Holden · 2006–2013

Holden Commodore (VE)

The Holden Commodore (VE) is a full-size car that was produced from 2006 to 2013 by Holden, the former Australian subsidiary of General Motors. Dubbed Holden's "billion dollar baby", the car was available as the Holden Berlina—the mid-range model—and the Holden Calais, the luxury variant; utility body styles were marketed as the Holden Ute. Succeeding the VZ series, the VE was the first iteration of the fourth generation of the Holden Commodore, a series of automobiles built between 1978 and 2020. Unlike its predecessors, which used Opel-sourced platforms adapted to mechanics and sizes that would suit the local market, the VE was the first Commodore entirely designed and developed by Holden in Australia. To minimise export redevelopment costs, features such as a symmetrical centre console housing a flush-fitting hand brake lever facilitated the conversion to left-hand drive. The VE was internationally badge-engineered as the Chevrolet Lumina, Chevrolet Omega, Bitter Vero Sport and Pontiac G8. Holden introduced the VE body styles in stages, beginning with the sedan in July 2006. Before this, the company stated they would manufacture two parallel generations of Commodores until the launch of the station wagon and utility. Variants by Holden's performance vehicle partner, Holden Special Vehicles, were released soon after the sedan's debut alongside the long-wheelbase WM Statesman/Caprice models. The VE Ute entered production in 2007, coinciding with the unveiling of the Sportwagon concept car. The production version of the VE Sportwagon—which shared its 2,915 mm (114.8 in) wheelbase with the sedan instead of the extended wheelbase from the Caprice, like previous models—was introduced in July 2008. Named the 2006 Car of the Year by Wheels, the VE frequently ranked as the annual best-selling automobile in Australia over its production run. Holden introduced updates to the VE as model year (MY) changes. Typically subtle, these recurring changes involved alterations to colours and trim, increased standard equipment and reduced fuel consumption. More noteworthy adjustments have come in the form of a smaller 3.0-litre V6 engine for entry-level versions and "Series II" styling revisions in September 2010.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Holden Commodore (VZ) · Successor: Holden Commodore (VF)

All Holden Commodore data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Development

Official manufacture of the VE sedan began at Holden's production facility in Elizabeth, South Australia, on 13 July 2006. Three days later, Holden debuted the car at the Melbourne Convention Centre, an event that was broadcast simultaneously via the Internet. Its debut occurred alongside that of the company's flagship model, the Statesman/Caprice (WM). Before this, Holden announced that the VE station wagon and utility body styles would be delayed, while the VZ equivalents would continue to be produced. The VE Ute was revealed on 22 August 2007. This was followed by the unveiling of the Sportwagon concept late that year, the production version of which was released in July 2008. Sedan. Across the seven years of development the VE became Holden's largest and most expensive project, representing an expenditure of approximately A$1.03 billion and 3.4 million kilometres (2.1 million miles) of testing. Following the investment, some critics referred to the VE by the sobriquet "billion dollar baby". In late 1998, design chief Michael Simcoe sketched the initial concept for the VE—a rakish sedan with a long wheelbase and shorter overhangs—to guide management and designers. The sketch formed the design basis for the eventual production-ready car. In early 1999 Peter Hughes—manager of exterior design for Holden—produced a two-dimensional image of a sketch drawn earlier by Simcoe. By late 2000 eight initial exterior sketches were selected, then narrowed down to four through a voting process within the design team. These designs featured the same core elements: prominent wheel arches, an aggressive stance, dynamic lines and short overhangs. Full-size clay models of the four chosen sketches were created. By July 2002, the speculative phase had ended, and a single exterior design d

