MY10 Commodore - Ryzz's first drive at the Media Launch

[Ryzz]

Just thought I would take a few minutes and provide some real world insight into the MY10 SIDI Commodore.

I was lucky enough to participate in a two day event hosted by Holden as part of the launch of the new motor. This included a number of technical briefings (I will upload PDF's of the relevant speeches which will be available to download later), and two driving events.

The first driving event was the performance drive, and this was a chance to enjoy some spirited driving in the new vehicles whilst being accompanied by Holden Engineers. The first vehicle I drove was the V6 Omega 3.0L A6, I must say this does not feel like a 3 Litre, it pulls happily all the way to read line, with shifts that are so seamless (even under full throttle) that they are near on undetectable. It is happy holding gears in the normal drive modes for spirited driving and is even sharper when you put it into "Sports Mode", in addition to this you can "Tap Up" or "Tap Down" to manually select gears, the gearbox will hold any gear until you tap up/down, unless the vehicle speed drops below preset thresholds for each gear, then it will shift up to prevent the car stalling.

The next car I got to drive was a MY10 SIDI SV6 3.6 M6, and all i can say is WOW. The Engineers at Holden have done a lot of work to make this a performance motor and the proof is there from the second you turn the key. It has a snarly induction sound, and a gear raw exhaust note. With 210kw & 350nm this is approaching 5L V8 power levels. This motor happily pulls with great urgency in every gear, and while it doesnt compare to the current V8's for low down torque, its still very very torque rich. This car was great fun to drive, and whilst the gearbox did feel slightly notchy and cheap, finding gears was not difficult and the spread of gears worked to its favour. Even full throttle shifts into second gear was enough to get a very noticeable 'chirp' from the rear wheels. My only criticism of this was the brakes, under spirited driving they went south very very quick and did not return in any hurry. I have mentioned this several times to the relevant engineers on the day so hopefully they will take the advice onboard.

For the SV6, this is a car that would be a must have for someone that wants the V8 feel but cannot afford a V8 for whatever reasons.


The second day was a competition called the Fuel Efficiency Drive, which started at Atiken Hill near Melb Airport. This started with a weigh in for all drivers and navigators (Holden engineers) and associated luggage. The purpose of this competition was to see who could achieve the best fuel efficiency figures over four separate legs in 4 different cars. The cars i drove were as follows:

MY10 Calais 3.6 A6 (7.9L/100km) MY10 Omega 3.0 A6 (7.3:/100km) MY10 SV6 3.6 M6 (7.9L/100km) MY10 Berlina Sportswagon 3.0 A6 (7.1L/100Km)

With each leg averaging approx 100Km, with varied conditions including mountain passes, single lane dirt roads, winding roads, long flat straights, hill climbs, etc.

The legs were as follows:

Aitken Hill -> Yea - Calais
Yea -> Mansfield - Omega
Manfield -> Oxley - SV6
Oxley -> Albury/Wadonga - Berlina Sportswagon

After the final leg, much to my surprise, I was presented the following trophy for the best overall fuel economy out of 18 Jurnos including myself

Winner - Featherfoot of the Year
FUEL ECONOMY RUN MY10
Wave 2

http://www.excelerate.com.au/downloads/ls1/ve/my10/featherfoot_trophy.jpg

[oranpark_addict]

Great stuff Ryzz:)

[Goggles]

well done bud.....I'm envious....would love to have attended such a drive event.

let's hope these V6s help the Commodore sales go up.

[speedyocca]

your famous on Twitter now http://twitter.com/holdennews/status/3838385761

[Carby650]

After the final leg, much to my surprise, I was presented the following trophy for the best overall fuel economy out of 18 Jurnos including myself

Winner - Featherfoot of the Year
FUEL ECONOMY RUN MY10
Wave 2



So it is official. Ryzz has won "Nanna Driver of the Year." :smilesandbanana:

cheers
Carby650

[Uncle Tone]

Good to know the 3.0 isn't a total slug....might tempt me out of the old Ford ute yet......


the gearbox will hold any gear until you tap up/down, unless the vehicle speed drops below preset thresholds for each gear, then it will shift up to prevent the car stalling.

.....on second thought maybe not if Holden produce automatic cars that you can stall! :doh:

Maybe that's their much publicized world first? :lol:


•MY10 Omega 3.0 A6 (7.3:/100km)

Bloody good economy there. I assume the utes will be the same. Imagine this engine teamed up with LPG. Any news on LPG models?

