VF Holden

[anto]

the image above with the amg just goes to show how generic cars look these days... the only way to describe it is non descript. Park it next to the korean car of your choice and it wouldn't look out of place,..
I guess that what people want

[mik]

that`s a fair comment Anto, i was thinking myself i can see a bit of falcon in the front end too.

[mik]

Originally Posted by Lardman

Quite a few people I know have replaced their itunes library with Pandora or the version Telstra let you stream for free.

Alloy boot and bonnet also improve driving dynamic. Dropping a fair bit of weight from the extremities of the car centralises weight distribution and also as mentioned, assists with fuel reduction. So do improved aero features.

Only thing I don't like is the electric handbrake & steering, really - but you can't win em all.

speaking of I tunes, i`m probably in the minority, and i know i`m an old dinosaur, but i would love to see a poll one day for the people that use the ipod/ pandora/music in cars and their age groups,
myself i can`t be bothered with it, if i wan`t music i`ll listen to the golden oldies or bang in a cd in or use usb sticks on a run.
my young brother is an IT electronics geek uses all that stuff, spends 5 minutes in the car adjusting it all rooting around so he make a half hour trip to work o0.
looking on another forum a few people piped up about the functionality of the electronic brake, it did seem more disliked it than the other way around in various types of cars, look forward to see how it goes.
as for the fuel economy, it still seems a big ask for 10% better even with improved aero factor and couple of light bits when your sitting in traffic.
if they pull it off that will be impressive.

[burnz]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Sorry to continue with your statement but if that's the case, EcoBoost and EcoLpi would be leading the sales race? Reading the forums it's the trinkets that get everyone excited these days. Not performance or economy. Actually this release has been about the inside buttons and the pretty lights and dials. Havnt really read much on engine output or what economy is expected. It's all about how many cup holders!

it would be interesting since they remaped the sidi for economy and lost a few kilo's, performance of the SS would be nice to know as well.

[Bucknaked]

I read somewhere that the engines in the VF are 10% more fuel efficient. V6 and V8

[Sprint]

Originally Posted by Bucknaked

I read somewhere that the engines in the VF are 10% more fuel efficient. V6 and V8

yeah it runs on 2 cylinders on the highway

[greenfoam]

Originally Posted by chookaradley

Heard Mike Deveraux (Holden CEO) on Melbourne radio this morning. He was asked a direct question... how much will it cost?. His answer along the lines of... Australians need to remember this is the safest, most technologically advanced most effecient car ever produced in this country...

Stay tuned, me thinks plenty!

If it had a big turbo diesel burning 6l/100km down the highway you might sell them for near 40k on the base model. Imho they wont sell any at that price with the V6 its just not a good enough engine in the current market. But lets wait and see.

[BHDOGS]

The engines are the same it's the lighter weight that makes it more fuel
Efficient and they dropped a spoiler of the sports class U just get a lip spoiler you now have to option up bigger also the car will cost an extra $500 on top of what it does now rumors suggest

[Bucknaked]

Originally Posted by Sprint

yeah it runs on 2 cylinders on the highway

On the Back of a tilt tray should always return good economy.

[Lardman]

Originally Posted by Bucknaked

I read somewhere that the engines in the VF are 10% more fuel efficient. V6 and V8

Originally Posted by BHDOGS

The engines are the same it's the lighter weight that makes it more fuel
Efficient and they dropped a spoiler of the sports class U just get a lip spoiler you now have to option up bigger also the car will cost an extra $500 on top of what it does now rumors suggest

The LT1 they're chucking in there has direct injection and infinite cam timing, apparently.

IN terms of the 6cyl I think compression and materials have changed for the better as well

[gtfpv]

THE THREAD IS AWESOME and i think the VF will be a beaut . i dont know about others but everytime a new commodore or falcon is released i get a great excitement ( it's great to be alive to see this feeling ) i'm very much interested in what i'm reading here . cheers .

[castellan]

I was looking for thinner pillars.
Why don't modern cars use the doors with out them stupid backward steel edge door frames, the old 1971 LTD galaxie had a nice 4 door pillared hardtop and they worked fine no problems at all.

Glad the stupid cheap moronic hand brake has gone.

The VF ute needs a tailgate that can be dropped right down like a real work ute as like the Falcon.

[Bossxr8]

The SS is a case of nice wheels, shame about the face. Front end looks poor but you'd expect that as the Yanks have hijacked it and probably had the most influence of what it looks like considering they have their version now.

Why are the mirror scalps grey, it looks like they forget something.

[GTP534]

Originally Posted by gtfpv

THE THREAD IS AWESOME and i think the VF will be a beaut . i dont know about others but everytime a new commodore or falcon is released i get a great excitement ( it's great to be alive to see this feeling ) i'm very much interested in what i'm reading here . cheers .

Yes Frank, I'm enjoying reading this thread too. I still get that buzz about a new Ford or new Holden being released just like I did way back in 1968 when I first became a car nut. I remember my Dad and I went down to Muirs on the Victoria Road near Top Ryde for spare parts and in the showroom was an HK Monaro GTS and also a Brougham!

