Holden VE Commodore

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Holden VE Commodore
Manufacturer:	Holden
Parent company:	General Motors
Production:	August 2006–present
Assembly:	Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Predecessor:	Holden VZ Commodore
Class:	Full-size
Body style:	FR 4-door sedan
Platform:	GM Zeta platform
Engine:	V6 3.6 L 175 kW: Alloytec LPG 3.6 L 180 kW: Alloytec 3.6 L 195 kW: Alloytec 195 V8 6.0 L 270 kW: Gen IV L98
Transmission:	6-speed Manual Aisin AY6 (V6 only) Tremec T56 (V8 only) 4-speed Automatic GM 4L60E (180 kW V6 only) 5-speed Automatic GM 5L40E (195 kW V6 only) 6-speed Automatic GM 6L80E (V8 only)
Suspension:	Front Struts, A-arms, anti-roll bar Rear Multi-links, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Steering:	Power rack and pinion
Brakes:	Front Omega: Ventilated discs (298 mm) Berlina: Ventilated discs (298 mm) SV6: Ventilated discs (298 mm) SS: Ventilated discs (321 mm) SS-V: Ventilated discs (321 mm) Calais: Ventilated discs (298 mm) Calais-V: Ventilated discs (321 mm) Rear Omega: Ventilated discs (302 mm) Berlina: Ventilated discs (302 mm) SV6: Ventilated discs (302 mm) SS: Ventilated discs (324 mm) SS-V: Ventilated discs (324 mm) Calais: Ventilated discs (302 mm) Calais-V: Ventilated discs (324 mm)
Wheelbase:	2915 mm
Length:	Sedan Omega: 4894 mm SV6: 4894 mm SS: 4894 mm SS-V: 4894 mm Berlina: 4894 mm Calais: 4900 mm Calais-V: 4900 mm
Width:	1899 mm
Height:	1476 mm
Front track:	Sedan Omega: 1602 mm SV6: 1592 mm SS: 1592 mm SS-V: 1592 mm Berlina: 1602 mm Calais: 1602 mm Calais-V: 1592 mm
Rear track:	Sedan Omega: 1618 mm SV6: 1608 mm SS: 1608 mm SS-V: 1608 mm Berlina: 1618 mm Calais: 1618 mm Calais-V: 1608 mm
Curb weight:	Sedan Omega: 1690 kg SV6: 1725 kg SS: 1770 kg SS-V: 1805 kg Berlina: 1705 kg Calais: 1750 kg Calais-V: 1825 kg
Fuel economy:	V6 175 / 180 kW Automatic (dual-fuel) Omega, Berlina: 16.0 L / 100 km (LPG) 11.7 L / 100 km (petrol) V6 180 kW Automatic Omega, Berlina: 10.9 L / 100 km V6 195 kW Manual SV6: 11.0 L / 100 km V6 195 kW Automatic SV6, Calais: 11.3 L / 100 km Calais-V: 11.6 L / 100 km V8 Manual SS: 14.4 L / 100 km V8 Automatic SS, Berlina, Calais: 14.3 L / 100 km
Fuel capacity:	91 RON / 73 L
Luggage Capacity:	Sedan 496 L
Related:	Holden WM Caprice Holden WM Statesman

The Holden VE Commodore is the fourteenth, and current model generation of the Holden Commodore, a large car produced by Australian automobile manufacturer Holden.

It was first officially presented at a media launch in Melbourne, Australia on July 16, 2006, which was viewable live on the internet. It debuted in August 2006 as Holden's first Commodore ever to be built upon an entirely new design, rather than based on another platform. The VE Commodore was launched in New Zealand in September 2006.^[1]

Holden have yet to release station wagon or utility variants of the VE, although Holden have confirmed that they will continue to supply the previous VZ models until 2007, when the VE versions are planned to be released.

