HOLDEN VE COMMODORE

The 'Holden VE Commodore' is the fourteenth and current model of the Holden Commodore, a full-size car produced by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors.
Full-scale production commenced on July 13 2006, and the official unveiling took place at a media launch in Melbourne on July 16 2006. AutoBiography, , Peter L., Robinson, Focus Publishing, 2006, The VE is the first Commodore model designed entirely in Australia, with previous generations based on Opel-sourced platforms that had been adapted both mechanically and in size for the local market.^[1] To date the annualised sales of the VE have failed to match those of the record-breaking VT Commodore from 1997.
Prior to the release of the VE model, Holden stated that they would manufacture two parallel generations of Commodores until the launch of station wagon and utility body styles.^[2] Shortly afterwards, the company announced that engines and transmissions would be largely carried over from the previous VZ model.^[3] In 2007 the VE Commodore became the fifth Commodore model to receive the prestigious Wheels Car of the Year award.^[4]
The design of this new model included innovative features to help minimise export costs, such as a symmetrical centre console that houses a flush-fitting handbrake lever to facilitate its conversion to left-hand drive. VE Commodore eMag The mainstream VE also forms the basis of the long-wheelbase WM Statesman and Caprice.^[5]

Contents

History of development

Design

Engineering

Innovations

Engine and mechanicals

Specification levels

Commodore Omega

Commodore SV6

Commodore SS

Commodore SS V-Series

Berlina

Calais

Calais V-Series

Market

Notes and references

Notes

References

History of development

Holden's designers and engineers began laying down the basics of a clean-sheet Commodore in 1999. In the seven years of development, the car came to be Holden's largest and most costly project representing an expenditure exceeding AU$1 billion and 3.4 million kilometres (2.1 million mi) of testing.^[6][7]

Design

In 1999 Peter Hughes, Holden's manager of exterior design, produced a two-dimensional image of a sketch drawn earlier by Michael Simcoe, Holden's design director at the time. Known in house as the "Bill of Design", the sketch formed the design basis for the production-ready car. Various elements of the sketch were changed, including the rear tail lamps, the low-profile side window cluster and the drawn out wheelbase, but the aggressive stance remained.

In 2004, just two years before the release of the VE Commodore, Holden unveiled the Torana TT36 concept car at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The TT36 served as a preview of the VE, and allowed Holden to gauge the public reaction to its styling. Much of the Torana’s styling drew on the essence of the VE's design. Some production-ready components carried over from the TT36 including the steering wheel, the window and rear-view mirror switch cluster, and the handbrake lever.

Engineering

Shortly after penning the first design sketches, Holden engineers began work on developing the chassis. Opel, which had provided the basis for all previous Commodore generations, ceased production of their rear-wheel drive Omega. This meant that Holden had two options: to use another General Motors platform, or to develop an all-new vehicle.^[8] GM's new premium rear-wheel drive Sigma platform was about to see production in the 2002 Cadillac CTS. Holden's engineers were offered this platform, but decided it was not appropriate.^[9] The 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. The luggage compartment was deemed too small, and the Sigma interior package could not be stretched sufficiently to become a family-sized car, and in particular the rear-seat shoulder width was too tight.

2003 design sketch of the Commodore SS V is close to the final styling, with only slight differences to the bonnet and side vents.

