Direct-injection V6 for Holden's Commodore

Reports from the United States are suggesting the 2010 model Pontiac G8 will receive the direct-injection 3.6-litre High-Feature V6. International enthusiast website, GM Inside News, claims contacts inside the Pontiac dealer network have confirmed the change.

If the reports are accurate then expect the Holden Commodore to also benefit from the new engine and a new six-speed manual gearbox to go with it. But Holden public relation's staff weren't admitting anything when contacted by the Carsales Network.

"There's been no announcement on that from here or in America," says Kate Lonsdale, Product Communications Manager for Holden.

"We haven't made any announcement about upgrades to Commodore yet."

But Holden traditionally upgrades the Commodore with each new model year. Having only received minor updates since its launch in September 2006 and under increasing pressure from the Ford FG Falcon, the Commodore is tipped for a significant overhaul later this year. If the direct-injection V6 is to find its way into the Commodore that will be the most likely timing.

Currently the High-Feature V6 is found in the Cadillac CTS and new Chevrolet Camaro. Thanks to the direct injection technology the engine returns better fuel economy, something that would sit well with Holden's new EcoLine initiative.

The only problem in the plan could be the future of the Pontiac brand. There have been conflicting reports about the brand's future, given the reports parent company General Motors is considering bankruptcy proceedings.

Pontiac is seen as a niche brand and not crucial to GM's future plans by many observers. But GM said earlier this year it wanted to consolidate with four key brands; Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC but retain Pontiac as a smaller concern.

Recent rumours have indicated that may have changed with GMC joining Pontiac as brands in danger as GM fights for its survival. However GM sales chief Mark LaNeve told journalists yesterday [Friday] that Buick, GMC and Pontiac are safe.

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