As predicted earlier today by the Carsales Network Holden this morning announced the addition of two new engines. Both engines will be V6 configuration and feature General Motors' direct injection technology.
The new engines are the showcase of the upgraded VE Commodore line-up that will go on sale in September. Other important updates include making a six-speed automatic tranmission standard across the sedan and Sportwagon ranges.
Significantly though, the new base model engine for the Commodore range will be a 3.0-litre unit, making it the smallest capacity engine fitted to the range in over 20 years. The last time a similar sized engine was used was the 1986 VL range which featured a Nissan-sourced 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder.
Even more importantly Holden Managing Director Mark Reuss confirmed production of both engines would be carried out at the firm's Port Melbourne plant.
The Carsales Network attended the launch this morning and will bring you our extensive coverage throughout the day so check back soon. In the meantime here are highlights from Holden's official statement.
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.
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