Holden cuts V6 power to save fuel...

[korrupt]

In a radical move, Holden has reduced the power output of its best selling Commodore in an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and weekly fuel bills.

Holden is sacrificing power and performance in its Commodore V6 in an effort to save owners between $1.68 and $3.65 a week.

...

As part of the mild engine update, all entry-level Commodore V6s built from November will get 5kW less power, representing a 2.8% reduction. The 175kW power output of the new Commodore for 2009 is identical to that of the 2004 Commodore - and 20kW less than the rival Falcon.

Full Article here... (http://www.theage.com.au/national/holden-cuts-power-to-save-fuel-20081030-5c0t.html)

[weekendwarrior]

i personally reckon that it's a good idea by holden marketing wise. No one serious buys a NA 6 for performance capabilites, so they might as well make them as economic as possible. Leave the big power for the 8's

[`redoctober]

Yay, I have one of the last higher-powered V6's from Holden :D

Honestly, I couldn't care less about saving $3 a week.. I think I lose that much around the house or in my interior, and I sure as hell don't go crying about it.

[planetdavo]

At the moment, many people consider claims of having more power than the opposition as automatically meaning more fuel is used.

[VTSSDUDE]

Wow, saving $3 a week. .Whoopie de do dah.

[planetdavo]

You guys need to realise that you are "enthusiasts" on a performance forum, so highly likely you wont care about a few extra dollars.
To fleets, and "Joe Average" family buyers, this can be deal making news in the current economic climate...:teach:

[Ghia351]

Don't you think it's a huge cop-out to drop power and alter tune to increase fuel economy when using the 5 speed would have done the same and given all owners a better powertrain? It's pretty embarrasing for Holden engineering that it's competitor has a larger capacity engine, produces more power, is appreciable quicker and uses less fuel while weighing about the same.

[BLACKVE]

At the moment, many people consider claims of having more power than the opposition as automatically meaning more fuel is used.

Can understand that comment but when falcon six uses less fuel but produces more power makes one think!!!!!!!!!!

Why not put a six speed auto behind it to help with fuel economy!!!!! Holdens V6 is well below par with competion!!!!

[planetdavo]

Why not put a six speed auto behind it to help with fuel economy!!!!! Holdens V6 is well below par with competion!!!!
One VERY big reason.
COST! Those transmissions are EXPENSIVE compared to a 4 speed.
Loading an "economy" tune and fitting the HFV6 would be fairly cheap in the big scale of things, and since many people are seemingly happily copping a car two classes smaller in size with half the power at the moment (Corolla etc), it will hardly concern most buyers!
Remember that VZ V6 copped a "de-tune" during the model run as well, due to emissions upgrading...

[`redoctober]

Don't you think it's a huge cop-out to drop power and alter tune to increase fuel economy when using the 5 speed would have done the same and given all owners a better powertrain? It's pretty embarrasing for Holden engineering that it's competitor has a larger capacity engine, produces more power, is appreciable quicker and uses less fuel while weighing about the same.

While I see your valid points I also see a thinly veiled one-eyed attack.

Ghia351- Current Ride: G6ET

[VX2VESS]

yeah, make them richer to be slower, that will save fuel.

[Ghia351]

While I see your valid points I also see a thinly veiled one-eyed attack.

Ghia351- Current Ride: G6ET
I'm hardly being "thinly veiled". Yes I'm attacking Holden, not because I own a Ford (I also own a VW, Mazda, Nichiyu,) but from a general car buyer's point...anyone can drop power to save fuel however why should any buyer cop that regardless of whether they're a cost conscious fleet buyer or a family man. If Ford and Toyota can offer superior powertrains that are more powerful while still using less fuel then why can't Holden afford it or offer the same as well. My only dissapointment is that the majority of buyers will happily buy away whereas if they made an actual protest by choosing another brand Holden might then be forced to make upgrades that are a spec and feature improvement that moves up a level over the present offering. Personally, I think Holden takes it loyal and bigger fan base for granted slightly moreso then the other competitive brands and if this stopped a better car would be offered. I think I'm right in saying no export models use the A4 so it's the Aussie market that gets left behind once again.

[iamhappy46]

Whoop tee doo... They cut 5Kw from the engines peak power but how many mums driving to the shops and picking up kids from school are driving hard enough to get it that high in the rpm range?

No doubt, it is probably just setting the VCT system up to drop power off earlier.

