2009 Holden Commodore

Sophisticated New Suspension System For Commodore

Linear Control Suspension makes its debut in 2006 range alongside larger brakes, wheels and tyres
Holden's legendary performance will be connected to the road with sophisticated new suspension systems, larger fade resistant brakes and specifically developed larger wheel and tyre packages.




Holden has introduced Linear Control Suspension - an advanced, four-link system at the rear and multi-link strut system at the front - to enhance Commodore's appeal to a wide range of drivers.

All new larger fade resistant brakes, larger wheel and tyre packages and a revised forward-mounted steering rack are among other major vehicle dynamics developments.



'It's one thing to improve a number of your architectural parts, but they must be well integrated to get the best overall results,' Holmes §äid.

'We have improved on-centre steering feel and delivered sharper handling and directional stability.

'The car has also been desensitised to external influences such as crosswinds and road camber changes.'

Holmes said engineers had achieved almost 50:50 weight distribution between the front and the rear, also contributing to Commodore's well-balanced feel.

This had been achieved through measures including the engine being positioned low and rearward within the engine bay, a new saddle-style fuel tank and placing the battery in the rear of the car.

Linear Control Suspension

The result of an eight-year development program, Linear Control Suspension sits alongside the renowned Radial Tuned Suspension of the late 1970s as one of Holden's most significant advances in the area.

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut-based multi-link system with direct acting stabiliser bar. It features a forward mounted steering rack and dual lower links with individual ball joints at the outer end.

A hydraulically damped bush is used on the forward end of the tension link for improved ride isolation. The lateral link features a rubber spherical joint to provide lateral stiffness for precise handling. It has negative scrub radius, short spindle length, high castor and short mechanical trail.

The rear suspension is a multi-link (four-link) independent system with coil-over shock absorbers and decoupled stabiliser bar.

It has high lateral stiffness for handling through three lateral ball joints per side with improved longitudinal compliance. A rubber isolated suspension frame isolates the body from road imperfections and drivetrain vibrations.

The front suspension is fully adjustable in camber, castor and toe. The rear suspension system is fully adjustable for camber and toe.

VE Commodore offers suspension settings according to model – a comfort biased system on Omega and Berlina and sport handling settings on SV6, SS, SS V, Calais and Calais V. A country pack with higher ride height is optional on Omega.

Brakes, wheels and tyres

All VE models benefit from all new larger brakes and stopping distance is reduced by around five per cent. Vented rotors are on the standard and performance brake packages.

'Both brake packages feature lightweight compact aluminium calipers all round, increased pad area and larger rotors front and rear. They are more fade resistant and provide a stiffer brake pedal feel,' Holmes §äid.

'We have also had bigger tyres developed which improve handling and longitudinal grip for easier acceleration and shorter stopping distance.'

Standard wheel and tyre combinations start at a 16x7-inch package. Sizes increase to an 19x8 alloy package for SS V with a 20x8-inch package available as a factory accessory.

In a Holden design first, the VE park brake has been integrated in the centre console which allows simple use in left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive applications.

Source - Holden

COMMODORE OMEGA SEDAN ACHIEVES 5-STAR SAFETY RATING

GM Holden today acknowledged ANCAP's confirmation of a maximum five star safety rating for the upgraded VE Commodore Omega sedan, Holden's highest selling locally produced model.

The result reflects the introduction of a steering column shroud energy absorber across the VE sedan range that helps to reduce driver knee injuries, and a passenger seat belt reminder on the Omega sedan, introduced in October 2008.



The improvements join a long list of safety features found standard across the VE range including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which incorporates Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Traction Control System (TCS).

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss welcomed the result and said it was encouraging to receive this third party endorsement.



'Before we launched VE, we conducted almost 80 real world prototype crash tests and more than 5000 crashtest simulationsusing leading edge virtual technology.

'When it comes to safety we are committed to continually improving the passive and active safety features we offer.

'We are also pleased to see that ANCAP now acknowledges Electronic Stability Control in determining its ratings.'

GM Holden is committed to making the passenger seat belt reminder feature standard across the VE Commodore range from mid 2009 production.

Source - Holden

IMPROVED FUEL EFFICIENCY FOR COMMODORE

GM Holden has upgraded its Alloytec V6 engine on Omega and Berlina models within the VE Commodore range. The improvement offers fuel savings (ADR 81/01) of up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres for petrol models and an impressive 1.3 litres per 100 kilometres for LPG variants.