[Carby]

Excellent work Ryzz. Really appreciate the feedback from your drive of the MY10 Commodore, winning the economy award is a nice coup for you - well done.

[iloveholden]

Good stuff mate....good to hear some positive feedback on the new V6 line-up :)

[Ryzz]

Bloody good economy there. I assume the utes will be the same. Imagine this engine teamed up with LPG. Any news on LPG models?

LPG is not being offered on sidi currently and there are no plans to do so

[Marco]

Good writeup Ryzz. I'm starting to have thoughts about an SV6 ute in the future, and the comments made about the SIDI 3.6 above are making that a bit more likely now :)

[Holden]

A quick hello from Andrea in Holden's Corporate Affairs team.

Congrats to Ryzz on the excellent fuel economy figures - there was some stiff competition for best fuel economy today so it was a great result for ls1.com.au! :goodjob:

I just wanted to let you all know we've updated the Holden website with a stack of information on SIDI technology including video of our trip with Olympic swimmer, Michael Klim where he drove from Sydney to Melbourne on a single tank of fuel.

For the lowdown, visit http://www.holden.com.au/vehicles/Commodore

[Marco]

Just noticed from the Holden website that SV6 and SS utes now have side and curtain airbags as standard. Well done Holden! That would have to make the VE MY10 ute the safest ute on the market bar none.

[Ryzz]

A quick hello from Andrea in Holden's Corporate Affairs team.

Hey Andrea, nice of you to drop in. Hopefully we might see some more of you on here from now on.

[seldo]

Great write-up Ryzz :), and congrats on winning the gong. We'll have to re-name you Helium Foot :lol:

[mustanger]

:goodjob:Some very frugal numbers there ...Cheers John

[SteveK]

Nicely done Raymond. Everybody loves a featherfoot, especially those greenies.

Prius what?

They are sounding like great engines indeed. If ever Holden goes the Turbo route, it will just get even more interesting.

Kudos champ.

[Decromin]

well done Ryss - you're life is surely now complete :D

[C4B]

After the final leg, much to my surprise, I was presented the following trophy for the best overall fuel economy out of 18 Jurnos including myself

It concerns me that not only would you admit to such a shameful thing, but you almost sound proud of the fact.

It's just bloody Un-Australian. :)

[VX2VESS]

sounds like its a good motor then.

so Ryzz what was better to drive then? the new smooth seemless A6 or the manual you said was a bit clunky, what would you get?

[nthnbeachesguy]

Hey Ryzz out of interest are you employed by or reviewing the cars for anyone other than LS1.com.au? I only ask as I was looking at a link to FF from another thread and they seem to be implying your reviews may b e biased and out there in printworld somewhere.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11272245&page=4&pp=25

[Ryzz]

Hey Ryzz out of interest are you employed by or reviewing the cars for anyone other than LS1.com.au? I only ask as I was looking at a link to FF from another thread and they seem to be implying your reviews may b e biased and out there in printworld somewhere.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11272245&page=4&pp=25

Like everyone else on the Forum, I have a full time job, my job is in IT, (I work for Harbour IT if you must know). I do not work for any media/journo co's. I was invited along to the Holden Launch as i work behind the scenes here at LS1.com.au managing the relationship with Holden/HSV, to the hopeful benefit of the forum. It was seen by Holden as a good chance to put a face to a name and get a chance to speak with all the engineers and experience the cars first hand, whilst also an opportunity to discuss and build the relationship between LS1.com.au and Holden/HSV.

If you want clarification of this, feel free to contact Holden and HSV's media Dept's and they will both confirm this, as will the other moderators and the owner of this site.

I hope this removes any doubt.


sounds like its a good motor then.

so Ryzz what was better to drive then? the new smooth seemless A6 or the manual you said was a bit clunky, what would you get?

Good question vt2vx, the auto was great to drive, effortless, smooth, etc. The M6 was good fun to drive and matched the performance models really well. My pick would be the M6 in the performance models and the A6 in the luxo/fleet models.

[vecommo]

Hey Ryzz out of interest are you employed by or reviewing the cars for anyone other than LS1.com.au? I only ask as I was looking at a link to FF from another thread and they seem to be implying your reviews may b e biased and out there in printworld somewhere.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11272245&page=4&pp=25

I wouldn't take much notice of the drivel they post over there. Any article or review that praises a Holden must be biased in their eyes.

[Marco]

So is there any word on when these cars will be in showrooms for the rest of us to drive?

[benniemc]

Ryzz, a stupid question, but what did the SV6 feel like power wise compaired to a stock VY SS?

