Holden to announce engine play today

Holden will announce the first of its hi-tech engines for the VE/WM family of locally assembled rear-wheel drive vehicles today. At least that's the strong betting after the local carmaker booked a media conference with the local motoring and general press for 11.00am. The announcement will take place at the company's Fisherman Bend engine plant in Melbourne.

Significant speculation has arisen, concerning Holden's anticipated engine changes. Two versions of its HF V6 powerplant have been mooted: a 200kW-plus direct-injected 3.6-litre; and a low-consumption low-cost 3.0-litre version. While some quarters have both engines being rolled out today, the latter 3.0-litre engine could be kept 'up Holden's sleeve' for a later announcement.

The 3.0-litre engine is tipped to be the new entry-level powerplant for the VE range, with the high-output direct-injected 3.6 (similar to the engine used in the Cadillac CTS) aimed at high-spec high-feature models in the short and long-wheelbase ranges.

Both engines are said to deliver appreciable fuel economy savings. Holden recently trimmed the output of its base V6 engine, chasing fuel economy gains.

The new engines will feature under the mildly massaged bodywork of the updated VE Commodore and its stablemates. The Carsales Network does not believe the full extent of the changes to the Commodore will be announced today, however. That announcement is tipped to be later in August.

The changes set to be made to Australia's top-selling passenger car are still a closely guarded secret. It has been suggested that Holden could adopt the use of some alloy panels (front guards, bonnet and boot lid) to help trim the weight of the car.

Outgoing Holden boss Mark Reuss has championed the skills of Holden's local supplier network, stating that such a move would be well within the capabilities of the local manufacturing base.

At least some of the guessing will be over by lunchtime today... Stay tuned for all the details...

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