The upgraded all-alloy V6 engine reduces noxious tailpipe emissions* assisting petrol Commodore Omega and Berlina variants achieve the highest Green Vehicle Guide noxious emissions score possible (8.5 points out of 10), excluding electric vehicles.



The improvement in efficiency and noxious emissions sees petrol Omega and Berlina models achieve an overall Green Vehicle Guide score of 13.5 points, giving these models a solid 3.5 star rating.

'The upgrade to this V6 engine was to enable improved fuel economy and reduced emissions without sacrificing real world performance,' GM Holden Director of Powertrain, Ernie Tamburrini §äid.



The engine upgrade will provide the most benefits to drivers looking for an alternative fuel option, with dramatic improvements on LPG converted vehicles.

Fuel efficiency (ADR 81/01) of the LPG Commodore sedan improves from 15.5 litres per 100 kilometres to 14.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

With the introduction of the upgraded engine, LPG customers can enjoy the benefits even sooner with petrol-only run-in distances halved to just 500 kilometres.

GM Holden recently reduced the cost of its dual fuel LPG system by $1500 on Commodore Omega, Berlina, and Omega Úte. This means for private buyers eligible for the $2000 government rebate, the net cost of an LPG Úte would only be $1400 more than its petrol equivalent and only $400 more for the LPG sedan. (concept carz)

The monthly LPG conversion rate will increase in November to meet growing demand.

The petrol engine in the Omega and Berlina models delivers peak power of 175kW at 6500rpm and peak torque of 325Nm at 2400rpm and is matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The upgraded Alloytec V6 engine will be standard on all Omega and Berlina Commodore, Sportwagon and Úte variants from November production.

Source - Holden

COMMODORE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS ON AUSTRALIAN ROADS

The first Commodore rolled off the line on 25 October 1978, signalling the arrival of what is now Holden's longest-standing and most successful nameplate.

Commodore has been Australia's top selling passenger car for the past 12 years and is on track to maintain that position in 2008.



Throughout that period the Commodore name has graced 14 model series and four generations of rear-wheel drive vehicles for Australian and overseas buyers.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said Commodore had become a symbol of local design and engineering expertise and Australia's ability to compete on the world stage.



'On the way to becoming Holden's longest standing and most successful nameplate, Commodore has delivered significant advances in passenger car safety, comfort and handling.

'We're always seeking to improve Commodore so that it remains the smart choice for Australian motorists.

'It is a mark of the skill and creativity of the Australian automotive industry that we have been able to build top-selling cars of this calibre for local and overseas markets.'

General Motors started work on Commodore in 1971 as the second GM ‘world car' program. Variations were sold in England, other parts of Europe and South Africa with the Australian version receiving locally developed engines, steering, suspension, body strengthening and dust sealing.

The radically different VB Commodore was generally judged to have brought a new level of sophistication to the market with efficient space packaging, high levels of comfort, generous equipment levels and excellent handling due to the development of Holden's successful Radial Tuned Suspension.

Commodore has subsequently collected more than 60 major motoring awards and won the prestigious Wheels Car of the Year award a record five times – VB (1978), VN (1988), VR (1993), VT (1997) and VE (2006).

Advances in safety technology such as driver, passenger and side impact airbags, computer optimised restraint systems and ABS brakes as standard fitment were all introduced on Commodore as ‘firsts' for an Australian-manufactured car.

Commodore's role as an ambassador for the Holden brand has extended beyond the showroom floor to the racetrack where it has been the spearhead of its motor-sport participation for almost 30 years.

During that time, Commodore has won an unrivalled 18 Bathurst victories and nine V8 touring car and supercar championships.

Source - Holden

Upgraded 2004 Holdens Introduce More Power, Responsiveness And Refinement, Increased Fuel Economy, Advanced Active Safety Technology

VZ Commodore, Berlina and Calais WL Caprice and Statesman
• New generation Alloytec V6 engines, more high-output V8 power

• All-new 5-speed Active Select automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions, upgraded 4-speed automatic

• Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, Corner Brake Control, upgraded ABS and Traction control

• Sharp, stand-out styling cues

• Sports performance Commodore SV6 joins range

The launch of the significantly upgraded VZ Commodore and WL Caprice and Statesman model series reinforces Holden's reputation for 'driver's car' performance character, innovation in safety technology and unparalleled value for money.

The latest versions of Australia's most popular sedans, wagons and luxury long-wheelbase vehicles introduce Holden's new generation, high feature Alloytec V6 engines.