I'm thinking about an upgrade in the next year or so, on paper the DI SV6 Sports Wagon seems like a good option!

I know I'll need to drive one for myself to get the full experience, but your opinion would be good!

[nthnbeachesguy]

Ryzz, I wasn't questioning you at all, have spoken to you various times some time ago, was almost 100% sure you weren't in the media. Thought it might have put a few of the one eyed monsters back in there boxes over there if you spelt it out is all. That thread is a good example of incredible bias and both equally amused and irritated me that people carry on like that, abject stupidity is term I might use to describe it.

[Ryzz]

Ryzz, I wasn't questioning you at all, have spoken to you various times some time ago, was almost 100% sure you weren't in the media. Thought it might have put a few of the one eyed monsters back in there boxes over there if you spelt it out is all. That thread is a good example of incredible bias and both equally amused and irritated me that people carry on like that, abject stupidity is term I might use to describe it.

No problems at all mate, hence why I answered it like I did so there could be zero chances of people thinking im involved eleswhere!


So is there any word on when these cars will be in showrooms for the rest of us to drive?

I think they said approx 1 month, maybe less. Ask your local dealer as I cant remember off the top of my head sorry.


Ryzz, a stupid question, but what did the SV6 feel like power wise compaired to a stock VY SS?

I'm thinking about an upgrade in the next year or so, on paper the DI SV6 Sports Wagon seems like a good option!

I know I'll need to drive one for myself to get the full experience, but your opinion would be good!

Benniemc, having never driven an VY SS I cant really say. Keep in min at the end of the day, this is a 6 not an 8. It may have nice torque but it doesnt have the bucket loads of low down torque you would expect in an 8. Drive and judge for yourself. Either way it is an enjoyable car to drive.

[cdxi]

So is there any word on when these cars will be in showrooms for the rest of us to drive?

I'm being told my SV6 ute arrives in WA today and will be delivered on Monday

[VX2VESS]

poor old holden 6 thread isn't getting much action like the hsv one/s.

i think its rather interesting to have a new 6 finally, wouldn't mind trying one just to see..

the hsv a bit of a ricer gone to far....needs some thing fresh not just changing holes around

[falcom]

Even though the SIDI engines are a very welcome update in the Commodore I think they have missed an opportunity here.

People are going to drive past a Holden dealership and they are going to see what looks like a 2006 model Commodore and keep on driving.If holden had given it a slight exterior freshen up with different wheels people may have noticed something different and actually gone into the dealership and have a look and maybe a drive than maybe a sale.

While I am at it I cannot believe how quickly the interior has dated.

Heres hoping that VF is not too far away with updated interiors and a mild exterior freshen up and then and only then will Commodore be back to its glory days.(They may even have to start up the second shift again)

[Ryzz]

Even though the SIDI engines are a very welcome update in the Commodore I think they have missed an opportunity here.

People are going to drive past a Holden dealership and they are going to see what looks like a 2006 model Commodore and keep on driving.If holden had given it a slight exterior freshen up with different wheels people may have noticed something different and actually gone into the dealership and have a look and maybe a drive than maybe a sale.

While I am at it I cannot believe how quickly the interior has dated.

Heres hoping that VF is not too far away with updated interiors and a mild exterior freshen up and then and only then will Commodore be back to its glory days.(They may even have to start up the second shift again)

I disagree, Holden is about to embark on a massive marketing campaign outlining that the commodore is now as efficient as most 4 Cylinder cars and with catch lines like "Sydney to Melbourne on 1 Tank" this will get peoples attention.

Research has shown that the average buyer doesn't know that 7.5l/100km is good, they cannot relate to the numbers. Its not until someone they trust says "Thats a good value" they actually say "oh ok, great". That is why Holden will be marketing it as 7/800km on one tank, drive all week on one tank, sydney to melb on one tank, etc.

This fuel efficiency change also puts the commodore square in the sights for fleet buyers which is a massive market they missed out on due to the governments "Green Fleet" requirements that penalised fleet buyers for having non environmentally friendly/efficient cars.

[timandhayley]

The MY10 has arrived at our dealership. We had 2 Omega wagons arrive(pre sold to a fleet company).

They arrived Monday afternoon. I was under the impression they weren't going to be arriving for a few weeks, but a couple just appeared.

They have a dual exhaust now which is interesting.

