Hi-Tech Engines Slash Commodore Fuel Use
Driving a Commodore from Sydney to Melbourne on less than one tank of fuel will be a reality thanks to Holden’s new 3.0-litre V6 engine due for launch next month.
Included in the Model Year 10 Commodore upgrades, the two new V6 engines (the other in the familiar 3.6-litre capacity) will deliver the most significant fuel-efficiency achievements in Commodore’s 31-year history.
Both engines are being manufactured at Holden’s plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria.
Called the 3.0-litre SIDI and 3.6-litre SIDI, the nomenclature of the engines relates to Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) technology. GM has already introduced SIDI in North America with its Cadillac brand and the technology is common in some prestige European automotive brands.
Designed to increase engine performance while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, the new technology works by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber which allows a higher compression ratio and delivers more precise fuel distribution. Cold start emissions alone are reduced by around 25 per cent.
The all-new 3.0-litre SIDI engine – codenamed the LF1 and the smallest capacity engine offered in a Commodore for more than 20 years – delivers 190kW of power and peak torque of 290Nm. It will be fitted to Commodore Omega and Berlina models.
Powering SV6, Calais, Statesman, Caprice and SV6 ute models, the 3.6-litre SIDI engine – codenamed LLT – is good for 210kW/350Nm.
SIDI-powered Commodores will drive through a new six-speed automatic transmission – the 6L50 – which Holden says delivers extra powertrain refinement and improved fuel economy, performance and shift feel.
The new transmission provides reduced engine load and cruising speeds and a lower engine speed which reduces fuel consumption.
Advanced clutch-to-clutch operations have reduced the weight and size of the new transmission and Holden says the lower engine speeds provide efficiency comparable to a manual transmission.
The overall result - comparing to Model Year 10 Commodores to the current versions - is improvements in both fuel economy and CO2 emissions ranging from seven to 12 per cent.
For example the combined cycle fuel economy of the Omega sedan (automatic) drops from 10.6l/100kms to just 9.3l/100kms.
According to Holden at 9.3l/100kms, a motorist traveling 20,000 kilometers could save around $325 at the fuel pump and emit 600 kilograms less carbon emissions. Double that to 40,000kms (say with fleet or commercial customers) and the savings add-up to $650 and 1.3 tonnes of CO2.
Commodore’s LPG range retains the 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 engine also boasting improved fuel efficiency and reduced exhaust emissions. The LPG model drops from 14.2l/100kms to 13.4l/100kms (a six per cent improvement) while CO2 emissions drop from 230g/km to 217 g/km.
The new technology conforms to the strict Euro IV Plus standards – the highest possible global standard a petrol or diesel powered vehicle can achieve on Australian fuels.
According to the Federal Government’s Green Vehicle Guide, Commodore’s Model Year 10 Omega and Berlina sedans, the Sportwagon and Calais sedan achieve a 5.5 Greenhouse Rating and four stars.
In terms of pricing, Model Year 10 Omega and Berlina will be $700 more than current models but all other derivatives will carry the same pricing as existing models.
Launching the new models, GM-Holden Managing Director, Mark Reuss said: “People are telling us they want lower operating costs while keeping the Commodore’s size – so that is exactly what we are offering.”
“Direct injection technology is a major step forward for the Australian car industry. It places a more refined Commodore amongst four cylinder competitors while delivering the space and flexibility which Australian car buyers want,” Mr Reuss added.