Contents 1 Development history 2 Innovations 3 Design 4 Engine and mechanicals 5 Market 6 Issues and criticisms 7 Awards 8 Specification levels 8.1 Commodore Omega 8.2 Commodore SV6 8.3 Commodore SS 8.4 Commodore SS-V 8.5 Berlina 8.6 Calais 8.7 Calais-V 9 Limited edition and other specification levels 9.1 Commodore 9C1 9.2 Commodore V-Series 10 Notes 11 References

[edit] Development history

Holden's designers and engineers began laying down the basics of a clean sheet Commodore in 2000. Not only was the car Holden's largest and most costly development with an expenditure of over AU$1 billion^[2] and 3.4 million kilometres of testing,^[3] it was also the first car that Holden had built from the ground up. All previous generations, had been based on either the Opel Omega, or Opel Senator. These two cars had been modified to suit Australian roads, and the needs of the Australian people.

The design crew at Holden were left with a major problem with the development of a new vehicle. Opel, the company which had provided the basis of the previous generations of Commodores had ceased production of their rear-wheel drive Omega, and Senator models, and Holden was left with the decision of either building the new vehicle from the ground up, or using another platform sourced from within General Motors. The American GM Sigma platform was released in 2002, which was the foundation used on the Cadillac CTS. At the time this platform was a high contender, but was not what the designers at Holden were after.^[4] The GM Sigma platform’s double A-arm front suspension and extensive use of aluminium was too costly for a car that was to be sold for around AU$35,000. Also the Sigma interior package couldn't be stretched sufficiently to create a Commodore-size cabin, with the rear-seat shoulder width in particular being too tight. Another drawback of the Sigma foundation was the luggage compartment. To Holden's standards 362 litres (L) of luggage space was insufficient. These major drawbacks made the decision to develop an all new platform essential, which became known as the GM Zeta platform.^[5] This new platform is to serve the basis of many new automobiles to be manufactured by General Motors, and the new platform has already replaced the V-body platform and will eventually replace the ageing front-wheel drive W-body, K-Body and G-body platforms after 2010.

Another major issue of contention was engine packaging. The designers within Holden wanted the engine position to be moved well behind the front axle to create short overhangs and produce an overall sportier appearance. However, crash engineers were concerned that this wouldn't leave enough room to absorb crash energy in an accident. Eventually through alternative packaging of the engine components, such as moving the battery into the boot and negotiation between the departments, a compromise was reached which allowed the basic proportions of the car to be kept while meeting crash standards.^[6] By moving the engine back and further down, the VE Commodore also benefits from near perfect 50:50 weight distribution across all models, leading to superior handling.^[7][8]

In 2003, Denny Mooney arrived to take over leadership of Holden from the German, Peter Hanenberger. At this time the car's development was well advanced. Basic design and engineering work was complete, and money was being spent on cutting the tools that would be used to manufacture the car. One of Mooney's main endeavours for the development of the Commodore was to improve the perceived quality issues that surrounded the previous generations of Commodores.^[9] The year 2004 saw the introduction of the all new Alloytec V6 engine in the VZ Commodore. This engine was originally intended to be purely developed for the VE series Commodore, but Holden decided that introducing the engine earlier would give Holden a chance to iron out the faults and issues that may arise with the new engine. This decision has proved successful, with the new Commodore receiving a slightly modified version of the engine which included 5–7 kilowatts (kW) more power.

[edit] Innovations

Build quality and refinement played a substantial role in the development of the VE model. The interior quality, when compared to previous generations has benefited dramatically from this additional emphasis. Smaller panel gaps are just some of the ways that Holden have developed the VE to pitch it against the European competitors. Through the use of advanced steels and intensive design, the new VE body structure is 50 percent stiffer than the outgoing model, benefiting from noise and vibration reductions, handling and crash safety.^[10] However the new larger, stiffer body has also resulted in substantially increased weight over the outgoing model.

