17 January 2006 - MORE GO FOR HOLDEN’S PERFORMANCE HEROES

[Sidewindr]

17 January 2006 - MORE GO FOR HOLDEN’S PERFORMANCE HEROES

The most powerful standard engine ever offered by Holden will be installed in all 2006 model year Holden V8 vehicles. A new 6.0-litre alloy engine will deliver 260kW of peak power at 5600rpm and 510Nm of peak torque at 4400rpm across all V8 variants in the Holden range.

Torque delivery is significantly increased at lower revs offering improved acceleration, low speed engine response and improved ease of towing than the previous 5.7-litre engine. Codenamed L76, the new engine is a member of GM’s fourth generation small block V8 family. The 2006 Holden range is the first application of L76 within General Motors around the world. The L76 will be available in SV8, SS, Calais and Berlina sedans, Statesman and Caprice prestige vehicles, Berlina wagon, Ute SS, Crewman SS and Crewman Cross8. This offers power increases in all new vehicles compared with the 2005 variants.

Commodore SS sedan and SS Ute receive front and rear performance brakes standard whilst SS Crewman adopts performance front brakes. The front rotor is 320mm x 32mm vented compared with 296mm x 28mm vented on the previous standard system. The rear rotor is 286mm x 18mm vented compared with 286mm x 16mm solid. The extra performance will be managed with better breathing sports exhaust and significant improvements to automatic transmission characteristics. From an environmental perspective, all new variants meet strict ADR79/01 emission regulations which came into effect on 1 January 2006.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said the new powertrain continued Holden’s evolution as the leader in affordable V8 performance. He said low end torque and responsiveness took the V8 models to a new level which delivered performance and economy to owners. “The extra power is mainly noticeable where it’s most useable down low in the rev cycle,” Mr Mooney said. “We’ve heard what our customers have been saying about useable torque and the new L76 engine delivers that well. The cars deliver excellent power-to-weight ratio and we’ve also managed to retain the impressive fuel economy which the Holden V8s can deliver.”

Details of the L76 engine, which will be manufactured in Mexico, were announced in North America in late 2005. The powertrain will also be installed in 2007 model year sports utility vehicles for the US market. The L76 incorporates several significant changes to improve performance compared with the 5.7L LS1 third generation engine it replaces as the heartbeat of Holden’s V8 fleet.

Key changes include -
All-new aluminium cylinder block casting
Cylinder bores measuring 101.6 mm in diameter, combined with stroke of 92.0 mm
Revised high-flow cylinder heads deliver the airflow necessary to complement the engine’s larger displacement
55mm inlet valve and 40.4mm exhaust valve diameter
Flat-top piston design
Compression ratio raised to 10.4:1 from 10.1:1
More efficient ignition coils require less energy to provide a comparable spark
Larger, 90-mm single-blade throttle body
Revised and more powerful engine controller incorporates electronic throttle control
External knock sensorsSignificant testing and calibration development requirements mean Holden has not initiated cylinder deactivation technology.

The V8s will be mated to the reliable 4L65-E four-speed automatic transmission which has been revised with an input shaft speed sensor. The speed sensor noticeably improves shift quality and consistency under varied conditions, particularly low throttle. he Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission has a revised clutch plate and pressure plate for transmission of increased engine torque.

Start of production of MY06 variants starts in February at the Elizabeth, South Australia facility following $35 million of upgrade works during the Christmas and New Year break. More than $400 million has been spent on the SA manufacturing operations in the past three years.

