Holden VF Commodore Sportwagon (2014)

Holden has improved the value of the SV6, with a reduced RRP of $35,990 (down $6,800), and boosted the value of the iconic SS reducing its RRP by $5,800 to $41,990. SV6 is powered by the 3.6L SIDI V6 with the SS stepping up to the 6.0L Gen IV V8 engine, both are standard with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Building on Evoke specifications, SV6 and SS gain Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert technologies in addition to their bold front and rear sports styling, side skirts, lip spoiler (on sedan) and chrome exhaust tip. A wing spoiler is now available as a factory-fitted option on sedan for $500 on sports models.

"Holden sports models have a very clear performance identity within the Commodore line-up and they're taking a huge leap forward with VF. They really are a class above the competitors with game-changing technology and Holden's performance credentials," Mr Brook said.

"Our enthusiast customers are our biggest fans and great supporters of the Holden brand. In the run-out of VE we've practically sold out of V8 models and dealers are reporting huge interest in the SS and other sports models.

"SS V-Series cranks up sports performance another notch and for just $3,500 customers can can gain new 19 inch alloys, leather appointed seats, satellite navigation, multi-function driver information display and sensor key technology with push button start."

The RRP for SS V is now under $50,000, reduced by $9,800 to $45,490. SS V Redline now starts at $51,490 for sedan, a roll back of $6,300. Redline adds Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Head-up Display on all body styles as well as the premium Bose® audio system and sunroof on sedan models.

SS V Redline is the ultimate in rear-wheel drive sports performance with Brembo® brakes, forged 19 inch alloys and an updated sports-tuned FE3 suspension package.

"The Holden engineering team is really proud of what they've been able to achieve with Redline. VF Redline also has wider rear wheels for extra traction and includes competition mode with launch control and track settings for the true enthusiasts who participate in track days," Mr Brook said.

"We launched the Redline range at Series II and it's been a huge success. Within two years it's carved out a spot at the top of the ladder as the absolute best in luxury, sports performance."

Mr Brook said Holden dealers could now take orders for VF Commodore models with the start of production later this month.

"Our goal with VF was to help customers find the car that suits them by simplifying our line-up - whether it's a family, an enthusiast, or a luxury car buyer - which also makes it easier for dealers and helps reduce complexity in our manufacturing operations," he said.

"VF Commodore has amazing, world-leading technology, sophisticated design and performance credentials that make it an incredible package. And what makes us most proud is that we designed, engineered and built Commodore in Australia.

"We have a new creative marketing direction for the Holden brand and we're reasserting ourselves in an incredibly competitive market.

"For Commodore, we're deliberately launching with a 'wow' pricing strategy that we think will make buying a Commodore a very easy decision and bring people back to the large car segment."

Evoke sedan and Sportwagon highlights:

• 3.0L SIDI V6 engine
• 6 airbags
• ECS, ABS & TCS
• 16" alloy wheels (4)
• Dual-zone climate control
• Electric Power Steering (EPS)
• Auto Park Assist
• Rear view camera
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Automatic release electric park brake
• Hill Hold Control and Hill Start Assist
• Trailer Sway Control
• ISOFIX child seat anchorage system
• Remote vehicle start (automatic transmission only)
• Enhanced multi-function display (one colour) with:
  • Vehicle information menu
  • Trip information menu
  • Fuel economy menu
  • Warning/messages
• Holden MyLink Infotainment System with 8" high-resolution colour touch-screen display
• Embedded Apps including Pandora® and Stitcher SmartRadio™
• Single CD player with MP3 capability
• Full iPod® intergration including Siri Eyes Free and touch screen access for playlists, artist, albums, songs and genres
• Enhanced voice recognition: phone calls, radio, navigation, smartphone/iPod®/MP3 or USB audio control
• Bluetooth® audio streaming and auxiliary input jack

SV6 and SS sedan and Sportwagon highlights over Evoke:

• 3.6L SIDI V6 engine (SV6) and 6.0-litre Gen IV V8 engine (SS)
• Front & rear sports fascia
• 18" alloy wheels (4)
• LED daylight running lamps
• Sportec/cloth sports seats
• Lip spoiler (sedan only)
• Blind Spot Alert (option on Evoke)
• Reverse Traffic Alert (option on Evoke)
• Sports styling: front and rear sports fascia, side skirts
• Chrome exhaust tip

