The new 2013 VF Commodore has debuted – and Holden's boss says it is a "no excuse... world-class car"

Holden’s newest Commodore, the long-awaited VF has been unveiled to the public. And with it a new face and a massive change in the philosophy behind Australia’s favourite large car.

With new sheet metal front and rear, an all-new interior and a significant step up in the technology offered across the range, the new VF redirects Commodore. In a move that orients Commodore away from the predominately fleet focus it has had to date, the new VF is aimed squarely at retail customers – and, says Holden, has the sophistication and refinement such customers want.

“This car is the most technologically advanced car ever conceived, created and built in this country without a doubt,” Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux told motoring.com.au at Friday’s media preview of the new car.

“We’ve always had a good looking car that’s performed well but what is different about today’s vehicle is the sophistication, the technology and the refinement that makes this a no excuses, no asterisk/star/exclamation-point, you can fill in the word, world class vehicle,” he stated.

The new VF uses aluminium panels for its bonnet and boot, gets electric power steering and an all-new electrical architecture that has allowed Holden to cherry-pick advanced technologies from across the GM portfolio. By way of example, every new VF Commodore model will feature a self parking system that offers parallel and 90-degree parking modes.

With reduced aerodynamic drag and updates which, among other things future-proof it against overseas market pedestrian safety regs, VF positions Commodore to run through to the arrival of the now-confirmed fifth generation Commodore in 2016-2017.

Holden delivered an overview of the VF and displayed a Calais V and SS V at Friday’s media event. The soiree was long on hyperbole and rhetoric but short on details and hard numbers. Though interior and exterior design was highlighted, no specific model range, powertrain nor specification or pricing details were offered. Expect that to be drip fed over the next few months – VE must soldier on in showrooms until mid-year.

All information and images regarding the Calais V were embargoed until this morning. Images and further details of the SS V will be released this Friday (February 15) in conjunction with the debut of the Chevrolet SS at the Daytona 500 in the USA. Though the US debut makes planning information flows more difficult for Holden, it’s a small price to pay for the recommencement of export sales.

See the full Commodore VF gallery at motoring.com.au

More news on the Holden Commodore VF exterior

More news on the Holden Commodore VF interior

More news on the Holden Commodore VF technology

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales’ mobile site…