Next-generation Holden Commodore to debut in 2018 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship
Details to ensure ease of transition to next-gen Commodore for all Holden teams revealed
2018 Holden Commodore Supercar concept
Holden has revealed the first official concept image of the next
generation Commodore race car, which will be introduced into the Virgin
Australia Supercars Championship in 2018.
The stunning computer-generated image is the work of talented GM Design Australia Exterior Design Manager Peter Hughes.
2018 Holden Commodore Supercar concept
“What an incredible-looking race car, it carries on the tradition of
Commodores looking awesome on and off the track and ushers in a new era
for our brand,” Holden’s Executive Director – Marketing, Mark Harland
said.
“I can’t wait to see it out on the track claiming race wins next year.”
The Supercars version of the cutting-edge next-gen Commodore is
currently undergoing an intensive and rigorous design and development
process being undertaken in partnership between Holden and its official
factory racing team, Triple Eight Race Engineering.
The design work to compliment the sleek and sophisticated design of
the road-going Holden Commodore includes advanced simulation and aerodynamic
evaluation using sophisticated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
modelling.
In releasing the Supercars concept, Holden has also confirmed the
next-gen Commodore will be homologated with the current, successful V8
engine for the 2018 season only.
A new, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, suitable for Supercars’ Gen 2
regulations, is currently undergoing development in partnership with the
General Motors Performance and Racing Center, in Pontiac, Michigan.
Triple Eight Race Engineering will seek approval from Supercars to
run a V6 powered Commodore as a wild card entry at selected rounds next
season before a full rollout for the 2019 season.
The V6 engine will then be accessible to all Holden teams via a favourable leasing program.
The staggered introduction ensures a greater ease in transition to the new model Commodore bodywork for all Holden teams.
It also allows Holden and Triple Eight Race Engineering to assist
Supercars’ technical department with development of its programs
ensuring the turbocharged V6 can achieve parity with the existing,
naturally aspirated V8s.
This will maintain the competition’s integrity with the introduction of Supercars’ new Gen 2 regulations.
“Our sport prides itself on Supercars being the closest competition
in the world, and the phased introduction of the next-generation
Commodore will ensure that is maintained,” Triple Eight Race Engineering
team principal, Roland Dane said.
Supercars Australia Chief Executive Officer James Warburton applauded
Holden on the stunning new 2018 Commodore and the manufacturer’s V6
engine development program for Gen 2.
“It is a pragmatic and sensible approach by Holden and Triple Eight
Race Engineering in introducing the new Commodore and a
twin-turbocharged V6 powered engine to the sport,” Warburton said.
“Importantly it is a win for all the current Teams in terms of the
simplicity and market relevance for an easy transition to the new
Commodore in 2018.
“This phased introduction sets a clear path forward for not only Holden but existing and new manufacturers in the sport.”
Development of the new Commodore Supercar continues, with
construction of the first car well underway and ready to undertake
Supercars Aero Validation in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Establishes PSA Group as #2 in Europe. This strong and balanced
presence in its home markets will serve as the basis of profitable
growth worldwide
Joint venture in auto financing with BNP Paribas to support development of Opel/Vauxhall brands
€2.2 Bn transaction advances GM’s transformation and unlocks shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation
Change of ownership at Opel/Vauxhall: PSA Group CEO, Carlos Tavares and GM CEO, Mary Barra at the press conference in Paris.
General Motors Co. and PSA Group today announced an agreement under which GM’s
Opel/Vauxhall subsidiary and GM Financial’s European operations will
join the PSA Group in a transaction valuing these activities at €1.3 Bn
and €0.9 Bn, respectively.
With the addition of Opel/Vauxhall, which generated revenue of €17.7 Bn in 20161, PSA will become the second-largest automotive company in Europe, with a 17% market share2.
