The rumble of anticipation echoes across the nation as an icon prepares to reclaim its throne. Holden, a name etched into the very fabric of Australian motoring culture, is making an unexpected yet triumphant return to our roads. The legendary Commodore, once the cornerstone of Aussie family transport, is being reborn in a form that honors its storied past while boldly embracing the future.

When General Motors shuttered the Holden brand in 2020, it felt like the final chapter in Australia’s automotive manufacturing story. The loss cut deep for many, representing more than just the disappearance of a car brand. It signified the end of an era, a piece of national identity consigned to the history books.

The Unexpected Revival

Nobody saw it coming. After years of silence, the automotive world was stunned when news broke that the Lion would roar again. A consortium of Australian investors and former Holden engineers had secured the rights to resurrect the beloved brand, with the Commodore leading the charge.

The project began in secrecy, with negotiations happening behind closed doors for months. What started as a seemingly impossible dream gradually transformed into a concrete reality as funding was secured and plans were finalized. The goal was ambitious yet crystal clear – create a modern Commodore that would honor its heritage while being thoroughly competitive in today’s market.

Sarah Mackenzie, one of the lead engineers on the project, explains the philosophy behind the revival: “We’re not trying to turn back the clock. This isn’t about nostalgia alone. We’re showing that Australia’s automotive story isn’t over – it’s just entering an exciting new chapter.”

Australian Design, Global Technology

The 2025 Commodore represents a perfect fusion of Australian design sensibilities and cutting-edge global technology. While the new models won’t be manufactured entirely in Australia as their predecessors once were, significant design and engineering work has been completed on home soil.

The exterior styling pays homage to classic Commodore elements while appearing thoroughly modern. The distinctive hockey-stick C-pillar shape and muscular stance immediately identify it as a Commodore, yet the overall silhouette is sleeker and more aerodynamic than any of its predecessors.

Under the skin, the new Commodore platform offers unprecedented flexibility. The range will include traditional internal combustion engines for the purists, but the headline grabber is undoubtedly the advanced electric powertrain option. This dual-motor setup delivers exhilarating performance that would make even the legendary V8 models of yesteryear raise an eyebrow in respect.

Performance That Honors the Badge

Performance has always been central to the Commodore’s appeal, and the new models won’t disappoint in this regard. The range will initially consist of three core variants:

• Commodore Evoke: The entry-level model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing a respectable 245 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 
• Commodore SS: The sports-oriented variant comes with a choice between a potent 3.6-liter V6 or the new performance-focused electric drivetrain, delivering instant torque and breathtaking acceleration. 
• Commodore Calais: The luxury flagship combines refined comfort with available all-wheel drive and the most advanced technological features in the lineup. 

In a nod to changing market preferences, a Commodore Tourer wagon variant is also planned for release in early 2026, followed by a high-performance model likely to wear the iconic HSV badge. This diverse lineup ensures there’s a Commodore for every type of driver.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Inside, the new Commodore is a technological tour de force. The centerpiece is a curved digital dashboard that blends seamlessly with the large central touchscreen. Physical controls remain for key functions – a thoughtful touch that acknowledges the practical needs of drivers without sacrificing modern connectivity.

The technology suite includes all the expected modern amenities: wireless smartphone integration, advanced driver assistance systems, and an AI-powered voice assistant. However, what makes this system special is how it’s been specifically tailored for Australian conditions and driving habits.

The navigation system, for example, includes detailed mapping of rural and outback areas often overlooked in global systems. The climate control is designed to cope with Australia’s extreme temperature variations, and the suspension damping automatically adjusts to handle everything from smooth highways to rough outback tracks.

Electrification: The Future-Proof Commodore

Perhaps the boldest move in the Commodore’s resurrection is the commitment to electrification. While traditional powertrains remain available, the electric Commodore variants represent the brand’s vision for the future.

The flagship electric model features dual motors – one on each axle – providing all-wheel drive capability and stunning performance figures. Early testing suggests a 0-100 km/h time of around 4.5 seconds, with a driving range exceeding 500 kilometers on a single charge.

“Electrification allows us to maintain the performance DNA of Commodore while embracing the future,” explains Technical Director James Wilson. “The instant torque and low center of gravity actually enhance the driving dynamics that Commodore enthusiasts have always loved.”