[FlatfootV8]

Thanks Ryzz for the report, Currently thinking on getting a new Omega Sportswagon for the other half and the fuel economy sounds good and I had doubts about the 3.0 litre v6 on its performance and etc etc but sounds decent enough for a family wagon.

[timandhayley]

I wouldn't race out to buy an Omega Wagon.

There are more International Wagons coming in the next few months. Cheaper than an Omega, with all the gear.

[Coupe60]

nice one Ryzz, overall this is what the VE should have been from the beginning. About bloody time the motors and transissions compliment each other.

Although, styling looks dated and i cant wait for the freshen up exterior and especially interior for the VF.

[fatas]

good work mate you are the only one here to get a trophy form holden !!!!

HOLDEN MAN WITH A HOLDEN TROPHY !!! :bow:
does not get better than that :goodjob:

[KuRT12]

I read somewhere that this engine (the 3.6SIDI) overseas makes 225kw, yet its detuned here for p-platers.

So im assuming with a good tune, zorst and CAI youd be hitting what like 240 @ the fly?

[planetdavo]

So is there any word on when these cars will be in showrooms for the rest of us to drive?
Most dealers have had stock this week.


I read somewhere that this engine (the 3.6SIDI) overseas makes 225kw, yet its detuned here for p-platers.

Do NOT believe this claim!
P plate SV6/Calais buyers are extremely thin on the ground my friend, and certainly not worthy of detuning everyone elses cars to gain less than 1% of potential sales.
Economy is the reason. :)

[Stevotski]

hrm... just looking at the Holden website and the MY10 Calais has lost the 6-way electric seat for the passenger - now it is just tilt and slide

what other de-contenting have you been up to on the sly, Mr Holden

...otherwise it's great to get the SIDI and A6 for no extra cost but I don't appreciate the de-contenting, and what is wrong with giving us the 227kw 370Nm LLT version? or are we just waiting for Ford to catch up in power?

i hate to sound negative about it but there you have it. I will be up for another car in a few months (user chooser fleet customer) and it just might be a G6E seeing as we didn't get a full leather upgrade or 8 way seats or reverse camera or sportier alloys in MY10 to match the G6E (which is close to the same cost) - we just actually went backwards in interior features

[FlatfootV8]

I wouldn't race out to buy an Omega Wagon.

There are more International Wagons coming in the next few months. Cheaper than an Omega, with all the gear.

Great thanks for that the other half likes the look of the sportswagon so a International one with some extra's does sound like a deal maker.

Only thing she bitches about driving the Calais is the hand brake I tell her you dont need to worry about it when your driving. ;p

[Carby]

hrm... just looking at the Holden website and the MY10 Calais has lost the 6-way electric seat for the passenger - now it is just tilt and slide

what other de-contenting have you been up to on the sly, Mr Holden

...otherwise it's great to get the SIDI and A6 for no extra cost but I don't appreciate the de-contenting, and what is wrong with giving us the 227kw 370Nm LLT version? or are we just waiting for Ford to catch up in power?

i hate to sound negative about it but there you have it. I will be up for another car in a few months (user chooser fleet customer) and it just might be a G6E seeing as we didn't get a full leather upgrade or 8 way seats or reverse camera or sportier alloys in MY10 to match the G6E (which is close to the same cost) - we just actually went backwards in interior features

Isn't the Calais V the G6E equivalent price/feature wise?

Has the Calais V dropped off the multiple adjusting leather seats?

[Coupe60]

I read somewhere that this engine (the 3.6SIDI) overseas makes 225kw, yet its detuned here for p-platers.

I highly doubt this has anything to do with P=platers. It does, however, make 225kW overseas and has been de-tuned here, probably because they need some headroom for VF.


So im assuming with a good tune, zorst and CAI youd be hitting what like 240 @ the fly?

and maybe chuck in a turbo for good measure :nyuk:


Isn't the Calais V the G6E equivalent price/feature wise?

Has the Calais V dropped off the multiple adjusting leather seats?


Calais has 6-way electric driver's seat and 4-way electric for passenger

Calais V has 8-way electric driver's seat and 4-way electric for passenger

[V-Car]

I read somewhere that this engine (the 3.6SIDI) overseas makes 225kw, yet its detuned here for p-platers.

Maybe more to do with being tuned to run on 91 fuel here rather than premium overseas.

[macca_779]

I highly doubt this has anything to do with P=platers. It does, however, make 225kW overseas and has been de-tuned here, probably because they need some headroom for VF.



and maybe chuck in a turbo for good measure :nyuk:




Calais has 6-way electric driver's seat and 4-way electric for passenger

Calais V has 8-way electric driver's seat and 4-way electric for passenger

Yet a VT had 8 way on both sides.. Thats cost cutting for ya.