These major drawbacks made Holden decide to develop an all new platform, known as the GM Zeta platform,^[10] on which a number of forthcoming General Motors vehicles will also be based. The Zeta platform has already replaced the GM V-body and will eventually replace the front-wheel drive W-body, K-Body and G-body platforms after 2010.
Another contentious issue was the engine packaging. Holden's designers wanted the engine positioned well behind the front axle to allow short overhangs and an overall sportier appearance, whereas the crash engineers were concerned that this would reduce the body's impact absorption in an accident. Negotiation between designers and crash engineers resulted in moving of some of the engine components, like the battery, into the boot. This freed valuable front-end space. While not achieving the design department's original targets, the compromise allowed the retention of much of the car's sporting profile while complying with crash standards.^[11] By having the engine moved back and further down, the VE Commodore also benefits from near perfect 50:50 weight distribution across all variants, leading to superior handling.^[12]
Holden introduced several safety initiatives in the design of the new Commodore, including relocating the fuel tank in front of the rear-axle line, instead of behind.^[13] A more crash-resistant rear-end was also seen as necessary. The design though had to incorporate a spacious boot and a spare-wheel bay that could house the largest-sized wheel to be fitted to the car. Crash test results from ANCAP rate the VE lower in the offset frontal impact test than the previous generation Commodore. The overall crash score was marginally higher than the outgoing VZ, due to improvements in side impact protection giving a rating of four stars out of a possible five.^[14]
The VZ Commodore introduced the Alloytec V6 engine, which Holden originally intended for the VE. However, Holden was concerned about the risks of introducing a new platform and drivetrain at the same time, so they introduced the Alloytec V6 in the proven VZ model. This allowed time to address any issues or faults before fitting it to the VE. This was a prudent decision and the introduction of a refined version of the engine for the new platform included updated components and gave five–seven kilowatts (7–9 hp) more power. VE Commodore Tech Overload

Innovations

Denny Mooney was appointed chairman of Holden in September 2003, by which time development of the VE Commodore was well underway. Key design and engineering work was being finalised, and investment was already being made in making the tooling with which to manufacture the car. One of Mooney's priorities was to improve the perceived quality issues that surrounded the previous generations of Commodores. The interior quality benefited dramatically from this additional emphasis; Mooney pushed for panel gaps to be reduced by a further 0.5 millimetres (0.02 in) over previous targets.^[15] Smaller panel gaps are just one 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 body structure is 50% stiffer than the outgoing model, benefiting from noise and vibration reductions, handling and crash safety.^[16] However the new body has resulted in substantially increased weight over the outgoing model.

Full-size clay model created near completion of CAD work. A 1997 VT clay model can be seen in the background.

The development of the new car led Holden to redesign the Elizabeth plant in South Australia so that entire sections of the car can be assembled off the foremost production line. This new production method allows for complete sub-sections like the engine and transmissions to be constructed seamlessly together on rigs that simplify production. This process is applied to the front-end module of the VE Commodore, consisting of the headlights, bumpers, airbag sensors and other accessory components. It can be easily removed as one-piece leading to lower repair costs and easier access to the engine bay.^[17] This design represents the first time such a method has been used within General Motors, and garnered the SAE Australasia's 2006 ''Automotive Engineering Excellence Award''.^[18] A modular design structure known within Holden as "Flex Vision" has been applied to the interior where fundamentally different components such as audio units and instrument clusters can be swapped out for the different Commodore variants, creating radically varied interior look and feel without much higher costs. The upshot of this is much greater differentiation between the variants than the outgoing model creating three distinct interior looks, dubbed: ''Functional'', ''Performance'' and ''Luxury''. The closely related long-wheelbase WM Statesman and Caprice feature a fourth interior type referred to as ''Prestige''.^[19]
Additional detail touches were added to the VE, such as a new four-strut hinge system for the boot (as used on upmarket European models) to replace space intrusive, much maligned "gooseneck" hinges as used on previous Commodores.^[20] High-specification variants see expandable door pockets and a Saab-like "blackout" feature which illuminates only the speedometer at night to enhance driver focus on the road. An innovative flush-fitting handbrake set into a symmetrical centre console means the lever can be easily reversed to sit on the opposite side of console for left-hand drive export markets, minimising redesign costs.

Engine and mechanicals

Internal cut-away revealing the VE's engine bay and suspension setup.

