The newly unveiled Holden VE Commodore could come to the United States as the next Pontiac Grand Prix, according to drive.com.au. Holden — GM's Australian subsidiary — has reportedly pitched the plan to the General Motors leadership, and will allow board members and executives to sample the car in early August.
There were previously plans to import the new WM Caprice sedan as a Buick, but those plans were shelved. Holden hopes its new initiative with the Commodore may renew interest in the Caprice as well.
A Holden executive said the 362 horsepower 'SS V' model is the most likely VE Commodore to come to the 'States as a Grand Prix replacement. "Pontiac is already talking about the fact they want to go rear-wheel-drive," said Holden chariman Denny Mooney. "A brand like Pontiac, in my opinion, could take this car and sell it."
Converting the car for the U.S. would cost GM around $20 million, Mooney said.
Of course, exporting Holdens as Pontiacs is nothing new. The Monaro was exported as the Pontiac GTO, with only limited success. However, GM has committed to building a retro-styled GTO when it revives the nameplate in the next few years.
Exporting a Holden as a Grand Prix may make more sense, because expectations in terms of styling are different for that car from the GTO. What's more, the Grand Prix is sold as a practical sports sedan, rather than a two-door muscle car.
I learned a while ago that you will never beat GW to the punch on automotive news.
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