Brisbane: Holden Epica

GM Holden’s new mid-size sedan, Epica, made its Australian debut today at the Brisbane International Motor Show. On sale in early April 2007, Epica will be available in two variants (CDX and CDXi) with a choice of either a 2.0 or 2.5-litre in-line six cylinder engine, depending on model.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Denny Mooney said Epica would offer outstanding value for money, an extremely refined drive and fuel economy comparable to a four cylinder car. Mr Mooney said exact pricing would be announced in due course but Epica would be aimed at the value end of the mid-size sedan segment. A five-speed manual or automatic transmission will be offered depending on model. Epica’s impressive fuel economy (ADR081/01) is 8.2 litres/100km for the 2.0-litre manual variant and 9.3 litres/100km for the 2.5-litre automatic.

“Epica’s in-line six cylinder engine delivers a very refined and smooth ride and returns better fuel economy than some of the four-cylinder rivals in the mid-size sedan segment,” Mr Mooney said. “It has generous interior space, excellent standard specifications and stylish fit and finish. We believe Epica will suit the value end of the mid-size sedan segment but will also be a great alternative to vehicles right throughout that segment.”

Manufactured at GM’s Bupyong plant in South Korea, Epica was extensively tuned by Holden engineers at GM Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground before its global release, ensuring it met Australia’s diverse driving conditions. The 2.0-litre engine produces peak power of 105kW and peak torque of 195Nm. The 2.5- litre engine produces peak power of 115kW and peak torque of 237Nm. All models meet Euro IV emission standards.

[Source: WorldCarFans via GM]

Follow the jump for the official press release and more images.










PRESS RELEASE:

Epica Steals The Show In Brisbane

The new mid-size sedan, Epica, will headline Holden's stand at the 2007 Brisbane International Motor Show.

Making its Australian debut, Epica will boast outstanding value for money, driving refinement and excellent fuel economy. Exact pricing will be announced in due course but Epica will be aimed at the value end of the mid-size sedan segment.

It will be available from April in two highly specified variants, CDX and CDXi, with a choice of either a 2.0 or 2.5-litre in-line six cylinder engine, depending on model.

Holden also welcomes a new turbo diesel engine for Rodeo. The 120kW* 3.0-litre VCDi common rail turbo diesel engine is the most powerful diesel Rodeo yet.

Other show stand highlights include the all new VE Commodore and WM Statesman and Caprice models, the stunning Astra line-up including the newly released Astra TwinTop and Astra SRi models, and Holden's new mid-size SUV Captiva range.

Epica
Epica's in-line six cylinder engine delivers a very refined and smooth ride and returns fuel economy comparable to some four-cylinder rivals in the mid-size sedan segment.

The 2.0-litre engine produces peak power of 105kW** and peak torque of 195Nm. The 2.5- litre engine produces peak power of 115kW and peak torque of 237Nm. All models meet Euro IV emission standards.

Epica's impressive fuel economy (ADR081/01) is 8.2 litres/100km for the 2.0-litre manual variant and 9.3 litres/100km for the 2.5-litre automatic. A five-speed manual or automatic transmission will be offered depending on model.

Epica has generous interior space, excellent standard specifications and stylish fit and finish.

Manufactured at GM's Bupyong plant in South Korea, Epica was extensively tuned by Holden engineers at GM Holden's Lang Lang proving ground before its global release, ensuring it met Australia's diverse driving conditions.

Brisbane: Holden Commodore VE SS "Morpheous"

By all accounts, we believe we can safely refer to the hue of the Commodore SS shown above as "purple." The VE Commodore SS is a pretty mean piece of machinery though, and for some, purple could be a tough sell. And really, the endgame is to get the shopper to part with a down payment. What's the solution? Call it something decidedly "un-purpley." Like Morpheous. Yeah!

[Source: Autoblog]

Follow the jump for the official press release and more images.






PRESS RELEASE:

Epica Steals The Show In Brisbane

The new mid-size sedan, Epica, will headline Holden's stand at the 2007 Brisbane International Motor Show.

Making its Australian debut, Epica will boast outstanding value for money, driving refinement and excellent fuel economy. Exact pricing will be announced in due course but Epica will be aimed at the value end of the mid-size sedan segment.

It will be available from April in two highly specified variants, CDX and CDXi, with a choice of either a 2.0 or 2.5-litre in-line six cylinder engine, depending on model.

