VE under the skin: more power and torque, less noise and fuel

Power and torque up, but not at the cost of refinement: that's the company line from Holden on its VE Commodore V6 and V8 engines.

Essentially 'carryovers' from the VZ range, the engines have received 'makeovers' for the VE. The end result is better economy (in some cases -- see our fuel economy rundown here ) and a boost in peak power to 180, 195 and 270kW for the Alloytec 3.6, High Output Alloytec and Gen IV 6.0 V8 respectively.

Torque figures are up too (in the same order) to 330Nm at 2600rpm (was 320 at 2800), 340Nm at 2600 (was 335 at 3200) and 530Nm at 5400 (was 510 at 4400).

All power figures are now measured under the international ECE standard. Privately Holden sources have stated this new measuring standard underplays the net increases.

The Alloytec V6s have received the most attention during the VE program. Both versions now sport variable geometry intake manifolds (previously only HO engine got this feature) and less restrictive exhausts. The high output's is a dual system.

In addition, changes have been made to address criticisms of the six's aural signature. These included a new camshaft drive chain design, retuned harmonic balancer, new engine covers and revisions to the induction and exhaust systems.

The VE range's 6.0-litre V8 gets the model designation L98 and is Holden-specific. It replaces the L76 recently introduced to the VZ range on the introduction of Euro III emissions requirements (in January 2006).

Increased peak power, up from 260kW to 270kW is the highest ever output offered on a standard Holden vehicle. It comes courtesy of a high-flow exhaust system and engine calibration tweaks. Other changes are minor but include a new single-piece engine cover to reduce noise.

Released yesterday, fuel economy figures were a mixed bag for VE. While most V6 models and manual V8s are claimed to be more frugal than the VZ models they replace, the auto-equipped V8s returned higher fuel consumption stats.

Due to Holden's staged release of information and today's 5pm embargo we were unable to publish details of Holden's other (non-engine) fuel economy measures.

Engineering changes aimed at boosting economy outside the engine room include: a new differential with reduced internal friction thanks to detailed changes and lower viscosity lubricants, a 'smart' alternator that reduces engine load by only charging when required, and higher standard tyre pressures (up from 220 to 250kPa) to reduce rolling resistance.

There has been considerable attention to noise control. Holden says apart from the engine tweaks, components such as a new engine cradle design reduce noise and vibration on all versions of the VE. This component also constitutes part of the new car's more substantial crash structure.

Other anti-noise measures such as a new windscreen material (with acoustic laminating layer) and upgraded sound attenuating materials under the bonnet, on the firewall and in the transmission tunnel all play a part in reducing noise levels within the new car.

Holden won't quote decibel readings but says the car is noticeably quieter.

Keep an eye on CarPoint for our continuing coverage of the VE Commodore and our first drive of the car next week…