Hey I picked up a VE brochure today, and thought I'd share some stuff about it I found cool and interesting

(btw I have a test drive booked for the 14th I know I'm not buying one for a while, but they dont know that )

* Firstly, the stud pattern has changed. So you cant put VZ and earlier rims on a VE, and you cant put VE rims on VZ's and earlier models.

* The stereo can be changed (not sure about the SS-V though) but when it gets changed, you have to get a Tech2 to code the new stereo to the car, the Holden guy said something like the stereo is "mated" with the car it was put in, so you cant just whack one in, and you cant put the stereo from a VE into another Commodore (without the Tech2 you cant anyway)

* Of course most people know this, but the battery is now in the boot.

* Holden Assist Secure - If stolen, Holden Assist can locate, track, and safely immobilize the vehicle.

* Holden Assist Ultra
- If airbag deployed, the system notifies an operator who will attempt to speak wiith the driver (through a speaker in the car, that is also used for handsfree mobile calls via bluetooth), If there is no response, emergency services are notified.

- If the keys are locked in the vehicle, an operator can verify the owners identity and unlock the doors remotely.

- If the vehicle's battery is low, the system notifies an operator who will attempt to speak with the driver.

GM FleetView
Designed for the businesses with on the road employees, fleet telematics are designed to increase driver and fleet manager productivity, while encouraging better driver behaviour and greater adherence to occupational health and safety practices.

Multi stage locking - when unlocking your vehicle remotely, you can have all four doors unlock at once, or the drivers door on the first press and the remaining doors on the second.

Night panel
At night, interior light can be dimmed to leave only the speedo illuminated.

Priority Key
All models come with 2 keys, which store individual preferences, such as trip computer settings, personalisation settings and radio station pre-sets.

6 speed manual
6 speed manual shift pattern for V8 is normal, with reverse up and to the right.
6 speed manual shift pattern for V6 is different, with reverse up and to the left (I think the M20 4 speed manual was like that too)

Sports decal kit
Sports decal kit for your VE, available in balck or silver (yet to find pics on computer, but it looks pretty mean in the booklet)

Colours
11 colours for the Omega, 6 colours for SV6 SS and SSV

The audio system includes auxillary input for MP3 players etc..

Bluetooth capability is standard on all models except Omega, in which it's an option.

There's heaps more, but I'm a bit tired of typing atm.....LOL

Interesting stuff. :)

* Firstly, the stud pattern has changed. So you cant put VZ and earlier rims on a VE, and you cant put VE rims on VZ's and earlier models.

I wonder if they are the same pattern as most GM vehicles. This would be good news for us if it comes over as the G8. We could have a larger aftermarket wheel selection. :)

* Of course most people know this, but the battery is now in the boot.

Didn't know that myself. I like it for weight distribution but I hope it doesn't cut into trunk space too much. Would be fun to have to give someone a jump-start and see the look on their face when you popped the trunk open. ;) (Maybe there is a jump point under the hood though)