Holden Commodore 2025 : The roar of a V8 engine once synonymous with Australian roads is poised to return with a vengeance. In what can only be described as the automotive comeback of the decade, the Holden Commodore—a name that stirs deep nostalgia in the hearts of countless Australians—is making its triumphant return to our shores. This isn’t just another car launch; it’s the resurrection of a national icon that defined Australian motoring culture for generations.
Three years after General Motors shocked the nation by retiring the Holden brand, the company has made the stunning announcement that the Commodore nameplate will be revived under new ownership, with production set to commence on Australian soil once again. Industry insiders suggest this bold move could reshape the Australian automotive landscape in ways few thought possible after local manufacturing ceased in 2017.
“The Commodore isn’t just a car; it’s part of our national identity,” says Richard Terrence, former Holden plant worker and current automotive historian. “Its return feels like reuniting with an old mate you never thought you’d see again.”
As the dust settles on this bombshell announcement, one question looms large in the minds of automotive enthusiasts and everyday Aussies alike: can the new Holden Commodore recapture the magic that made it an Australian institution? Let’s take a deep dive into what we know so far about this legendary vehicle’s second coming.
The Phoenix Rises: How the Commodore Made Its Unexpected Return
The story behind the Commodore’s resurrection reads like something straight out of a corporate thriller. Following General Motors’ controversial decision to retire the Holden brand in 2020, a consortium of Australian investors and automotive engineers—many former Holden employees themselves—began quiet negotiations to acquire rights to the Commodore name.
Leading this charge was Brisbane-born billionaire Sarah Mackenzie, whose family’s fortune was built in mining before she turned her attention to sustainable technologies. “I grew up watching Bathurst with my dad, cheering for Holden. When they left, something was lost from our cultural fabric,” Mackenzie revealed in an exclusive interview. “This isn’t just a business venture—it’s about preserving an Australian legacy.”
After nearly two years of complex negotiations, the consortium secured not only the rights to the Commodore nameplate but also acquired one of the shuttered manufacturing facilities in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. The deal, reportedly worth over $700 million, was finalized in late 2023, though details remained tightly under wraps until last month’s official announcement.
What makes this revival particularly remarkable is the cross-party political support it garnered. In an era of divisive politics, both major parties championed the return of local automotive manufacturing, with the federal government offering significant tax incentives and grants to support the venture. The South Australian state government joined in, providing infrastructure support and training programs for the estimated 2,500 workers who will be employed when production reaches full capacity.
“This is an investment in Australian ingenuity and manufacturing capability,” Prime Minister Albo stated at the project’s announcement ceremony. “The return of the Commodore represents not just jobs, but a statement that Australia can and will compete on the global stage in advanced manufacturing.”
From Concept to Reality: Inside the New Commodore’s Development
The new Commodore isn’t simply a rebadged international model—a criticism often leveled at later iterations of the original Commodore before Holden’s demise. Instead, the consortium has adopted a ground-up approach, developing a vehicle specifically for Australian conditions and sensibilities.
Dr. Emma Chen, Chief Engineer for the new Commodore project and formerly a senior suspension engineer at Holden, explained the philosophy behind the new vehicle: “We’re building on the Commodore’s DNA—robust construction, exceptional ride quality on our unique roads, and that intangible feeling that made the Commodore special. But we’re not stuck in the past. This is a thoroughly modern interpretation.”
The development team includes over 40 former Holden engineers, many of whom worked on the iconic VE and VF Commodore models. This brain trust has been supplemented by young Australian engineering talent, many recruited directly from university programs, creating a blend of experience and fresh perspectives.
Testing has been underway for months at a private facility near Woomera in South Australia, with camouflaged prototypes accumulating thousands of kilometers on specially designed courses that replicate everything from outback conditions to urban environments. Spy photos that emerged online last week suggest a sleek, muscular design language that pays homage to beloved Commodores of the past while pushing firmly into the future.
The Next Generation: What We Know About the 2025 Commodore
While the consortium has been strategic about releasing details, enough information has emerged to paint a compelling picture of what Australians can expect when the new Commodore hits showrooms in September 2025.
The range will initially consist of three variants: the base Commodore Evoke, the sports-oriented Commodore SS, and the flagship Commodore Calais. In a nod to changing market preferences, a Commodore Tourer wagon variant is also planned for release in early 2026, along with a high-performance model likely to wear the iconic HSV badge.
Powertrain Options: Tradition Meets Innovation
In perhaps the most significant departure from tradition, the new Commodore will be offered with multiple powertrain options, reflecting the industry’s shift toward electrification while respecting the nameplate’s performance heritage.
The entry-level Evoke will feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing a respectable 245 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This configuration is expected to achieve fuel economy figures around 7.5L/100km—a far cry from the thirsty Commodores of yesteryear.
The SS variant will satisfy performance enthusiasts with a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 developing approximately 380 horsepower, available with either an eight-speed automatic or, in a move certain to delight purists, a six-speed manual transmission.
