AIMS: Holden Launches 'Ecoline' Actice Fuel Management, LPG, Diesel & Production Volt

[BBDOS CV8]

Originally Posted by FierySolstice

What is the MPG difference in the Commodore Ecoline and the regular one? Wonder if the Pontiac G8 will get this version as well?

The Ecoline as it refers to the Commodore V6 is only about the lower cost of the LPG version, which is not going to the US.

What iwe are excited about, is the base two models, which currently get a 180Kw/235hp 3.6 with 4-speed auto getting the 195/260hp G8 motor and possibly the 5-speed auto out of the SV6/G8 which will make them match the Falcon with 190Kw/5-speed as standard. We've previously been told when that happens the SV6 (G8) and Calais upmarket versions will get the DI 226Kw/300hp HFV6 & six speed auto from the CTS. That would flow through to the G8.

The V8s might, with AFM also get E85 flex compatibility which would also transit to G8 GT, but ethanol-based fues stations are few and far between in Oz so no big deal to us. Shell was selling a 100 Octane hi-po Ethanol brew in a few city outlets but I think they dropped it.

[Stormin]

Originally Posted by Rick_VT

Wonder how much the Holden Volt will be, at least $50-60,000 with current exchange rates, wonder if Holden will get a tax break for it like NA?

I saw somewhere else that the contract was written in AUS$, so price could be $30,000 plus.

[mikmak]

That's ridiculously cheap!

I've checked the Holden Website (as I'm sure others have...or is it just me) and there is nothing about the 195kw/5speed combo for the bottom feeders. Perhaps it isn't available until the last quarter.

[Black AH CDX]

Originally Posted by RedVee8

Holy Crap Batman is right!
Lets see Mikmak, 60th Ann Sportwagon 195kw + poss 5sp.......

Yes the High Feature engine is going into the base model, but with the 4 speed auto and WITHOUT the 195kw power output.

Its simply because this will give the vehicle a better rating in the Green Guide.

So now both will have the Dual VVT.

Similar to the Rodeo/Colorado engine. And it will keep only 1 exhaaust.

[mikmak]

Ah feck!

I suppose it is a good thing, from an environmental perspective. No wonder they didn't make any noise about it.

....perhaps the only difference then will be tune (with flash being an easy fix).

[Generation IV]

Originally Posted by Black AH CDX

Yes the High Feature engine is going into the base model, but with the 4 speed auto and WITHOUT the 195kw power output.

Its simply because this will give the vehicle a better rating in the Green Guide.

So now both will have the Dual VVT.

Similar to the Rodeo/Colorado engine. And it will keep only 1 exhaaust.

Any word on the benefits this will have on the car? Improved fuel economy? Improved emissions? Improved smoothness
Including Dual VVT on an engine would have to bring some sort of benefits wouldn't it? And Holden have detuned the engine to make 180kW? So I guess that racing timing chain is pointless, may as well remove that. And exhaust. What are they thinking? They should make the whole range 195 for the time being, do a Ford and just have 195kW as standard throughout the range and get the DI 225 engine over straight away and slap that into the SV6, Calais's and Statesman/Caprice. And maybe HSV should get the DI 225, few modifications and give it a decent output, nice bodykit, just a little something for those who wont reach for a V8. Or maybe Holden should introduce an SV6-V or something. I'd definitely want the SSV interior and features with the DI 225 motor.

[RedVee8]

Originally Posted by Generation IV

Any word on the benefits this will have on the car? Improved fuel economy? Improved emissions? Improved smoothness
Including Dual VVT on an engine would have to bring some sort of benefits wouldn't it? And Holden have detuned the engine to make 180kW? So I guess that racing timing chain is pointless, may as well remove that. And exhaust. What are they thinking? They should make the whole range 195 for the time being, do a Ford and just have 195kW as standard throughout the range and get the DI 225 engine over straight away and slap that into the SV6, Calais's and Statesman/Caprice. And maybe HSV should get the DI 225, few modifications and give it a decent output, nice bodykit, just a little something for those who wont reach for a V8. Or maybe Holden should introduce an SV6-V or something. I'd definitely want the SSV interior and features with the DI 225 motor.

