Holden Commodore VE family - click above for high res image gallery
General Motors' Holden division down in Australia has been building the company's 3.6-liter high feature V6 at its Melbourne plant since the engine first launched in 2003. Until now, however, the Australian plant has only built the original port fuel injected variant. For 2010, Holden is adding the new 3.0-liter variant that is also being used in a number of North American market models like the new Equinox, LaCrosse and CTS. Another first for Holden is that both engines are now direct injected across the board.
When paired up with the 6L50 6-speed automatic that is now standard on the V6 models, the Commodore Omega is now rated at a combined 25.3 mpg (U.S.) on the Australian driving cycle. The Commodores benefit from weight reductions, new low rolling resistance tires and other upgrades.
The 3.6-liter versions also get fuel efficiency improvements from the direct injection ranging from 7-13 percent while power improves from 262 to 282 hp. The upgraded engines will be available in the Commodore family starting in September.
[Source: General Motors]
FOR RELEASE: 2009-08-04
Hi-Tech Engines Slash Commodore Fuel Use
*Holden launches two advanced, Australian-built Global V6 engines
*First locally-built vehicle to use advanced Spark Ignition Direct Injection technology
*Significantly improved fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions, better performance
*MY10 Commodore Omega sedan - Melbourne to Sydney in less than one tank of fuel
*Six-speed transmission standard on petrol Commodore sedan, Sportwagon and SV6 Ute
Australia's favourite car, the Holden Commodore, is set to slash motorists' fuel use and running costs with two new advanced V6 engines and other technology improvements.
The Model Year 10 (MY10) Commodore range will go on sale in September with the most fuel efficient Australian-built six cylinder vehicle in the market.
Commodore Omega achieves just 9.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in the official ADR81/02 test – up to 13 per cent better than current models – making it more efficient than some major four cylinder competitors.
At 9.3 litres, a motorist travelling 20,000 kilometres could save $325 at a current indicative price of $1.25 and produce 600 kilograms less carbon emissions. A fleet user travelling 40,000 kilometres could save $650 and 1.3 tonnes of CO2.
Holden will deliver the savings through two new engines offering the state of the art technology, Spark Ignition Direct Injection, a first for a locally-built vehicle.
An all-new 3.0-litre engine – the smallest Commodore powertrain offered to buyers in more than 20 years – and the familiar 3.6-litre displacement will be offered, depending on model.
The changes will be effective across the petrol sedan and Sportwagon range, as well as the SV6 Ute and the Statesman and Caprice long-wheelbase variants.
The engines are the centrepiece of a model year upgrade with fuel efficiency, lower running costs and consumer requirements firmly in mind.
A new six-speed automatic transmission will be matched with the new SIDI engines, weight reductions have been achieved, low rolling resistance tyres introduced and other fuel-saving upgrades installed.
The fuel efficiency achievements are among the most significant in Commodore's 31-year history as an Australian automotive mainstay.
The new technology conforms to strict Euro IV Plus emissions standards – currently the highest possible air pollution rating a petrol or diesel powered vehicle can achieve in Australia
Using the Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide as a measure, the Omega, Berlina sedan and Sportwagon and Calais sedan models achieve a 5.5 Greenhouse Rating and four stars.
GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said the introduction of the new engine technology would help Commodore to extend its 13-year reign as Australia's favourite car.
"People are telling us they want lower operating costs while keeping the flexibility of the Commodore's size – so that is exactly what we are offering," Mr Reuss said.
"Direct injection technology is a major step forward for the Australian car industry. It places a more refined Commodore amongst four cylinder competitors while delivering the space and flexibility which Australian car buyers clearly want.
"Australians and Australian families aren't getting any smaller, distances aren't getting any closer but customer expectations in terms of fuel efficiency and environmental impacts are changing fast.
"Holden understands that and this new technology is our response. It exploits the technology potential of an advanced, all-alloy engine made right here in Australia and makes it available to Australian car buyers."
Both SIDI V6 engines will join the Holden EcoLine range, designed to highlight the company's range of vehicles using alternative fuel or fuel saving technology.
All V6 engines for the Commodore range, Statesman and Caprice will be produced at Holden's Global V6 engine plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The vehicles are manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia.
Engine overview
An all-new 3.0-litre SIDI engine – codenamed LF1 - will power the Omega and Berlina Commodore sedan and Sportwagon.
The 3.6-litre SIDI engine – codenamed LLT – will be available for the premium Commodore range including SV6, Calais and Calais V-Series models, as well as the SV6 Ute and the long wheelbase Statesman and Caprice range.
The 3.6-litre SIDI engine improves fuel economy in the premium models from 7 to 13 per cent. Calais boasts a 12 per cent improvement with fuel economy dropping from 11.2 to 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the ADR81/02 test cycle while retaining its luxury features and benefits.
