Torana may be on its way back

[Reaper]

Torana may be on its way back

CARMAKER Holden may be hatching a plan to bring back the legendary Torana.
Wheels magazine says the idea of a new mid-sized, real-wheel-drive that captures the same spirit as its namesake, is germinating deep within the company as Holden contemplates the longer-term outlook for its manufacturing operations.
The magazine says while the company recognises that its future lies with building front-wheel-drive vehicles, it is also conscious of its sporting, rear-drive heritage.
It believes the concept of a new Torana lies in a localised version of a US model, the Chevrolet Code 130R, which was shown as a concept at the Detroit motor show in January.
While not yet approved for production, the Chevrolet is based around the idea of a compact rear-wheel-drive coupe with a four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that could also have enough room under the bonnet to take a V6 or even a V8.
If the car is approved for the US, the chances of it also coming to Australia are good, Wheels says.
The idea also has some support within the company with General Motors executive director of international operations Mike Simcoe enthusiastic about the prospect.
"Would I like to have a compact rear-wheel-drive performance coupe like that in any portfolio? Yes," Mr Simcoe told Wheels.
"Given that Australians - and particularly Australians who buy Holdens - are essentially enthusiasts and they enjoy driving agility and the character of rear-wheel-drive, then it makes sense."
Mr Simcoe also appears keen about the idea of calling it a Torana, saying it would be doing all the same things that the original Toranas did back in the 1970s.
At the same time the man who was the design chief at Holden when the VT and VE Commodores were developed is also cautious.
He told Wheels that the worst thing a carmaker could do was devalue a heritage badge by sticking it on an unworthy car.
"But judging by what we know so far, Code 130R doesn't fall into that category," the magazine said.


Torana may be on its way back | News.com.au

[MikeCuzzy]

Just saw this article, I don't know about this idea. I mean, yes I would buy it, I love the idea of a compact litte coupe with a massive engine in the front + RW Drive. I don't know if it would sell well in Australia, I don't know if the Malibu will sell all that well in Australia, I think Holden is trying to find it's place post Commodore dominance.

Anyway, no-one's really gonna know till they release it, I would seriously consider buying it - especially since we aren't getting the Camaro.

[some_guy]

That has got to be the worlds most ugly car.

It's looks like a Mazda 6 crashed into a Camaro and hatched that abomination.

Yes Holden needs to find something to replace the commodore once production on that stops, but dear god don't let it be this.

[DeadxPatriot]

I'd def get it, aint too worried about cosmetics.

[vicarious]

isn't it just going to be the malibu?

[Darren_L]

the concept of a compact rear wheel drive performance orientated car is great
but yeah, that thing above is damn ugly. Some potential with the nose, but the side profile has no hope

[VS 5.0]

Compact RWD V8 = Win...BUT that red thing above is ugly as.

Doesn't compare to the LX.

He told Wheels that the worst thing a carmaker could do was devalue a heritage badge by sticking it on an unworthy car.

Aint this the truth.

[Delish-VY]

At the same time the man who was the design chief at Holden when the VT and VE Commodores were developed is also cautious.

Well if he was responsible for the look of the VT & VE I would hope they keep him away from this torana otherwise we could all be bleeding from the eyes on it's release date.

[Delish-VY]

Also....this looks like a squashed down RX8? or am I the only one that see's that?

[ari666]

nope. id agree delish:

[S.T.K.E]

These rumors/ stories/ ideas/ concepts have been floating around for yonks. In-till you hear of a release date it's not worth raising an eye brow.

[ucwepn]

If not twin turbo then a snarling twin TB High compression v6

[Delish-VY]

If they did it it'd probly just get the same engine as the new 3 litre turbo they"re talking about for the VF because Holden is trying to save money and probly couldn't afford the development of another new engine...unless of course there's a twin turbo'd engine already in the GM catalogue that they can just snatch it out of.

[Calaber]

Whatever it is, whenever it is released, it will only be Holden by name, not by nature or design.That thing is obviously a Chev styling concept. Holden's input will probably be sticking on left-over VE badges.

[Delish-VY]

Unlikely it"ll be released while the VE is still around if they"re only at the concept stage of things, but it is very chev...rebadging happens everywhere though I"ve just accepted it, I remember when I picked up my vectra off my mate we were both like...yeah it's a holden but it's not haha

[Decicrate]

I wonder, if it gets released with the Chev badge, will people replace it with a Holden badge??????

[HERONVY]

doesnt look too bad actually, dont mind it
but i bet itll come with a hefty price tag

Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapatalk 2

[Delish-VY]

I wonder, if it gets released with the Chev badge, will people replace it with a Holden badge??????

I know you"re being a smartass lol but GM wouldn't release a Chev into Holden territory it just wouldn't make sense, that would be like trying to sell the VE over there and boasting it as having "Aussie V8 muscle" to draw in american consumers.

[383 hatch]

FFS, here we go again. Why are car manufacturers constantly trying to bring back old nameplates? I mean, Monaro, GT, GS now mabye Torana, all of which look nothing like the original version/s. They should honestly have quit with these badges while they were ahead. The LX hatch is (in my eyes) one of the best looking Aussie muscle cars ever produced, now they are going to slam the same name on an ugly looking piece of junk....

That first pic almost makes me spew when you look at the 2nd pic. I just don't understand it!

[davey g-force]

I was nearly sold when I read the text...

...Then I saw the pic...

[Kieran263]

My dream for a new Torana. For holden to just pick a model of torana then copy the body shape really closely.
Just change it a bit, smooth it out for some better Aero, then ignore any engine with 4 cylinders and you've got
a car worthy of the badge. Just imagine it, 1300kg and 327kw. Plus you'd have modern running gear.
Old style, new tech, perfection.

[GTS-Replica]

That looks

[vicarious]

FFS, here we go again. Why are car manufacturers constantly trying to bring back old nameplates? I mean, Monaro, GT, GS now mabye Torana, all of which look nothing like the original version/s. They should honestly have quit with these badges while they were ahead. The LX hatch is (in my eyes) one of the best looking Aussie muscle cars ever produced, now they are going to slam the same name on an ugly looking piece of junk....

That first pic almost makes me spew when you look at the 2nd pic. I just don't understand it!

yeah but these rumours are from a poor excuse for motoring journalism called wheels

[CH3F]

Holden have denied it, saying Wheels have fabricated it (posted from Holden to Facebook fans)
IF they were to bring back the Torana I'd prefer the TT36 concept over this camaro/RX8 stepchild

[Hangman]

Just no.

Mid size RWD performance car? v8? Sure, go for it, love the idea.

Naming that ugly POS a Torana? GTFO.