What's going on over the other side?

[Cobra]

In that 6 speed ZF article from drive, they are claiming that Holdens "all new" model will be here as early as march next year (Melbourne Motor Show debut would be a logical guess), while Ford won't have an all new model till 07. This will leave Ford behind again for atleast a year again just like what happened with the VT and AU.

In case you're wondering, no I don't intend on buying a Holden, and if I were I would be over on the other forum asking questions. What I want to know is what exactly does Holden have planned for the VE or whatever it's going to be called. What are we up against exactly? I hear they will get all new IRS based on Cadilac. I also hear that they are going to have an all new Chassis which is much stronger and rigid, so combined with the heavier IRS will see the next generation Commodore be as heavy as our BA.

They've just had major engine upgrades, maybe the LS2 might filter down to the SS though? Any word on a Turbo? If that Torana concept is anything to go by, and based on how well the XR6T has been selling, I'd be expecting Holden to have an SV6TT some time and tap in to Fords unriavalled market.

What about the transmissions? They've just got new 5 speeds, but from what I've read they are only in the 6's correct? Where is this 5 speed sourced from. Is it not strong enough to be put behind a V8, or do Holden just have an auto in the pipeline specifically designed to fit the V8s? Rumoured also, is a new 6 speed auto for the C6 Corvette. Or they could use the new 6 speed out of the Cadilac XLR-V. Who knows, but I doubt what they have will be better than the ZF box anyway.

I just hope Ford can keep up, and if they do get behind, I hope that it won't be for too long, and Copperhead (or whatever it's called) will blow Holden away.