The design of an all-new body allowed Holden freedom to introduce such innovations as a modular front-end unit. Consisting of headlights, bumpers, airbag sensors and other car accessory components, it can be easily removed as one-piece leading to lower repair costs, easier access to the engine bay and simplified production.^[11] This award-winning design represents the first time such a method has been used within General Motors.^[12] The interior also benefits from a revolutionary modular design structure known within Holden as 'flex strategy' where fundamentally different components such as audio units and instrument clusters can be swapped out for the different Commodore variants, creating a radically different interior look and feel without much higher costs.^[7] The upshot of this is much greater differentiation between the variants than the outgoing model with three distinct interior looks created, dubbed Functional, Performance and Luxury.

Additional little useful touches have been added to the VE, such as a new 4-strut hinge system for the boot (as used on upmarket European models) to replace cheaper, space-robbing "gooseneck" hinges which were much maligned on previous Commodores.^[13] The windscreen washer jets are now mounted in the wiper arms, keeping the bonnet free of washer nozzles.^[14]

A flush-fitting handbrake set into a symmetrical centre console means the lever to be easily swapped to the other side of the console for left-hand drive export markets for minimal redesign cost.^[7]

Other new features include expandable door pockets on high-specification variants and a Saab-like "blackout" feature which illuminates only the speedometer at night to enhance driver focus on the road.^[7]

Another first for the Commodore are the "V" variants for selected models, providing a fully optioned version of the respective specification level. This was largely due to the previous generations' SS-Z, a fully optioned Commodore SS being quite successful. The release of the VE has had an emphasis on safety, with devices such as Electronic Stability Program, now standard across the entire range.

[edit] Design

In 1999 Holden's manager of exterior design, Peter Hughes produced a two-dimensional image of a sketch drawn earlier by Michael Simcoe, the design director at Holden at the time. This sketch was known in house as the "Bill of Design", and formed the design basis of the final production ready car. Several key elements from the sketch were changed, including the shape of the rear tail lamps, the lengthy wheelbase, and the shortened height of the side window cluster. In the first phases of work on the VE, it was still uncertain whether or not Holden would get the go-ahead from General Motors' Detroit headquarters for an all-new car. This therefore limited the work the designer's could do, as the foundation of the car was still unknown.

Several safety initiatives were implemented in the design of the new Commodore. One of these being that the fuel tank would be located ahead of the rear-axle line, instead of behind, as done in the previous generations. A more crash-resistant rear-end structure was also considered necessary. This though would have to incorporate a spare-wheel bay that would house the largest sized wheel that was planned to be implemented in the car, as well as a large boot.

In 2004, just two years prior to the release of the VE Commodore, the Torana TT36 concept car was unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. It was this car that gave an early insight of what was yet to come. Much of the basic styling of the TT36 has carried over to the VE, and many of the car's components were production ready or in their final stages of development. The Torana's steering wheel, window and rear-view mirror switch cluster, and handbrake lever were all production ready components.^[15]

[edit] Engine and mechanicals

The V6 variants receive a new revised version of the Alloytec V6 engine. The updated engine is more powerful than the one used in the outgoing VZ Commodore, with engine noise reduced via fitment of new timing chains among other modifications. Fuel economy figures for the base 180 kW variants shows a rather small 0.1 L/100 km decrease over the previous generation of Alloytec engines, bringing it to the same economy as its then current rival, the BF Ford Falcon, which has a claimed fuel consumption of 10.9 L/100 km. Other V6 variants have varying differences in fuel consumption compared to VZ models.^[16]

An updated version of the 4-speed automatic retained from previous versions remains for the baseline 180 kW V6.

The VE also features a modified version of the L76 V8 engine used in the VZ Commodore, with an extra 10 kW of power. Fuel consumption is set to be higher than the outgoing VZ model, due primarily to increased weight. This new engine design, designated L98 does not readily support fuel-saving Displacement on Demand technology, unlike the L76.