SS V sedan and Sportwagon highlights over SS:

• 6.0-litre Gen IV V8 engine
• Leather appointed seats
• 19" alloy wheels
• Sensor key technology with push button start
• Front fog lamps
• Colour digital instrument display: vehicle information menu, trip information menu, fuel economy menu, warning/messages
• Satellite Navigation with full colour mapping with live traffic updates, traffic management control and points of interest
• Footwell lamps
• Eight Speakers
• DVD (playable when stationary)

SS V Redline highlights over SS V:

• Brembo® brakes
• Forged 19" alloy wheels (4)
• Colour Head-up Display
• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• Updated FE3 sports tuned suspension
• 9-speaker Bose® premium audio (sedan only) (option package on SS V with sunroof)
• Sunroof (sedan only)

Calais highlights over Evoke:

• 3.6L V6 SIDI engine
• Leather appointed seats
• 18" alloy wheels (4)
• Chrome highlights
• Sensor key technology with push button start
• Colour digital instrument display
• LED daylight running lamps
• Blind Spot Alert (option on Evoke)
• Reverse Traffic Alert (option on Evoke)
• Premium styling: front and rear premium fascia, chrome side door accent

Calais V highlights over Calais:

• 6.0L Gen IV V8 engine (option)
• 8-way power driver seat
• 19" alloy wheels (4)
• Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Alert
• Colour Head-up Display
• 9-speaker Bose® premium audio (sedan only)
• Satellite navigation with full colour mapping with live traffic updates, traffic management control and points of interest (option on Calais)
• Rain sensing wipers
• Heated front seats
• Sunroof (sedan only)
• DVD (playable stationary)

VF Commodore - Stronger, Safer, Smarter

Today, more than ever, safety is one of the primary considerations for many new car buyers, and the sophisticated VF Commodore, which uses more ultra high-strength steel in its construction than ever before, is one of the safest new cars on Australian roads.

Recently awarded a five-star ANCAP crash test rating, the body structure is stronger than ever. Passenger safety cage and rollover protection are reinforced by increased usage of advanced, high-strength and ultra high-strength steels, which now comprise 49 per cent of Commodore's robust crash-optimised body structure.

The VF has also been engineered for improved frontal pedestrian impact performance, reducing the risk of serious injury to people both inside and outside the car.

Its family car attributes are further enhanced by the addition of simple-to-use ISOFIX child seat anchorages. Commodore is one of the few cars on the road with the capability to accommodate three ISOFIX child seats across the rear seat, pending ADR approval.

It also comes with seatbelt automatic locking retractors for firmer child restraint fitment, along with a rear seat belt reminder in the Driver Information Display, so the driver can check rear passengers are properly restrained.

VF Commodore's larger volume seat-mounted airbag increases side impact protection by extending the area of body coverage. It incorporates an additional cell which inflates to a higher pressure to better distribute crash energy loads across the occupant's pelvic area as well as the chest.

The concept takes advantage of the pelvis's ability to take higher loads while limiting pressure on more sensitive thorax and abdominal areas. The thorax/pelvis airbag is located within the backrest frame of the vehicle's front seats and will deploy within milliseconds of a detected side collision contact.

The new front seat design also provides improved protection for whiplash in a rear impact. It includes a four-way adjustable head restraint.

Holden's Manager of Vehicle Structure and Safety Integration, Steve Curtis, said VF's safety system was almost all new.

"To balance all the changes driven by mass reduction imperatives in particular, we've touched everything - body structure, airbags, seatbelts, you name it - to deliver the best standard of injury risk protection yet," he said.

"We put VF Commodore through much more extensive crash scenario testing than ever before. It was very much a global activity because this vehicle is being sold in international markets and has to satisfy multiple requirements. The results exceed current 5-Star ANCAP rating requirements and satisfy broader and more demanding Holden safety engineering standards, including double rollover protection."