Creates sound European foundation for PSA to support its worldwide profitable growth
“We are proud to join forces with Opel/Vauxhall and are deeply
committed to continuing to develop this great company and accelerating
its turnaround,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman of the Managing Board of
PSA. “We respect all that Opel/Vauxhall’s talented people have achieved
as well as the company’s fine brands and strong heritage. We intend to
manage PSA and Opel/Vauxhall capitalizing on their respective brand
identities. Having already created together winning products for the
European market, we know that Opel/Vauxhall is the right partner. We see
this as a natural extension of our relationship and are eager to take
it to the next level.”
Summit in Paris: PSA Group CEO, Carlos Tavares; GM CEO, Mary Barra and Opel CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
“We are confident that the Opel/Vauxhall turnaround will
significantly accelerate with our support, while respecting the
commitments made by GM to the Opel/Vauxhall employees,” continued Mr.
Tavares.
Advances GM’s Transformation and Unlocks Value
“We are very pleased that together, GM, our valued colleagues at
Opel/Vauxhall and PSA have created a new opportunity to enhance the
long-term performance of our respective companies by building on the
success of our prior alliance”, said Mary Barra, GM chairman and
chief executive officer.
“For GM, this represents another major step in the ongoing work that
is driving our improved performance and accelerating our momentum. We
are reshaping our company and delivering consistent, record results for
our owners through disciplined capital allocation to our higher-return
investments in our core automotive business and in new technologies that
are enabling us to lead the future of personal mobility.
“We believe this new chapter puts Opel and Vauxhall in an even
stronger position for the long term and we look forward to our
participation in the future success and strong value-creation potential
of PSA through our economic interest and continued collaboration on
current and exciting new projects,” Ms. Barra concluded.
Strengthens Each Company for the Long Term
The transaction will allow substantial economies of scale and
synergies in purchasing, manufacturing and R&D. Annual synergies of
€1.7 Bn are expected by 2026 – of which a significant part is expected
to be delivered by 2020, accelerating Opel/Vauxhall’s turnaround.
Leveraging the successful partnership with GM, PSA expects Opel/Vauxhall
to reach a recurring operating margin3 of 2% by 2020 and 6% by 2026, and to generate a positive operational free cash flow4 by 2020.
PSA, together with BNP Paribas, will also acquire all of GM
Financial’s European operations through a newly formed 50%/50% joint
venture that will retain GM Financial’s current European platform and
team. This joint venture will be fully consolidated by BNP Paribas and
accounted under the equity method by PSA.
The transaction is another step in GM’s ongoing work to transform the
company, which has delivered three years of record performance and a
strong 2017 outlook, and returned significant capital to shareholders.
It will strengthen GM’s core business, support its continued deployment
of resources to higher-return opportunities including in advanced
technologies driving the future, and unlock significant value for
shareholders.
By immediately improving EBIT-adjusted, EBIT-adjusted margins and
adjusted automotive free cash flow and de-risking the balance sheet, the
transaction will enable GM to lower the cash balance requirement under
its capital allocation framework by $2 Bn, which it intends to use to
accelerate share repurchases, subject to market conditions.
GM will also participate in the future success of the combined entity
through its ownership of warrants to purchase shares of PSA. GM and PSA
also expect to collaborate in the further deployment of electrification
technologies and existing supply agreements for Holden and certain
Buick models will continue, and PSA may potentially source long-term
supply of fuel cell systems from the GM/Honda joint venture.
Additional Information
Terms of the Agreement
Opel/Vauxhall automotive operations will be acquired by PSA for €1.3
Bn. GM Financial’s European operations will be jointly acquired by PSA
and BNP Paribas for 0.8 times their pro forma book value at the closing
of the transaction, or approximately €0.9 Bn.
The transaction has a total value of €2.2 Bn, for Opel/Vauxhall
automotive operations and 100% of GM Financial’s European operations.
The transaction value for PSA, including Opel/Vauxhall and 50% of GM Financial’s European operations, will be €1.8 Bn.