PS: I did not read the news article

[TAKEITEZ]

I also own a ........ Nichiyu
what they hell do they make???
i've worked on a few Nichiyu electric fork lifts. but i had no idea they made cars... the things you learn!!



anyway.
the move to drop power to cut fuel is a funny one... if that works for them then fine...

but how come they can't do it and gain power but save fuel? it can be done even just in the tune... heaps of lsx powered cars out there are running round with more power with lots of throttle and less fuel being used with not a lot of throttle...

i guess its all emissions and that though... too much carbon... ohh no!

[C4B]

From a marketing perspective it's probably not a bad move. Like others have said, nobody buys the V6 for its performance credentials so dropping the power isn't going to alienate potential customers.

I firmly believe diesels will be powering most mid/large size sedans in the not too distant future, so petrol 6's are going to become even more of a non-event.

[Ghia351]

what they hell do they make???
i've worked on a few Nichiyu electric fork lifts. but i had no idea they made cars... the things you learn!!



anyway.
the move to drop power to cut fuel is a funny one... if that works for them then fine...

but how come they can't do it and gain power but save fuel? it can be done even just in the tune... heaps of lsx powered cars out there are running round with more power with lots of throttle and less fuel being used with not a lot of throttle...

i guess its all emissions and that though... too much carbon... ohh no!You're right it's my forklift....just thought I'd throw that one in.:jester: and it's a "plug-in one" that gains power after recharge.

[LSavvy]

Wow a saving of $87.36/year for petrol models and $189. 80/year for LPG models and thats based on driving 20,000kms/year, good to see them saving customers money, thats gonna make a big difference.

At least the struggling famlies can afford their first service now.

[goose202]

Seems odd to me.

You buy one of these and lose $100 p/w in depreciation, $10-15 in rego, $20-30 insurance, pay $50-100 p/w in fuel, perhaps another $10 p/w in servicing, yet you'd be concerned with a couple of dollars a week fuel saving.

That might be a concern if you're looking at a $1000 second hand shopping trolley but I can't understand how it's even a thought on a new car.

[SHANESVZSS]

less power??? they should be putting turbo's on them!!!!:drool:

[Holden Man]

.......I firmly believe diesels will be powering most mid/large size sedans in the not too distant future, so petrol 6's are going to become even more of a non-event.

I agree.

They've just got to work on the inconsistent difference between the price of diesel and unleaded.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/HoldenMan_2007/26-Diesel.jpg

[falcom]

I can understand the Alloytec not having as much power & torque as the Falcon but a 3.6l should be more economical than a 4litre every time.
This is just embarassing for the Commodore.

When my Ford mates have a go at me about the V6 I have got no comeback.The Falcon 6 beats the Alloytec in EVERY area .
With the V8 however it is a different story.

It seems Holden have a real problem getting ecomomy out of the alloytec.
I think they may have to go back to the drawing board.

[Big_Valven]

Holden are smart really because they are playing on consumers' stupidity to sell more cars. Goose202 did the sums, and the saving is f-k all of a bees d!ck. But because it's simply "more economical" the stupid misguided masses will think all of a sudden it's going to do 5l/100km and stop clubbing baby seals to death.

My tree-fiddy :soap:

[SSV8TE]

If someone wants to beef up their six then they will anyway just like the v8's come out at around 220 rwkw on av. How many blokes on here only have that on their ve's.
Think it is good for sales as the average joe blow wants economy these days with fuel prices so high so hopefully holden keep developing fuel miser cars and they keep selling them. It will keep the cost down hopefully on the next models too come.
Just an opinion too.

Cheers,

Andy.

[michaels1v8]

I can understand the Alloytec not having as much power & torque as the Falcon but a 3.6l should be more economical than a 4litre every time.

Not necessarily the case. The 5.7s on here are found to be more economical than some smaller capacity motors too...

I think the secret is technology and refinement... Something which is yet to be done to the alloytec as they commodore still seems to be selling pretty welll

This is (IMO) just a quick band aid to help encourage a few more sales before the new series comes out sometimes at the end of this year or beginning of next

Who cares about 5kw. Most people would never of used that extra power...

[Goatie]

Not necessarily the case. The 5.7s on here are found to be more economical than some smaller capacity motors too...