The advanced 3.6 litre Alloytec engines are more powerful, responsive and fuel-efficient than the outgoing ECOTEC V6. Matched to all-new and upgraded transmissions they deliver noticeable increases in all-round driving refinement. Selected models bring advanced active safety features that electronically assist the driver to maintain vehicle control in emergency situations.

High-output 5.7 litre Gen III V8 engines specified on Commodore SS, SV8 and the WL Caprice increase in power to 250kW and all V8-powered models benefit from evolutionary engine management system improvements.

The new VZ Commodores (now including a sporty new SV6 model), Holden Berlina and Calais are identified by sharper-accented styling and individual models are clearly defined by differing treatments. More subtle design changes to the WL Holden Caprice and Statesman enhance their proven prestige appeal.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said the improvements made to the 2004 VZ sedan and WL model series at a total development cost of $189 million represented the most substantial upgrade since the VT Commodore in 1997. The new Alloytec V6 powertrains were major contributors and they brought many associated modifications.

'The six-cylinder engine has been the heartbeat of the Holden brand for more than 50 years, and the launch of a new generation Holden six has always been a great catalyst for change.

'Apart from the direct benefits of increased power and mid-range torque responsiveness, Alloytec VZ and WL models also bring new electronic systems that offer even more confidence-inspiring driver control and greater safety,' Mr Mooney §äid.

'They are the culmination of years of intensive development by Holden engineers who are quite rightly recognised within the GM organisation as world-class in rear wheel drive powertrain application.

'The high-feature Alloytec V6 will help us maintain the momentum we need to remain competitive in domestic and export markets and reactive to our customers' needs,' Mr Mooney concluded.

Two Alloytec V6 Engine Variants
The lightweight, all-aluminium 3.6 litre Alloytec is a 60-degree V6 belonging to a new family of GM Global V6 engines that incorporate state-of-the-art features and premium performance characteristics. It is locally produced at Holden's $400 million Global V6 plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria, and comes in two variants: Alloytec and Alloytec 190.

The Alloytec engines operate with advanced double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. A combination of high feature technologies allows them to extract more power from less fuel, with fewer emissions. They deliver more peak power and considerably more torque across the rev range than the outgoing 3.8 litre 152kW ECOTEC V6.

The 3.6 litre Alloytec engine is specified on VZ Commodore Executive, Acclaim and Berlina models. It produces 175 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 2800 rpm. Ninety per cent of the torque is available between 1630 and 5460 rpm.

The high-performance 3.6 litre Alloytec 190 engine is standard specification on the new-to-the-range VZ Commodore SV6 (replacing Commodore S), the Calais and the long-wheelbase WL Holden Statesman. It produces 190kW of power at 6500 rpm and 340Nm of torque at 3200 rpm. Ninety per cent of the torque is produced between 1570 and 5870 rpm, which is a 38 per cent wider rev range than the previous 171kW Supercharged V6 engine. This wide 90 per cent torque range is a performance attribute normally associated with V8 engines.

Consistent with Holden's commitment to improving fuel economy, increases in engine power and torque do not bring fuel consumption penalties. Official ADR 8/10 81/01 fuel standards show that the most popular Commodores - Executive, Acclaim and Berlina sedans with automatic transmission - use two per cent less fuel than their ECOTEC V6 predecessors.

Corresponding wagon models deliver a fuel economy improvement of close to four per cent. Alloytec 190-powered Commodore SV6 and Calais use considerably less fuel than outgoing Supercharged V6 models.

Alloytec feature highlights include continuously variable cam phasing for outstanding operational flexibility, a powerful micro-hybrid engine control unit that facilitates extremely fast data flow, electronic throttle control, variable intake manifold (Alloytec 190), coil-on-plug ignition, forged steel crankshaft and piston cooling jets. Long-life new exhaust systems have cast-iron manifolds and dual close-coupled catalytic converters.

Transmissions
Matching the Alloytec V6 is a broader range of powertrain combinations. VZ and WL models powered by the Alloytec 190 offer a world-class new five-speed automatic transmission with 'Active Select' paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. A new, premium application six-speed manual transmission is available as an option on the sports performance Commodore SV6.

VZ models powered by the 175kW Alloytec engine offer a comprehensively upgraded four-speed automatic transmission that provides smoother shifts under all operating conditions.