Model year 2006 changes – V8 variants

SS sedan
VZ Monaro CV8 alloy wheels (including spare) – standard
Performance brakes front and rear – standard
Performance exhaust – standard
Leather seats – standard
Silver Grey accent stitching on steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake handle on all interior combinations
Rec. retail price $51,790 excluding government and dealer chargesUte SS
Performance brakes front and rear – standard
Performance exhaust – standard
Devil Yellow colour new to Ute
Rec. retail price $41,490 excluding government and dealer chargesCrewman SS
SS Crewman adopts performance front brakes
Performance exhaust – standard
Rec. price $47,690 excluding government and dealer chargesGen 4 L76 6.0L engine – key data

Location - Front Longitudinal
Type - 90 Deg. OHV V8
Capacity (cm3) - 5967
Bore x Stroke (mm) - 101.6 x 92.0
Compression Ratio - 10.4:1
Cylinders - 8
Firing Order - 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
Cylinder Block - Cast Aluminium with cast in place Iron bore liners
Bore Spacing C/L to C/L (mm) - 111.76
Crankshaft - Cast nodular Iron
Pistons - Cast Aluminium Alloy
Connecting Rod - Forged Powdered Metal
Cylinder Head - Cast Aluminium
Valvetrain - Single in block camshaft; hydraulic roller lifters; push
rods; roller rockers; two over head valves per cylinder

Gen 4 L76 6.0L engine – fuel economy

Fuel economy (ADR081/01) - Gen 4 V8
Berlina sedan - 14.0 (AT)
Berlina wagon - 14.0 (AT)
Calais - 14.0 (AT)
SV8 - 14.0 (AT) 14.6 (MT)
SS - 14.0 (AT) 14.6 (MT)
Ute SS - 14.0 (AT) 14.6 (MT)
Crewman SS - 15.3 (AT) 14.8 (MT)
Crewman Cross 8 - 15.6 (AT)
Statesman - 14.0 (AT)
Caprice - 14.3 (AT)

[Goggles]

manual SS looks like a nice bit of kit.....

any pics available? - I can't access my usual link at work

[Sidewindr]

Holden inform that images will be made available shortly ..

[XLR8 V8]

Blue is back for SS owners .... yummy!

http://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006011667270_PV.jpg http://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006011667280_PV.jpg
http://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006011667299_PV.jpg http://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006011667289_PV.jpg
http://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006011667309_PV.jpg http://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006011667319_PV.jpg
http://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYIIGMC2006011667339_PV.jpg http://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006011667349_PV.jpg
http://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006011667329_PV.jpg

Hires Versions can be found HERE (http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/*query?ws4d_nav=true&search_criteria=holden&source=all&page=1)

Personally I would have place the V8 6.0 badge under the indicator/vent rather than where it has been put .... looks like an afterthought.

[chops]

VZ Monaro CV8 alloy wheels (including spare) – standard
Interesting to see a move back to an alloy spare. Presumably this is to clear the bigger brakes on the SS. I wonder if this will filter through to other models though.

[korrupt]

6.0 GEN-4 engine covers :drool:

Doesn't look like the high performance brakes get the red calipers anymore.

[SV99]

Personally I would have place the V8 6.0 badge under the indicator/vent rather than where it has been put .... looks like an afterthought.

thats what i was thinking too. although DOD didnt raise its head anywhere or Varible Valve/cam timing. ???

[VY2 LS1]

Say all together...
"Amen."

[Nemo]

Leather as standard ! that means climate as standard, I hope this includes the Police packs :bravo:

[Road Warrior]

Ooer a Police Pack. Time to start lurking around the auctions (in about 12 months). A 6.0 litre ex cop car, that will set the cat amongst the pigeons.

Looking at the internal changes to the engine it would seem that the usual mods are going to yield some rewarding results:nyuk:

[Tez82]

Looks like one nice machine hehehe lets watch the prices of all the Vz's go down :) There will no doubt be some great bargins out there though. But with Leather standard now on the SS that was a suprise :)

[cprisoner]

All i can say is, Im glad i edited my Munro...

Cant have an SS beating me just yet ;)

[ACT_Cross8]

although DOD didnt raise its head anywhere or Varible Valve/cam timing. ???

Yeah, you'd think that would rate a mention (if it was actually there). Maybe that will come with VZIII (I mean VE :lol: )

[cosmo vyss]

MMMMMMM Very very nice.........Blue looks tops as well. Now just to convince the minister for finance and entertainment that this is something we should get.

