Spy Shots: Holden’s new VE wagon and HSV Ute

This is one of the first images of the wagon variant of Holden’s new VE Commodore, confirming that the popular station wagon version will be produced. There was some doubt as to whether Holden were going to build another wagon after the previous model lost significant sales to new crossover models that have appeared over the past 12 months. The image, which turned up on the Australian LS1 forums, depicts a vehicle looking like something more akin to sprouting from a Saab factory rather than a Holden plant Down Under.

The new wagon is expected to make its debut at October’s Sydney Motor Show and will be powered by the same engine lineup as the sedan. This means a 255hp (190kW) 3.6L V6 in base models and an optional 362hp (270kW) 6.0L V8 for the performance SS model (pictured). Since Pontiac’s new G8 is based on the Commodore, the new wagon could potentially be sold in the US in limited numbers but there’s been no mention of the car making it Stateside.

Pictured in the thumb is the new Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) prepped version of the recently revealed VE Ute. HSV is Holden’s official performance arm in Australia and is also the tuner behind the UK’s Vauxhall VXR8. Unlike the standard Holden models, HSV packs the sedan with a 411hp (307kW) LS2 V8 and adds an aggressive bodykit to match.