Diesel Commodore To Arrive In The Next 12 Months

[JoeT]

Diesel Commodore Looms On Horizon

Gautam Sharma
7 November 2006
www.carpoint.com.au

A high-tech diesel-powered VE Commodore will arrive in Holden showrooms within 12 months.

This engine is one of the silver bullets that Holden hopes will help guarantee the long-term viability of its VE Commodore line-up in an environment where the small- and medium-car classes are steadily eating into its market segment.

The state-of-the-art 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 matches -- at least on paper -- the credentials of any similar-sized oil burner being offered by the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Featuring a double-overhead-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder layout and common-rail injection, the VM Motori-built RA 630 powerplant ekes out an impressive 184kW at 4000rpm and a rippling 500Nm at 1800rpm, according to the manufacturer's figures.

By comparison, BMW's 3.0-litre diesel puts out 160kW/480Nm, Mercedes-Benz's 3.0 V6 offers 165kW/510Nm, while Audi's similarly sized unit has 165kW/450Nm.

Apart from its formidable power and torque outputs, which eclipse those of the base-model Commodore's 3.6-litre petrol V6, the VM Motori diesel unit also promises ultra-frugal fuel consumption.

It's no secret that Holden has been evaluating diesel powerplants for some time now.

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VM Motori RA 630 turbo-diesel V6 specifications
Displacement: 2987cc
Configuration: DOHC 60-degree V6
Injection: Common rail CP3
Max power: 184kW/4000 rpm
Torque: 500Nm/1800 rpm
Weight: 240kg
Emissions: EURO V

[Sinner]

Diesel Impala anyone?

[KIDDIESEL79]

In English, can someone tell me what this engine is equal too?

[Kappa]

That diesel might do well here in the states, since in any mid-size car, truck or suv could use it. So whenever GM gets it produced, its just when or if they decide to bring it over then, but good move either way for Holden to.

[Greg Burr]

Originally Posted by KIDDIESEL79

In English, can someone tell me what this engine is equal too?

In hp terms 184kw/75% is about 245 hp. It should not be wanting for torque.

That's my guess.

[GM_Fanatic]

Is this engine going on any other platforms across GM's global lineup? It sounds like one heck of an engine!

[jbartley]

this would be fantastic over here in the pontiac and chevy lineups!

[BBDOS CV8]

Originally Posted by KIDDIESEL79

In English, can someone tell me what this engine is equal too?

Don't you mean in Yankee?

It's about 250hp and 370ft lb - at 1800rpm from 3.0 litres. So similar figures to a HFV6 3.6 although the 'feel' will be quite different. It probably won't accelerate as quick, but will probably get 1-2l/100km better.

Oh, sorry, I forgot we were dealing with a 20th century culture - that's 3-6 mpg better in old-speak. So it will likely average about 26-28 USmpg combined compared to the current Commodore's 22. Probbaly something like 23-24 city and 30-32 country. Hard to be specific without it being tested.

That's on a car the size of and heavier than the Impala.

These sites are your friend to understand Mr Metric Converter

[AndrewGS]

Originally Posted by KIDDIESEL79

In English, can someone tell me what this engine is equal too?

245HP @ 4,000RPM
365LB-FT @ 1,800RPM

[Platt_Mallar]

Nice motor! Expand production and sell that honkey over here!

[RedVee8]

HFV6 power + V8 torque

[01cavalier]

Very nice, with that kind of power I wouldn't be surprised to see it outrun the HF V6, and use less gas than an Ecotec. Could really help sales in every market.

[jbernie]

Great news for Holden, getting a more fuel efficent one will help them alot, might get some people to move up a little to Commodore from something smaller..

Thought the car was more efficent though, hopefully they can get the dual mode system as well and push those numbers up a bit more.

[mikmak]

Euro V compliance is also pretty impressive. Anyone one know when this requirement comes into effect in Oz?

That is a seriously great spec for a 3.0l D. Pretty appropriate putting it on the Berlina (pictured) as I can see retirees using them to tow caravans all over the country.

Hopefully Ford has something similar on the way.

[Martino_z]

This is great news. I know weve been hearing it would be getting a VM Motori engine for ages now, but to finally see the specs is fantastic. Certainly this will be a feature to get more interest from those who perhaps wouldn't have considered a large petrol car or are looking at a european diesel car. This is stickin it to the man (toyota that is).