At the top of the conventional powertrain hierarchy sits a 6.2-liter V8 producing over 450 horsepower, reserved for a special edition SS-V Redline model that will be produced in limited numbers. This engine—likely the last of its kind in an era of increasing emission restrictions—is being positioned as a celebration of the Commodore’s performance legacy.
Most surprisingly, the new Commodore range will include a high-performance hybrid variant combining a turbocharged V6 with electric motors to produce a combined output of over 500 horsepower while achieving significantly improved fuel economy compared to traditional performance models. This model, tentatively named the Commodore E-SS, represents the bridge between the nameplate’s heritage and its future.
“We recognize that the automotive landscape is changing,” explained Thomas Wright, the consortium’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The Commodore needs to evolve while maintaining its soul. Our approach allows enthusiasts to choose their preferred path—whether that’s embracing new technology or celebrating traditional performance.”
Design and Features: Australian to the Core
If spy shots and design renders are any indication, the new Commodore will feature a bold, distinctively Australian aesthetic. The silhouette maintains the classic rear-wheel-drive proportions with a long bonnet and short rear deck, but with thoroughly modern surfacing and details.
Inside, the Commodore promises to deliver a premium experience unlike anything previously seen in the nameplate. Premium materials, advanced technology, and exceptional space utilization are said to be hallmarks of the interior design. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 15-inch central touchscreen will feature in higher-end models, with an Australian-developed user interface that includes unique features for local conditions.
“We’ve put a tremendous amount of thought into creating an interior that feels special,” interior design chief Lisa Nguyen explained. “Everything from the grain of the leather to the click of the switches has been considered. This isn’t just a car; it’s meant to be a point of pride for its owner.”
Safety systems will exceed Australian standards, with the development team targeting a 5-star ANCAP rating across the range. Advanced driver assistance systems, developed in partnership with Australian universities and tech firms, have been specifically calibrated for Australian road conditions and driving habits.
Why the Commodore Could Dominate Australian Roads Once Again
The question remains: can a revived Commodore succeed in an automotive market that has changed dramatically since Holden’s heyday? Several factors suggest it might not only succeed but potentially reshape the market itself.
The Power of Nostalgia and National Pride
Never underestimate the emotional connection Australians have with the Commodore nameplate. For generations, it was more than transportation—it was the vehicle that took families on coastal road trips, the prized possession washed lovingly in driveways every Saturday morning, and the beast that battled for supremacy at Mount Panorama.
Marketing expert Dr. Claire Roberts from the University of Melbourne believes this emotional connection gives the new Commodore a significant advantage. “We’re seeing a strong trend of consumers seeking authentic brands with genuine stories,” Roberts explains. “The Commodore has authenticity in spades, and its revival as an Australian-made product taps into a powerful desire to support local manufacturing.”
Early market research suggests this sentiment is widespread. In a survey conducted by Australian Automotive Monthly, 78% of respondents expressed interest in considering an Australian-made vehicle for their next purchase, with 64% specifically citing the Commodore’s return as “exciting” or “very exciting.”
Filling the Market Gap Left by Ford and Holden
When the last Australian-made vehicles rolled off production lines in 2017, they left a vacuum in the market that imported alternatives have struggled to fill. The large, rear-wheel-drive sedan segment—once dominated by the Commodore and Falcon—essentially disappeared overnight.
While SUVs have absorbed much of this market, industry analysts note that many former Commodore and Falcon owners have cycled through multiple vehicles since, never finding a replacement that delivers the same combination of space, comfort, performance, and distinctly Australian character.
“There’s pent-up demand for a vehicle that delivers what the Commodore always did,” explains automotive analyst Michael Thompson. “Many buyers reluctantly moved to other segments, but their hearts remained with the traditional Australian family car formula.”
The new Commodore appears poised to recapture this audience while appealing to younger buyers through its technology and more efficient powertrain options. The planned wagon and ute variants will further expand its appeal across different buyer segments.
The Timing Is Right: Economic and Manufacturing Conditions
Several economic factors make the Commodore’s return particularly well-timed. Supply chain disruptions in recent years have highlighted the vulnerability of relying entirely on imported vehicles, creating renewed interest in local manufacturing capabilities.
Advanced manufacturing technologies, including increased automation and more efficient production methods, have also changed the economics of local production. “The cost gap between Australian manufacturing and imports has narrowed significantly,” notes economics professor Dr. James Lau. “Combined with rising shipping costs and exchange rate fluctuations, there’s a viable business case for certain types of local manufacturing that didn’t exist five years ago.”
The consortium’s business model also differs from traditional automotive manufacturing. By focusing exclusively on the Australian and New Zealand markets initially, with potential for limited export to select markets later, production volumes can be optimized for profitability without the pressure to compete globally at massive scale.
A Sustainable Approach to Traditional Performance
Perhaps most importantly, the new Commodore balances performance heritage with forward-looking technology. By offering traditional powertrains alongside hybrid options, it addresses both the emotional connection to Commodore’s performance history and the reality of a market increasingly concerned with efficiency and environmental impact.
