New Commodore for Global Green Challenge

A Holden Commodore Omega Sportwagon equipped with the new 3.0-litre direct-injected 'SIDI' V6 will enter the Global Green Challenge in October.

Originally for solar vehicles only, the Challenge, a 3000km run from Darwin to Adelaide now runs a parallel Eco Challenge segment aimed at giving conventional and alternative-energy vehicle manufacturers the opportunity to showcase the advances they're making in fuel efficiency and low-emission technologies.

The Challenge comes just a few weeks after second series VE Commodore and WM Statesman/Caprice models arrive in showrooms with new powertrains sporting the company's SIDI direct injection systems.

For manufacturers, the element of challenge lies in serving up their product for independent public scrutiny. Vehicles are tested under a set of regulations devised by the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), motor racing's international governing body, against their manufacturers' claims about emissions and fuel economy.

It's a useful forum for Holden to demonstrate its confidence in its new engines. The two new V6s -- a 3.0-litre for Omega and Berlina models, a 3.6 for Calais, SV, ute and Statesman/Caprice models -- dramatically sharpen the Commodore's focus on fuel economy and emissions reduction. Holden claims fuel consumption improvements of up to 13 per cent and CO2 cuts of up to 14 per cent.

The Eco Challenge is important in giving manufacturers like Holden the chance to showcase what they're doing to bring mainstream motoring into line with shifting environmental, political and economic priorities worldwide, Holden's energy and environment director, Richard Marshall, told media at the Commodore launch.

"That's not with some one-off impractical show car never to reach production, but in an affordable family car, available now, that shows how mainstream manufacturers are meeting current environmental challenges," Marshall said. Asked whether the company was entering a Sportwagon for reasons of aerodynamic efficiency or the like, he said the company went with the wagon simply to emphasise the "family holiday" factor.

The Eco Challenge covers a series of set stages with overnight stops at Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, and Port Augusta.

Other Eco Challenge participants this year include Ford, Hyundai, Kia, MINI, Suzuki and Volvo.

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