Then there was a time there was a competition at a Ford dealer, my memory is a bit hazy as to which one it was but they were on the Pacific Highway past Chatswood, we had a key and if it opened the door of the Falcon 500 it was yours. Saw my first XY GT up close then in that showroom.

That's why it would be sad in a way if the local manufacturing of Falcon and/or Commodore was to stop but I think the buzz would still be there for the release of whatever replaced them.

My Dad's turning 80 soon and I'll always remember the time he took to drive me down Parramatta Road to stop at the dealers and ask for brochures.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by GTP534

Yes Frank, I'm enjoying reading this thread too. I still get that buzz about a new Ford or new Holden being released just like I did way back in 1968 when I first became a car nut. I remember my Dad and I went down to Muirs on the Victoria Road near Top Ryde for spare parts and in the showroom was an HK Monaro GTS and also a Brougham!

Then there was a time there was a competition at a Ford dealer, my memory is a bit hazy as to which one it was but they were on the Pacific Highway past Chatswood, we had a key and if it opened the door of the Falcon 500 it was yours. Saw my first XY GT up close then in that showroom.

That's why it would be sad in a way if the local manufacturing of Falcon and/or Commodore was to stop but I think the buzz would still be there for the release of whatever replaced them.

My Dad's turning 80 soon and I'll always remember the time he took to drive me down Parramatta Road to stop at the dealers and ask for brochures.

Well said mate.

[RAPID_BA]

Do we know what the v8 will be? Specs?

[Lardman]

Originally Posted by RAPID_BA

Do we know what the v8 will be? Specs?

More than likely this:
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/m...mall-block-v8/

The Corvette's new LT1 V8 engine is, no surprise here, set to make the car very competitive within its class. Preliminary numbers suggest no less than 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque for the 6.2-liter engine, as well as an estimated 0-60 mile per hour time of less than 4.0 seconds when installed in the base C7. To put those numbers in perspective a bit: The LT1 not only has a far higher specific output than the 6.2-liter LS3 that it replaces – up at least 20 hp and 26 lb-ft – but its torque is seemingly competitive with that of the 7.0-liter LS7 that lives in the heart of the current Corvette Z06.

[burnz]

Originally Posted by RAPID_BA

Do we know what the v8 will be? Specs?

same as before L98/L76 6.0L

[Sioso]

I think it looks great inside and out, the only 2 things that let it down are the steering wheel and shifter, they scream 4 cylinder hatchback to me.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Buntz

Yep... Ford will always deliver the better car, but always second.



I'm not sure if most of the members here can be even classified Ford fans, but if they can be... then most people who drive Fords love to *****.

Sorry but comments like this are stupid. Take your rose coloured glasses off. Many people on here have voted with their wallet and purchased a new Ford and you have a go at them for being critical of some things? Yeah sure the cars aren't perfect, none are but owners have every right to be a little upset when there car isn't quite right. But as has been said I hope ford pull one out of the hat with the new model and its a raging success.

[Gadgetman]

Seriously, for all the ford diehards on here that think the VF looks ordinary, start up your duel fuel ex taxi au falcon and get the hell out of here. Please its an important car that looks great with features that brings australian mototing to a world standard and hopefully the new falcon will be as fruitful if not better.

[350125GO]

The SS is missing a spoiler?

[russellw]

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

Seriously, for all the ford diehards on here that think the VF looks ordinary, start up your duel fuel ex taxi au falcon and get the hell out of here. Please its an important car that looks great with features that brings australian mototing to a world standard and hopefully the new falcon will be as fruitful if not better.

We are talking about two different things here.

Exterior styling - which is a matter of personal taste but which does nothing to lift the standard of anything anyway and certainly not in this case.

Features / technology where it does lift the barrier and bring us closer to attaining global standards.

I've little doubt that FoA will be watching this closely but I'd be equally sure that much of the tech is already on the drawing board for the next round of updates.

Still doesn't change the simple fact that the biggest problem Ford has is the dealer network - the same as it has been for two decades.

Russ

[Chopped]

Originally Posted by russellw

Still doesn't change the simple fact that the biggest problem Ford has is the dealer network - the same as it has been for two decades.

Both brands really need to lift their game in this regard. Same applies to the "service" departments.

Both of these things have a big impact in regards to a Positive or Negative experience with the customer's choice of vehicle and ownership.

[anto]

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

Seriously, for all the ford diehards on here that think the VF looks ordinary, start up your duel fuel ex taxi au falcon and get the hell out of here. Please its an important car that looks great with features that brings australian mototing to a world standard and hopefully the new falcon will be as fruitful if not better.

Im sorry but this is a ford forum in case you hadn't noticed, and the majority are diehards so why dont you get the hell out !
No one has to like it just because you say so, and everyone has there own opinion so get off your high horse .
Also dont care for the AU jab either ,... not to mention the "take off the rose colored glasses" line that rears its ugly head time and time again in various threads.

Ooh, I wish us mere mortals were as cultured as you lot

Some of us like Fords for a reason and it has nothing to do with blind worship !
sheesh some people !

