Holden has unveiled the all new VE Commodore range. The car is the first vehicle based on GM's Zeta global rear wheel drive platform designed by Holden for use in GM vehicles. There is a strong likelihood of it underpinning the new Chevrolet Camaro. Holden's sports performance hero SS model and prestige leader Calais were chosen to debut VE Commodore at an event in Melbourne. Holden also used the event to introduce its new V Series (reminiscent of Cadillac), enabling the company to offer extra variants under the SS and Calais nameplates as well as special edition models. Details and gallery after the jump.
The 2006 Holden Commodore range is as follows:
Omega (new) 3.6L V6, peak power 241 hp (180kW), peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic
Berlina 3.6L V6, peak power 241 hp (180kW), peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic
SV6 3.6L V6, peak power 262 hp (195kW), peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic or six-speed manual
SS 6.0L V8, peak power 362 hp (270kW), peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual
SS V (new) - 6.0L V8, peak power 362 hp (270kW), peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual
Calais 3.6L V6, peak power 262 hp (195kW), peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic
Calais V (new) 3.6L V6, peak power 262 hp (195kW), peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic
Now with 362 hp in the good old SS and Calais, I am very intersted to see if HSV will be able to use the 505HP engine used in the magnificent Chevrolet Corvette ZO6 for one of it's next releases?
I have always liked the Commodore, the VE looks particularly good, although the rear end might take a week or two to get used too....... Roll them out Holden.
9 comments:
Problem - petrol is now pushing $1.75 per litre in NZ, and around $1.35 in Australia. Holden might have to think about a hybrid variant or a diesel/biodiesel option to cover the fact that many Trans Tasman buyers will be wary of big throaty V6s and V8s in a high petrol price era. I mean, who really needs a 6 litre V8 in a large mid-priced family sedan these days?
The latest Wheels has a comment from the Holden CEO to the effect that the priorities used in the early design process for the VE would have been different with the current price of fuel, very tough to change those choices in the last 9-12 months of development, but I suspect the next "upgrade" will see some changes to reflect fuel prices ( from memory they said something like they have been working real hard on fuel consumption in the last 6 months, but to late to make huge changes ).
Personally I have an XR6 & would love a 6 litre V8, I live in Northland & the power would definitely be handy & the noise that V8 makes is just pure music :).
I actually like the new rear end & with independant rear suspension Ford should have a real handling challenger now, certainly I never seriously contemplated a Commodore for that reason.
I can't wait for the Wheels matchup :).
Nigel
Yes Nigel I can understad why you'd like a new commodore... Aaron, I am sure that a turbo diesel will be available soon.. I remember driving a BMW 325i turbo diesel years ago and was very impressed. Technology has increased and if Audi can win Le Mans in a diesel anything is possible.
Yes, I had heard similar concerns over fuel efficiency in a radio interviewer about the new Holdens.
I would be interested to see a 3.5l or greater turbo diesel - and then Holden ought to make a big song and dance about biodiesel as an option. Essentially, they need to make big car ownership look responsible for middle Australia. If they can get a march on large sedan bio-diesel engines they can start winning the hearts and minds of the punters out there. They can still offer a 6.0l V8 for those who can afford it and want the extra power.
Nice car, I haven't seen all the photos yet but pleeeeease, I hope the dashboard plastics are at least up to Sonata level (if not Mondeo). If this fuel problem is around for much longer, they will be forced to have a turbodiesel engine. Though I have only driven a few really new cars, I have been constantly impressed with how swift the modern ones are. Rob, you may have remembered I suggested you take the Skoda Fabia vRS for a drive? I wa serious. I've also taken the BMW 120d for a spin, as well as a new Hyundai something with a turbodiesel, and the Mercedes Vito coach. I never expected the Merc, which was a heavy 7-seat van to be so effortless to drive with what I think was a mere 2.2-litre diesel with an automatic gearbox, but go it did. Just look at the specs for the heavy BMW 530d, or any of the super turbodiesel V8s from the Germans, no slugs there, plus 30 MPG in urban traffic. I can't remember though if GM has a large TD engine available to shoehorn into the Commodore on short notice. Jag uses the Ford/Peugeot 2.7 engine, SAAB/Opel use I think a 2.2 motor.
Yes Tony I too would be very interested to read the match up between Ford and Holden.
Go the HOLDEN
Tony, what were you doing test driving a diesel van? Are you expecting children anythime soon?
Uh, wouldn't turn down a free test drive for a large Mercedes!
I'm loving this car ay!
Then again everyone in the forums is....and the US!
Cheers
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