Safety

Engine placement was a contentious issue during development. Holden's designers advocated for the engine to be positioned well behind the front axle, aiming to achieve short overhangs and an overall sportier appearance. However, this approach raised concerns among crash engineers, who feared it would reduce the body's impact absorption in the event of an accident. To resolve the conflicting perspectives, a consensus was reached between designers and crash engineers, resulting in the relocation of engine components, including relocating the battery to the boot, which freed valuable front-end space. By having the engine moved back and lower down, the VE Commodore also benefits from near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution across all variants, leading to superior handling. Crash engineers implemented several other safety initiatives, including relocating the fuel tank to be in front of the rear-axle line, instead of behind. In July 2006, Holden claimed that the VE featured one of the best body structures globally. They cited an extensive series of assessments, comprising over 5,000 simulated tests and 79 live barrier tests. Crash test results from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) rate the VE lower in the offset frontal impact test than the VZ. The overall crash score was marginally higher than for the previous VZ, due to improvements in side impact protection giving a score of 27.45 out of 37, or a four-star rating out of a possible five. In March 2008, having six airbags as standard in the MY09 update made the VE eligible for the ANCAP side pole test, yielding additional safety points. The second stage of the VE's safety rollout in October 2008, for MY09.5, included, across the VE range, the addition of an energy-absorbing steering column shroud and redes

Powertrains

Holden, recognising the risks of simultaneously introducing a new platform and drivetrain, introduced the Australian-built Alloytec V6 engine derived from the proven VZ model. Adapting a proven engine design lessened the likelihood that Holden would find, and have to rectify, faults before starting production. The original base V6 benefited from power increases compared to the VZ, with engine noise decreased by implementing new timing chains, among other modifications. The four-speed GM 4L60-E automatic transmission—earlier iterations of which were first introduced to the Commodore in 1988 with the VN series—remained for this engine, with subtle alterations to its functionality. Manual transmission options were the six-speed Aisin AY6 (available with the High Output Alloytec V6) and Tremec TR6060 six-speed (for the V8), while two automatics featuring Active Select functionality were offered as the five-speed GM 5L40-E (for the High Output Alloytec V6) and six-speed GM 6L80-E (for the V8). At launch for the VE, the February 2006 onwards VZ's L76 V8 engine was eschewed in lieu of the L98, which did not include the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology included with the L76. In October 2006 Holden introduced a bi-fuel variant of the Alloytec V6, offered in the Omega and Berlina variants. This version can run on both petrol and LPG, incorporating an advanced Sequential Vapour Gas Injection system and reinforced valve seats for durability. The bi-fuel V6 delivers slightly lower performance—5 kW (7 hp) and 5 N⋅m (4 lb⋅ft) less than the conventional V6 when running on LPG—resulting in a total of 175 kW (235 hp). The engine uses a large 100 kg (220 lb) cylindrical gas tank, which results in decreased boot space and slightly increased fuel consumption. On 16 Octobe

Models

=== Commodore Omega === Replacing both the Commodore Executive and Acclaim, the Omega was the entry-level option with basic standard equipment. The most significant gain over the Executive was inclusion of the Bosch version 8.0 electronic stability control system as a standard feature across the range. The Omega, along with all VE models, came with a "space saver" spare tyre, which faced criticism. Concerns were raised about its practicality; the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria published studies indicating that these thinner, temporary spare tyres significantly degrade a car's driving dynamics. Holden argued that the "space saver" spare tyre was a weight-saving feature. Critics also highlighted the absence of standard air conditioning for the Omega model; this was rectified with the MY09 upgrade of the Omega. Holden offered five limited edition models based on the Commodore Omega. Launched in the middle of 2006, the V-Series Commodore featured a sports-oriented body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, colour-matched wing mirrors and exterior door handles. The Lumina model was launched in June 2007. In addition to the features of the Omega, it included Bluetooth phone connectivity and rear parking sensors. On 1 May 2008, the 60th Anniversary model was released to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the 48–215—the company's first model. It included unique 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seat inserts and special "60th Anniversary" badging. Available from March 2009 in sedan and Sportwagon variants, the International models featured alloy wheels from the Calais V, front fog lamps, a six-disc CD changer, leather trim and Bluetooth connectivity. In October 2009, a revamped Omega was introduced; it came with a choice of a 3.0-litre SIDI V6 engine with a six-speed a

