VF Commodore detail - Exterior
The first images released are of the new Calais V-Series sedan (pictured), an upmarket model that will headline an extensively upgraded VF Commodore range that goes on sale in the middle of this year.
Holden say the VF's evolutionary exterior design is a dynamic, mature execution - more sculptural and highly refined, with exceptional finishes, richer detailing, bright and jewelled accents.
The Calais V lower front fascia features black honeycomb mesh insert detail on a chrome-laced central air intake. Outboard ports sport chrome over-riders and an LED daylight running lamp/park lamp combination, integrated by a stand-out chrome ribbon.
The deep, trapezoidal grille has a bright chrome surround, header and horizontal bars; prominent Holden branding against a gloss black textured mesh background.
Fluid, sculptural halogen projector headlamps are strikingly shaped and jewelled, with intricate internal layers, a light guide 'eyebrow', a hooded flash detail that runs down and over the projector and black bezel detailing.
The fascia is flanked by prominent front fenders and flared, aero-modified wheel arches. The Calais V show car's deep-dished twenty-inch double ten spoke machine-faced alloy wheels feature radial triangular elements. Slim vertical fender vents with a chrome surround incorporate repeater lamps.
Door handle surrounds, belt line and door frame mouldings are finished in bright chrome, while the Prussian Steel Concept exterior colour echoes the luxury styling of the bright chrome exterior finishes.
Replicating the fluid headlamp design, the integrated tail lamps extend into the decklid. They incorporate complex jewellery detailing and chrome rings surround instantly identifiable red-lit 'hotspots'.
Further features include a V-Series decklid badge, new reflectors in the lower valance and dual circular chrome exhaust outlets.
"Our aim with the new VF Commodore was to create a car that challenged some of the broader perceptions people have about the traditional Australian-made large car," said Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux.
"We have created a car that not only serves the loyal buyers who continue to make Commodore one of the most popular cars in Australia, but also a new breed of discerning customer who wants higher levels of luxury and technology in their car.
"When it goes on sale, it will offer levels of quality and sophistication to rival some of the best cars in the world."
VF's polished good looks owe much to great bone structure. The silhouette and athletic, wide track stance that made the award-winning 2006 VE Commodore an automotive style icon now reinforce a street-smart new look that Holden say is fresher, more sophisticated and aerodynamically advanced.
The Calais V's streamlined exterior is also more aerodynamically efficient than the model it replaces. Given improved fuel economy as a major VF program target, Holden designers and engineers made extensive use of virtual modelling and wind tunnel technology to create a slippery new shape.
Holden's Director of Design, Andrew Smith, said the VF exterior design was a precise, contemporary execution that held true to the dynamic poise of its predecessor.
"We've taken a powerful existing form and brought it up to another level, with the feeling now about projecting a real sense of quality and technological aptitude," he said.
"The styling is characterised by sculpted forms and richer detailing. There's more gleam and polish at every point and careful attention to detail everywhere you look, from the vibrant front fascias and projector headlamp treatments through to the all-new rear end graphics.
Exterior themes
_ Up front: the higher, wider front end features complex hood surfacing with a subtle central power bulge; raking spears point focus at prominent signature trapezoidal grilles
_ Jewelled halogen projector headlamps incorporate a 'curved blade' park lamp effect
_ Lower air intakes are flanked by LED daytime running lamps and fog lamps
_ New front fenders complement the flared, aero-sculpted wheel arches
_ In profile: all potency and forward movement with an upper decklid line that kicks into a slim integrated spoiler; chrome fender vents, larger, multi-spoke, machine-faced wheels
_ At the rear: a wider, more planted stance. Streamlined, uncluttered graphics are dominated by intricately jewelled new tail lamps that extend into the decklid
The VF Commodore was designed and engineered at Holden's headquarters in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The new model will also be rebadged as the Chevrolet 'SS' - a premium sports sedan for the American market. A NASCAR-spec racing version of the SS, carrying many of the Commodore styling features unveiled today, was revealed last December.
The Calais and other variants of the new VF are to go on sale in mid-2013.
Images: Holden