In connection with this transaction, GM or its affiliates will
subscribe warrants for €0.65 Bn. These warrants have a nine-year
maturity and are exercisable at any time in whole or in part commencing 5
years after the issue date, with a strike price of €1. Based on a
reference price of €17.34 for the PSA share5, the warrants correspond to 39.7 MM shares of PSA, or 4.2% of its fully diluted share capital6.
GM will not have governance or voting rights with respect to PSA and
has agreed to sell the PSA shares received upon exercise of the warrants
within 35 days after exercise.
The transaction includes all of Opel/Vauxhall’s automotive
operations, comprising Opel and Vauxhall brands, six assembly and five
component-manufacturing facilities, one engineering center (Rüsselsheim, Germany) and approximately 40,000 employees. GM will retain the
engineering center in Torino, Italy.
Opel/Vauxhall will also continue to benefit from intellectual
property licenses from GM until its vehicles progressively convert to
PSA platforms over the coming years.
In connection with the transaction, GM will take a primarily non-cash special charge of $4.0-4.5 Bn.
Ongoing Pension Fund Commitments
All of Opel/Vauxhall’s European and U.K. pension plans, funded and
unfunded, with the exception of the German Actives Plan and selected
smaller plans will remain with GM. The obligations with respect to the
German Actives Plan and these smaller plans of Opel/Vauxhall will be
transferred to PSA. GM will pay PSA €3.0 Bn for full settlement of
transferred pension obligations.
Closing Conditions
The transaction is subject to various closing conditions, including
regulatory approvals and reorganizations, and is expected to close
before the end of 2017.
Warrants
The issuance of the warrants is subject to the vote of shareholders at PSA’s General Meeting of May 10th,
2017. The three main shareholders of PSA (the French State, the Peugeot
family and DongFeng) representing in aggregate 36.6% of the share
capital and 51.5%7 of the voting rights of PSA have
undertaken to vote in favor of the resolution related to the issuance of
the warrants to GM. In the event the warrant issuance reserved to GM
and its affiliates is not approved by PSA’s General Meeting, PSA will
settle the €0.65 Bn in cash over five years.
About PSA Group
With sales and revenue of €54 billion in 2016, PSA Group designs
unique automotive experiences and delivers mobility solutions that
provide freedom and enjoyment to customers around the world. The Group
has three car brands, Peugeot, Citroën and DS, as well as a wide array
of mobility and smart services under its Free2Move brand, to meet the
evolving needs and expectations of automobile users. The automobile manufacturer PSA is the European leader in terms of CO2 emissions, with average emissions of 102.4 grams per kilometer in 2016,
and an early innovator in the field of autonomous and connected cars,
with 2.3 million such vehicles worldwide. It is also involved in
financing activities through Banque PSA Finance and automotive equipment
via Faurecia.
PSA Group Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements and
information about the objectives of PSA Group, in particular, relating
to the acquisition of GM’s Opel/Vauxhall subsidiary and GM Financial’s
European operations, and corresponding expected synergies. These
statements are sometimes identified by the use of the future tense or
conditional mode, as well as terms such as “estimate”, “believe”, “have
the objective of”, “intend to”, “expect”, “result in”, “should” and
other similar expressions. It should be noted that the realization of
these objectives and forward-looking statements is dependent on the
circumstances and facts that arise in the future. Forward-looking
statements and information about objectives may be affected by known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may significantly
alter the future results, performance and accomplishments planned or
expected by PSA Group. These factors may include changes in the economic
and geopolitical situation and more generally those detailed in Chapter
1.5 of the reference document filed with the Autorité des marchés
financiers (the “AMF”) on 24 March 2016 under no. D.16-0204.
