Jump to content
Create New...
  • đź’¬ Join the Conversation

    CnG Logo SQ 2023 RedBlue FavIcon300w.png
    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has been the go-to hub for automotive enthusiasts. Join today to access our vibrant forums, upload your vehicle to the Garage, and connect with fellow gearheads around the world.

     

  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Rumorpile: The Return of Holden's High-Performance Sedans

      Holden Might Not Lose Rear-Drive Sedans After 2017..

    Holden's high-performance sedans could live after their operations are shut down in 2017. According to Drive.com.au, General Motors is currently evaluating a new program that would utilize the Alpha platform for a number high performance applications of varying sizes and shapes for different brands. One of those vehicles is likely to be a rear-drive performance version of the Commodore and next Chevrolet SS.

    Alpha brings a couple things to the table. One is that Alpha can be scaled up or down to fit various wheelbases, tracks, and engine configurations. Alpha also has been engineered be right-hand drive as well.

    “If you’re a performance enthusiast then rear-wheel-drive is the way to go and that’s the place it will play [within General Motors future models], so you guys connect the dots as to where else you might use it,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer for luxury and rear-drive vehicles.

    The high performance Commodore plays into rumors from last year which said Holden could sell two versions of the Commodore. One would be a mainstream model that would likely be a front-wheel drive model of shorts, possibly the Chevrolet Impala or a previous rumor of a Buick model from China. The other would be this rear-drive model with a different body.

    There is one thing that is holding up this project and that is cost. Alpha is classified as being a "premium" platform due to lightweight materials used in its construction. Trying to get to a point to where this proposed model is competitively priced is a sticking point. But Motoring.com.au says a savior could come in the form the next-generation Camaro which is expected to use a less-expensive version of Alpha.

    Source: Drive.com.au, Motoring.com.au

    William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Doesn't make any sense. If they are going to go through the expense and time to do an Alpha for Holden, just put an LFX 3.6 and/or LTG 2.0T in it and sell it as a mainstream commodore. HSV can drop an LT1 or LT4 in there and sell it as a super sedan. Now, none of these have to be Made in Australia. But making a FWD commodore and a RWD Commodore makes zero sense.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    If they figure out a way to make a profitable RWD sedan for Holden, Chevy and other select badges, then all is good. I am not a fan of confusing people with FWD and RWD of the same badge name. I hope Drew is right that the Holden High Mileage FWD appliances use a different name and they keep the Commodore to a RWD performance sedan only.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Support Real Automotive Journalism

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has delivered real content and honest opinions — not emotionless AI output or manufacturer-filtered fluff.

    If you value independent voices and authentic reviews, consider subscribing. Plans start at just $2.25/month, and paid members enjoy an ad-light experience.*

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • https://www.howtogeek.com/kia-toyota-honda-reliability-comparison/ Seems Kia has stepped up where they are on par with Toyota and Honda who are seen resting on their Legacy.
    • Ouch, another recall of 400,000 autos by Honda for wheels falling off while driving. https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/11/honda-recalls-400k-vehicles-for-risk-of-wheel-falling-off-while-driving.html
    • How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last In 2025? - Coltura https://share.google/FTGgsi2XlYf0SmIg4 https://share.google/aimode/J9W5zgcy2aqrJYNZr Recent research confirms that modern electric vehicle (EV) batteries have exceptionally low failure rates and are engineered to last the lifespan of the vehicle itself. For EVs from model years 2016 onward, battery replacement rates due to failure are well under 1%, excluding major recalls.  Key findings from studies by research firms like Recurrent and Geotab, the U.S. EPA, and the Department of Energy include: Low Failure Rate Outside of major, specific recalls for manufacturing defects (which are covered by manufacturers), the overall battery replacement rate for modern EVs (model year 2022 and later) is around 0.3%. Long Lifespan Most new EV batteries are expected to last 15 to 20 years or 200,000 miles before any significant decline in performance would necessitate a replacement, which is longer than the average car lifespan in the U.S.. Minimal Degradation Batteries degrade slowly over time, with an average rate of just 1.8% per year under moderate conditions. This means a 300-mile range EV could still offer about 250 miles of range after a decade. Comprehensive Warranties Federal law requires manufacturers to provide a warranty for at least eight years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing the battery will maintain a certain percentage (usually 70%) of its original capacity. Many automakers offer even longer coverage.  These findings challenge previous myths about EV battery durability and highlight the significant advancements in battery technology, thermal management systems, and smart software that optimize battery life.  Honda Accord Hybrid has a software glitch that can cause the vehicle to lose power and potentially crash. https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/honda-recalls-256k-cars-nationwide-over-potentially-dangerous-software-glitch
    • Yes all but the full size are true 400V and according to their Ultium website they are 800V designed but purposefully throttled at 400V due to the current infrastructure not being ready for 800V. The full size is GMs hybrid version that supposedly could be turned on to 800V but a choice was made to go parallel for charging speed due to the larger than normal battery packs. I honestly do not expect GM to actually push out a software update on the full size now that 800V DC fast charging is pretty common all over, more so on the west and east coast than the Midwest.  GM and Fords failure is to not accept that the technology would transform so much faster which is why the Koreans are winning the EV tech battle especially being competitive with the Chinese. Ford CEO even admits that it was a mistake to not go 800V and GM while stating that generation 2 of their EV platform will be 800V across everything and could be higher makes me wonder if they really will push forward with better tech or lumber along rather than lead the industry. While rare, we are already seeing 500V and above chargers coming out installed rather than additional 350V DC chargers. ChargePoint showed off their 500V chargers which I posted the press release about a while back and starting in January they will start updating all the oldest DC ChargePoint chargers with this new speedy unit that also has cut proof cables. Pretty much I feel the industry needs to move to 1000V EV powertrain systems at least if not 1,200V ensuring performance, charging speed, etc. IMHO.
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

Ă—
Ă—
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search