As for the VF I personally don't hate it but I don't care for it either tbh, yeah its new and looks way better than the old clapper but that aint hard now is it, 'twas hardly the measuring stick for a good looking or well equipped car.

thats right I said it

[Lardman]

Originally Posted by mik

speaking of I tunes, i`m probably in the minority, and i know i`m an old dinosaur, but i would love to see a poll one day for the people that use the ipod/ pandora/music in cars and their age groups,
myself i can`t be bothered with it, if i wan`t music i`ll listen to the golden oldies or bang in a cd in or use usb sticks on a run.
my young brother is an IT electronics geek uses all that stuff, spends 5 minutes in the car adjusting it all rooting around so he make a half hour trip to work o0.
looking on another forum a few people piped up about the functionality of the electronic brake, it did seem more disliked it than the other way around in various types of cars, look forward to see how it goes.
as for the fuel economy, it still seems a big ask for 10% better even with improved aero factor and couple of light bits when your sitting in traffic.
if they pull it off that will be impressive.

It's also the fact they're taking that weight off the wheels and distributing it easily - Like pushing a trolley with 20kg on the front is much harder than doing it with 20kg in the middle, and improves handling and how easily it turns, so on.

as for fuel burn, a lot of it also has to do with advances in transmission losses, fuel cuts and EFI tuning that they learn over the years. Use of lightweight materials in the interior helps a ton with this too.

I tend to use my phone as an mp3 these days instead as well. I find it easier than faffing about with cd's and I can play what I want

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by anto

Im sorry but this is a ford forum in case you hadn't noticed, and the majority are diehards so why dont you get the hell out !
No one has to like it just because you say so, and everyone has there own opinion so get off your high horse .
Also dont care for the AU jab either ,... not to mention the "take off the rose colored glasses" line that rears its ugly head time and time again in various threads.

Ooh, I wish us mere mortals were as cultured as you lot

Some of us like Fords for a reason and it has nothing to do with blind worship !
sheesh some people !

As for the VF I personally don't hate it but I don't care for it either tbh, yeah its new and looks way better than the old clapper but that aint hard now is it, 'twas hardly the measuring stick for a good looking or well equipped car.

thats right I said it

I think Gadgetman makes a good point. The "old clapper' VE might not have been well equipped - but it's right on par with the Falcon. And the way it looks is purely subjective. The VF is a massively important new model not just for Holden, but for Australian manufacturing as a whole.

And the 'rose coloured glasses' line gets rolled out here regularly for good reason. The unconditional, fanantical, hopelessly biased pro-Ford attitudes some have on here is just ridiculous. Most people will have their favorite, and a degree of bias and loyalty towards your brand of choice is expected and all good. Its that healthy rivalry that has kept the spirit of competition with Ford and Holden going - giving incentive for each company to improve their products and leapfrog the other with each new model release.

But, the fact remains that we're talking about two cars that are very similar in most ways. Same basic dimensions, same basic engine sizes and configuration, same drivetrain layout, competing in the same market. Pick the one you like the most sure, but to dismiss the other so completely and blindly like some do (not accusing you of this btw) is beyond stupid.

Having said all that, if you don't like the VF, that's your opinion, to which you're entitled.

[anto]

See you say its right on par with the falcon but in my experience there is a gulf of difference!, that doesnt mean "rose coloured glasses" .
youi make some good points I cant argue with otherwise.

The VF is an ok looking car from what has been shown so far , pretty generic looking with a decent currentn standard interior..

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

I think Gadgetman makes a good point. The "old clapper' VE might not have been well equipped - but it's right on par with the Falcon. And the way it looks is purely subjective. The VF is a massively important new model not just for Holden, but for Australian manufacturing as a whole.

And the 'rose coloured glasses' line gets rolled out here regularly for good reason. The unconditional, fanantical, hopelessly biased pro-Ford attitudes some have on here is just ridiculous. Most people will have their favorite, and a degree of bias and loyalty towards your brand of choice is expected and all good. Its that healthy rivalry that has kept the spirit of competition with Ford and Holden going - giving incentive for each company to improve their products and leapfrog the other with each new model release.

But, the fact remains that we're talking about two cars that are very similar in most ways. Same basic dimensions, same basic engine sizes and configuration, same drivetrain layout, competing in the same market. Pick the one you like the most sure, but to dismiss the other so completely and blindly like some do (not accusing you of this btw) is beyond stupid.

Having said all that, if you don't like the VF, that's your opinion, to which you're entitled.

Well said, I love Ford's Always have and always will. Having said that, always happy to give credit to others that deserve it. Is the VF a huge step forward in australian vehicle manufacturing and deserves to succeed in a diminishing segment of the market. Hopefully the new features will feature in the update falcon in 14 and perhaps something new and improved as well. Time will certainly tell.

[Ryan]

Look at it like this the VF will push Ford even harder when they make the FU (or whatever it's going to be called). Given it's a Ford forum understandably not everyone likes it which is fair enough.

Personally in the back of my mind whenever a new Commodore or Falcon is released I think of how the opposition will respond. The Australian large car as we know has its day numbered.

These latest breed of Commodores (and when Ford release their new Falcon) may be the last of their kind as we know them. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy when we can create a car on the level of some of the more famous manufacturers around the world.