Model year changes

Like the VZ model before it, the fourth generation of the Commodore continued the tradition of significant updates, often marked by new model designations—such as the third-generation update of the VT, followed by the VX, VY and VZ models—interspersed with "Series II" and, occasionally, "Series III" revisions. Throughout the VE's lifespan, Holden also introduced a series of changes to the car, identified by the model year (MY). Series I. The MY09 models were launched on 15 March 2008. Six airbags became the standard across the range, replacing the previous two airbags in the Omega variant and four in the SV6. Standard features—such as air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured wing mirrors and door handles and a new grille insert with chrome accents—were added to the Omega models. The subsequent MY09.5 upgrades affected models ordered from 21 October 2008 and produced from November of that year. These updates included standardising the instrument cluster illumination and removing the turn-by-turn navigation and Berlina V8 options. The "premium" version of the Alloytec V6 was introduced to the Omega and Berlina, offering improved fuel consumption with a slight reduction in engine output (see above). Various safety upgrades were also implemented (see above). Additional MY09.5 changes were introduced in March 2009. The space-saver spare wheel was discontinued, with two options offered instead: a lightweight tyre inflator kit or a full-size spare wheel. The Sportwagon body styles of the Calais V and SS V variants received an alloy spare wheel if the full-size spare were chosen, while the remainder of the line-up received a steel-wheel spare. Holden also replaced the dark-grey horizontal dashboard strip and steering wheel spokes on the SV6, SS and SS V with a matt

HSV range (E Series)

Holden marketed the high-performance versions of the VE Commodore through its performance division, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), as the E Series. Launched in August 2006, the E Series lineup included the Clubsport, Maloo, Senator, and GTS models. The lineup featured distinctive styling elements, including LED taillights and vertical front wing grilles, and were initially powered by a 6.0-litre LS2 V8 engine, which was replaced by a 6.2-litre LS3 V8 in 2008. The E Series 2 was released in 2010; the update introduced a facelift with new bumpers, a twin-nostril bonnet, launch control and stability control with normal and competition modes. With the introduction of the E Series 3 in 2011, the car received LPG compatibility, updated driver interface technology and several interior alterations, including a standard touchscreen and leather trim. The Clubsport lineup included variants such as the R8 Tourer (station wagon), the CSV CR8 for export to the Middle East, and the Vauxhall VXR8 for the United Kingdom. The W427, a limited-edition model, was equipped with a 7.0-litre LS7 V8 engine, producing 375 kW (503 hp) and 640 N⋅m (472 lb⋅ft) of torque, making it the most powerful vehicle in the E Series lineup.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Holden Commodore (VE)
Manufacturer: Holden
aka: Holden Berlina, Holden Calais, Holden Ute, HSV E Series, Chevrolet Lumina (Middle East and South Africa), Chevrolet Omega (Brazil), Pontiac G8 (North America), Vauxhall VXR8 (UK), CSV CR8 (Middle East)
Production: July 2006 – May 2013 (sedan), August 2007 – May 2013 (utility), July 2008 – May 2013 (wagon)
Assembly: Australia: Adelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth)
Designer: Peter Hughes (2003)
Class: Full-size
Body style: 2-door coupé utility, 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon
Platform: GM Zeta
Related: Buick Park Avenue (China), Chevrolet Camaro (fifth generation), Holden Statesman/Caprice (WM), Holden Special Vehicles GTS/Clubsport
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: 3.0 L LF1 V6 (2006–2010), 3.0 L LFW V6 (2010–2013), 3.6 L LY7 V6, 3.6 L LFX V6, 6.0 L L98 V8 (Manual 2008–2010), 6.0 L L76 V8 (Auto 2008–2010), 6.0 L L77 V8, 6.2 L LS3 V8 (HSV and Pontiac), 7.0 L LS7 V8 (HSV only)
Transmission: 4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic, 5-speed GM 5L40-E automatic, 6-speed GM 6L50 automatic, 6-speed GM 6L80-E automatic, 6-speed Aisin AY6 manual, 6-speed Tremec T56 manual
Wheelbase: 2915 mm (sedan, wagon), 3009 mm (utility)
Length: 4894 - (sedan), 4896 - (wagon), 5040 - (utility)
Width: 1899 mm
Height: 1471 -
Kerb weight: 1690 - (sedan), 1837 - (wagon), 1620 - (utility)
sp: uk
Predecessor: Holden Commodore (VZ)
Successor: Holden Commodore (VF)