As the VE Commodore approaches its second birthday without a Series II version or facelift in sight, the unannounced changes keep adding up. Changes to the onboard electronics and some trim items are some of the more obvious updates but unseen changes to the rear suspension have impacted on HSV.
The VE Commodore introduced one of the most sophisticated and costly multi-link independent rear suspension seen on any car, let alone one that starts in the mid-$30,000 range. Holden has been under ongoing pressure to simplify it to cut down weight and costs.
One of the key components of the VE IRS is a lateral control link which on the first VE examples was a sturdy, heavier tubular rod with full turn buckle adjusters for toe adjustment. This was an important component when the first Commodore IRS had no adjustment at all and was similar to the link that was added at VX Series II just prior to the release of the Monaro.
Under the latest VE examples, this link has been replaced with a simpler pressed metal item with cam adjusters. After HSV's W427 was developed around the extra adjustability and strength of the original rod, HSV has been forced to stockpile enough of them to see it through W427 production.
When the complete rear suspension of the W427 is rebuilt with different bushes, springs and unique Magnetic Ride Control dampers, it presents no problem for HSV to change it back to the original link design.
However, there is another VE running change that HSV is keen to pick up for all models including the W427. After the new VE Sportwagon added an extra 91kg over the rear wheels, Holden had to swap the basic suspension bush in the rear suspension's lower control arm for a proper ball-joint to resist the extra cornering loads.
Apparently, it's exactly what HSV engineers wanted for all their high performance range. The Carsales Network was told at this week's launch of the W427 that because the Sportwagon's upgraded IRS suspension can be easily fitted to the sedans and utes destined for HSV, there are moves to get it built into HSV core vehicles as soon as possible.
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