New V6 gives Rodeo power boost

Holden's top-selling Rodeo light commercial range will get a power boost for 2006 courtesy of an Aussie-built engine. The two and four-wheel drive pick-up/cab-chassis will be equipped with GM's Melbourne-built 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 to produce what Holden claims is the the most powerful V6 offering in the light truck’s 25-year history Down Under.

The  engine will have its power and torque characteristics tailored for commercial applications, says Holden. It replaces the previous 3.5-litre V6 engine. Holden will, however, continue to offer 3.0-litre turbodiesel and 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol powertrains in the Rodeo range.

The new V6 engine will deliver peak output of 157kW at 5300rpm, an increase of 10kW over the previous engine. Peak torque of 313Nm (at 2800rpm) is an increase of 33Nm.

Holden says it has created a flatter torque curve for the V6 Rodeo compared with the engine’s passenger car applications.

A new five-speed manual transmission features with higher torque capacity. Holden claims the 2006 Rodeo'supgraded four-speed automatic transmission has improved shift feel and a more robust torque converter for increased towing capacity. Rodeo is now rated to tow up to 2500kg (automatic or manual versions).

Holden LCV Marketing Manager Philip Brook said Holden engineers had modified the Global V6 performance characteristics following more than 300,000km of testing in Japan, Thailand and Holden’s own Proving Ground at Lang Lang (Vic).

“We set out to make sure it answered all the requirements of the tradespeople, farmers and small businesses who buy Rodeo. The torque curve has been flattened to improve performance from low revs," Brook said.

“It’s been a very deliberate move and the flexibility of the Global V6 ensured we were able to deliver this with a world-class powertrain.”

In addition to the new powerplant, the  2006 Rodeo’s DX, LX and top-spec LT versions get several other updates.

DX Rodeo variants now come in two new colours (Sterling Silver and Glacier Blue) and all models with dual airbags will have bucket seats and a new interior cloth trim.

LX Rodeo comes in three new colours (Sterling Silver, Glacier Blue and Imperial Blonde) and all LX models now come with bucket seats, new interior cloth trim and a new keyless entry fob design.

LT Rodeo now boasts a new alloy wheel design, one new exterior colour (Imperial Blonde), indicators on door mirrors, new interior trim and a new keyless entry fob design.

The 2006 Rodeo goes on sale in January.