More V8 Power
Improvements to throttle control, engine calibration, induction and exhaust bring increased power and torque outputs for Commodore SS, SV8 and Caprice, which now produce 250kW of power at 5600 rpm (a rise of 5kW) and 470Nm of torque at 4800 rpm (a rise of 5 Nm). The Statesman V8 increases peak figures to 245kW (a rise of 10kW) and 465Nm and V8 Calais and Berlina figures are unchanged at 235kW and 460 Nm.

Active Safety Technology and Chassis Dynamics
The VZ and WL model series introduce a new era in Holden chassis control systems and active safety technology.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP), widely regarded as one of the most significant automotive safety systems ever to come on the market, is offered for the first time on an Australian-manufactured sedan. (concept carz)

ESP greatly improves vehicle safety performance in situations where the driver takes emergency action to avoid a collision. It does this by electronically correcting vehicle paths through brake application to individual wheels and engine torque management. The system operates so smoothly that in most situations the driver will not be aware it has been activated.

According to international research findings, ESP can reduce the incidence of single vehicle accidents by more than 30 per cent and in adverse situations it helps a similarly large percentage of drivers to maintain vehicle control.

The Electronic Stability Program is specified as standard on VZ Commodore Acclaim, Calais and Alloytec-powered WL Caprice and Statesman.

All Alloytec models with ESP feature Corner Brake Control, which helps to maintain optimum vehicle stability during heavy braking on curves and corners.

The latest generation Bosch ABS system, which optimises stopping distance with faster, surer braking, is specified on all Alloytec models. As another advancement, Electronic Brake Assist comes standard on all ESP-equipped VZ and WL sedans. Commodore Executive, Berlina and wagon models have a Brake Assist feature. Both systems can sense how hard and fast a driver hits the brake pedal and they give extra braking assistance if it is required.

Alloytec-powered sedans and wagons have an Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) feature that optimises control of rear brake pressure on all road surfaces and under all vehicle loading conditions.

Complementing these advances, all VZ and WL models have upgraded braking systems with a new brake booster/master cylinder combination that invokes a very fast brake pressure response and increases safety margins by reducing stopping distances by approximately four per cent. All models are equipped with a new traction control system for smoother, more flexible brake pressure control.

Refinements to front suspensions deliver sharper, more direct steering response and all models receive high quality new lightweight power steering pumps.

Additional WL Caprice and Statesman Feature Highlights
Both long wheelbase models introduce LED tail lamp technology, a first for Australian-made vehicles. Each tail lamp features five rows of LEDs which operate at low intensity during normal driving and become high intensity with brake application. Faster response times give following cars more time to react, which at 100km/h amounts to an estimated five metres more 'warning distance' than normal tail lamps.

Exclusively, Caprice now offers the benefits of a tyre pressure monitoring system and ultrasonic Front Park Assist.

Styling
VZ Commodores, Berlina and Calais

The bolder road presence is accentuated by new facias, new radiator grilles with a single sports bar and larger Holden Lion symbol, larger air intake openings, the use of textured mesh inserts, a more compact new headlamp design and a powerful new bonnet form with twin spears which gives a more pronounced, sculpted appearance.

A new exterior finish called Odyssey, a dark mercury silver, complements the eight other VZ colours and five other WL colours in the range.

Buyers of the new Commodore SV6 and Commodore SS can choose the brilliant chromatic Impulse blue that was introduced on Series III Monaro.

The sporty nature of the new Commodore SV6 is emphasised by a deep front facia, a large front air dam with hexagonal mesh insert, black bezel headlamps, fog lamps, new circular tail lamps with bright chrome highlights, rear spoiler with a black insert and an oval exhaust tip. The SS is set apart by striking chrome fender vents, projector headlamps and the same circular tail lamps.

New 'technical spoke' wheels are introduced across the range, Calais, Berlina and Commodore SS have an innovative 'optic fibre' parking lamp design and there are significant refinements to rear end graphics, particularly on Executive and Acclaim models.

Subtle interior fine tuning includes new trim fabrics and patterns, a revised centre stack design with storage compartment (Berlina and Calais) and a new tonal beige background for Calais, which now comes with luxury leather trim as standard.

WL Statesman and Caprice
The new Caprice and Statesman are designed to build on the success of these luxury nameplates with subtle enhancements and sophisticated features that underline their position as the flagships of the Holden range.

Design treatments emphasise differences in positioning between the sports luxury Caprice and more traditional Statesman. New LED technology tail lamps are distinguished by silver highlights and chrome surrounds. The new dark mercury silver exterior finish, Odyssey, joins the six-colour long wheelbase selection.