1 Opel/ Vauxhall financials correspond to financials of the contributed entity 2 Excluding Russia and Turkey. Source: IHS (February 2017) 3 IFRS. Subject to full review of US GAAP – IFRS differences 4 Defined as recurring operating income + D&A – restructuring costs – capex – capitalized R&D – change in working capital 5 Reference price is the 20-day volume-weighted average share price of PSA as of February 13th, 2017 (pre-leak of February 14th, 2017) 6 Based on 907 MM fully diluted shares outstanding 7 Based on a fully diluted number of shares outstanding of 907 MM shares, pro forma the exercise of all outstanding 2014 warrants
Room to move with 1640L of boot space, kicking motion opens powered tailgate
Class-leading driving dynamics, advanced all-wheel drive with torque vectoring
Sleek European design, superb refinement
Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and more
Latest generation IntelliLux LED Matrix lights turn night into day
World premiere in Geneva this March in Opel guise, on-sale in Australia 2018
All-New Holden Commodore Sportwagon
All-new Holden Commodore Sportwagon has emerged from the gym;
trim, toned and beautifully presented. Following closely on the heels of
the reveal of the NG Commodore, the Sportwagon is spacious, refined and
offers exemplary safety, just as a flagship Holden should.
Offering space and sophistication in equal measures, the all-new
Sportwagon offers 1640 litres of boot space and high-tech solutions
ranging from the world-beating IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights and
ultra-modern driver assistance systems to the cool head-up display. In
addition, the Commodore Sportwagon comes with Holden’s first nine-speed
automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive.
Next-generation Holden Sportwagon reinforces Commodore’s position
as the most advanced Holden ever, includes tech such as autonomous
emergency braking, adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control and
matrix lighting
Drivetrain line-up mirrors NG Commodore’s with four-cylinder petrol
and diesel options, alongside the flagship V6 model with 230 kW and
370 Nm, world-first Twinster all-wheel drive system and 9-speed
transmission for the first time ever in a Holden.
The new Sportwagon comes with significant mass reductions than the
current Commodore – depending on powertrain and trim, driven by the use
of lightweight materials and efficient packaging. The new Opel Insignia
Sports Tourer is up to 200 kilograms lighter than the current Commodore –
depending on powertrain and trim, driven by the use of lightweight
materials and efficient packaging.
Bringing sexy back:
Who said wagons need to be boring? Holden continues the tradition of
high-style wagons with the all-new Commodore. Inspired by the Opel Monza
concept, the prominent grille and the sculpted headlight design add to
the feeling of sophistication. The car’s stance is also emphasized by a
long wheelbase. The signature ‘blade’ styling hallmark starts in the
front door and sweeps towards the rear helps carry the eye from front to
back. The chrome window blade dynamically flows into the LED tail lamps
and gives the Commodore Sportwagon an even more athletic appearance.
The silver roof rails help stretch the car, make it look lower and
emphasize the high-quality design.
2018 Holden Commodore Sportwagon
Easy loader: Tailgate with an extra kick
Not just sleek and sexy, the next-gen Sportwagon is also practical with 1,640 litres of boot volume.
In order to make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be
opened with a ‘kick’ – without touching the car. In combination with
‘keyless open’ tech, a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper
is enough to open the tailgate (a vehicle silhouette projected onto the
ground shows the correct area). A further kicking motion under the
bumper will close the tailgate. The clever system can detect any
obstruction and stops the mechanism in case of emergency. In addition,
for practicability, the height of the opening can be programmed, in case
the car is in a garage. Furthermore, the tailgate can still be opened
by a switch on the driver’s side of the car, a button at the rear or via
the key’s remote control.
In order to increase loading space the new Sportwagon comes with
optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats enabling even more flexible
loading space configurations. The rear-seat bank can be folded down by
simply pushing a button located in the luggage compartment.
The upcoming Holden Sportwagon will celebrate its world premiere in Opel
guise at the Geneva Motor Show on March 7, and will go on sale in
Australia in 2018.