I think the secret is technology and refinement... Something which is yet to be done to the alloytec as they commodore still seems to be selling pretty welll


wasnt the HFV6 a clean sheet design about 5 years ago?

and how old is the ford inline 6? even if you only trace it back to the ea falcons first injected engines, its still a 20 year old engine flogging the crap out of holden's supposedly superior 6 cyl. :vpo:

[wagnman]

This marketing is aimed at the same retards you see clogging up the servos that they save 4c per litre or so at. While they waste half an hour of their life to save a couple of dollars Ill drive down the road a bit and fill up with no waiting:rofl:

[mrtockley]

This marketing is aimed at the same retards you see clogging up the servos that they save 4c per litre or so at. While they waste half an hour of their life to save a couple of dollars Ill drive down the road a bit and fill up with no waiting:rofl:

Hehe and the same as the other spankers that will spend $5 or more in the servo to get an extra 2c / lt off .. That makes sense .. Spend $5 and save 33c ?? WTF !?

Tock.

[Jac001]

This marketing is aimed.....

It is an excellent move by holden. In the grand scheme of things, it has cost the bugger all and is a great marketing tool.

Now the base omega commodore has a fuel rating of 10.6L/100km v's base Falcon XT 10.5L/100km (1% difference).


Side note:

Its not about who has the best engine or the best gear box, its about who can stay in business! At the moment both the commodore and falcon are losing regardless if these cars or good or not.

[Black_Utester]

It is an excellent move by holden. In the grand scheme of things, it has cost the bugger all and is a great marketing tool.

Now the base omega commodore has a fuel rating of 10.6L/100km v's base Falcon XT 10.5L/100km (1% difference).


Side note:

Its not about who has the best engine or the best gear box, its about who can stay in business! At the moment both the commodore and falcon are losing regardless if these cars or good or not.

Well put Jac001! It's all about business... you tools with your head so far up ya still banging on about which is th best 6 going... pffft!

[mrtockley]

Well put Jac001! It's all about business... you tools with your head so far up ya still banging on about which is th best 6 going... pffft!

Hmm so now the Omega has less power and torque (for towing) has worse fuel economy, a crappy 4 speed auto and only has a 4 star ANCAP rating compared to Fords offer which has better power / torque as well as slightly better fuel figures, a 5 speed auto standard and 5 star safety .. Seems like a no brainer if you're in the market for an entry level family car..

[SSV8TE]

Gday all,
These days there is really no such thing as the Holden or Ford man in the average potential car buyer.
Fuel economy is probably the biggest topic around the traps now so when holden drop their power to achieve better fuel economy i think this is only to lure in the punter.
Where do you go these days where a sales pitch isnt thrown at you?
Hydrogen cars are going to take over in next 20 yrs or less anyway and would be interesting to see the power figures on these machines when they hit the market. Some car companies are already nearly finished designing them. Testing and upgrading servo's to suit and our petrol engines will be phased out in time.
Sad but that seems the way things will go.
Be funny driving a high kw car with no exhaust hey? The h20 hsv doesnt sound right hey?:rofl::rofl:
Any way all IMO.

Cheers,

Andy.

[Dacious]

Maybe it isn't just about power? The Commodore's had less power in it's base engine than the Falcon forever! But since VP it's been a bigger package inside. And cheaper overall to run - considering service, repairs, depreciation.

Maybe some of that is unfair to the Falcon. Maybe Holden is just the beneficiary of dumb luck, or incumbence. Maybe they use the Omega/Berlina to push image conscious/technie snobs into the SV6 and Calais and move more of them at higher $$$? Maybe they ran the sums, and in a declining market discovered the five-speed would make 4/5th of feck-all difference to sales but cut $1000 off the margin of each car sold? I don't know, neither does anyone else here.

The fleets and user-choosers who buy the base cars will absolutely look at 0.3l/100km economy; and Co2 emissions in future when they start paying tax on it, including potentially on cars they will be buying shortly under carbon emission trading.

If you read the whole release, Holden is actually fitting the full VVT engine in all cars. Standardising on one engine, just without the variable plenum and dual exhaust and probably tune from the 195Kw in the base cars. That means less variation and duplication of parts at the engine plant etc - always a good thing.

Plus, in the base autos, to get them to rev to 6,000rpm you'd have to hold them manually in first or second gear. Which 0.0001% of Omega and Berlina owners would do. But also notice peak torque comes in at a couple hundred rpm lower. That should mean improved off-idle response, as better economy when all else is the same suggests better low rpm urge, less throttle for hills, less gearchanges when puttering aiong.

One of the complaints about the base cars is low-end. Maybe it's improved, means less downchanges, converter unlocking, smoother etc. if it's 0.3l/100km on the standard test, it suggests better on the open road.

Sometimes there's wheels within wheels.

