market in 2012.

Nick Reilly, said at the Detroit Auto Show: “This launch is an important part of our international expansion strategy. With its growing demand for German design and technology, the Australian car market is an excellent opportunity for Opel. Australian drivers have a strong affinity with Opel vehicles.”

In a statement released to the press, Opel said the company’s offerings will include the Insignia, Astra and Corsa, with the full model line-up to be announced closer to the actual start of sales.

GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, will most likely continue to offer its RWD Commodore and Caprice range with the rest of the lineup comprising of rebadged Chevrolet and Daewoo models such as the Barina Spark, Captiva and Cruze. The Opel brand will be positioned more upmarket targeting Volkswagen.

Following the previously announced launch of the brand in Chile and Israel, Australia becomes the third export brand for Opel, which is looking to strengthen its exports and increase sales. The German company said other markets that are under consideration include Argentina, the Middle East and an expansion in South-Africa and China.

Gallery: Opel's European Range

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback: Production Version's Shape Trademarked

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show in early September, General Motors unveiled a near-production version of the Chevrolet Cruze five-door hatchback. Now, the Detroit automaker has registered trademark filings with the European patent office revealing the shape and details of the actual production model which is set to reach dealerships in Europe as a Chevrolet and in Australia as a Holden, in mid 2011.

The images here show that the production model wont' change much since we last saw it at the Paris Salon, with the most visible differences concerning the redesigned and less snazzy front bumper featuring round fog lights, and the smaller size alloy wheels. Though it can't be seen in these illustrations, also expect to see more conventional headlamps and tail lights.

At least in Europe, the 5-door model will most likely be available with same engine options as the regular Cruze, including 113-horsepower 1.6-liter and 141-horsepower 1.8-liter gasoline units, and a 123-horsepower 2.0-liter turbodiesel. There are no current plans to offer GM's Ford Focus hatchback contender in North America.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Holden’s E3 GTS Transforms into the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 in Britain

Based on Holden’s most recent E3 series GTS model, the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 will hit UK dealers next March, featuring several improvements over the previous model, which was built on the lower-spec ClubSport R8. Priced at £49,500 (VAT included), the new model is still considered a bargain in the country, considering that there’s a 6.2-liter V8 powerhouse under the bonnet.

The VXR8 undercuts the competition, such as the Mercedes E63 AMG, by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, like the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG, but truth be said, it was always a little rough around the edges. Some consider that a perk, others a drawback. Nevertheless, the VXR8 was mildly revised for the 2012 model year, featuring a redesigned grille, LED daytime running lights and tail lamps, new wing vents and rear spoiler.

Inside, there’s an updated instrument cluster and full leather trim is standard. Other amenities include HSV Performance Seats and an Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI), which is a fancy name for a smarter onboard computer. EDI can record such data as G-forces, engine parameters and lap times, which can be later analyzed by owners using special software provided with the car.

In order to deliver performance that’s worth recording, the VXR8 comes with a fourth generation GM-sourced LS3 engine, delivering 431 ponies and 550 Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels, either through a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. A limited slip differential comes as standard.

The 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint takes just 4.9 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

To improve handling, engineers fitted the VXR8 for the first time with electronically controlled dampers. The system is called Magnetic Ride Control and it’s based on technology borrowed from the Corvette ZR1.

The VXR8 can be ordered in the UK through six dealers at the moment, but it will be available in a total of 34 locations later on.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

New Rumors of the Pontiac G8 Returning to North America as a Chevrolet

The demise of the Pontiac brand in 2009 also brought about the death of the G8, the Americanized derivative of the Australian-built Holden Commodore SS. It was a sad day for Pontiac and Holden fans alike, the loss of the G8 export contract costing Holden millions of dollars and putting the future of its Elizabeth, South Australia plant - and the brand itself - in jeopardy.

When the Holden-derived Chevy Caprice Police Car was revealed for the North American market twelve months ago, rumors of a reborn G8 in the form of a Chevrolet were rife. Now, Aussie motoring website Drive is reporting that U.S. exports of the Holden Commodore SS are "imminent", with a launch expected before the end of the current model's lifespan.

At the LA Auto Show, Al Oppenheiser, a senior engineer at General Motors and the chief engineer on the Camaro project, told Drive that negotiations were underway to sell the Commodore in North America as a Chevrolet:

"Although we have made no official announcement as yet, we are definitely looking at doing something with Holden for the retail market. What we are looking at is bridging a gap in the performance sedan market that was vacated by the Pontiac G8. With no Pontiac, the obvious performance brand is Chevrolet."

An unnamed source at GM has even gone so far as to suggest that the export deal has already been finalized and approved. As the LHD development work is already done, the biggest hurdle facing Holden's relaunch of North American exports is the high Australian dollar.

Jonathan Rose, a spokesman for Holden, is less optimistic: "At this point in time our focus is on exporting the Caprice to North America as a law enforcement vehicle ... beyond that we don't have anything to add right now."

The unnamed Chevrolet, if it does become a reality, will mostly likely be based on the short wheelbase Zeta platform, not the long wheelbase one like the Chevy Caprice Police Car.

By Tristan Hankins

*Opening photos: South African Chevrolet Lumina

Source: Drive

__________________2011 HOLDEN COMMODORE SERIES II________________