Holden also welcomes a new turbo diesel engine for Rodeo. The 120kW* 3.0-litre VCDi common rail turbo diesel engine is the most powerful diesel Rodeo yet.

Other show stand highlights include the all new VE Commodore and WM Statesman and Caprice models, the stunning Astra line-up including the newly released Astra TwinTop and Astra SRi models, and Holden's new mid-size SUV Captiva range.

Epica
Epica's in-line six cylinder engine delivers a very refined and smooth ride and returns fuel economy comparable to some four-cylinder rivals in the mid-size sedan segment.

The 2.0-litre engine produces peak power of 105kW** and peak torque of 195Nm. The 2.5- litre engine produces peak power of 115kW and peak torque of 237Nm. All models meet Euro IV emission standards.

Epica's impressive fuel economy (ADR081/01) is 8.2 litres/100km for the 2.0-litre manual variant and 9.3 litres/100km for the 2.5-litre automatic. A five-speed manual or automatic transmission will be offered depending on model.

Epica has generous interior space, excellent standard specifications and stylish fit and finish.

Manufactured at GM's Bupyong plant in South Korea, Epica was extensively tuned by Holden engineers at GM Holden's Lang Lang proving ground before its global release, ensuring it met Australia's diverse driving conditions.

New Common-rail Turbo Diesel Rodeo
Holden has added a new powerful turbo diesel engine to the already comprehensive Rodeo line up by introducing the new 3.0-litre VCDi common rail turbo diesel engine.

The new engine delivers 25 per cent more peak power at lower revs while meeting strict new Euro 4 emission requirements.

Other changes include several design enhancements, increased braked towing capability and a new five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission to manage the increased torque and retain a light shift feel on the new turbo diesel.

Redesigned front and rear fascias, including front and rear lamps, updated over-fender flares and a bold bonnet air-induction scoop are all part of the new turbo diesel exterior changes.

Inside, the new Rodeo gets improved driver and passenger seating, new steering wheel, HVAC controls and interior trims, updated instrument clusters and interior side vents, plus redesigned transmission levers, making this Rodeo an outstanding new model which represents great value for money.

VE Commodore / WM Statesman and Caprice
Hailed as Wheels Car of Year 2006, Holden's award-winning VE Commodore program represents the company's largest ever vehicle development program.

The VE Commodore has more power, torque and refinement than any previous Holden sedan range. It was described by Holden's Executive Director of Engineering, Tony Hyde, as "the car we always wanted to build".

A strong focus was placed on active and passive safety with features such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) now standard on all models.

The Holden stand will feature a range of VE Commodores including the SV6, SS V-Series, Calais V-Series, the special edition Commodore V-Series and the introduction of a brand new colour, Morpheous.

The top-of-the-range WM Statesman and Caprice models are also on show, offering more differentiation from their short wheelbase siblings than ever before.

Major aspects of the interior design, including the instrument pad, cluster, centre console, seating, door trims, fabrics and finishes are exclusive.

Detail highlights include signature LED repeater lamps in the fender vents, striking LED tail lamps and bright chrome accents. The jewelled headlamp design is also unique.

Astra
Astra, Holden's second biggest selling carline, welcomes three new additions to the already extensive range. These additions confirm Astra's position as one of the most comprehensive small car ranges on the market today.

The new retractable hard top convertible called Astra TwinTop, a sporty SRi three-door coupe and five-door hatch are the three latest additions to the AH Astra line-up.

All are driven by a 2.2-litre direct injection four cylinder ECOTEC engine that produces 110kW** of peak power and 210Nm of peak torque.

The new models are highly specified with features including 17-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Program, a sports chassis pack and leather trim seats. The new model Astras will be on display joined by the turbo diesel Astra CDTi and the sporty Astra SRi Turbo.

Captiva
Holden's all new Captiva SUV range, including the Euro-styled five-seater MaXX and the luxury seven-seater LX, will be on display.

The choice of five and seven seats delivers a flexible and highly specified range that will appeal to the medium and compact-sized SUV market.

Powered by the high-performance Australian-built Alloytec 3.2-litre V6 engine, Captiva produces 169kW** of peak power and 297Nm of peak torque in the SX, CX and LX models. Captiva MaXX generates 167kW** of peak power and the same peak torque as other Captiva models.

The intelligent active all-wheel drive system found on all models contributes to Captiva's versatile appeal and is fully integrated into the ESP and ABS systems, improving vehicle control and active safety.