Six-cylinder variants receive a revised version of the Australian-built Alloytec V6 engine. Power has increased over the VZ Commodore and engine noise reduced by using new timing chains, among other modifications. Fuel economy figures for variants utilising the 180 kilowatt (241 hp) V6 show a small reduction in consumption over the previous Alloytec engines, bringing it into line with its then current rival, the Ford BF Falcon at .^[21] Despite the improvement in efficiency for the standard V6, concerns were still levelled at the figures, which due to the heavier body produced mixed results.^[22] Arch-rival Ford has taken advantage of this to criticise the Commodore, as its latest Ford BFII Falcon update brings improved fuel consumption figures of for the base XT model and with an optional six-speed automatic.^[23][24] Real-world testing has confirmed the difference in fuel consumption. BF Falcon vs VE Commodore ^[25]
An updated version of the long-serving four-speed automatic transmission remains for the 180 kilowatt (241 hp) V6. A modified version of the L76 V8 engine is also carried-over, producing an extra 10 kilowatts (13 hp) of power. This new engine (designated L98) does not readily support fuel-saving Displacement on Demand technology, unlike the L76.^[26]
In October 2006, Holden introduced a dual-fuel version of the Alloytec V6, able to run on both petrol and LPG. Featuring an advanced Sequential Vapour Gas Injection (SVGI) system and hardened valve seats to cope, the new V6 produces five kilowatts (7 hp) and five newton metres (5 ft·lbf) less than the conventional V6 when run on LPG, for a total of 175 kilowatts (235 hp).^[27] Although LPG prices are lower, the engine uses a large 100 kilogram (220 lb) cylindrical gas tank which causes decreased boot space and slightly increased fuel consumption. Holden was able to take advantage of a loophole in government legislation, allowing an AU$2,000 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 AU$1,000 rebate for new cars pre-installed with LPG.^[28] The dual-fuel option is available on the Commodore Omega, Berlina and the soon to be discontinued VZ Executive station wagon.^[29]
Transmission options comprise of the Aisin AY6 and Tremec T-56 six-speed manuals, the four-speed automatic GM 4L60-E, and the five-speed automatic GM 5L40-E. The GM 6L80-E six-speed automatic transmission is offered on variants sporting the 6.0 litre V8 engine. Both the five and six-speed automatics feature Active Select controls allowing manual gear selection. Having undergone significant revisions, the T-56 gains extra synchromesh, shorter clutch action and a more tightly-spaced M10 gearset shared with the Chevrolet SSR.^[30]
New double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension have been introduced to replace the previous simple MacPherson strut design front and much criticised semi-trailing arm rear suspension for dramatically improved ride and handling.

Powertrain

Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Transmission
3.6 L Alloytec V6	3564 cc (217 cu in)			4-speed ''GM 4L60-E'' automatic
3.6 L LPG Alloytec V6
3.6 L High Output Alloytec V6				6-speed ''Aisin AY6'' manual
				5-speed ''GM 5L40-E'' automatic
6.0 L Generation 4 Alloy V8	5967 cc (364 cu in)			6-speed ''Tremec T-56'' manual
				6-speed ''GM 6L80-E'' automatic

Specification levels

Main articles: Specification levels of the Holden VE Commodore

The Calais V boasts projector headlamps and seven-spoke alloy wheels.

Commodore Omega

Replacing the outgoing Commodore Executive and Acclaim, the Omega offers a halfway point in terms of equipment levels.^[31] The most significant gain over the Executive is the Bosch Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 8.0 system, now standard across the range. Like all VE models, the Omega uses a spacesaver spare tyre, which has come under scrutiny, as Holden is the first manufacturer to fit a temporary spare tyre to an Australian-built car. The tyre can be driven for 500 kilometres (300 mi) at a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph). 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.^[32] Similar concerns have been raised in the media, although Holden maintains that this is a weight-saving feature and allows for full-size spare tyres to be purchased at an additional cost.^[33] Likewise, critics have seen the absence of air conditioning on the Omega as unforgivable considering Australia is a country well known for its overall hot climate.^[34]

Commodore SV6

Building on the Omega, the SV6 is equipped with the more powerful ''High Output'' variant of the Alloytec V6 engine, coupled to an Aisin six-speed manual transmission. Air conditioning, a key feature missing on the Omega, comes standard on the SV6. A body kit and sports suspension similar to the V8 Commodore SS/SS V variants is also fitted. The SV6 sports the ''Performance'' interior look, characterised by an accentuated matte black centre console and red lighting, as opposed to the silver ''Functional''-style interior of the Omega. Holden VE Commodore

Holden V-Series insignia, as used on the SS and Calais V-Series editions.