"Development work covered a wide range of crash scenarios and occupant criteria, matched to real world driving environments," Mr Curtis said.

"Demanding crash performance criteria drove the design to satisfy GM best practice and 5-Star ANCAP ratings in front, side and rear impact, whiplash and pedestrian protection. And our test schedules for the VF Commodore safety development program were even greater in number and complexity than the original VE program."

Physical testing involved 48 prototype vehicles and a total of 70 barrier crashes (versus 55 for VE) at Holden's Lang Lang Proving Ground and GM's Milford safety test facility in North America.

Holden engineers also carried out an additional 105 dynamic simulation sled tests on VF safety systems.

Exponential growth in computing power made for a more extensive virtual crash modelling program. The virtual crash models employed for VF testing were far larger and more complex and the time taken to simulate crash models - a 64 km/h offset frontal barrier crash for example - almost halved, affording even more extensive virtual assessment of multiple crash test scenarios.

Precision, Refinement and Economy: Chassis Evolution Drives Best Ever Commodore

Holden engineers have shaved 38.9 kilograms of weight from the VF chassis, modified or replaced more than 60 per cent of components and added new driving and fuel saving technologies to make the new Commodore a world-class vehicle.

Commodore's chassis systems benefited from a General Motors product development discipline known as Integration which sets the distinct driving character for each vehicle.

Holden engineers approached the chassis development for VF with a strong focus on mass reduction to help achieve fuel economy gains as well as improving drive quality, noise and vibration refinement, ride, handling and vehicle control.

VF is characterised by a lighter more agile chassis, with predictable handling and stays true to Commodore's DNA with superior all-round performance character and affordability.

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

All VF models are equipped with all-new variable assist electric power steering. The sharp new system brings multiple benefits including improved steering feel and flexibility and substantial fuel efficiency gains in real world driving conditions.

The introduction of EPS gave Holden engineers the opportunity to sharpen steering response and fine tune suspension systems, further reinforcing Commodore's reputation as a great drivers' car.

The specialist chassis team also took advantage of the flexibility offered by EPS which allowed Holden to precision and custom tune for comfort, sports and track performance within the Commodore range. These include:

• Touring tune for Evoke, Calais and Calais V-Series is calibrated for a light, enjoyable feel during day-to-day driving and equally light parking effort.
• Sports tune is calibrated for Commodore SV6, SS, SS V-Series and SSV Redline Edition for drivers who prefer more steering feedback and handling feel.
• Competitive mode is an optional track-only setting for the benefit of enthusiast drivers and is exclusive to Redline SS V-Series. Calibration is fully biased towards ultimate sports performance handling feel with emphasis on steering input and feedback at higher speeds.

VF Commodore Chassis Engineering Group Manager, Tim Newman, said while EPS enables lighter parking efforts at low speed, it also permits more engaging effort at higher speeds.

"EPS offers more precise control and driver feedback - this capability enhances the performance experience and emphasises Commodore's sporty DNA," Mr Newman said.

"To make a power steering system perform really well you need to promote a great feeling of synchronisation, of connection to the road. Usually that means the steering efforts the driver supplies at speed are a little higher, but of course you don't want to make the same effort when you're parking.

"EPS technology gave us the flexibility to retain that connected steering feel on the open road while making it easier to manoeuvre at low speeds. Commodore is also quicker to turn on centre and even more nimble in its responses."

By monitoring steering inputs and vehicle speed among other things, the system provides appropriate amounts of steering feel and effort to match changing driving conditions.

Unlike draining hydraulic systems with conventional power steering pumps that draw engine power continuously, electric power steering only draws power when in use, bringing fuel economy benefits. The system saves approximately 0.2 litres/100km, compared with the hydraulic system it replaces.

This real-world fuel saving advantage makes EPS one of VF Commodore's most effective fuel economy enablers, along with weight reduction and aerodynamic styling improvements.

"The introduction of EPS also enabled us to introduce the new Automatic Park Assist technology across the VF Commodore range," Mr Newman said.

"The EPS system is quieter, more compact and economical, and it's a big driver in improving the performance, efficiency and feeling of refinement in VF's handling."