Charging infrastructure remains a consideration for Australian drivers, particularly those in rural areas. To address this, the Commodore team has partnered with charging network providers to expand coverage along major routes, making electric Commodore ownership viable for more Australians.

Manufacturing and Economic Impact

While full-scale manufacturing won’t return to the levels seen during Holden’s heyday, the new operation represents a significant boost to Australia’s automotive sector. The assembly facility in Adelaide will employ hundreds directly, with thousands more jobs supported through the supply chain.

Professor Robert Chen, a manufacturing expert, notes the challenges and opportunities: “Building a sustainable business model around these volumes is challenging but not impossible with the right approach to fixed costs and supplier relationships.”

The initial production target of 25,000 vehicles annually may seem modest by global standards, but it represents a significant achievement for what is essentially a startup operation, albeit one with a famous name.

Market Positioning and Competition

The revived Commodore enters a market vastly different from the one its predecessors dominated. SUVs now rule Australian roads, and sedans have become niche products. However, this might actually work in the Commodore’s favor, allowing it to stand out as a compelling alternative in a sea of similar-looking high-riders.

Price positioning will be crucial to success. The new Commodore range is expected to start around $45,000 for the base Evoke, extending to approximately $75,000 for the top-spec Calais. The electric variants will command a premium, though government incentives may offset some of this additional cost.

Primary competitors will include the Toyota Camry, which has effectively owned the sedan market since the original Commodore’s departure, and the Tesla Model 3 for the electric variants. European imports like the Skoda Superb also represent competition at the higher end of the range.

Dealer Network and Customer Experience

Building an effective dealer and service network presents another challenge. Many former Holden dealers are eager to reconnect with the brand, providing a potential foundation for a nationwide presence. However, establishing a customer experience that matches or exceeds international competitors requires substantial investment.

The new Holden organization is taking a hybrid approach, combining traditional dealerships in major population centers with innovative service solutions for regional areas, including mobile service units that can travel to customers.

Timeline and Launch Plans

The countdown to the Commodore’s return has already begun. A formal unveiling is scheduled for the Sydney Motor Show, with pre-orders opening immediately afterward. The first customer deliveries are targeted for September 2025.

Industry insiders expect the initial allocation to sell out quickly, driven by enthusiasts and brand loyalists. However, the true measure of success will be sustained demand beyond this initial wave of supporters.

As James Robertson, an automotive industry journalist who covered the closure of Holden’s last manufacturing facility in 2017, puts it: “The return of the Commodore has reignited a passion for Australian motoring that many thought had been permanently extinguished.”

The Bigger Picture

The return of the Holden Commodore to Australian roads represents more than just another entry in the automotive market. It symbolizes a potential shifting of the tides—a statement that Australian automotive capability and heritage remain relevant in an increasingly globalized industry.

For thousands of Australians whose livelihoods once depended on the automotive industry, the Commodore’s return offers new opportunities and a sense of vindication. It suggests that while the landscape has changed, Australia still has a role to play in the automotive world.

Whether the new Commodore can truly reclaim the crown it once wore so confidently remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: its return has sparked a conversation about Australian manufacturing potential that many thought had been permanently silenced.

The Lion may have been sleeping, but in 2025, its roar will once again echo across Australian roads.

FAQs About the New Holden Commodore

When will the new Holden Commodore be available in Australia?

 The first customer deliveries are scheduled for September 2025, following the official unveiling at the Sydney Motor Show.

Will the new Commodore be manufactured in Australia?

 Final assembly will take place in Adelaide, though many components will be sourced globally.

What engine options will be available? 

The range includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and an advanced electric powertrain.

How much will the new Commodore cost? 

Prices are expected to start at around $45,000 for the base model, extending to approximately $75,000 for top-spec variants.

Will there be a wagon version? Yes, a Commodore Tourer wagon variant is planned for release in early 2026.

How fast is the electric Commodore? 

Preliminary testing indicates a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 4.5 seconds for the dual-motor electric variant.

What is the expected range of the electric model? 

The electric Commodore is targeting a range exceeding 500 kilometers on a single charge.

Will there be an HSV version?

 A high-performance variant is planned, likely to carry the iconic HSV badging.

How can I pre-order a new Commodore? 

Pre-orders will open immediately following the Sydney Motor Show unveiling through the official Holden website.

What warranty will the new Commodore carry? 

A comprehensive 5-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty will be standard, with the battery in electric models covered for 8 years.

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