Caprice has a new front facia with enlarged lower intake and dominant hexagonal mesh insert, new rocker skirts and bolder new rear facia.

Statesman has a new grille with vertical chrome highlights, new-design technical spoke alloy wheels and is now specified with luxury leather trim as standard.

Source - Holden

Commodore Marks 13 Years As Australia's Top Selling Car

The Holden Commodore is Australia's favourite passenger car for the 13th consecutive year after finishing 2008 as the nation's best-seller.

The result continues Commodore's unbroken record from 1996 as the country's leading passenger car range, extending its run as one of the modern automotive world's longest consecutive market leadership records.



The results follow GM Holden's strong sales performance in December, which saw dealers defy difficult economic conditions, new competitive entrants and heavy price competition in the market to sell 10,848 new cars.

This included the sale of 5413 Commodore and 1629 VE Úte models, the highest monthly sales volume for both vehicles in 2008.



GM Holden registered the second highest sales overall to Toyota with 238,983 sales and 23.6 per cent, and was ahead of Ford with 104,715 sales and 10.3 per cent.

In a year where Commodore celebrated 30 years on Australian roads, its annual sales were boosted by the introduction of the all-new Sportwagon alongside the successful sedan range in July.

Sportwagon immediately proved a popular choice with Australian motorists. A total of 8200 were purchased in just five months, more than any SÚV in the market for the same period.

Other strong performing GM Holden models in 2008 included the Statesman which led the Úpper Large category for vehicles under $100,000 with a 38.8 per cent market share.

The VE Úte also enjoyed success in its first full year of sales, outselling its main rival the Ford Falcon Úte with 13,449 vehicles.

New 2008 models including the Captiva 2WD SÚV and mid-sized Epica diesel also demonstrated an improved sales performance towards the end of 2008.

GM Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Mr Alan Batey said Holden's sales results demonstrated that family-sized vehicles continued to be attractive to Australians.

He said the results indicated that Commodore remained a smart buy, particularly at a time when many customers were concerned about domestic and global economic conditions.

'The automotive industry was not alone in feeling the pressure of the broader economic situation in 2008,' Mr Batey §äid.

'However the results for Comm odore were very pleasing despite the softening new car market and slowing Australian economy.

'It just shows that during tough times, people are attracted to products that represent outstanding quality and value for money.

'Commodore has become a symbol of local design and engineering expertise and Australia's ability to compete on the world stage.

'Holden is committed to a program of ongoing development to ensure Commodore maintains its reputation as a smart buy for Australian motorists.'

Source - Holden

Improved Fuel Efficiency for Commodore

GM Holden has upgraded its Alloytec V6 engine on Omega and Berlina models within the VE Commodore range. The improvement offers fuel savings (ADR 81/01) of up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres for petrol models and an impressive 1.3 litres per 100 kilometres for LPG variants.

The upgraded all-alloy V6 engine reduces noxious tailpipe emissions* assisting petrol Commodore Omega and Berlina variants achieve the highest Green Vehicle Guide noxious emissions score possible (8.5 points out of 10), excluding electric vehicles.



The improvement in efficiency and noxious emissions sees petrol Omega and Berlina models achieve an overall Green Vehicle Guide score of 13.5 points, giving these models a solid 3.5 star rating.

'The upgrade to this V6 engine was to enable improved fuel economy and reduced emissions without sacrificing real world performance,' GM Holden Director of Powertrain, Ernie Tamburrini §äid.



The engine upgrade will provide the most benefits to drivers looking for an alternative fuel option, with dramatic improvements on LPG converted vehicles.

Fuel efficiency (ADR 81/01) of the LPG Commodore sedan improves from 15.5 litres per 100 kilometres to 14.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

With the introduction of the upgraded engine, LPG customers can enjoy the benefits even sooner with petrol-only run-in distances halved to just 500 kilometres.

GM Holden recently reduced the cost of its dual fuel LPG system by $1500 on Commodore Omega, Berlina, and Omega Úte. This means for private buyers eligible for the $2000 government rebate, the net cost of an LPG Úte would only be $1400 more than its petrol equivalent and only $400 more for the LPG sedan. (concept carz)

The monthly LPG conversion rate will increase in November to meet growing demand.

The petrol engine in the Omega and Berlina models delivers peak power of 175kW at 6500rpm and peak torque of 325Nm at 2400rpm and is matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Source - Holden