The closure of Holden in 2020 left an indelible mark on Australian automotive history. But what if things had been different? What if General Motors had chosen to reinvent rather than retire the iconic brand? This comprehensive exploration imagines an alternate reality where Holden roars back to life in 2025, adapting to the modern automotive landscape while honoring its rich heritage.
The New Dawn: Holden’s Electric Revolution
In this reimagined future, Holden emerges as a brand that seamlessly blends Australian automotive tradition with cutting-edge technology. The hypothetical 2025 lineup represents a bold vision where the Lion badge adorns vehicles that combine performance, practicality, and sustainability – characteristics that defined Holden during its golden years.
The 2025 Holden Range: Tradition Meets Innovation
The New Commodore: Redefining an Australian Icon
The cornerstone of Holden’s hypothetical return would undoubtedly be a reinvented Commodore. Unlike its predecessor, the 2025 Commodore embraces electrification while maintaining the performance DNA that made it a legend. Built on GM’s Ultium platform, this flagship sedan would offer both pure electric and performance hybrid variants.
The base e-Commodore would feature a dual-motor setup producing 455 horsepower, while the range-topping HSV variant would boast a tri-motor configuration delivering an astonishing 750 horsepower. With a targeted range of 600 kilometers, it would compete directly with the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan.
Most importantly, the new Commodore would retain its spacious interior and comfortable ride – hallmarks that made it a favorite among Australian families and fleet operators alike. The interior would blend premium materials with advanced technology, featuring a 15-inch central touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster.
Acadia Evolution: The Family SUV Reimagined
In recognition of the modern market’s appetite for SUVs, the 2025 Holden Acadia would serve as the brand’s premium family hauler. This second-generation model would offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the latter capable of up to 80 kilometers of pure electric range.
The exterior design would embrace Holden’s new design language, featuring a bold grille with illuminated Lion badge, slim LED headlights, and a floating roof design. Inside, the seven-seater would offer class-leading space and premium amenities, including massage seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.
The Electric Ute: Holden’s Answer to the Future
Perhaps the most anticipated model in this hypothetical lineup would be an electric ute, carrying forward the spirit of the beloved Holden ute tradition. Built on a dedicated electric platform, this versatile vehicle would combine work-ready capability with zero-emission operation.
Innovation and Technology
Connected Features and Autonomous Capabilities
Every vehicle in the 2025 Holden range would feature advanced connectivity options, including over-the-air updates, smartphone integration, and a new MyHolden app for remote vehicle monitoring and control. Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities would be standard across the range, with the flagship models offering Level 3 capabilities in certain conditions.
Australian-Specific Development
Despite being part of GM’s global portfolio, each model would undergo extensive local development and testing. The legendary Lang Lang proving ground would be reopened, serving as the center for vehicle dynamics tuning and validation, ensuring each model meets the unique demands of Australian conditions.
Performance Heritage: The New HSV Division
Electric Performance Reimagined
The HSV division would be reimagined for the electric age, focusing on developing high-performance variants of standard Holden models. These vehicles would feature unique styling elements, enhanced cooling systems, and performance-oriented software calibrations.
The flagship HSV e-Commodore would become Australia’s most powerful production car, with a 0-100 km/h time of under 3 seconds. Special attention would be paid to ensuring these performance models could maintain their output during extended track sessions – a crucial consideration for electric performance vehicles.
Design and Manufacturing
Australian Design Influence
While production would leverage GM’s global manufacturing network, design would maintain strong Australian influence. The Holden Design Studio in Melbourne would be revived, taking responsibility for exterior and interior design of vehicles for both Australian and select international markets.
Local Assembly and Components
Though full manufacturing wouldn’t return to Australia, certain models would undergo final assembly and localization at a new facility in Adelaide. This would include installation of market-specific components and battery modules manufactured in partnership with Australian mining companies.
Market Position and Strategy
Premium Yet Accessible
The reimagined Holden would position itself as a premium brand with accessible pricing, offering high-tech vehicles with strong performance credentials at prices below traditional European luxury brands. This strategy would aim to capture both traditional Holden buyers and new customers seeking sophisticated electric vehicles.
Dealer Network and Customer Experience
The dealer network would be completely reimagined, with flagship stores in major cities offering immersive digital experiences alongside traditional showroom elements. Service centers would be equipped to handle both electric and hybrid vehicles, with mobile service options for routine maintenance.
Environmental Commitment
Sustainable Manufacturing
In this vision, Holden would commit to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030. This would include powered by renewable energy at its facilities, sustainable materials in vehicles, and a comprehensive battery recycling program.
Green Supply Chain
The brand would partner with Australian suppliers and mining companies to establish a local supply chain for battery materials, reducing transportation emissions and supporting the domestic economy.
The Complete 2025 Lineup
Passenger Vehicles
- Commodore EV (sedan)
- Astra EV (compact hatch)
- Sportwagon EV (estate)
SUVs and Crossovers
- Acadia (mid-size SUV)
- Trailblazer EV (compact SUV)
- Equinox Hybrid (compact SUV)
Commercial Vehicles
- Electric Ute
- Colorado EV (pickup truck)
- Commercial Van (electric delivery vehicle)
Technology Integration
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Every model in the range would feature a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- Lane centering assist
- Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
- Advanced emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- 360-degree camera system
Infotainment and Connectivity
The entire range would feature Holden’s next-generation infotainment system, offering:
- Natural language voice control
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Over-the-air update capability
- 5G connectivity
- Integrated gaming platform for charging stops
Market Impact and Competition
Domestic Market Positioning
The return of Holden would significantly impact the Australian automotive landscape. The brand’s combination of advanced technology, performance credentials, and competitive pricing would challenge both mainstream and premium competitors.
Export Potential
While focusing primarily on the Australian market, select models would be exported to other right-hand drive markets, particularly New Zealand and South East Asia. The high-performance HSV variants would serve as halo products, showcasing Australian engineering and design capabilities.
Customer Experience and Ownership
Digital Integration
The ownership experience would be thoroughly modern, with digital service booking, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance alerts. The MyHolden app would serve as a comprehensive ownership portal, offering everything from vehicle status monitoring to charging station location and booking.
Warranty and Service
To build confidence in the new electric lineup, Holden would offer:
- 8-year battery warranty
- 5-year vehicle warranty
- 3-year complimentary service package
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Battery health monitoring and guarantee
Future Vision
Research and Development
The reimagined Holden would maintain a strong R&D presence in Australia, focusing on:
- Battery technology optimization for hot climates
- Advanced materials development
- Vehicle dynamics in challenging conditions
- Autonomous driving systems for Australian roads
Community Engagement
Understanding the importance of community connection, Holden would:
- Support motorsport activities
- Sponsor community events
- Maintain heritage vehicle collection
- Operate a driving experience center
This reimagining of Holden’s 2025 lineup represents more than just a collection of new vehicles – it’s a vision of how an iconic Australian brand could have evolved to meet the challenges and opportunities of the electric age. While this remains a hypothetical exercise, it demonstrates the potential that existed within the Holden brand and the continuing appetite for distinctively Australian automotive products.
The hypothetical 2025 Holden lineup would have offered a compelling blend of performance, technology, and practicality, all while maintaining the brand’s connection to its rich heritage. Though this vision remains in the realm of “what if,” it serves as a reminder of the innovation and engineering excellence that once defined Holden and the Australian automotive industry.