Commodore SS

Offering similar equipment levels to the SV6, the Commodore SS uses the 6.0 litre V8 engine and T-56 six-speed manual transmission. The SS is recognisable from its quad exhaust outlets in place of the SV6 dual outlets. The resulting specification level is much higher than the outgoing minimalist SV8 and only missing a few cosmetic touches of the previous flagship Commodore SS.

Commodore SS V-Series

Sitting at the top of hierarchy in the sports sector, the SS V-Series represents the first time this type of naming has been applied to Holden products. The V-Series naming is reminiscent of the V-badging on selected Cadillac models, another member of the General Motors family. The badge design on the bootlid bears strong resemblance to the ones used by Cadillac. But whereas Cadillac uses it to signify high-performance versions of its products, Holden V-Series variants boast extra features. The V-Series variants were introduced, largely due to a fully optioned Commodore SS in the VZ range being rather successful.^[35]
Based on the Commodore SS variant, the SS V offers extra luxuries at a similar price point to the old SS. Inside, the SS V is recognisable by the metallic look pedals and instruments matched with the exterior colour. Additionally, the entire dashboard can be optioned in a range of loud colours: bright red, orange or black. The SS V exterior is equally adventurous, exhibiting five-spoke 19 inch (480 mm) alloy wheels and the option of larger 20 inch (500 mm) wheels: the largest wheels ever fitted to a Holden car.

''Luxury''-type interior of the Calais V displaying VE's trademark handbrake lever and satin-finished highlights.

Berlina

Priced lower than the outgoing model, the second tier Berlina retains a similar amount of equipment. The exterior styling is similar to the Omega but gaining extra touches such as front fog lamps and seven-spoke 17 inch (430 mm) alloy wheels. It features the ''Luxury''-type interior with a large LCD centre display and is the only model in the VE range that features wood grain highlights.

Calais

Like the Berlina, the Calais retains the features of the outgoing model but at a significantly lower price point. Offering a blend of luxury and sporting character, it pairs the High Output Alloytec V6 engine of the SV6 with the five-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the previous model Calais which featured a semi-sport suspension setup known as ''FE1.5'', the VE shares the Commodore SS/SS V stiff sports suspension.

Calais V-Series

Based on the Calais, the V-Series edition shares ''Luxury''-style interior, but adds real aluminium highlights. Being the flagship of the Commodore range, it comes with everything the VE has to offer and serves as a stepping stone to the luxury long-wheelbase Statesman/Caprice range.
In a comparison between the Calais V, BMW 550i and the Mercedes-Benz E500 run by Wheels magazine in November 2006, the Calais V was controversially declared the winner. The author stated: "The fact that a $58K Calais V is actually more accomplished in several areas than $160K E500 and 550i seems almost unbelievable, but it's true." Later in the closing paragraph, the journalist assured that "We'd happily choose the Calais V-Series V8 over a 550i, even if money wasn't an object. Of the three, it's the best driver's car, even though its though its handling edge isn't as marked as the E500's superiority in ride and refinement."^[36]

Market

In the United States, the VE will be sold as the G8 under the Pontiac nameplate.

Australian sales

Month/year	Units sold
October 2006	5,455[37]
November 2006	5,238[38]
December 2006	5,276[39]
January 2007	3,474 Smaller cars power ahead
February 2007	5,544[40]
March 2007	5,752[41]
April 2007	4,724[42]
May 2007	5,001[43]
June 2007	5,588 New Corolla pips Commodore in sales debut
July 2007	5,134[44]