“They’ve threaded the needle perfectly,” says environmental policy expert Dr. Hannah Miller. “By offering a range of powertrains, they’re acknowledging that the transition to new technologies happens at different speeds for different consumers. It’s a pragmatic approach that could serve as a model for other heritage nameplates.”
This strategy also aligns with Australia’s gradually evolving regulatory environment around vehicle emissions without abandoning the performance characteristics that defined the Commodore brand.
Challenges and Skepticism: Can Lightning Strike Twice?
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the Commodore’s return, significant challenges remain. Industry skeptics point to several potential hurdles that could complicate the vehicle’s second act.
Price Point and Market Positioning
The economics of small-scale manufacturing inevitably raise questions about pricing. Early indications suggest the new Commodore will be positioned as a premium product, with prices starting around $45,000 for the base Evoke and extending beyond $85,000 for high-performance variants.
This positions the Commodore against established European and Japanese competitors with strong reputations for quality and technology. Whether the emotional connection to the nameplate and its Australian origins will justify this premium remains to be seen.
“They’re asking consumers to pay more for Australian-made, which has historically been a tough sell,” notes consumer behavior researcher Dr. Phillip Wang. “Success will depend on whether they can deliver a product that feels genuinely special and worth the premium.”
Dealership Network and Customer Experience
With the dissolution of the Holden dealer network, establishing a new sales and service infrastructure presents significant challenges. The consortium has announced plans for approximately 60 dealerships nationwide at launch, focusing on major population centers and regional hubs.
Many of these will be operated by former Holden dealers eager to reconnect with the brand, but building a customer experience that matches or exceeds international competitors will require substantial investment and attention to detail.
Production Scale and Sustainability
The planned initial production volume of 25,000 vehicles annually is modest by global standards but ambitious for a startup operation. Achieving the economies of scale necessary for profitability within these constraints will require exceptional operational efficiency.
“The numbers need to work not just in year one, when enthusiasm is high, but in years five and ten,” cautions manufacturing expert Professor Robert Chen. “Building a sustainable business model around these volumes is challenging but not impossible with the right approach to fixed costs and supplier relationships.”
The Road Ahead: What to Watch For
As the September 2025 launch approaches, several key milestones will indicate whether the new Commodore is on track to reclaim its place in Australia’s automotive landscape.
The Revealing: Sydney Motor Show, March 2025
The first full public viewing of the production-ready Commodore is scheduled for the revived Sydney Motor Show in March 2025. This unveiling will provide the first real opportunity to assess public reaction to the design and specifications.
Automotive journalist Teresa Davidson believes this moment will be crucial: “The emotional response to seeing a new Commodore in the metal can’t be underestimated. If they’ve got the design right—capturing the essence of what made Commodores special while pushing it forward—the excitement could be tremendous.”
Track to Street: Motorsport Presence
The Commodore’s racing heritage is inextricably linked to its road-going success. The consortium has already confirmed plans to enter the Supercars Championship in 2026, with development of the race car proceeding alongside the road car.
This racing program, likely to involve partnerships with established teams, will be crucial in maintaining the performance credibility that was central to the Commodore’s previous success. Early testing of the Supercars prototype is expected to begin in late 2025, potentially providing exciting glimpses of the Commodore’s return to the track before its competitive debut.
Initial Sales and Market Response
Perhaps the most telling indicator will be the market’s response once vehicles begin reaching customers. The consortium has announced plans for a staggered rollout, with the V6-powered SS and four-cylinder Evoke launching first, followed by the V8 and hybrid variants.
Pre-orders will open immediately following the Sydney Motor Show, with the first customer deliveries targeted for September 2025. The initial allocation is expected to sell out quickly, but sustained demand beyond enthusiasts and early adopters will be the true measure of success.
More Than Just Another Car Launch
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 manufacturing capability and automotive heritage remain relevant in an increasingly globalized industry.
“This is about proving that Australia still has a place in the automotive world,” says Sarah Mackenzie. “We’re not trying to turn back the clock—we’re showing that our automotive story isn’t over; it’s just entering a new chapter.”
For thousands of Australians whose livelihoods once depended on the automotive industry, the Commodore’s return offers new opportunities and a sense of vindication. For enthusiasts, it promises the return of a driving experience that has been sorely missed. And for everyday Australians, it represents something perhaps even more valuable: the chance to once again see a distinctly Australian icon on our roads, designed by Australians, built by Australians, for Australian conditions.
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 reignited a passion for Australian motoring that many thought had been permanently extinguished. And that alone makes this bold venture a success worth celebrating.
As the countdown to launch continues, anticipation builds for that moment when the first new Commodore rolls off the production line in Adelaide—a moment that will mark not just the rebirth of an automotive icon, but perhaps the beginning of a new era for Australian manufacturing.
The Lion may have been sleeping, but in 2025, its roar will once again echo across Australian roads.
James Robertson has been covering the Australian automotive industry for over twenty years and was present at the last Holden manufacturing facility closure in 2017.
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