[cdxi]

Maybe it isn't just about power?

Sometimes there's wheels within wheels.

BINGO!

This is not just a question of power or even economy.

We are seeing the first of preliminary marketing strategies by Holden for the introduction of the first facelift of the VE Commodore.

The commonisation of engine technologies is a manufacturing and engineering streamlining and cost cutting issue.

The drop in power could have been compensated for with exhaust recalibrations - but not just yet, gentle reader.

The new Commodore will emerge in 2009 with a six speed auto, recalibrated Alloytech and class competitive power and torque figures. Just imagine the press then!
1. All-new 6 spd auto in base model
2. More powerful and torquier base engine
3. Staggering percentage increase in fuel economy - it will match the 10.1l/100km of the Falc.

What we are seeing is "drip feed" information and a strategy to make the next model immediately impactful, marketable and hitting all the sweet spots.

No sense in doing it all now as the VE has no external changes to draw buyers into a campaign.

Watch and wait!

[falcom]

BINGO!


The new Commodore will emerge in 2009 with a six speed auto, recalibrated Alloytech and class competitive power and torque figures. Just imagine the press then!
1. All-new 6 spd auto in base model
2. More powerful and torquier base engine
3. Staggering percentage increase in fuel economy - it will match the 10.1l/100km of the Falc.

What we are seeing is "drip feed" information and a strategy to make the next model immediately impactful, marketable and hitting all the sweet spots.

No sense in doing it all now as the VE has no external changes to draw buyers into a campaign.

Watch and wait!


I hope you are right cdxi.

If the VF V6 isn't a significant step up I can see myself buying something other than a Holden in 2009 for the first time in my life.

[Holden Man]

.... Seems like a no brainer if you're in the market for an entry level family car..

Alot of people still buy on looks / colour etc (not the technical stuff!)

[mrtockley]

BINGO!

This is not just a question of power or even economy.

We are seeing the first of preliminary marketing strategies by Holden for the introduction of the first facelift of the VE Commodore.

The commonisation of engine technologies is a manufacturing and engineering streamlining and cost cutting issue.

The drop in power could have been compensated for with exhaust recalibrations - but not just yet, gentle reader.

The new Commodore will emerge in 2009 with a six speed auto, recalibrated Alloytech and class competitive power and torque figures. Just imagine the press then!
1. All-new 6 spd auto in base model
2. More powerful and torquier base engine
3. Staggering percentage increase in fuel economy - it will match the 10.1l/100km of the Falc.

What we are seeing is "drip feed" information and a strategy to make the next model immediately impactful, marketable and hitting all the sweet spots.

No sense in doing it all now as the VE has no external changes to draw buyers into a campaign.

Watch and wait!

Put down the crack pipe .. There is NO way that the base model Commodore will have a 6 speed auto. And I highly doubt that the engineers are going to go to all the effort of making more torque but produce less power. This is purely marketing and IMO laziness from Holden. Why can't they do what they always do and tickle another 5kW out of the engine while making it run cleaner and more economic. We get these engines de-tuned from GM, so surely there is still some overheads for a slight power and economy increase. I know that these cars are mainly sold as fleet cars, but there is still a large percentage of these going to families that use it for towing and the like, and even Joe Average wants his car to be the most powerful / safest / most economic when he's shelling out his hard earned for it.. I really think though, at the end of the day, if you are that worried about $3 a week in fuel savings, then you'd be looking at a $10,000 second hander from the trading post ..

Tock.

[AFAR]

They should just remove the v6 range.
Worthless peice of tinny sounding crap.

[planetdavo]

WAY TOO MANY of you are posting like owners of V8 cars would post.
Hang on, what's this forum called! :idea::idea::idea:
Like it or not, far more V6 buyers are more the Toyota kind of buyer than the hardcore forum loving V8 driver, so lets look at the Camry/Aurion "twins".
Aurion has approx 75% more power than Camry, yet both have an "official" economy of 9.9L/100km.
So, people could have 75% more power for no real fuel increase, yet which one is the higher seller?
Camry of course....partly because the range is a bit cheaper, but MOSTLY because people assume Camry will be cheaper to run!
Start thinking like the masses people, and you might start to understand why this will probably work.

