The strength of the blogosphere triumphs again! Despite the efforts of the multi-person teams of the biggest editorial automotive magazines and websites, the Holden V8 fan blogsite ls1.com.au has again scooped the latest Holden unveil.
LS1.com.au posters have published images of two important new Holden models -- HSV's new VE Maloo ute and what appears to be the long-rumoured Commodore 'sports wagon'.
Exposed more than a month ahead of its expected Australian International Motor Show debut in October, HSV's version of the new VE light commercial builds on the 'sportscar with a big boot' theme of the last VZ-generation hot hauler.
There's the family HSV VE front-end with bespoke front quarter vents, fascia and grille, while at the rear 'sail plane' extensions to the turret combine with a hard tonneau to give the car an almost coupe or CC side profile. Unique to the Maloo (we're assuming HSV will retain the name) are aggressively styled vents on the rocker panel ahead of the rear wheels.
Assuming the SS wagon pictured is true to the production car, it confirms the long-held belief that Holden would move the five-door towards the European Touring/Avant style of an estate rather than retain the 'carry more at all costs' silhouette of the VZ range and its predecessors.
This assumption was shaken recently when VE wagon mules were spotted testing. It now appears likely those mules (which were unable to be photographed, alas) were 'wearing' add-ons to disguise the car's swoopy rear end.
The Carsales Network's Joe Kenwright first alerted Holden buffs to the likelihood Holden would go the Euro route back in August 2006 (more here)
Back then, JK said: "Holden will follow the lead of the Chrysler 300C Touring with a sporty wagon based on the standard wheelbase (which is now almost as long as a VZ wagon's anyway). The aim would be to attract private wagon buyers who enjoy driving, or a sedan buyer who needed more space. It would provide a stark, sleek contrast with the tall and sometimes clumsy look of SUV wagons."
Well, now thanks to LS1.com.au's eagle-eyed posters, you've seen more evidence.
As the bona fides of the image seems not to be in question, the timing of the release of the wagon will be the next discussion point. At the VE's launch in August 2006 Holden indicated variants of the new platform would roll out over 24-30 months. Such a timeline indicates the wagon could surface any time before the end of 2008.
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