Now that General Motors decided to end Holden’s operations in Australia, there are rumors flying around as to where the Commodore would find a new home. And seeing as China is where every industry reject, regardless of shape, size and function, is welcome these days, it is the likeliest place for the big Commo to end up.

That is both good and bad. Good because it means the brand will survive and the Commodore will survive – under Buick’s wing. And bad because, based on what we’re hearing, the car will be ruined in China.

Reportedly, the Chinese Holden Commodore is going to get a four-cylinder engine instead of the V8, and they are going to ditch its rear-wheel-drive system in favour of the simpler, cheaper front-wheel-drive. That’s kind of like editing Angelina Jolie out of Original Sin. Who’s going to want to watch Antonio Banderas playing with himself for two hours?

The next-gen Holden Commodore will also have a more European styling, which is actually not bad. It will be produced as a five-meter sedan only. So the Sportwagon and the Ute will be ditched. The company is also fighting to secure a deal for the use of a V6 engine in the next model, but if it’s going to be front-wheel-drive, what’s the point.

via Carsguide