Suspension

VF Commodore's suspension ride quality, teamed with refinements to vehicle architecture, delivers exceptional overall performance.

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut-based multi-link system with direct acting stabiliser bar. It features a forward mounted steering rack and dual lower links with individual ball joints at the outer end.

A hydraulically damped bush is used on the forward end of the tension link for improved ride isolation. The lateral link features a rubber spherical joint to provide lateral stiffness for precise handling. It has negative scrub radius, short spindle length, high castor and short mechanical trail. The rear suspension is a multi-link (four-link) independent system with coil-over shock absorbers and decoupled stabiliser bar.

It has high lateral stiffness for handling through three lateral ball joints per side with improved longitudinal compliance. A rubber isolated suspension frame isolates the body from road imperfections and drivetrain vibrations.

The front suspension is fully adjustable in camber, castor and toe. The rear suspension system is fully adjustable for camber and toe.

The inclusion of more lightweight aluminium components, including the front steering knuckle and tension arms, delivers ride and handling benefits and contributes to fuel economy improvements.

The 3.0 V6 SIDI fitted to Evoke comes with a new fuel-efficient lightweight differential and new hollow driveshafts to not only reduce overall vehicle mass but also reciprocating mass to aid fuel economy.

Touring, Sport and Ultra Sport settings

Chassis engineers have re-focused Commodore's Touring (FE1) suspension for a more sporting flavour against contemporary European imports to better reflect its trademark 'great to drive' character.

The popular Sport (FE2) suspension setting maintains handling prowess with added refinement.

Ultra Sport (FE3) suspension hardware is extensively revised and features significantly increased roll stiffness and stiffer settings for an unapologetic track bias which can also be appreciated on-road.

A Country Pack with higher ride height is optional on Evoke sedan and Sportwagon models.

Brakes

The VF brake system has been significantly upgraded with the introduction of an all-new aluminium tie-rod booster and a diagonal split master cylinder system. These features combine with an all-new pedal system which is supported by a fibre-reinforced plastic pedal box.

The system has been tuned to deliver enhanced, more confident pedal feel.

Commodore V6 models feature 298mm x 30mm vented front rotors and 302mm x 22mm vented rear rotors; twin piston aluminium calipers at the front and single piston aluminium units at the rear.

The V8 models feature 321mm x 30mm vented front rotors and 324mm x 22mm vented rear rotors; twin piston aluminium calipers (front) single piston aluminium calipers (rear).

Holden's Redline Edition models feature high-performance Brembo front brakes with four-piston, two-piece aluminium front calipers and 355mm front rotors. Finished in silver gloss, the front calipers provide increased stiffness to reduce fluid displacement and caliper deformation without adding weight. The result is enhanced braking feel and overall vehicle dynamics. A patented pillar-vented rotor design improves cooling and durability.

All-new Electric Park Brake

As well as providing additional storage space in the centre console, VF Commodore's all-new electric park brake (EPB) brings a raft of special features, including:

Automatic release

Now it's impossible to drive away with the park brake on. The electric park brake never forgets and will automatically disengage on take-off. In automatic transmission vehicles the EPB will release based on throttle position; in manual transmission vehicles it's attuned to both throttle and clutch pedal positions.

Hill Hold Control

The same automatic release system can also be used for extended hill hold or as a hill start assist feature when moving off from a stationary position on steep gradients when the EPB is applied by the driver. EPB prevents 'rollback' or 'roll forward' by holding for as long as necessary and releasing as soon as it senses the vehicle has traction.

Hill Start Assist

For a seamless launch when the EPB has not been applied by the driver, the Electric Brake Control Module automatically uses the ABS system to prevent 'rollback' or 'roll forward' for up to two seconds when moving off from a stationary position on steep gradients.

Safety re-clamp

If for some reason the electric park brake detects vehicle roll after an initial apply, this safety backup feature comes into play. It does so by re-clamping the park brake to its maximum apply force. Even after the driver has vacated the driver's seat, it will act to increase the park brake force if a drop off in cable tension is detected.

Static release

As a further safety precaution, the EPB system ensures that the park brake can only be released when the driver's foot is on the brake pedal. This ensures that the vehicle will not roll if the EPB button is pressed accidentally, for instance, or pressed by a child.