Small car range
To complement the small car range, the Viva five door hatch and wagon will be on display next to the Barina three door and sedan models. Like the Epica, these variants have been tailored for Australian driving conditions by Holden engineers and offer outstanding levels of standard equipment and value for money.

The Brisbane International Motor Show will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 2-11 February 2007.

Holden Vehicle Display – Brisbane International Motor Show 2007:

* Epica CDX
* Epica CDXi
* New Rodeo 4x4 LT Crew Cab Pickup 3.0L Diesel
* New Rodeo 4x2 DX Single Cab Chassis 2.4 litre 4-cyl SOHC Petrol
* VE Commodore V-Series
* VE Commodore SV6
* VE Commodore SS V-Series V8
* VE Commodore SS V8
* VE Commodore Calais V-Series V8
* WM Statesman V6
* WM Caprice V8
* Barina 3 Door
* Barina Sedan
* Viva 5 Door Hatch
* Viva Wagon
* Astra SRi Turbo 3 Door Coupe
* Astra TwinTop Retractable Hard Top
* Astra CDTi Diesel
* Astra SRi 5 Door Hatch
* Captiva MaXX V6 with Luxury Pack
* Captiva LX V6
* VZ SS Crewman V8
* VZ SS Thunder V8
* VE Calais V8 – Cutaway

ESP® is a registered trademark of Daimler Chrysler AG

* Power and torque figures quoted in DIN.

**Power and torque figures as per ECE regulations

Holden Epica to be Unveiled in Brisbane

Holden will unveil its new medium-sized car – the South Korean-built Epica – at the Brisbane International Motor Show on Friday, ahead of its showroom release in April.

Pricing will be announced at the show, however Holden sources this week confirmed that the sedan would range from $25,000AUD to $31,000AUD, making it a strong contender against the formidable Toyota Camry and other medium-car rivals – not least because it will offer six-cylinder-only power and a highly competitive level of standard equipment.

The latter will include four airbags, traction control, ABS brakes, air-conditioning, an MP3-compatible six-speaker CD stereo, front and rear power-operated windows and 16-inch alloy wheels (with a 15-inch steel spare)...

[Source: GoAuto]

Follow the jump to continue reading the story.


As GoAuto revealed as far back as December 2005, the Epica is an Australian-tuned version of the new-generation GM Daewoo Magnus/Leganza (codenamed V250), which subsequently made its world premiere as the Chevrolet Epica at the Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva last March.

Holden confirmed this week that the front-wheel drive car would be sold with both the 105kW/195Nm 2.0-litre and 115kW/237Nm 2.5-litre versions of the transverse-mounted inline six-cylinder engine.

Paired solely with a five-speed manual transmission, the 2.0-litre engine achieves fuel consumption of 8.2L/100km according to the ADR 81/01 benchmark, while the 2.5-litre version – which combines exclusively with a five-speed automatic – returns 9.3L/100km. Both versions also meet the Euro IV emissions standard.

Model designations on the Epica will emulate those used on the European-built Vectra it replaces. The standard equipment listed above will be offered on CDX model variants across both engines, while a top-spec CDXi grade will also be available with the 2.5.

Additional features on the CDXi will include side curtain airbags, climate-control air-conditioning, a trip computer, eight-speaker six-CD audio, leather-clad steering wheel/transmission lever, front foglights, a sports bodykit and 17-inch alloys. Leather trim (with two colour options) will also be optional.

With no CD model variant, Holden has left open the possibility of a cheaper variant down the track. This could include a model with either a four-cylinder petrol or turbo-diesel engine, both of which are available in overseas markets but still to be confirmed for Australia.

GM Holden chairman and managing director Denny Mooney told GoAuto last week that he expected Epica would produce some cannibalisation of sales from its all-important Australian-built VE Commodore, although he insisted that buyers would understand fundamental differences such as front-wheel drive versus RWD.

Holden claims the Epica, which is built at General Motors’ Bupyong plant in South Korea, was "extensively tuned" by its own engineers in Australia. It will be the fourth vehicle Holden now sources from GM Daewoo, joining the Barina and Viva small cars and the Captiva SUV. A compact SUV is due to be confirmed later this year.

Holden is also set to announce pricing and specifications for its circa-$55,000 Hummer H3 SUV at the Brisbane show. Watch out for full details next week.

Gaining increasing importance on the Australian industry calendar, the Brisbane show will host a number of new Australian vehicle debuts.