NEXT-GENERATION HOLDEN COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Cutting-edge driver assistance systems and technology:
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Adaptive Cruise Control
Speed Limit Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keep Assist
Forward Collision Alert
Side Blind-Zone Alert
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Next-generation comfort and convenience technologies:
Massage Seats
Rear one-touch folding seats
Heated Front and Rear seats
Ventilated Front seats
Express up/down all windows
Wagon power lift-gate
Active Noise Cancellation
Program overview:
Next-generation Commodore built in Germany on all-new, global E2 architecture shared with Opel Insignia
Lightweight construction methods result in approximately 200kg weight savings compared to current Commodore
Flagship model offers V6 AWD drivetrain with Holden-first 9-speed transmission
V6 engine delivers 230 kW / 370 Nm while being incredibly efficient thanks to Stop-Start technology and Active Fuel Management
2.0T petrol and 2.0T diesel front-wheel drive models also coming to Australia
Liftback and Sportwagon body-styles
Cutting-edge, adaptive all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and twin-clutch (‘Twinster’) rear differential system
Adaptive ‘Flexride’ suspension system offers three settings: ‘Tour’, ‘Standard’ and ‘Sport’
Next-generation matrix lighting system
Infotainment includes:
Apple Car Play and Android Auto
8-inch configurable LCD instrument display,
Next-gen head-up display
Additional details and information to be confirmed closer to launch.
First images of Holden’s cutting-edge Next Generation Commodore released
Commodore takes technology usually seen only in high-end premium vehicles and brings it to the people
Most advanced Commodore ever includes: autonomous emergency braking,
adaptive suspension, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and Matrix lighting
V6 flagship boasts 230 kW and 370 Nm, world-first Twinster All-Wheel Drive system and 9-speed transmission for the first time ever on a
Holden
Next-generation Holden Commodore on sale in 2018
Next-generation Holden Commodore on sale in 2018
Holden revealed first images and more details of the all-new Commodore ahead of its Australian launch early in 2018. The next-gen Commodore takes cutting-edge safety, driving and infotainment technology and makes it available for today’s Australians, everywhere. The next-generation Holden Commodore is democratizing technology.
Now with images of the next Commodore breaking cover, Australia gets its first look at the sleek and sophisticated design that will be hitting Australian roads in 2018. Designed in Germany by the Opel team with input from GM Holden’s team, the new Commodore takes the best of Europe and makes it great for Australia.
Building on information released last month regarding the next-generation Commodore, Holden has today confirmed a raft of premium technologies will make Commodore the most technologically-advanced Holden ever. From potentially life-saving safety technology features, to active driving technology and seamless infotainment, the all-new Commodore will make driving safer, easier, more involving and more connected than ever before for Australian customers.
“Customers are expecting more of their vehicles than ever before,” said Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley. “The all-new 2018 Commodore redefines the level of technology people can expect, and how tech can help our customers be safer, more involved and more connected than ever before. The Commodore combines technology across a number of areas in a way that you would usually only find in high-end prestige vehicles and makes it available for everyday Australians. Combined with the howling V6, world-first all-wheel-drive system and all the on-road performance you expect from the Commodore, this is a car that ticks all the boxes and more,” said Mr Keley.
Going on sale in Australia early in 2018, the new Commodore range will be headlined by the V6 flagship model, the first ever imported Commodore will honour the iconic nameplate by being the most technologically-advanced Holden ever. With a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system channeling 230 kilowatts and 370 Newton metres to the road, combined with adaptive suspension technology, a company-first nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the next-generation Commodore will continue to cement Holden’s reputation for class-leading driving dynamics and on-road refinement.
Jeremy Tassone, Holden’s Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Development, said the technical underpinnings of the next Commodore also represents Holden’s commitment to bringing the best vehicles from around the word to Australian customers.
“From its cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system, to nine-speed transmission and adaptive suspension, this is a true driver’s car in the way Commodore has always been. We’re taking the best of Europe and making it even better for our Australian customers. I can’t wait for our customers to get behind the wheel”
In addition to the Commodore’s unique all-wheel-drive system, further details surrounding the ‘FlexRide’ suspension system have also been confirmed. The continuously adaptable FlexRide chassis electro-hydraulically adapts the dampers to the road and the driving conditions 500 times per second or 30,000 times per minutes.
