Watch This Space: High Performance Holden Cruze SS said to be in the Works

In Australia, the SS badge has a special meaning to Holden owners. Its most frequently associated with the Commodore large car and to a lesser extent, the ultra-rare Torana SS of the 1970s. It’s all about big Aussie V8’s and rear-wheel-drive. It’s as Australian as Fosters beer and Four’N Twenty pies.

So now, there’s talk of a performance version of the Cruze small car in the works - and insidious rumors this front-wheel-drive econobox may carry the prestigious double ‘S’ moniker previously reserved only for V8 models. “Sacrilege!” you scream, and I’m more than willing to agree. Nevertheless, let’s push on and see what the Australian rumor mill has in store for us.

It’s possible a high performance version of the Cruze would use the same 132 kW, / 180HP and 230 Nm 1.6-liter turbo four from the European Vauxhall / Opel Astra as there drivetrains are readily interchangeable thanks to both using the GM’s Delta II architecture.

In the words of an unnamed Holden insider:

“We are investigating all possibilities. We would love to explore a performance version. It is obviously on our wish list. Every engine option available in the Astra is under review.”

A firmer and lower suspension setup and weightier electronic power steering are also on the cars, and are likely to be gradually phased into the rest of the Cruze range as time goes on. Holden’s insider continues:

“We just did not have the resources to develop (revised) suspension and steering for the SRi models. But watch this space.”

A HSV badged model, potentially using the upcoming Opel Astra OPC’s 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo four is also a possibility, however unlikely.

Expect a late 2011 launch for the Cruze “SS” if it makes production. It’s all part of Holden’s plan to overtake the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 as leaders of the Aussie small car market.

At the moment it’s in third place between the Corolla and the Hyundai i30. Deliveries of the Cruze Series II sedan begin in April, with the hatchback expected to follow in October.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Go-auto

2011 HOLDEN CRUZE SERIES II

Holden Unveils its Own Version of the Cruze Hatchback

Even though it was Chevrolet that came out first with both a thinly disguised concept in 2010 and this year’s production version of the Cruze hatchback at the Geneva Show, the five-door model was actually penned by GM’s Holden division at the Port Melbourne studio in Australia. Now, it’s finally time for Holden to reap the benefits of its work with the release of the first official photos of the compact hatchback with the Australian brand’s lion logo.

“In designing the new five-door hatch we wanted to retain the sporty ‘Cruze’ proportions and bring the same Holden appearance to the hatch that we developed for the new locally-built Series II Cruze sedan,” said Holden Design Director, Tony Stolfo.

It’s worth noting that the Holden Design Studio is one of only GM three facilities in the world with the capability to design and build prototype concept vehicles for exhibitions and international auto shows. According to Mr. Stolfo, the Australian studio is currently working on several new secret projects.

“The Holden design team works on a range of global design projects from small hatchbacks like the new Cruze to large wheel drive performance vehicles and also a number of exciting vehicles yet to be revealed,” Mr Stolfo added.

Like the recently revealed Cruze Sedan Series II, the Australian-market version of the hatchback model will be manufactured locally at the Elizabeth plant with series production set to start in the second half of the year. Holden did not announce details on the hatchback model’s engine range but Australian buyers should expect the same gasoline and diesel options as the sedan.

PHOTO GALLERY

GM Design Grandisimo Approves Design of Next Holden Commodore Due in 2013

*2011 Holden Commodore Series II pictured here

Good news for Commodore fans; General Motors design boss Ed Welburn was in Melbourne recently to sign off on the styling of the next Holden Commodore, due in Q3 2013. The as-of-yet-unrevealed VF Commodore will be an evolution of the current generation VE, sharing the same rear-wheel-drive platform and V6 engines. "It's the absolute right Commodore for that market,” Mr. Welburn was quoted as saying, “I feel very good about it.”

Holden is said to be looking into lightening the VF’s components to improve fuel economy with the new model, and is also putting a strong emphasis on improving drivetrain efficiency. Though Mr. Welburn refused to comment on whether the Commodore would come to the U.S. badged as a Chevy, he did say:

“They are doing work for Holden and for other projects around the world. They are a very talented team – very talented – and I want to take full advantage of that. So, they are responsible for the look and feel of all Holden products, but they are doing work on Chevrolets, they have done some wonderful Buick work, and I could not be more proud of the work that they do.”

Holden has substantial experience in vehicle design, and is currently working on one of three new Opels expected in 2013. It’s still unknown which of the three – which includes a four-seat convertible and an Opel Corsa-derived MPV – Holden is working on.

Holden’s managing director and chairman Mike Devereux hinted that the Commodore will continue to be rear-wheel-drive, unlike its main rival the Ford Falcon which is rumored to go front-wheel or all-wheel-drive for its next model cycle. Carscoop will remain abreast of this project and bring you all the details as they come in.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Drive & Goauto

2011 HOLDEN COMMODORE SERIES II