CO2 emissions are significantly reduced with the 3.0-litre SIDI Omega sedan and Sportwagon boasting a 12 and 14 per cent improvement respectively.
All V6 SIDI models will receive a power upgrade. The 3.0 litre has increased output of 190kW from the 175kW of the previous engine, while the 3.6 litre is up from 195kW to 210kW per ECE regulations.
Spark Ignition Direct Injection Technology
Spark Ignition Direct Injection technology improves fuel efficiency while increasing available power and lowering emissions.
The technology works by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber allowing a higher compression ratio and precise fuel distribution.
By using a higher compression ratio, engine performance and efficiency is improved because less fuel is required to produce the equivalent kilowatts of power.
Direct injection technology also helps to reduce cold-start emissions by approximately 25 per cent.
The technology is found in more expensive European brands such as Audi and BMW. It has also been introduced in General Motor's flagship Cadillac brand in the United States.
Six-speed Transmission
With SIDI technology comes the 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission, delivering new levels of powertrain refinement with improved fuel economy, performance and shift feel.
The six-speed transmission allows reduced engine load at cruising speeds and a lower engine speed which improves fuel economy while reducing engine wear and noise.
Advanced clutch to clutch operations significantly reduce weight and size while reduced engine speed provides efficiency comparable to a manual transmission.
Fuel Efficiency
Combined Fuel Consumption (l/100km)
Vehicle
Engine
Transmission
MY9.5
MY10
Improvement
Omega sedan
3.0L SIDI
Auto
10.6
9.3
12%
Berlina sedan
3.0L SIDI
Auto
10.6
9.3
12%
SV6 sedan
3.6L SIDI
Manual
11.0
10.2
7%
SV6 sedan
3.6L SIDI
Auto
11.2
10.1
10%
Calais sedan
3.6L SIDI
Auto
11.2
9.9
12%
Calais V sedan
3.6L SIDI
Auto
11.4
10.1
11%
Omega Sportwagon
3.0L SIDI
Auto
10.7
9.3
13%
Berlina Sportwagon
3.0L SIDI
Auto
10.7
9.6
10%
SV6 Sportwagon
3.6L SIDI
Auto
11.3
10.3
9%
Calais Sportwagon
3.6L SIDI
Auto
11.3
10.3
9%
Calais V Sportwagon
3.6L SIDI
Auto
11.3
10.3
9%
SV6 Ute
3.6L SIDI
Manual
11.4
10.2
11%
SV6 Ute
3.6L SIDI
Auto
11.6
10.1
13%
Statesman
3.6L SIDI
Auto
11.5
10.3
10%
Caprice
3.6L SIDI
Auto
11.5
10.3
10%
CO2 Emissions
CO2 Emissions (g/km)
Vehicle
Engine
Transmission
MY9.5
MY10
Improvement
Omega sedan
3.0L SIDI
Auto
252
221
12%
Berlina sedan
3.0L SIDI
Auto
252
221
12%
SV6 sedan
3.6L SIDI
Manual
260
242
7%
SV6 sedan
3.6L SIDI
Auto
266
241
9%
Calais sedan
3.6L SIDI
Auto
266
236
11%
Calais V sedan
3.6L SIDI
Auto
270
241
11%
Omega Sportwagon
3.0L SIDI
Auto
256
221
14%
Berlina Sportwagon
3.0L SIDI
Auto
256
228
11%
SV6 Sportwagon
3.6L SIDI
Auto
269
245
9%
Calais Sportwagon
3.6L SIDI
Auto
269
245
9%
Calais V Sportwagon
3.6L SIDI
Auto
269
245
9%
SV6 Ute
3.6L SIDI
Manual
269
242
10%
SV6 Ute
3.6L SIDI
Auto
274
241
12%
Statesman
3.6L SIDI
Auto
272
245
10%
Caprice
3.6L SIDI
Auto
272
245
10%
LPG
Holden's popular dual fuel LPG range retains the 3.6-litre Alloytec Multi-point Fuel Injection V6 engine and delivers improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
Fuel efficiency is improved in the Omega sedan LPG from 14.2 to 13.4 litres per 100 kilometres per ADR81/02 – a six per cent reduction.
CO2 emissions are reduced six per cent from 230 to 217 grams per kilometre, making it the most carbon friendly vehicle in the Commodore range, achieving a greenhouse rating of six in the Green Vehicle Guide.
Pricing
Most models will achieve carryover pricing, despite the increased technology and running cost savings. Only the Omega and Berlina models will receive a $700 increase to the Recommended Retail Price.
Global V6 Engine Overview
Launched in 2003, the GM Global V6 engine family has powered a variety of car, truck and light commercial applications around the world.
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