Additionally, the driver can save personal preferences for the steering characteristics, throttle response and dampers via the ‘Sport’ button.
Standard: The automatic control selects the best set-up based on the information collected by the vehicle sensors.
Tour: Comfortable chassis configuration, and throttle
response for best fuel consumption and most relaxed touring. The right
mode for relaxing long-distance drives.
Sport: Brake dive is reduced, flat and responsive chassis
control at high speeds and the throttle and steering provide more direct
feedback.
The new central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis. It continuously analyses the information provided by the sensors and setting and recognizes the individual driving style. The individual systems are then optimized for the best traction and road position.
Exterior Design:
The design of the next Commodore is based on the ‘Monza’ Concept car, created by the Opel Design team in Germany. The prominent front grille and the slim-line headlamps are directly inspired by the Monza Concept enhance the wide horizontal gesture of the front end and provide it with a bold appearance. The grille sits lower than on the outgoing model and further emphasises the solid stance.
The side window graphics feature with an upper chrome strip, rather than a full-chrome treatment, and the coupé-like roofline graphically pull the car down and emphasize its stretched appearance. The ‘blade’ light catcher in the lower doors pulls attention rearwards. The new Commodore is as sleek as it looks: it has an exemplary drag factor of 0.26 making it one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in its class.
At the rear, clear and simple lines combined with the slim, precise double-wing LED signature also give the car a wider appearance. The newly designed center high-mounted LED stop lamp has been integrated into the roofline. It helps to give the rear end a more high-tech look typical of premium brands’ vehicles.
Interior Design:
The attention to the smallest detail is also evident inside the Commodore. The cockpit is organized along horizontal lines, enhancing the feeling of elegant lightness and of space. The cockpit is orientated to the driver for a sportier feeling. The generous center console that further embraces the driver provides the feeling of sitting in a much larger class of vehicle. Clean lines, modern surfaces and first-class craftsmanship with soft-feel materials at all touch points contribute to a feeling of elegance and grace.
Infotainment system design:
Equal attention has been paid to the controls and the infotainment interface. The frameless touchscreen of the infotainment system exudes a sophisticated and technical charm. Many functions are controlled via the touchscreen in order to simplify the interface, while three clusters of buttons have been designed to allow quick and intuitive operations: the upper ones for the major functions of the infotainment system, the central ones for climate and heating controls, the lower ones for driver assistant controls. This very clear set-up avoids drivers and passengers having to dive into sub-menus on the touchscreen to find the most essential functions.
NEXT-GENERATION HOLDEN COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Cutting-edge driver assistance systems and technology:
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Adaptive Cruise Control
Speed Limit Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keep Assist
Forward Collision Alert
Side Blind-Zone Alert
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
360-degree Camera
Next-generation comfort and convenience technologies:
Massage Seats
Rear one-touch folding seats
Heated Front and Rear seats
Ventilated Front seats
Express up/down all windows
Wagon power lift-gate
Active Noise Cancellation
Program overview:
Next-generation Commodore built in Germany on all-new, global E2 architecture shared with Opel Insignia
Lightweight construction methods result in approximately 200kg weight savings compared to current Commodore
Flagship model offers V6 AWD drivetrain with Holden-first 9-speed transmission
V6 engine delivers 230 kW / 370 Nm while being incredibly efficient thanks to Stop-Start technology and Active Fuel Management
2.0T petrol and 2.0T diesel front-wheel drive models also coming to Australia
Liftback and Sportwagon body-styles
Cutting-edge, adaptive all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and twin-clutch (Twinster) rear differential system
Adaptive ‘Flexride’ suspension system offers three settings: Tour, Standard and Sport
Next-generation matrix lighting system
Infotainment includes:
Apple Car Play and Android Auto
8-inch configurable LCD instrument display
Next-gen head-up display
Additional details and information to be confirmed closer to launch.