[HRT433]

soo.....all those bonus 'goodies' that SSZ buyers got ie: premium performance brakes, leather, climate control, Monaro alloys, rear park assist etc...

...are all standard on the new 2006 SS...

that just leaves badging differences...oh and the new 6L V8 :D

as for the V8 badge being way down low, I guess thats because its where it'll probably end up on the VE, well according to MOTORs pics anyway.

[jsttry]

Bigger brakes, hmmm I wonder if that means no more 15" slicks or drag radials without a brake change

[Goggles]

MMMMMMM Very very nice.........Blue looks tops as well. Now just to convince the minister for finance and entertainment that this is something we should get.

I think I have already done that...:)

[KeenGolfer]

I think I have already done that...:)
I think I'll be hopping down to GS when they have stock and going for a :burnout:

[Pickles]

A 6 litre VZ SS looks like an excellent package to me. Holden should have fitted the L76 to the CV8Z. The L76 will also give HSV a bit of a "hurry up", but a HSV power increase for VE is expected, which will be needed to even maintain current performance levels.
All this, combined with VZ's lighter weight, should, as I've said, make the 6 litre VZ SS a quick, & a good "value for money" package.
Cheers, Pickles.

[pagey]

Bigger brakes, hmmm I wonder if that means no more 15" slicks or drag radials without a brake change


The rears were still the same @ 286mm... just vented instead of solid.. plenty of room for the MT 15's :cool:

[Goggles]

I think I'll be hopping down to GS when they have stock and going for a :burnout:

slightly off-topic but I did my burnout this morning...in my current car....what happens when the car is on a driveway (which slopes down) and one of the rear wheels is sitting in mud - due to all that rain we have had in Canberra in the last few days.

anyway, wouldn't 260kW be a step down for you??

[smoken2]

soo.....all those bonus 'goodies' that SSZ buyers got ie: premium performance brakes, leather, climate control, Monaro alloys, rear park assist etc...

...are all standard on the new 2006 SS...

that just leaves badging differences...oh and the new 6L V8 :D

as for the V8 badge being way down low, I guess thats because its where it'll probably end up on the VE, well according to MOTORs pics anyway.

Hi,
I still believe the SSZ was a fair enought deal. My SSZ ute was $40,500 drive away in WA (highest stamp duty in Aus) and with a air box mod, pacie tri y's and dual 2 1/2" exhaust it made 286 RWHP running on 95 RON fuel at Motivation on the weekend (26 degrees AT). The new L76 power and torque figures are on 98 RON. But ha, it all looks good for furture L76 engine mods, IE 90mm throttle body, and that 4" bore is just perfect for a stroker kit.
Cheers.

[KeenGolfer]

anyway, wouldn't 260kW be a step down for you??

I won't be buying one, just want to see what the new engine is like :)

[Goggles]

I won't be buying one, just want to see what the new engine is like :)

didn't think you would.

I heard yesterday that "the special parts" for the L76 have been reserved for when it is used in the VE....this points to more power for the VE.

I was also told yesterday that the Holden dealers will receive full details of the MY06 VZ cars on 25 Jan. This may explain why the Holden website is not up to date.

[Holden]

There are a few questions re engine technology here: We stated at the time that "significant testing and calibration development requirements mean Holden has not initiated cylinder deactivation technology". In a nutshell - VZ is a short program. Hope this clarifies things.

[uyell]

FYI - The Holden website now lists the 6.0 litre engine for all V8 Models as of today.
The SS is certainly looking like a very nice deal now - and is in line now with the XR8 standard feature list, ie leather, climate, 18" wheels, performance brakes. About time!

[dru19]

they should of put this motor in the CV8-Z's

Dru

[ACT_Cross8]

There are a few questions re engine technology here: We stated at the time that "significant testing and calibration development requirements mean Holden has not initiated cylinder deactivation technology". In a nutshell - VZ is a short program. Hope this clarifies things.

So no DOD until VE then. Can I ask if the Cross8 will ever get the L76 with DOD before it comes to the end of it's live in the current VZ platform? If yes, I will upgrade my VYII when the lease runs out. If not, it might have to be a Typhoon...