[Coupe60]

Yet a VT had 8 way on both sides.. That's cost cutting for ya.

hey Macca are you sure VT Calais had 8-way on both sides?

[Deco28]

I can only laugh at FF saying all you took into account in your review was performance and fuel economy when there are many other factors...

Are they too dumb to notice, those were the only major changes that happened to the car and the idea of your report was to convey those changes.

God, they say we are blinded by loyalty, they are more so...

[macca_779]

hey Macca are you sure VT Calais had 8-way on both sides?

Well my Senator does and I'm pretty sure HSV didn't add things like that as it came from the core calais build.

[mac06]

Maybe more to do with being tuned to run on 91 fuel here rather than premium overseas.

The figures are based on standard unleaded. Run on premium you'll get an extra 5kW.

A few seem to be getting hung up on the power not being 225kW. In the end the power figures don't matter as much as how the car actually drives. Get in one and have a drive like Ryzz did and I'm sure you'll feel the same way he did. Well done Ryzz on the unbiased report.

[Stevotski]

Isn't the Calais V the G6E equivalent price/feature wise?



The base Calais is only $1,000 RRP cheaper than the G6E

The G6ET sits against Calais V V6 price wise - within $1,000 again.

I hate to say it but brand loyalty alone is why I got the MY9.5 Calais - it may not happen again if I can get more in the Ford product. I only have them for 6 months so it doesn't matter if the Ford falls apart at 40,000km :)

[KuRT12]

Most dealers have had stock this week.


Do NOT believe this claim!
P plate SV6/Calais buyers are extremely thin on the ground my friend, and certainly not worthy of detuning everyone elses cars to gain less than 1% of potential sales.
Economy is the reason. :)

The article i read said it was retuned for more Economy etc.. aswell as for P-platers

[planetdavo]

Yet a VT had 8 way on both sides.. Thats cost cutting for ya.
The 8 way seat bases also came "standard" with serious rocking, usually within a year...:teach:
Don't think anyone will miss that. Reality is for most people, features like this are more something to brag about having than actually using.

To answer a question that came up in one of the earlier SIDI threads, only the 3 litre engine has the in-head exhaust "manifold" coming out to a large single flange on the face of the head. Like later Honda V6's for those familiar.
The 3.6 SIDI still has a traditional style "external" exhaust manifold, so can be fitted with extractors/headers.
It could potentially be interesting seeing twin turbo's bolted directly to the heads of the 3 litre motor though! Throttle response would be fairly sharp I reckon.

[macca_779]

The 8 way seat bases also came "standard" with serious rocking, usually within a year...:teach:
Don't think anyone will miss that. Reality is for most people, features like this are more something to brag about having than actually using.


Thankfully mine are still nice and solid. You are correct though as the passenger side seat in my car rarely gets used and even then its usually only used for forward and rearward adjustments for short arses and then tall bastards.

There are other things that have been removed as models go on. Eg I have an Electrmicronic mirror standard. Yet VE Senators don't. Thats an item I always use and is very handy when cars approach with bright lights as its variable not just two manual settings.

[fx160]

my ve calais v has 8 way seats for driver and passenger
and i have never read that the calais only has 4 way for passenger seat
all i have read is 6 way for driver and pasenger
i should add that the drivers seat is the only one with the memory function

kev


Yet a VT had 8 way on both sides.. Thats cost cutting for ya.
well my ve has the 8 way on both sides
but just had a look on the holden site and it says 4 way for passenger
in both calais and calais v
allthough it does also say 8 way drivers seat for calais and calais v
and then just below that it says 6 way drivers seat for calais

kev

[Ghia351]

The base Calais is only $1,000 RRP cheaper than the G6E

The G6ET sits against Calais V V6 price wise - within $1,000 again.

I hate to say it but brand loyalty alone is why I got the MY9.5 Calais - it may not happen again if I can get more in the Ford product. I only have them for 6 months so it doesn't matter if the Ford falls apart at 40,000km :)You would have to order a V8 Calais V to put it in the same suburb as a G6ET so pricing changes even further...but then again I'm a little biased.:nyuk:

[CLUBRED]

Saw a SIDI badged SV6 today (Ivy colour), didn't know they'd been rolled out yet, in Brisbane CBD around 5pm.

[Tubbie]

yeah they are, noticed the first lot of stock at work today already pre-sold.