First Sight: Holden Torana concept
Wed, 13 Oct 2004
The concept revives a famous Australian nameplate from the 1970s - appropriate since, like the original Torana, it features rear wheel drive and a six cylinder engine. That's where the similarities end, however, as the new Torana's engine is an experimental 280kW/490Nm twin turbocharged version of the new global V6 Holden has begun manufacturing for various parts of the GM world and which will eventually be used by Alfa Romeo.
The platform is a new one, incorporating elements of GM's Kappa architecture and other components from the company's global parts bin.
Holden CEO Denny Mooney told the huge press pack at the Sydney show that the Torana was "a game changer."
"Torana TT36 represents a revolution in concept car design at Holden. We've unveiled several examples of our design flexibility and build capability in recent years but this car is exceptional for yet another reason," Mr Mooney said. "All recent show cars have been based on our Commodore V-car platform. Torana TT36, on the other hand, shares many basic structural elements with the latest GM sports concepts and much of its chassis componentry is sourced directly from GM. It is the first Holden show car to merge Australian design and engineering expertise with GM technical resources."
Holden says there are no plans to manufacture the Torana, although General Motors product guru Bob Lutz is reportedly very keen that the company should have its own BMW 3-series competitor. Like the 3-Series, the Torana has a long wheelbase and short overhangs. Its face, hood and front fenders are said to hint at the styling of the next generation Commodore.
Holden Design Director, Tony Stolfo, said the showcar's aggressive, sports-oriented frontal treatment displays some of the key proportions we'll see in future cars generally. "The front wheels forward, the minimal overhang, the high belt line and a high deck are all elements which create strength and purpose and deliver expressive contemporary styling," he said.
At the rear there's a hatchback - a reference to the iconic Torana A9X which in won the Bathurst touring car race several times in the late 1970's. "The hatch style gives us a very fast line running over the top, and we've given it strong directional lines. In terms of overall design intent, it's far more sophisticated sports machine than street machine," said Stolfo.
A panoramic glass roof extends from the steeply raked windscreen all the way back to the hatch and the TT36 sits on 20-inch, ten-spoke alloys. The four-seater showcar is finished in luminous, look-at-me pink dubbed 'ManGenta' contrasted against a slick new-tech interior in minimalist black and white.
Described by Holden's young colour and trim team as 'nu luxury', the interior design takes inspiration from forecast fashion trends in domestic and industrial design. Smoothly sculpted white leather seats contrast with mirror-gloss finishes in piano black and pearlescent perspex.
"Because it's a vehicle which delivers a really large interior compartment in relation to its exterior size, it shows off our packaging skills, which are a traditional Holden strength," said Stolfo.
The Torana TT36 interior is an exercise in black and white contemporary cool. A 'retro future' 3D instrument layout can be customised to the driver's taste. Open the door and a full- length lighting strip integrated into the glass roof radiates a healthy pink glow. Press the backlit central starter button to play twin turbo engine idle music. Touch the interactive infotainment screen to control myriad functions - phone, CD, SAT-NAV, DVD, address book and other Bluetooth-compatible features.
"The Torana TT36 may be simply for show - but it's not about outrageous technology. We consider that something very close to this concept could be practically achievable in the not-too-distant future," said Stolfo.
Australian International Motor Show website: www.australianmotorshow.com
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