32 LED segments turn night into day without dazzling other road users
New spotlight and curve illumination functions
New Opel Insignia realizes headlights of visionary Opel Monza Concept
In the new Opel Insignia: The next generation IntelliLux LED Matrix headlamp turns night into day making visibility clearer, further and better than ever before.
Opel will launch the next-generation of IntelliLux LED lighting with the all-new Opel Insignia in 2017. In addition to the numerous benefits of the award-winning Matrix technology introduced for the first time last year on the Astra, the even more refined and sophisticated IntelliLux LED headlights of the new Insignia feature additional functions that further improve nighttime visibility.
When Opel revealed the visionary Monza Concept at the 2013 IAA and CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann announced it showed what could be expected of Opel cars in the future, the company’s exterior lighting experts were not only enthusiastic.
They were just putting the finishes touches to the (in the meantime award-winning) adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights of the new Opel Astra, which consist of 16 LED segments – eight on each side of the vehicle – that automatically and constantly adapt the range and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation.
As they admired the show-stopping Monza Concept, Opel’s lighting experts also wondered just how they were going to fit their innovative Matrix lighting technology for the next generation Insignia into such ultra-slim headlamps.
Tailwind for Opel’s lighting experts and to the advantage of future customers of the new Insignia: LED development proceeds as fast-as-light. During the Astra’s development, LEDs had become even more compact and powerful, and Opel’s engineers used the significantly higher performance to accommodate twice as many LED segments (32) in the new Insignia’s Monza Concept-inspired headlights as in the Astra.
As a result of the smoother transitions between the higher number of LED segments, the light patterns can be more precisely adapted. The adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights of the new Insignia therefore produce a larger amount of even brighter light.
“From the Astra we know how much customers appreciate the benefits of IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights” says Ingolf Schneider, Engineering Group Manager Exterior Lighting. “Now we are bringing the even more advanced second generation of this innovative technology onto the market in the all-new Insignia, with additional new functions that further improve visibility at night.”
To improve visibility still further while driving through curves on full high beam, the engineers added a new function to the new Insignia’s IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights. The light intensity at the inner matrix segments rises according to steering angle in order to increase the illumination of the curve.
Each IntelliLux LED headlight also features a high-beam spotlight that provides additional illumination at full high-beam for up to 400 meters, further improving the new Insignia’s long-range visibility.
Despite the futuristic DNA from the visionary Opel Monza Concept, the adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights of the new Opel Insignia could not be simpler to operate: As soon as the car exits urban areas, the IntelliLux LED headlights switch themselves on automatically and then constantly adapt the range and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation, whether driving in town, on country roads, on the motorway, making a turn or taking a curve. Literally turning night into day for the new Opel Insignia – but without dazzling other road users.
First details of Holden’s next-generation Commodore revealed, redefining a four decade legacy
First imported Commodore lives up to the legend; V6 flagship boasts
230 kW and 370 Nm, cutting-edge AWD system and 9-speed transmission
Packed with advanced technology: Active Fuel Management, adaptive
suspension, torque-vectoring AWD, Matrix lighting system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Extensive Holden Australian engineering development ensures
next-generation Commodore lives up to the legendary nameplate with
outstanding driving dynamics
Next-generation Holden Commodore on sale in 2018
Next-Generation Holden Commodore
Holden has today revealed first details of the all-new, next-generation Commodore ahead of its Australian launch in early 2018.
Next-Generation Holden Commodore - Matrix LED lighting system
Australia’s first look under the bonnet of the cutting-edge new Commodore reveals a car that will set new benchmarks in its segment for technology, style, practicality and driving dynamics.