Yes, my thoughts were standardise the 195kw/5speed, use DI 225kw for SV6, Calais. I could then get my Calais next year without pining for the 6 litre AFM.....

[from oz]

Well here is why Holden kept the new V6 thing fairly quiet:

From GoAuto

Crucially, the entry-level Holden V6 now scores the variable exhaust valve timing system of the “High Output” V6 that powers models from the Calais upwards, but it remains mated to GM’s aged four-speed automatic transmission in the Omega and Berlina (and base Ute), which also miss out on premium models’ dual exhaust system.

As such, the “recalibrated” base V6 does not share the 195kW/340Nm performance outputs of the V6 found in premium models, nor even the 180kW and 330Nm peaks of the models they replace.

In fact, with 175kW available at 6500rpm (500rpm higher than before) and 325Nm of torque on tap from 2400rpm (200rpm lower than currently), Holden’s new entry-level V6 offers 5kW and 5Nm less than it did previously.

Now on par with the Commodore’s LPG Alloytec V6, Holden’s revised base petrol V6 is now at a greater performance disadvantage when compared with the Falcon’s 190kW/383Nm 4.0-litre straight six and the Aurion’s 200kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6, despite remaining less fuel-efficient.

[RedVee8]

^^^^ can only say, WTF!

[mikmak]

I was about to blurt out some profanities until I read the article. There is a loss of 2.5ish% power and 1.6% torque, there is a 2-4% gain in fuel economy. There is also a massive 3.1ish% drop in CO2 emissions for the base ute. Worth every penny.

The Omega is within 0.1l/100km of the XT Falcon (just a few paddocks away in regard to power).

Sure, most people (probably everyone) wont notice the difference in power/torque, but that isn't the point. The point is, Holden is not going forward. A five speed and even still with a single exhaust would have been progress. The difference in emissions is so tiny that no one is even going to care. Tell some one who is interested, that Holden dropped their emissions of their base sedan from 256g/km to 252, and they'll look at you like you just farted.

The only thing left to say is, I am very disappointed

[mmciau]

Originally Posted by mikmak

I was about to blurt out some profanities until I read the article. There is a loss of 2.5ish% power and 1.6% torque, there is a 2-4% gain in fuel economy. There is also a massive 3.1ish% drop in CO2 emissions for the base ute. Worth every penny.

The Omega is within 0.1l/100km of the XT Falcon (just a few paddocks away in regard to power).

Sure, most people (probably everyone) wont notice the difference in power/torque, but that isn't the point. The point is, Holden is not going forward. A five speed and even still with a single exhaust would have been progress. The difference in emissions is so tiny that no one is even going to care. Tell some one who is interested, that Holden dropped their emissions of their base sedan from 256g/km to 252, and they'll look at you like you just farted.

The only thing left to say is, I am very disappointed

mikmak,

Perhaps Holden should aggressively change tack and heavily promote the gains in economy from the V6 3.6 litre and that 'there are reductions in emissions.'

I believe it is futile in the current public climate in Australia to pursue a KW and Torque promotion because I believe 'Joe Public' is looking for an economical V6 if they can get one.

Holden has 'opened up' the choices with greater promotion of the LPG units and others and they must continue to do so otherwise ...!!!!!

I believe the days of focussing on 'squillions of KW and buckets of torque' need to be redirected to more economy for Holden to allow the Commodore to survive.



Mike

[mikmak]

That is far far far from the point. Forget about the kilowatts. The base Falcon has been in front for how long? As I said in my post, the difference in fuel savings and emissions is bugger all.

The 4 speed is 20 years old (for Commodore at least). 20! I've not been overtly concerned about it recently, because I was expecting the 5 speed to arrive sooner rather than later. Surely the addition of the 5 speed would have bought its own emissions benefit.

[mmciau]

Originally Posted by mikmak

...

The 4 speed is 20 years old (for Commodore at least). 20! I've not been overtly concerned about it recently, because I was expecting the 5 speed to arrive sooner rather than later. Surely the addition of the 5 speed would have bought its own emissions benefit.

Well, perhaps GM has 6 warehouses full of 4 speed autos they need to shift and we are the anointed ones!!

Mike

[mikmak]

Surely the Impala needs them.

[nota]

GM is reportedly looking to offload their plant in France that manufactures the 5-speed auto