[FG Turbo Ute]

WAY TOO MANY of you are posting like owners of V8 cars would post.
Hang on, what's this forum called! :idea::idea::idea:
Like it or not, far more V6 buyers are more the Toyota kind of buyer than the hardcore forum loving V8 driver, so lets look at the Camry/Aurion "twins".
Aurion has approx 75% more power than Camry, yet both have an "official" economy of 9.9L/100km.
So, people could have 75% more power for no real fuel increase, yet which one is the higher seller?
Camry of course....partly because the range is a bit cheaper, but MOSTLY because people assume Camry will be cheaper to run!
Start thinking like the masses people, and you might start to understand why this will probably work.
Weight is the enemy of the Commodore and Falcon and each model gets bigger and heavier. Everything has to be electric (windows and the like) which requires little motors everywhere and the ANCAP thing needing ever more steel, look at the Holden and Fords of 20 years ago, a small V8 weighed in at 200 kg or more less than todays 6s models.

[planetdavo]

Weight is the enemy of the Commodore and Falcon and each model gets bigger and heavier. Everything has to be electric (windows and the like) which requires little motors everywhere and the ANCAP thing needing ever more steel, look at the Holden and Fords of 20 years ago, a small V8 weighed in at 200 kg or more less than todays 6s models.
Yes this is true, but it also affects virtually every other car on the road as well.
20 years a go, a small car weighed 800-900kg's, now they are usually around 1100-1200kg.
Mid size weighed 1000-1100kg, now they weigh often around 1300-1500kg.
Customers keep demanding more "standard" equipment, and cutting noticeable anounts of weight usually costs serious money, jacking up the RRP (think aluminium usually) to the detriment of sales, so who does one blame...?

[SSV8TE]

Weight ? What a serious topic in these new ve's.
Our cars , both six's and eights, are now up there in the 1700kg area and once upon a time that was a commodore and a trailer towing a boat or tradey trailer.
Aus standards are forcing car manufacturers to add extra steel and safety features into the so called standard car. When you add the little extra's like electric seats ,etc. etc. weight starts gaining, Fuel economy starts rising and power to weight starts fizzleing away.
Realisticly we cant have everything and i think that with the economy the way it is cars are not really on everybodies important list so without the massive demand as has been in past these car companies are trying everything to make us feel like we can justify buying one in these to come tuff times.
Sales pitch's are getting harder and designing a car is getting harder for the top car companies so my point is that Holden or Ford are not the out front leader in value for money any more at all.
I think we will see a lot more performance toyota's, nissan's, etc. in the future.
All IMO again but great thread all. Nice to see open discussions on different peoples views.:goodjob:

Cheers,
Andy.

[FlatfootV8]

They should just remove the v6 range.
Worthless peice of tinny sounding crap.

Yeah great idea and then see the Commodore sales drop to a minimum and having Holden to pretty much shut up shop. :goodjob::smilesandbanana:

[Dacious]

Put down the crack pipe .. There is NO way that the base model Commodore will have a 6 speed auto. And I highly doubt that the engineers are going to go to all the effort of making more torque but produce less power. This is purely marketing and IMO laziness from Holden. Why can't they do what they always do and tickle another 5kW out of the engine while making it run cleaner and more economic. We get these engines de-tuned from GM, so surely there is still some overheads for a slight power and economy increase. I know that these cars are mainly sold as fleet cars, but there is still a large percentage of these going to families that use it for towing and the like, and even Joe Average wants his car to be the most powerful / safest / most economic when he's shelling out his hard earned for it.. I really think though, at the end of the day, if you are that worried about $3 a week in fuel savings, then you'd be looking at a $10,000 second hander from the trading post ..

Tock.

Actually, he's right. GM in North America is pairing all their new models powered by the HFV6, with the entry $23K V6 Camaro getting the future Commodore powertrain of a DI 300hp/226Kw 3.6 with six-speed auto.

GM and Ford jointly funded development, Ford uses theirs behind the 3.7 Cyclone in the 2009 Taurus.

The current 5-speed comes from Strasbourg, France and as a EU source means is punished with tariffs. GM's apparently trying to sell that plant. There are a variety of modular six-speed trans, which vary in torque rating manufactured there but also in Michigan. It's power, torque and drive orientation is variable with mix-and-match.

It's known the Commodore is getting the DI V6 and six-speed, as per the Cadillac CTS. My bet is, Holden intended using it by now, but GM is making them hold off until after the CTS is released here, which was supposed to be 4th quarter 2008 but is now early next year. Holden probbly planned to stop making non-VVT heads a while ago.

[CharlieDontSurf]

I think everyone is getting caught up in the changes to the BASE(fleet users predominantly) model. If you want a V6 with more power and a 5 speed auto get a SV6 or calais. There is choice there.