Dynamic back-up mode

In the unlikely event of a hydraulic brake failure, the EPB - using the rear wheels - can be used to stop the vehicle. Unlike a manual park brake, the EPB also has anti-lock capability, which ensures that the rear wheels will not lock and that vehicle stability is maintained throughout the braking procedure.

Intelligent brake apply

This function senses the road grade (steep, flat, mild gradient, etc) and varies the EPB application force accordingly. The benefits include increased system longevity and minimal on/off application timing.

Chassis Control Systems

A revised Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module, which is lighter, smaller and faster, and links vehicle dynamic control systems to help the driver maintain control under demanding or adverse conditions such as wet, snow-covered or icy roads, and evasive manoeuvres.

It utilises the combination of the Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Electronic Brake Assist to control wheel slip, optimise wheel spin and enhance vehicle stability and predictability while accelerating and braking.

An algorithm determines when to activate the system based on data from an array of sensors: wheel speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, master cylinder pressure, steering wheel angle and vehicle velocity.

A new Trailer Sway Control feature detects the onset of instability in trailer towing situations (includes caravans, horse floats, etc) and intervenes to keep the trailer under control by activating the brakes and reducing engine torque.

A V8 manual transmission launch control feature on SS V-Series Redline Edition models is calibrated to improve take-off performance in competition mode.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ensures the vehicle remains steerable and maintains directional stability under forceful braking. It operates through wheel speed sensors located at each wheel which monitor rotation. These detect and prevent imminent lock up by momentarily reducing brake pressure at the affected wheel.

Traction Control helps prevent loss of traction when accelerating and offers smooth, stable acceleration on wet roads, snow, ice and tram tracks, and on 'split surfaces' such as gravel or grass on the shoulder of a bitumen road. It also avoids wheel spin due to excessive throttle application for a given road surface.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution optimises control of rear brake pressure on all road surfaces and under all vehicle loading conditions.

Electronic Brake Assist senses how hard and fast a driver hits the brake pedal and gives extra braking assistance if required.

Wheels and Tyres

VF Commodore introduces a larger tyre portfolio and new wheel designs across the range, while tyre tuning is tailored to satisfy differing driver preferences. The Comfort touring tyre specification, in particular, reflects the VF program emphasis on increased ride refinement, cabin noise isolation and fuel efficiency.

Comfort tyres

Evoke, Calais and Calais V-Series models are equipped with 'Comfort' tyres (16-inch, 18-inch and 19-inch respectively). Calais V-Series 19-inch Comfort tyres deliver the improved appearance of larger wheels and tyres without the ride/noise compromise of pure sport tyres. The Comfort tyre specification also significantly improves tyre wear.

Sports tyres

SV6 and SS models have sports-optimised 245/45R18 tyres, offering increased lateral grip to suit the FE2 Sport suspension set-up. SS V models are equipped with 245/40R19 tyres to further complement their FE2 Sport suspension.

Performance tyres

The SS V-Series Redline Edition Sedan and Sportwagon sport the widest wheels and tyres yet fitted to a mainstream Holden as well as the first 'split' front/rear set-up.

The Redline split combination of 19x8.5-inch front wheels with 245/40/R19 ultra high-performance tyres and larger 19x9-inch rear wheels with 275/35/R19 ultra high-performance tyres emphasises its 'track capable' performance status. Benefits include improved acceleration, launch traction and lateral grip.

Sealant air compressor kit / space saver spare / full size spare fitment

Most Sedan, Sportwagon and Ute models are equipped with a tyre sealant and air compressor kit as standard, with a no-cost option for a space saver spare and jack kit as well as an option for a full size spare matched to the road wheel and jack kit.

The exceptions are:

• LPG Sportwagon: tyre sealant and air compressor kit as standard, with an option for a deflated spare with inflator and jack kit.
• SS V-Series Redline Edition Sedan and Sportwagon: tyre sealant and air compressor kit as standard, with an option for a full size spare matched to the road wheel and jack kit.
• SS V-Series Ute: tyre sealant and air compressor kit as standard, with an option for a full size spare matched to the road wheel and jack kit.
• SS V-Series Redline Edition Ute: mandatory tyre sealant/air compressor kit.