At the time of launch in Australia, Ford’s BF Falcon directly competed with the VE Commodore. Ford has since revised its Falcon line-up, and in November 2006 Toyota released their key Aurion model to the Australian market.^[45] The front-wheel drive Mitsubishi 380 may also indirectly compete with the Holden Commodore. Holden VE Commodore sales fail to revive market
The VE Commodore was well received in the Australian market, where it has consistently outsold rivals in the large car segment. Its position as Australia's outright best selling car was challenged in 2007 by the Toyota Corolla in the face of increasing petrol prices, and later by the launch of an all-new model. However, as petrol prices have stabilised, the Commodore has generally maintained a consistent lead over the Corolla, and sales are nearly double that of its closest segment competitor, the Ford Falcon.
Market for the VE Commodore extends further than Australia. Designed with export markets in mind, VE Commodores are sold in New Zealand, Brazil, the Middle East and South Africa. For the latter two markets, they are rebadged as the Chevrolet Lumina and marketed alongside the WM Statesman/Caprice-based Chevrolet Caprice.^[46] Since 2007, sales of the Berlina have commenced in Brazil, where it is sold as the Chevrolet Omega.^[47] Shanghai GM announced that a WM Statesman derived Buick Park Avenue will be manufactured for the Chinese market, utilising Australian-built versions of the GM High Feature engine. The Park Avenue replaces the Buick Royaum; a rebadged version of the WL Statesman.^[48] This announcement came only days after a multi-million dollar deal was made to market the WM Caprice in South Korea as the Daewoo L4X.^[49]
GM and Holden confirmed V6 and V8 versions of the Commodore will be exported to the United States as the 2008 Pontiac G8 to replace the ageing Pontiac Grand Prix, in a deal to last the life cycle of the car.^[50] This announcement coincided with a Pontiac unveiling at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. VE Commodores have also been sampled by Opel in Germany, while Opel's equivalent in the United Kingdom, Vauxhall have commenced sales of the HSV Clubsport R8, badged as the Vauxhall VXR8.^[51]

Notes and references

Notes

★ 'a.' All power figures are measured in accordance with the ECE standard.

★ 'b.' Performance figures attained when running on LPG. The engine will produce the same figures as the Alloytec 180 V6 when run on petrol.

★ 'c.' Performance figures attained when running on 98 RON premium unleaded fuel. Using 91 RON fuel will result in slightly lower power and fuel economy.

★ 'd.' Sales figures cover shifted units of both VE sedans and VZ Commodore station wagons.

References

1. Robinson, p. 12
2. Holden VE Ute and Wagon
3. New Commodore bn in the making
4. 2006 Wheels Car of the Year
5. Robinson, p. 205
6. Holden VE Commodore Launched
7. Commodore VE: Tested to destruction
8. First Sight: Holden VE Commodore and Statesman
9. VE NEWS: Design Story - Exteriors
10. Robinson, p. 55–56
11. VE NEWS: 30 minutes with Tony Hyde
12. Sophisticated new suspension system for Commodore
13. Robinson, p. 54
14. Why don't we build a five-star car?
15. VE NEWS: Inside the Commodore
16. VE NEWS: VE Commodore a body-builder
17. VE NEWS: Crash costs down for VE Commodore
18. Automotive Engineering Excellence Awards 2006
19. Robinson, p. 81–82
20. Robinson, p. 52–53
21. Holden VE Commodore: fuel economy figures
22. Mixed results for Commodore fuel economy
23. Ford taunts Holden over fuel consumption
24. Ford Falcon BF II: pricing, testdrive
25. Holden v Ford
26. Holden Calais V V8
27. Holden Dual Fuel now in VE range LPG
28. LPG Vehicle Scheme
29. Factory Fitted LPG System
30. New six-speed automatic transmission for V8 Commodores
31. The Holden Heritage - 13th Edition, part three
32. VE NEWS: Commodore's 00 tyre change
33. VE NEWS: Did Holden mislead over tyres?
34. Holden VE Commodore Pricing
35. New names, features for VE Commodore
36.
37. Commodore thrashes Falcon in October sales
38. Commodore, 380 lose ground in car sales figures
39. New Car Sales Stats
40. Record Motor Vehicle Sales in February
41. All-Time Record First Quarter for Car Sales
42. Commodore clear leader as record sales run ends
43. Large-car sales bounce back
44. Small cars drop a gear
45. Ford Falcon BF MkII: back in the fight
46. First Look : 2007 Chevrolet Lumina
47.
48. Holden to export engines to China
49. Holdens to Korea -- it's official
50. Holden confirms Pontiac deal
51. Vauxhall unleashes all-new supersaloon