Next-Generation Holden Commodore - Flagship AWD model with 3.6 V6 engine
Headlined by the V6 flagship model, the first ever imported Commodore will honour the legendary nameplate by being the most technologically-advanced Holden ever. With a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system channeling 230 kilowatts and 370 Newton metres to the road, combined with adaptive suspension technology, a company-first nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the next-generation Commodore is set to cement the iconic nameplate’s reputation for class-leading driving dynamics and on-road refinement.
Based on General Motor’s new ‘E2’ global architecture, engineered in Germany and shared with the Opel Insignia, the new Commodore has also been co-developed under the expert and watchful eye of Holden’s Australian engineers to ensure the all-new Commodore continues a four-decade tradition of setting new benchmarks.
“Holden has been engaged in this program from the outset to ensure the next-generation Commodore lives up to its legendary nameplate,” said Jeremy Tassone, Holden’s Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Development.
“We know the first imported Commodore will come under a lot of scrutiny and we know we have a lot to live up to – this car delivers in spades”
“Although we are remain in the early stages of the Holden development process, this is an absolutely world-class car. We’ve taken a precision-engineered German car and endowed it with Holden DNA. It drives like a Commodore should.
“We’ve had our Holden engineers engaged in this global program from the outset and we’re continuing to do extensive tuning and development, racking up thousands of kilometers, at our Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria to ensure it’s got that Holden magic.
“Of course, it helps that the underlying platform is absolutely world class! This global vehicle program, led by Opel in Germany, has produced a phenomenal base for us to work from. The genuinely cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system using active torque vectoring provides incredible traction and handling finesse. The key is what is dubbed the ‘Twinster’ rear drive module. Essentially, the traditional rear differential has been replaced with two individual clutches that not only save weight and improve packaging but provides virtually instantaneous active distribution of torque to the required wheel.
“The overall system monitors inputs from vehicle sensors 100 times per second and constantly adjusts accordingly, it’s extraordinary.”
The V6 engine with the all-wheel-drive system is a combination that the Holden team drove into the global vehicle program because we know our customers and this performance option is important to them. While it may not be built here, we’ll deliver a Commodore that our customers will love in 2018,” said Mr Tassone.
Commodore’s evolution reflects the transformation of the Holden brand and company as it moves to full-line importer of vehicles. But just like Commodore, Holden will remain a powerhouse of the industry and of the local motoring landscape.
“The next-generation Commodore will reset benchmarks in its class, as has every Commodore since 1978,” said Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley.
“What Commodore will also continue to do is carry the family in space and comfort. Commodore will also race in Supercars from 2018 and continue to be on the road as police cars.
“This next-generation vehicle is changing and bringing incredible technology and refinement with it but will continue to offer customers that quintessential Commodore experience they have loved for nearly four decades.
“With the first-ever imported Commodore, we’re delivering our customers an absolutely world-beating vehicle, with the space, practicality, technology and driving pleasure that Commodore has always provided. This is a different kind of Commodore to what has come before but lives up to the nameplate in every respect and will carry our heritage with pride.”
NEXT-GENERATION HOLDEN COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Next-generation Commodore built in Germany on all-new, global E2 architecture shared with Opel Insignia
Lightweight construction methods result in 200kg - 300kg weight savings compared to current Commodore
Flagship model offers V6 AWD drivetrain with Holden-first 9-speed transmission
V6 engine delivers 230kW / 370 Nm while being incredibly efficient thanks to Stop-Start technology and Active Fuel Management
2.0T petrol and 2.0T diesel front-wheel drive models also coming to Australia
Liftback and Sportwagon body-styles
Cutting-edge, adaptive all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and twin-clutch (‘Twinster’) rear differential system
Adaptive suspension
Next-generation Matrix lighting system
Infotainment includes:
Apple Car Play and Android Auto
8-inch configurable LCD instrument display,
Next-gen Head-Up display
Pricing, specification, full details of driver, safety and additional infotainment technology to be confirmed closer to launch