[dru19]

Holden

are the new CV8-Z gonna have the 6.0L

Dru


There are a few questions re engine technology here: We stated at the time that "significant testing and calibration development requirements mean Holden has not initiated cylinder deactivation technology". In a nutshell - VZ is a short program. Hope this clarifies things.

[TigerMon]

no DOD :doh:
6L and only 260kw :limpy:
4 speed auto :rolleyes:
4 boring colours including red and blue, etc - whoa, plus black and white :spew:

The car is old and I don't think the 6L will save the sales dive. Especially when the engine could be so much more.

I wouldn't buy one, but I'd have one!

[KeenGolfer]

Holden

are the new CV8-Z gonna have the 6.0L

Dru

Dru, try searching first, it's all over this forum. The extra 400 have all been build in Dec and mostly all sold, so no.

[HSV,_I_GOT_ONE]

no DOD :doh:
6L and only 260kw :limpy:
4 speed auto :rolleyes:
4 boring colours including red and blue, etc - whoa, plus black and white :spew:

The car is old and I don't think the 6L will save the sales dive. Especially when the engine could be so much more.

I wouldn't buy one, but I'd have one!

I wouldnt be so sure. Sounds like it could be a beast of a car with just the usual bolt ons and 260kw sounds extremely detuned, either that or realworld power will be a smidgen more then whats quoted.

Does anybody know or is there even a link somewhere showing the differences between an LS2 and the L76? I'm just interested to know if there would be much difference between the 2 engines post edit.

[Goggles]

from Carsguide:
http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,17868703-21822,00.html

says that the auto V8 will go on sale in March, and the manual V8 in April....I hope that is not true as I was told that the manual V8 would go on sale in late Feb.

[dru19]

Dru, try searching first, it's all over this forum. The extra 400 have all been build in Dec and mostly all sold, so no.


hmm so they can produce the 400 at a drop of a hat, but i had to wait 4 months for it, lol funny isnt it.

Thanks for that drewbytes, good to know

Dru

[VX11SS]

I wouldnt be so sure. Sounds like it could be a beast of a car with just the usual bolt ons and 260kw sounds extremely detuned, either that or realworld power will be a smidgen more then whats quoted.

Does anybody know or is there even a link somewhere showing the differences between an LS2 and the L76? I'm just interested to know if there would be much difference between the 2 engines post edit.

from what I have read here te L76 isnt detuned, its not a hypo engine like the ls2 but Im sure there will be some room for a liitle improvement.

Jay

[HSV,_I_GOT_ONE]

from what I have read here te L76 isnt detuned, its not a hypo engine like the ls2 but Im sure there will be some room for a liitle improvement.

Jay

There must be something seriously asthmatic about that engine if it hasnt got much more in it then 260kw. Just think about it the LS1 in its final top guise with HSV was 285kw which was nothing compared to what you get mafless and its throttle body is only 75mm with a displacement of 5.7 litres. I think there is a lot more to be had with the L76. But then again I could be talking crap. For all I know it may have a real tiny cam holding it back? But I doubt it.

[Goanna]

Will this car be known as VZ series 2?. or just MY06 models??

[muayyadf1]

So LS2 on VE?


:confused:

[Goggles]

So LS2 on VE?


:confused:

not for Australian versions of the VE....also unlikely for export versions.

[BadMac]

I wouldnt be so sure. Sounds like it could be a beast of a car with just the usual bolt ons and 260kw sounds extremely detuned, either that or realworld power will be a smidgen more then whats quoted.

Does anybody know or is there even a link somewhere showing the differences between an LS2 and the L76? I'm just interested to know if there would be much difference between the 2 engines post edit.