In October 2006, Holden also introduced a dual-fuel version of the Alloytec V6, able to run on both petrol and cheaper LPG. Featuring an advanced Sequential Vapour Gas Injection (SVGI) system and hardened valve seats to cope, the new V6 produces 5 kW and 5 newton metres (N·m) less than the conventional V6 when run on LPG, for a total of 175 kW.^[17] With the engine comes the fitment of a large 100 kilogram cylindrical gas tank which causes decreased boot space and slightly increased fuel consumption.

Holden was able to take advantage of a small loophole in government legislation, which allows a $2000 rebate on LPG installation because the unit is fitted post-production by Holden's customisation arm HSVi. Normally, people would only be entitled to a $1000 rebate for new cars pre-installed with LPG.^[18] The dual-fuel option is also available on the VZ Executive wagon while it is still available.^[19]

There is an option between the Aisin AY6 and Tremec T-56 6-speed manuals, the 4-speed automatic GM 4L60E, 5-speed automatic GM 5L40E. Holden is also using GM's new 6-speed automatic transmission, the GM 6L80E. The T-56 has undergone significant revisions with a shorter clutch action, added synchromesh and a more tightly-spaced M10 gearset shared with the Chevrolet SSR.^[20]

New double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension and a 4-link independent rear suspension have been introduced to replace the previous MacPherson strut design front and semi-trailing arm rear for improved ride and handling.^[7]

[edit] Market

The main competitors for the base model Holden Commodore Omega are the six-cylinder Ford Falcon XT and Toyota Aurion AT-X. The Commodore SV6 variant mainly competes with the Ford Falcon XR6, the Toyota Aurion Sportivo SX6, and Toyota Aurion Sportivo ZR6. The Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo and XR8 are the main competitors of the Commodore SS and Commodore SS-V. Although the XR6 Turbo is only a six-cylinder vehicle, the additional turbocharger easily makes up for any deficiency. The Berlina competes with mid-spec Ford Falcon Futura and the Toyota Aurion Prodigy. The top-spec Calais and Calais-V specification levels will be competing with the locally made Ford Fairmont, Ford Fairmont Ghia and the Toyota Aurion Presara. The Mitsubishi 380 may also be an indirect competitor to the Holden Commodore.

The VE Commodore is also an export car, which is destined for exporting to places such as the Middle East, and the similarly related WM Statesman / Caprice to parts of Asia, including South Korea and China, where it has been confirmed to replace the current Buick Royaum. Holden have already started exporting the VE Commodore, along with the Holden Statesman / Caprice to the Middle East and South Africa. In these markets the VE is sold as the Chevrolet Lumina.^[21]

General Motors product managers in the United States have expressed interest in the VE Commodore, particularly as a replacement for the 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, primarily because it would be relatively inexpensive to alter the car to meet US market standards.^[22]

VE Commodores have also been sampled by Opel in Germany, while Opel's British equivalent, Vauxhall in the United Kingdom, has expressed interest in importing HSV modified versions.^[23]

[edit] Issues and criticisms

The fitment of a space-saver tyre to all models across the range has come under heavy criticism. The VE Commodore is the first manufacturer to fit a temporary space-saver tyre to an Australian-built car. The tyre can be driven for 500 km at a maximum speed of 80 km per hour. Concerns have been raised by the public over its usefulness in remote Australian outback areas, far from any tyre repair centres and asserts that it is a cost-cutting measure.^[24] Similar concerns have been raised in the media.^[25][26] Holden maintains that this is a weight-saving feature and full-size spare tyres are available as an optional extra.

On the base Omega model, air conditioning is an extra-cost option - this in Australia, a country well known for its overall hot climate. Its close competitors, namely the Ford Falcon and Toyota Aurion base models, offer air conditioning as a standard fitment.

