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October 21, 2002 - At the Sydney International Motor Show this week, Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors, is showing its new SSX Design Concept.
The SSX is closely based on the Holden V-car platform and shows a possible future derivative of the Holden Commodore range. The Australian V-car is based on an architecture shared by the Opel Omega and Cadillac Catera, but is much modifed for the Australian market, being wider, longer and with a longer wheelbase. Commodore derivatives include an extended wheelbase luxury model, wagon, and the 'Ute' pickup.
Unlike the current production Commodore, the SSX features a 4 wheel drive powertrain and a hatchback rear. This unusual configuration for a large, conservative car is a sign that Holden is looking to innovate with a new type of niche that may herald its next generation of cars.
Michael Simcoe, Holden’s Executive in Charge, Design, says the widetrack SSX can be described as the ultimate expression of Holden performance, but it is also a clear expression of how functional a range of niche vehicles can be. “Like the Cross8 off road all-wheel-drive that’s due for release next year, the low ride height SSX is based on our versatile V-car platform – and both vehicles point to a new era of production flexibility at Holden,” Mr Simcoe said.
The exterior design by Max Wolff differs most from the donor car with its deep front valance and new rear lamps (reminiscent of those on the Opel Speedster) and the subtle integration of the rear hatch, which maintains a similar profile to the saloon it is based on. Just as the conceptual design of a 5 metre 4-wheel-drive hatch moves on from production Commodores, so the aesthetic moves on from rounded forms of the Commodore to a sharper design language evident in the distinct wheel arch blisters and more linear lamp graphics.
Inside the SSX differs from the saloon Commodore most with flat folding rear seats and an elongated centre console running from between the front seats, splitting the rear seats and being flush with the rear deck when the rear seats are folded. This flat deck is covered in metal loading ribs which extend into the fold down section of the split tailgate, a feature previously seen only in estate cars. An extensive re-trim from colour and trim designer Kirsty Lindsay using predominantly black leather and brushed Titan silver, further distinguish this concept car from production vehicles.
In Europe GM brands such as Opel and Saab with the Signum and 9X are showing how premium products might adopt a more practical configuration to the saloon car without becoming traditional estates. With the SSX Design Concept, Holden has been less radical than its European cousins, but it is showing a realistic product concept that also offers an alternative to the ubiquitous saloon car configuration and is a useful tool to test the Australian markets reaction to such a concept. And as the biggest concept car programme undertaken by the Holden brand, the SSX is also an effective demonstration of an increasingly strong in-house design capability.
Related Sites:
Sydney Motor Show
Holden
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