Here is the LH6 which appears to be the 5.3l of the L76 6.0l (there is no L76 material yet!),
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/whats%20new/06%20truck%20eng/06_PWT_LH6.pdf

Here is the LS2 (a good read).
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/whats%20new/06%20car%20eng/06_PWT_LS2.pdf

and Here is the 6L80 6 speed auto which should appear in VE.
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/whats%20new/06%20auto%20trans/06_%20PWT_6L80%20(MYC).pdf

[xpantz]

no DOD :doh:
6L and only 260kw :limpy:
yeah I was hoping for another 10 (270) at least :yup:

4 boring colours including red and blue, etc - whoa, plus black and white :spew:
black is good... black car/windows/leather nice... I'm waiting for my 3rd black SS (in a row). I rekon white and heron are not much chop from a personal buyers point.

I wouldn't buy one, but I'd have one!
lol..

1st post... Hello all.

[SSZ-57L]

soo.....all those bonus 'goodies' that SSZ buyers got ie: premium performance brakes, leather, climate control, Monaro alloys, rear park assist etc...

...are all standard on the new 2006 SS...

that just leaves badging differences...oh and the new 6L V8 :D.

At least i will still have red calipers/bluetooth and centre binnicles..
But with my cai and extractors i cant wait to line up with one :)

[XLR8 V8]

More pics of the 6.0 VZ cars now online - including a new yellow SS ute

http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/*query?ws4d_nav=true&search_criteria=holden&source=all&page=1

http://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006012483011_PV.jpghttp://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006012482982_PV.jpghttp://www.ls1.com.au/news_pics/VYII/GMC2006012483209_PV.jpg

[SSZ-57L]

The yellow ute looks HOT !!

[GEN III]

Is the ute still riding on 17"s I mean look how small it looks.

[HeathLS2]

Hey guys and gals,

Working for Booran Holden in Dandenong as a sales consultant. We just got our first 6.0 VZ SS sedan today. As soon as it come in, suspension blocks out, fuel in the tank, trade plate on and away we go. I can tell you guys this thing is awesome. Excellent value for money with standard features now including the premium brakes (unpainted calipers) Leather, and the 18" CV8 wheels.

Defenetly smoother, more powerful and all round more fun to drive than the 5.7LS1. Hit the loud pedal from idle and it lights up the back treads instantly.

Straight from the bottom of the rev range it felt strong and pulled like a 6.0LS2 from the VZ HSV.

I enjoyed this car so much im going to place an order on a 6.0 SS Ute

Its the best thing thats happened to the SS for a long long time... You have to drive it

[Goggles]

Hey guys and gals,

Working for Booran Holden in Dandenong as a sales consultant. We just got our first 6.0 VZ SS sedan today. As soon as it come in, suspension blocks out, fuel in the tank, trade plate on and away we go. I can tell you guys this thing is awesome. Excellent value for money with standard features now including the premium brakes (unpainted calipers) Leather, and the 18" CV8 wheels.

Defenetly smoother, more powerful and all round more fun to drive than the 5.7LS1. Hit the loud pedal from idle and it lights up the back treads instantly.

Straight from the bottom of the rev range it felt strong and pulled like a 6.0LS2 from the VZ HSV.

I enjoyed this car so much im going to place an order on a 6.0 SS Ute

Its the best thing thats happened to the SS for a long long time... You have to drive it

can't wait to get mine then....was advised this morning, that I can expect delivery in last week of March.

[r8clubbie]

and they recon that the performance V8 is dead....this is the best era of horsepower ever....when could you buy off the rack a 14's (maybe 13's) car for the family to drive..............

Great news...

Dan

[HeathLS2]

We have actualy put our one on as a demonstrator so people can experience how good it is. Auto i think isnt going to be a problem but manual versions will be mid to late march delivery time.

Anyone interested in having a drive give me a call.... 0412 115 205

Heath

[Goggles]

a "review" by Carsguide:

Six for the beast
http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,18009645-27286,00.html

[simonwells]

I have been informed that my manual will be late April :(. Was also told it will be one of the first manuals.

[Goggles]

I have been informed that my manual will be late April :(. Was also told it will be one of the first manuals.

still waiting to hear an update on the delivery of mine.

[Goggles]

still waiting to hear an update on the delivery of mine.

still being told that it is end of March.