Additional concern were levelled at VE fuel consumption figures, where the heavier body has negatively impacted and produced mixed official fuel economy results, particularly for V8 variants.^[27] Arch-rival Ford has taken advantage of this to criticise the Commodore^[28], with its latest BFII Ford Falcon update bringing improved fuel consumption figures of 10.7 L / 100 km for the base XT model and 10.2 L / 100 km with an optional six-speed automatic.^[29] Real-world testing have confirmed the difference in fuel consumption.^[30][31]

The introduction of an all-new model has also resulted in a few embarrassing "teething" issues, with the Commodore being recalled twice since its release. An 16 October 2006 recall of 1,521 V8 Commodores and Statesman/Caprice involved a faulty fuel hose, causing a fuel smell to enter the cabin.^[32] A second 10 November 2006 recall affecting 12,830 early-build Commodores and Statesman/Caprice models resulted from incorrectly manufactured seatbelt anchors.^[33]

[edit] Awards

The modular front-end module for the VE Commodore garnered the gold award for SAE Australasia's 2006 Automotive Engineering Excellence Award.^[12]

The Holden Calais-V has won News Limited's Carsguide 2006 Car of the Year award.^[34]

The Holden VE Commodore SS-V attained the Fairfax 2006 Drive Car of the Year People's Choice Award.^[35] The Holden Commodore SS also claimed Motor magazine's 2006 'Bang For Your Bucks' award for best value performance car.^[36]

The Holden VE Commodore has also been nominated for the 2007 World Car of the Year awards.^[37]

[edit] Specification levels

[edit] Commodore Omega

The Commodore Omega is the baseline variant. The Commodore Omega replaces the outgoing VZ series Commodore Executive and Commodore Acclaim variants and is priced from AU$34,490.

The Commodore Omega standard features include:^[38]

• 3.6 L 180 kW Alloytec V6 engine
• 4-speed automatic transmission
• 4-way electrically adjustable seat
• 6 speakers
• Automatic headlamps
• Auxiliary power socket
• Cruise control
• Driver's and passenger's airbags
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which incorporates:
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake Assist (EBA)
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
• Front and rear power windows
• Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
• Multifunction driver display
• Multifunction steering wheel controls
• Security system
• Single disc CD player
• Speed dependent intermittent wipers
• Trip computer
• Twin cup holders
• 2 priority keys
• 16x7 inch steel wheels
• 17x4 inch steel spare wheel

The Commodore Omega optional features include:^[39]

• 3.6 L 175 kW Alloytec LPG V6 engine
• 6 disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility
• Air conditioning
• Bluetooth wireless communications
• Country Pack Suspension
• Curtain airbags
• Full sized spare wheel
• Satellite navigation
• Side Impact Airbags (SIAB)
• Sports suspension, which incorporates:
  • Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

[edit] Commodore SV6

The Commodore SV6 is the baseline sports variant, and is priced from AU$39,990.

The Commodore SV6 standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Omega variant:^[40]

• 3.6 L 195 kW High Output Alloytec V6 engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• 4-way electrically adjustable seat
• 7 speakers
• Air conditioning
• Bluetooth wireless communications
• Dual exhaust outlets
• Front fog lamps
• Leather wrapped steering wheel
• Side Impact Airbags (SIAB)
• Sports suspension
• 18x8 inch alloy wheels

The Commodore SV6 optional features include:^[41]

• 5-speed automatic transmission
• 6 disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility
• Curtain airbags
• Full sized spare wheel
• Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Satellite navigation

[edit] Commodore SS

The Commodore SS variant sits between the Commodore SV6 and below the Commodore SS-V. The Commodore SS replaces the outgoing VZ series SV8 and is priced from AU$44,990.

The Commodore SS standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore SV6 variant:^[42]

• 6.0 L 270 kW Gen IV L98 V8 engine
• 6 disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility
• Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Quad exhaust outlets

The Commodore SS optional features include:^[43]

• 6-speed automatic transmission
• Curtain airbags
• Full sized spare wheel
• Satellite navigation

[edit] Commodore SS-V

The Commodore SS-V is the top of the line sports variant. The Commodore SS-V replaces outgoing old VZ series SS and is priced from AU$51,990.