In all reality how many people with their own cash or loan by a brand new base commodore or falcon these days?

There is so much choice for cars these days that sedans are on the downward slide as a whole too.

Again, I think the bigger issue is the use of the 4 speed auto. I think we will see it go for VF but I would be willing to bet money that only the calias and SV6 have the DI motor. Same with deisel. Its too expensive for fleets so it will only be on the upper models where the cost can be regained with higher purchase price

WE will see e85 and dedicated LPG engines on offer with VF and LPG will make up for and surpass many of the fuel cost savings from DI (compared to current motors)with far reduced cost outlay(ie something that fleets will be interested in)

If locally made large cars are to survive and remain relevant (as a category) they need to reduce the amount of fuel they use dramatically. This will happen. Holden probably has a better chance to beat ford to it as they have seen the price of fuel change dramtically in the last 12 months. Even though its come down the wheels of change are already turning and cant be stopped...

[SSmokin]

Wow, saving $3 a week. .Whoopie de do dah.
wat i was gonna say,3 bucks 2 save 5kw,wooowwww

[cdxi]

[QUOTE=Dacious;1365267]Actually, he's right. GM in North America is pairing all their new models powered by the HFV6, with the entry $23K V6 Camaro getting the future Commodore powertrain of a DI 300hp/226Kw 3.6 with six-speed auto.


Thanks mate

If we think for a minute that the Holden engineering and marketing people aren’t thinking strategically for the long term, then we shouldn’t be taking part in a discussion forum like this.

Engineering
There’s not much choice other than to look for a new auto transmission for the VE facelift as the plant from which the current 4spd hails is closing down. The new global 6spd auto is destined for all Commodores including the base/entry level model. Economically, the US 6spd will be a better option than the French built 5spd currently hooked onto 195kW versions of the Alloytech.

The newly revised entry Alloytech now meets Euro VI emissions standards, which are not due to come into regulation until 2012-14. Commonality between the standard and high feature variants of the Alloytech means better economies of scale and a minimal drop in power and torque to achieve this is a small price to pay at this point in the model cycle.

The DI version of the HFV6 will sit at the top end of the Commodore tree, above an even further refined and tweaked Alloytech in the base models. The power and torque will be more competitive but not class leading.

Ongoing development of the LPG/dual fuel version of the Alloytech will see this option become more and more popular and we will also see this hooked to a 6spd auto, just as this global transmission is hooked up to the Hybrid versions of US applications of the HFV6.

Marketing
The new “Ecoline” strategy recently put in place by Holden is pushing the “green” credentials of Holden product into the limelight. Diesel, dual fuel, E85, AFM and low emissions from the Alloytech are all part and parcel of this highly significant marketing program.

What better way to showcase these and more – ahead of the introduction of the Volt – than to have a cracking good, economical, emissions friendly petrol version of the Holden hero car available to the masses come facelift time?

We will hear all sorts of things about the new Commodore when it arrives, from % gains in power to % reductions in consumption. And, the introduction of 6spd autos across the range. The release of the facelifted VE in 2009 will be a huge opportunity for Holden to further squeeze Ford out of the big-car market, given that FoMoCo will have limited opportunity to do anything more with their current drivetrain until the introduction of the new V6. And do you think Ford will stick with a 5spd auto in the base model? No chance.

Don’t forget too that the next Viva/Cruze will have a 6spd auto as an option over the 5spd manual. The current EPII Epica only has a 6spd auto available and the Captiva facelift (when it arrives) will most likely have the GMDAT Korean built 6spd auto on offer, at least in the Diesel variants. So, to have a Commodore going into 2010 with anything less than a 6spd auto would be a marketing challenge against the Aurion and the coming V6 Falcon.

I suppose this would really only make sense to those I’d been sharing my crack pipe with.

[PoweredByCNG]

Not many people have noticed this but the LPG Alloytec has been improved significantly.

Fuel consumption (whilst the engine is running on LPG) is down from 15.5L/100km to 14.2L/100km. This means that it uses 0.9L/100km less fuel than the FG Falcon E-gas. The LPG Alloytec, with it's sequential vapour injection system, is also immune to damaging and embarrassing backfires, unlike the competing Ford product, and features driveability and smoothness that cannot be distinguished from the petrol-only engine. The price premium for the LPG engine hasn't increased - still $2400 over the petrol engine, not taking into consideration the federal rebate, which reduces the premium down to only $400.

Regards,
Dave