"Asked why he believes an unprecedented 37 per cent of Commodore customers bought a V8 this year, GM Holden sales director Peter Keley said: "It's not V8 or rear-wheel drive per se, it's what the vehicle delivers as a package." (Quote lifted from Motoring .com's article by Marton Pettendy)
Mr Keley I assure you that I bought an SSV Redline for more than the overall package "per se". I strongly confirm I would not buy a SV6 Redline or a Malibu Redline or a front wheel drive. I also confirm that if I can no longer buy a 4 door V8 rear wheel drive Holden product I will look elsewhere. If there is no V8 on offer, then I will maintain my existing V8 as long as I can. If GM-H wants me to buy the last Commodore they will need to give me the best overall package "per se". 270kw won't cut it. It will need to have all the features of the Calais wrapped up into the redline with at least the LS3 if not the new LS1. I really don't care what HSV is doing or if GM-H is treading on their toes.
I am though, willing to accept I am out of touch, a dinosaur? Maybe many of you that post regularly on the forum are just after what the Commodore delivers as a package, and the V8 rear wheel drive is only a bit of extra cream? LOL
Ultimately I suppose I could grow old gracefully and have a "Cardigan" style daily driver. Especially as on the weekend I can step into my "71 HQ or my "75 Charger and enjoy the burble of my old tech V8, knowing that I can park it up, until I need the feeling again. (after struggling with the arm strong steering, notchy gear box, and lumpy cam).
Just a note about buying on the whole package "per se", rather than based on whether or not it is a V8. I compared the list of std features and price on the 2015 Ford G6E Turbo and the same for the new XR8. While an XR-8 looks, on paper, to have the goods, if I put my V8 passion aside and go on the "package", I would go for the G6E Turbo as it is $5,940 cheaper. I would spend the difference on a performance upgrade to 350 odd kw and have an Aussie Executive Express.
So I will wait and see what happens. By 2017 there could be a lot more happening than agonising over the the demise of Aussie V8s.