The next-gen Holden Commodore could be switching from its traditional rear-wheel-drive layout to front-wheel-drive to improve fuel economy.

Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux has confirmed that a decision on the architecture of the next Commodore is due soon, with the car set to arrive in 2015. Engineering groups within General Motors are considering the use of a front-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive architecture instead of the current RWD system, as it would improve fuel economy. AWD would be used for performance variants, such as the SSV, while the rest of the lineup would get FWD.

If FWD is given the green light, the next Commodore could ride on GM’s Super Epsilon 2 platform for full-size cars. This platform will also underpin the next Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac XTS. It is said to be a longer and wider version of the Epsilon design used for the Opel Insignia, Buick Regal, and Saab 9-5.

If the next Commodore adopts FWD, the Ford Falcon could follow Holden’s lead and switch to a FWD/AWD layout as well. A decision on the next Falcon’s architecture is due by the end of 2011, similar to the Commodore’s time frame. If they decide to use such a layout, the Ford Taurus could form the basis for the next-generation Falcon.

Source: GoAuto