Holden’s most popular Commodore ever to be replaced this year.

The popular VE Holden Commodore will say goodbye late in 2010

Holden will roll out its new “VF” Commodore later this year (2010), as the company makes plans to cut production of the VE Commodore earlier than first thought. Holden will reportedly shut down its Adelaide assembly plant for 13 days in July and August as it begins to phase out the current model VE Commodore. “Ahead of updating our locally produced Commodore range later this year, we need to prepare for a smooth run out of the current model within the plant,” a Holden spokesperson said. “To do this, we have been working with the union to balance short-term manufacturing plans that will allow us to taper production of the current range, before ramping up with the new model.”

The new VF Holden Commodore due to launch late in 2010

The new VF Holden Commodore model is unlikely to present any spectacular changes, though a freshened interior and minor exterior tweaks are expected. Engines are likely to be tweaked for better economy and emissions, but there’s no word as yet on whether the long-rumoured diesel variant will also feature. One of the big changes for the new model is Holden’s introduction of its E85 models which are capable of running on a mixture ranging from 100 per cent petrol to a shandy of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol. The E85-capable engine is believed to be mechanically very similar to the dual-fuel 3.6-litre V6 Holden currently fits to production cars that customers want to run on either petrol or LPG.

The car maker has already developed E85-compatible engines as part of its failed US export program that was cancelled in response to the global economic crisis and General Motors’ flirt with bankruptcy, which halted exports of the Commodore to one of its largest markets. Sales of the current Commodore range are still strong, and the car was the highest-selling model in Australia for March with a total of 4209 sold. “The company has enjoyed a strong start to 2010 and anticipates a great response to the updated Commodore range later in the year as we seek to extend its reign as Australia’s best-selling car,” the spokesperson said. So far this year the Commodore is also the top-ranking vehicle, with 11,364 cars sold.

Todays 2010 VE Holden Commodore Omega leads the race to be Australia’s top selling family sedan.

2010 VE Holden Commodore Omega

Specifications

3.0L 60-degree Double Overhead Cam V6 with 4 valves per cylinder. Twin knock control sensors with individual cylinder adaptive control. On-board diagnostics. Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI)

Power
190kW @ 6700rpm (ECE, kW)

Torque
290Nm @ 2900rpm (ECE, Nm)

Transmission
6-speed auto with Active Select

Fuel economy 9.3 (L/100km)

Recommended fuel
E10, ULP or PULP for slightly higher performance

Fuel tank capacity 73 Litres

Brakes
Four wheel disc. Ventilated discs – front and rear. Twin piston alloy front caliper, single piston alloy rear caliper

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Incorporating: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS)

Suspension (front)
Direct acting stabiliser bar. Coil spring

Suspension (rear)
Multi-Link Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Coil spring. Stabiliser bar

Steering
Variable ratio rack and pinion

Wheelbase: 2915 mm…Track front: 1602 mm…Rear: 1618 mm
Length: 4894 mm…Width: 1899 mm…Height: 1476 mm

VE Commodore

The VE sedan represented the fourth generation of Australia’s best-selling car range. It was the product of Australia’s first $1 billion car program and the most clean sheet development project in almost 60 years of Holden vehicle production.

VE Commodore

The VE was engineered from global architecture with potential for GM markets around the world and safety was a major factor. Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) was standard, all models could be purchased with six airbags; curtain airbags were available for the first time.

A stiffer, stronger body structure with expanded use of high-strength steels, multiple load paths and optimised deformation zones met real world crash performance objectives.

The VE made a dramatic style statement, characterised by a purposeful stance and pronounced wheel arches. Designers maximised interior space without making the car significantly larger.

Individual models were more differentiated, inside and out.

Refinements to Alloytec V6 and Gen IV V8 powertrains lifted power and torque, improved takeoff feel, responsiveness and torque delivery. 270kW peak power output from the 6.0 litre V8 was the highest ever offered on a standard Holden.

Linear Control Suspension system delivered outstanding ride and handling without sacrificing ride comfort. An new electrical interface and expanded microprocessor capacity provided improved safety and infotainment capability. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems were totally new.

An Omega nameplate replaced Executive and Acclaim and a new V Series concept – SS V and Calais V – highlighted top-range choices.

VE sedans are exported under the GM brands of Chevrolet, Holden, Pontiac and Vauxhall to markets in the Middle East, Brazil, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom.

The VE Ute went on sale in October 2006. It offered more features, more useable interior space, greater storage flexibility and more performance than any of its predecessors.

A VE Commodore Sportwagon is expected to be released in the first half of 2008. It takes the sedan’s sporty design and engineering advances and integrates them into a stylish and practical wagon with strong family appeal.

Base price on introduction: $36,490. Still in production.