VE under the skin: Australia's first 50:50 family car

Move over Bavaria -- there's another four-door sedan brand that can boast 50:50 weight distribution.

Once the near-exclusive domain of the prominent European brand, 'perfect' weight distribution where the mass of a car is evenly supported by both front and rear suspensions has been touted as the solution to all handling woes. A perfectly balanced car, it was contended, would handle perfectly,

Before starting its VE Commodore program, Holden admits to acquiring examples of the Jaguar S-type, Lexus LS400, BMW 5 Series as well as several Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz models, then cutting out their suspension systems and grafting them into the previous Commodore body.

This ultimately led to the development of all-new suspension and steering systems for which Holden holds all the intellectual property -- see separate story here. By tailoring the new VE chassis around the latest V6 and V8 engines and locating them behind the forward-mounted steering rack and front wheels, Holden has been able to achieve the elusive 50:50 weight distribution.

It is a figure that the VE Commodore maintains even with three passengers onboard the company claims.

Are the theoretical handling benefits noticeable in the real world -- we still can't tell you. We don't drive the new VE until next week.

There are other theoretical benefits of the 50:50 weight balance. In combination with the wide track, extended wheelbase and strong rear rails that didn't exist on previous Commodores, the new car should generate a better towing platform.

And thanks to the more advanced front and rear suspension geometry, Holden offers a VE Country Pack that raises ride height by 25mm for harsh rural conditions while still maintaining optimum wheel angles and stability.