The next model Holden Commodore may underpin a new Chevrolet sports model for 2013, both on road and at the track.
General Motors representatives haven’t actually confirmed the presence of a new Chevrolet SS Performance model next year, but they’re not denying it very strongly either. Nascar race registration for the 2013 racing year of a new model racer along with GM telemetry computers, and in-car Satnav systems that mention the new “SS Performance” program are pretty strong indications.
As was the mention of the car, along with 13 other new models on Chevrolet’s OnStar website, before they realised their mistake and plugged the leak.
There’s plenty of clues that suggest the upcoming VF Commodore will be the car that forms the basis for the new vehicle.
The VF, like the VE before it, is a good match for American muscle car fans, with a large body, V8 engine, and rear-wheel drive.
The VE has already seen service in the USA badged as the Pontiac G8, and the Holden Caprice from the same platform has been tweaked to try and win a piece of the USA’s police car business. Because of these factors, the Commodore is already certified and ready for left-hand-drive sales in America.
Holden’s former president, Mark Reuss, is now the head of GM operations in the USA and he is a huge fan and supporter of Australia’s Commodore.
The “SS Performance” is expected to take over as GM’s Nascar flagship. A position which is currently held by the Impala. Jim Campbell from Chevrolet Performance Vehicles and Motorsports says “Team Chevy will be racing a vehicle based on a new nameplate to the brand’s lineup. We are keeping the wraps on the new car for now and will continue to prepare for next season by testing camouflaged vehicles”
Make of that what you will.
In the USA at the moment, the Caprice is heavily supported as a police vehicle by the officers that drive them, but convincing their bosses on the merits of purchase has been an uphill battle.
The VE Commodore on the other hand won plenty of U.S friends in the short amount of time the G8 was on the road before Pontiac closed their doors.
Time will tell whether the car truly is Holden-based, but what is certain is that the “SS Performance” road car and the Nascar are tied together. Which means we may well see Commodore bodyshells racing in more than just the V8 Supercar series soon.
Michael Adams for Infinite-Garage
Article Originally Produced for World Car Reviews