Holden VE Commodore Sportwagon

The all-new Holden VE Commodore Sportwagon has been widely praised for its stylish good looks since being unveiled as a production-based concept at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

Sportwagon offers all the ride and handling benefits of a sedan in a desirable and practical body style set to appeal to private and business buyers alike.

The range has more than doubled from three to seven variants over the previous generation, increasing choice for customers. Enhanced safety features include Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), six airbags (including curtain airbags) and Rear Park Assist standard across the range.

Price is another drawcard, with the 2008 Holden Sportwagon range starting from $37,790 for Omega and each model only $1,000 more than its Commodore sedan equivalent.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said: "The Holden Sportwagon hits the sweet spot between form and function. We are excited about its potential.

"Where 90 per cent of Holden's wagon sales have traditionally gone to fleets, Sportwagon can redefine the wagon stereotype by bringing greater style and performance to this segment and putting excitement back into practicality.

"The generous interior space, combined with sporty styling and sedan-like handling, will give this vehicle a competitive edge and it challenges traditional SUV buyers to take another look at a wagon.

2008 Holden VE Commodore Sportwagon

"Sportwagon demonstrates the flexibility of our local operations and stretches the body architecture in yet another way to maximise the value of our investment in the all-new VE range.

"This is another great example of a world class product designed, engineered and built in Australia that all Australians can be proud of."

Clever design sees the new Sportwagon using the same short wheelbase underbody as the Commodore sedan to give the sleek proportions and driving dynamics of a sedan, yet deliver a spacious cargo area. Cargo space of 895 litres with rear seats up increases to 2000 litres with the seats folded down.

The length of the cargo area extends to almost two metres with rear seats folded flat. Sportwagon boasts the largest amount of rear headroom of all the VE variants and increased rear knee and leg room over its VZ predecessor.

Sliding the tailgate hinge point well forward into the roof has also delivered benefits.

It has improved accessibility by allowing better reach into the vehicle and the more vertical tailgate opening action requires less clearance behind the car, making access easier in car parks and other confined spaces.

Functionality is also further improved with the introduction of a two-position cargo blind that slides up the D pillar. When raised, it allows items to be loaded to window height and it can be easily lowered again to conceal and protect valuable objects without the inconvenience of having to reach into the back seat.

Other design improvements likely to appeal to family and business users alike include a higher cargo floor load level than the previous model and handy features including:

• Two shopping bag hooks;
• Eight tie-down hooks in the cargo area;
• 12 volt power outlet;
• Low mounted cargo lamp.

V6 Engines

Lightweight all-alloy Alloytec V6 operates with advanced double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. A combination of high feature technologies allows it to extract more power from less fuel, with fewer emissions.

The variable intake manifold facilitates maximum torque at low to medium engine speeds and increases power at high speed.

3.6 litre Alloytec V6

standard on Omega and Berlina (4-speed auto); single exhaust

• Peak power of 180kW @ 6000rpm (up from 172kW @ 6000rpm on VZ).
• Peak torque is 330Nm @ 2600rpm (up from 320Nm @ 2800rpm on VZ)

3.6 litre High Output Alloytec V6

standard on SV6 (6-speed manual); Calais, Calais V (5-speed auto); dual exhaust

Equipped with variable cam phasing on exhaust as well as inlet camshafts for increased efficiency. Electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated, continuously variable cam phasing brings outstanding camshaft operational flexibility, permitting variability of valve timing to maximise performance, fuel economy and emissions control.

• Peak power of 195kW @ 6500rpm (up from 190kW @ 6500rpm on VZ).
• Peak torque of 340Nm @ 2600rpm (up from 335Nm @ 3200rpm on VZ).

V6 Transmissions

Four-speed 4L60E automatic

The 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission is mated to the 180kW Alloytec V6 engine. This transmission has been developed over time to an increasingly high level of refinement.

Five-speed 5L40E automatic with Active Select

Tap up/tap down control located on the shifter. Retains performance mode liftfoot, which detects sporty driving and holds gears rather than allow upshifts. A powertrain braking feature recognises long downgrades and selects a lower gear.

Six-speed Aisin AY6 manual

Isolated shift assembly reduces transmission noise, improves comfort. Short gear lever length provides a sporty shift feel, clutch pedal travel is reduced; an over-centre assist spring reduces clutch effort, provides sporty feel.

V8 Engine

• 270kW 6.0 litre Generation IV alloy V8 engine standard on SS and SS V (6-speed manual); quad exhaust
• Peak power 270kW @ 5700rpm (up from 260kW @5600rpm on VZ).
• Peak torque 530Nm @4400rpm (up from 510Nm @ 4400rpm on VZ) using 98 RON fuel
• V8 teamed with six-speed manual transmission
• Optional six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
• Calibration changes to V8 pedal map result in a smoother ramp-in of torque during acceleration, meaning more progressive power delivery and improved driveability.

V8 Transmissions

Six-speed 6L80E automatic with Active Select

Delivers world-class shift quality. It has a rigid aluminium case for low noise transfer to the vehicle and high torque capacity.

Features clutch-to-clutch shifting. For most gear changes, the clutch is engaged in one gear at exactly the time it is released in another, optimising performance.

Second gear has a free-wheeling action; second gear clutch engages while the first gear clutch spins freely, allowing greater smoothness at lower speeds. Features performance mode liftfoot and powertrain braking.

Six-speed Tremec T-56 manual

Improvements include shorter gear ratios for improved launch feel, better acceleration and improved overtaking performance in fifth gear. There is increased synchroniser capacity in all gears and linear bearings replace bushes on shift rods inside the transmissions.

Shift efforts are reduced and shifts are faster. A fully isolated remote shifter reduces noise into the cabin and allows less vibration through the gear knob.

Shorter shift travel at the gear knob enhances ergonomics and provides a sporty shift feel. Clutch pedal travel is reduced, pedal peak effort is reduced.

Driveline and differential

The straight propshaft geometry reduces driveline angles, providing N&V improvements. ZF double-isolated differentia increases torque capacity, improves efficiency.

Limited slip differential standard on Sportwagon SS and SS V

Holden VE Commodore Sportwagon Highlights

• Great style, performance and practicality
• All the storage advantages that come with a wagon
• Seats five adults in comfort
• Higher cargo floor makes it easier to load
• Two-position cargo blind that slides up the D pillar
• 60:40 split second row seat which can be folded flat to accommodate larger items
• Innovative tailgate requires less opening space

Safety

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) standard on all models
• Driver, front passenger and side impact airbags standard on all models
• Curtain airbags standard on all models
• Rear Park Assist standard on all models
• Occupant protection system designed for the real world driving environment
• Ultra-stiff body structure, multiple load path strategy and structurally optimised front and rear deformation zones

Technology

• Roof-mounted DVD system available on selected models
• Integrated navigation system available on all models
• Multi-function driver information display system
• Bluetooth® for compatible phones^ standard on all models except Omega

Performance

• The multi-link Linear Control Suspension system is the most advanced suspension design ever under a Holden
• Large, fade-resistant brake systems help reduce stopping distances
• Increased diameter wheel and tyre packages for braking and cornering control
• Two V6 engine versions are available: an Alloytec 3.6 litre V6 with single exhaust; and the Alloytec High Output 3.6 litre V6 with dual exhaust
• 6.0 litre Generation 4 Alloy V8 coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, or optional six-speed automatic transmission