The Commodore SS-V standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore SS variant:^[44]

• 11 speakers including sub-woofers
• Alloy faced pedals
• Colour coded instruments
• Curtain airbags
• Dual zone climate control
• Leather wrapped gear selector
• Projector headlamps
• 19x8 inch alloy wheels

The Commodore SS-V optional features include:^[45]

• 6-speed automatic transmission
• Full sized spare wheel
• Satellite navigation
• 20 inch alloy wheels

[edit] Berlina

The Berlina is the semi-luxury variant of the VE series Commodore, as it sits above the Commodore Omega and below the Calais. The Berlina is priced from AU$39,990.

The Berlina standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Omega variant:^[46]

• 4-way electrically adjustable seat
• 6 disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility
• 7 speakers
• Bluetooth wireless communications
• Dual zone electronic climate control
• Front fog lamps
• Leather wrapped steering wheel
• Rear park assist
• Side Impact Airbags (SIAB)
• 17x7 inch alloy wheels

The Berlina optional features include:^[47]

• 6.0 L 270 kW Gen IV L98 V8 engine, which incorporates:
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
• Full sized spare wheel
• Leather upholstery which incorporates:
  • Curtain airbags
• Sports suspension which incorporates:
  • Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Rear seat overhead DVD player
• Satellite navigation

[edit] Calais

The Calais sits above the Berlina and below the Calais-V. The Calais is priced from AU$45,490.

The Calais standard features supersede and add to those of the Berlina variant:^[48]

• 3.6 L 195 kW High Output Alloytec V6 engine
• 5-speed automatic transmission
• 6.5 inch colour LCD multifunction display
• 9 speakers
• Curtain airbags
• Dual exhaust
• Projector headlamps
• Leather wrap gear selector
• Sports suspension
• Leather seat side bolsters

The Calais optional features include :^[49]

• 6.0 L 270 kW Gen IV L98 V8 engine, which incorporates:
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
• Full sized spare wheel
• Leather upholstery
• Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Rear seat overhead DVD player
• Satellite navigation

[edit] Calais-V

The Calais-V is the top of the line luxury variant, and is priced from AU$53,490.

The Calais-V standard features supersede and add to those of the Calais variant:^[50]

• 11 speakers including sub-woofers
• Front and Rear Park assist
• Rain sensing wipers
• Rear seat overhead DVD player
• 18x8 inch alloy wheels

The Calais-V optional features include:^[51]

• 6.0 L 270 kW Gen IV L98 V8 engine, which incorporates:
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
• Full sized spare wheel
• Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Satellite navigation

[edit] Limited edition and other specification levels

[edit] Commodore 9C1

The Commodore 9C1, or the Police Pack is a special pack for the VE Commodore that is available to the Australian and New Zealand Police Forces. It is based on the Commodore Omega and adds various specification upgrades to cater to the needs of the Police Force.

[edit] Commodore V-Series

The Commodore V-Series is a limited edition of Commodore range based on the Commodore Omega. The Commodore V-Series was released in October 2006, and priced from AU$34,990.

The Commodore V-Series standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Omega variant:

• Air conditioning
• Body colour exterior door handles
• Body colour exterior mirrors
• Sports rear spoiler
• Special V-Series badge
• 17x7 inch alloy wheels

The Commodore V-Series optional features include:

• 3.6 L 175 kW Alloytec LPG V6 engine
• 6 disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility
• Bluetooth wireless communications
• Country Pack Suspension
• Curtain airbags
• Full sized spare wheel
• Satellite navigation
• Side Impact Airbags (SIAB)
• Sports suspension. which incorporates:
  • Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

[edit] Notes

[edit] References