GM launched the VE Holden Commodore as the Pontiac G8 at the Chicago Auto Show this week, and its official that it will be comming to the US, and will be on sale starting in January next year. The G8 is almost completely unchanged from the Commodore spare for the trademark Pontiac grille -- it will be offered with the Alloytec 3.5 V6 and the 6.0 LS2 V8 with both engines offering manual and automatic transmissions. The rep. that I talked to at the show said prices are estimated to range between about $22,000 for the base V6 models and up to $30,000 for the top of the range V8 GT model.

in person, it looks fantastic! it has a great stance, tight lines, and a very high level of fit and finish. it will be a great addition to the Pontiac line, and a big treat for GTO owners that have come to know how good Holdens are :)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/TJ21685/2007%20Chicago%20Auto%20Show/DSC01264.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/TJ21685/2007%20Chicago%20Auto%20Show/DSC01268.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/TJ21685/2007%20Chicago%20Auto%20Show/DSC01261.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/TJ21685/2007%20Chicago%20Auto%20Show/DSC01260.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/TJ21685/2007%20Chicago%20Auto%20Show/DSC01265.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/TJ21685/2007%20Chicago%20Auto%20Show/DSC01269.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/TJ21685/2007%20Chicago%20Auto%20Show/DSC01275.jpg

We already have a thread to discuss the G8. Nice pictures though.

Actually, the G8 will not come with the LS2. If comes with a derivative of the LS2 that includes DOD and runs on regular gas. I believe it's designation is L98 in Aussieland, but I believe it's been changed slightly from the Aussie version so it has yet another designator. The horsepower is somewhere around 360 (compared with the 400 horses in the LS2).

Thanks for the pics, I've been too lazy recently to post some up.

Lose the tan inserts! BARF!

Otherwise, I like it!

I think it is real sweet and I am sure it will bring more attention to the already cool Holden brand. Our Goats made a pretty good splash when they came out and I am sure this car will sale real well as well. It has a mean Acura TL look to it and I love it!

I like it great family car.

Actually, the G8 will not come with the LS2. If comes with a derivative of the LS2 that includes DOD and runs on regular gas. I believe it's designation is L98 in Aussieland, but I believe it's been changed slightly from the Aussie version so it has yet another designator. The horsepower is somewhere around 360 (compared with the 400 horses in the LS2).
True....except we dont yet have DOD in the L98.

And HSV uses LS2 engines with 307kW (dunno what HP that is)

As far as I know, the engine doesnt change when they go to the US but then again, I dont work for Holden or GM so I dont really know, no changes I've heard though. (have been out of the loop for a while so if I'm wrong - sue me)

Nice lookin car. Will be very interesting to see just how closely they stick to those purported prices...if they DO, then I will say one thing....they got it priced right. Bout ****ed time.

The price estimate for the entry level G8 is approx US$25000 now

C'mon mate, we have to make some money y'know....Holden reported losses of $144million in 2005 :O

C'mon mate, we have to make some money y'know....Holden reported losses of $144million in 2005 :O


How is that MY problem? lol...I'll send you blokes a box of straws...then you can suck it up.

LOL....as least we didnt lose $16.4 billion like Ford America :P

Not too worried, as well as the US you'd be surprised how many other countries we export Holdens to be badged as various other GM cars.

Holden sends the entire range to New Zealand (that little speck of land to the east of Australia), Calais to Brazil as the Chevy Omega, and the Commodore Omega, SV6 and SS, and the previous model VZ Ute to South Africa badged as Chevy Luminas. Also sell cars to countries such as Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE, just to name a few more. I'm sure there's others. Holden exported 46,000 cars last year, 31,000 to the Middle East. The WM Statesman (latest one, based on the VE) has already won the award for best luxury car in the Middle East Autocar Awards recently.

As well as that, Holden shipped Monaros to England as well, sold Statesmans (LWB Commodore) to China to be known as the Buick "Royaum"

I know its probably not a shadow of your guys productions or exports, but considering 10 years ago we hardly had an export market compared to now, I think we're doin ok :)