KEY POINTS:
GM-Holden not only got one over on Ford at the Sydney Motor Show - it trumped its own brand launch.
In announcing its Volt plug-in electric car will come to New Zealand, GM-Holden overshadowed the official unveiling of the Cadillac in Australia and here.
The Volt is not
only a link between current fuels and a more frugal future, it also launches a platform for other GM cars - and proves that sensible tech doesn't have to look boring.
Its looks are due in part to input from Holden export Mike Simcoe.
The talented designer spawned the modern Monaro, shook up GM's Korean design studios and then moved to the United States to be executive director of GM exterior design. But it's what's under the Volt's skin that's most exciting.
Although the Volt is built on GM's new Delta platform - which will underpin conventional cars such as the Astra and Saab 9-3 - it uses electric motors to drive its wheels.
It'll run for up to 64km per charge, the distance GM calculates is the average daily commute. Drive further and a conventional engine fires to charge the battery. Once home, just plug her in.
It takes three hours for a full charge and, says GM, it'll use less electricity per year than the average fridge.
GM-Holden chairman and MD Mark Reuss says this is living technology, with teams still working on stuff such as battery development. The car will go into production in 2010, and its 111kW, 370Nm motor is capable of 160km/h - and that's on electricity alone.
Local Holden MD Simon Carr says despite an expected high price when the Volt comes Downunder in 2012, New Zealand will join the queue.
Cadillac gets two North Island dealers when it goes on sale here early next year, initially with the CTS rear-drive sedan. Built in the United States in right-hand drive and powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, it's pitched at the premium market.
Not the power-hungry HSV buyers, but those hovering over Euro brands such as BMW, yet seeking something that little bit different.
Perhaps those buyers should wait until the far more striking CTS coupe arrives later next year. Like the Volt it's designed under the direction of Mike Simcoe, and the result is an eye-catching blend of cutting-edge design and classic cues.
It'll get the same engine as the sedan but a more sporting suspension and lower ride height.
The Volt and Caddy rather overshadowed Holden's final announcement - the launch of its ecoline brand, which will include models running on LPG and diesel, or equipped with active fuel management.
This cuts cylinders when the engine is under light load, so an eight-cylinder car will run on four on a trailing throttle.
It's easy to be cynical, but this writer has tried the tech and noted dramatically reduced fuel bills.
Good news for V8 lovers, for the Commodore, Caprice, Statesman and ute V8s will be fitted with AFM from next year.