New Technologies and Sleek Design Make Commodore the Most Economical Yet

With clever use of lightweight technology and improved aerodynamics, the new VF Commodore delivers a big boost in fuel efficiency, reduced running costs and lower CO2 emissions.

Holden was able to make the significant fuel economy improvements with the help of the Australian Government's Green Car Innovation Fund (GCIF). The $39.8 million GCIF grant allowed Holden to add a range of advanced fuel economy enablers to Commodore, including the aluminium componentry, electric power steering and aerodynamic improvements.

The grant also facilitated the introduction of GM's Global A electrical architecture on Commodore which is an advanced-technology driver for many of the fuel saving features.

The best overall fuel economy performer in the new VF Commodore range is Evoke sedan, which returns an enviable, 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres, better than some four-cylinder cars.

Holden's range opener has improved on its Model Year 2012 figure of 8.9 litres per 100km and has seen a 23 per cent improvement since VE launched in 2006.

Every new Commodore and Caprice model offers significant fuel economy improvements, with the SV6 manual ute the star performer using 8.2 per cent less petrol than its Model Year 2012 predecessor.

Holden's V8 sports models give performance enthusiasts more bang for their fuel economy buck with all SS, SS V-Series and Redline models returning less than 12 litres per 100km - an average improvement of 5 per cent.

Holden's VF Lead Development Engineer, Andrew Howell, said the engineering team set itself challenging fuel ecomony targets for every model.

"Our aim with VF was to achieve the best-ever fuel economy performance for Commodore. We also wanted to make this the best-equipped, most technologically-advanced Commodore which means more equipment and more weight," he said.

"The fact that we've delivered a vehicle that's packed with the high-tech features yet still manages to offer remarkable gains in fuel economy is a tribute to the depth of engineering and design talent we have here at Holden.

"Our teams focussed on the 'big three' fuel economy enablers - increased aerodynamic efficiency, mass reduction and the introduction of electric power steering."

Aerodynamic design

Holden designers and engineers worked in close collaboration to sculpt Commodore's slippery new shape, making extensive use of virtual modelling and wind tunnel test technology.

In design terms, they succeeded in making a powerfully impressive design statement.

In aerodynamic terms, the team achieved remarkable efficiency improvements to produce Commodore's drag co-efficient (Cd) rating. The VF Commodore now has a drag co-efficient of 0.309, compared to 0.330 for the MY12 VE.

For aerodynamic advantage, frontal areas of the wheel arches have been modified to reduce turbulent airflow. At the rear, the re-designed boot lid sits higher in the airstream and proficiently controls air separation off the back via an integrated spoiler.

"Every detail is tuned to the nth degree; even the fine vertical crease that runs through the sedan tail lamps has a purpose beyond good looks," Mr Howell said.

"Other contributors include optimised grille openings, redesigned fog lamps, front air dam and rear valance profile. Air deflectors on the rear wheels and air intake modifications to reduce air bleed also help VF's exceptional fuel economy performance."

Mass optimisation - shedding the kilos brings fuel efficiency and handling gains

Mr Howell said light-weighting initiatives to boost fuel efficiency were a major focus for the VF engineering program.

"We applied multiple mass reduction and optimisation measures applied across all engineering and design elements of the car. Together they reaped big rewards in real world fuel savings - and at the same time the drive character, structural strength and safety performance was made better than ever."

Evoke wins the 'biggest loser' title, courtesy of a range of modifications which include the fitment of a single exhaust system, a lighter driveline and high efficiency differential.

Holden engineers were able to remove a total of 72.5 kg of mass from the car, but added in an extra 29.5 kg in improved features, including the fuel-saving Electric Power Steering rack and higher standard equipment. In total, it returns a net weight reduction of 43 kg.

Aluminium components

"The switch from steel to an aluminium boot lid and bonnet breaks new ground for Holden," Mr Howell said.

"The new panels are made in Adelaide by Hirotec and are just as strong as their steel equivalents but are 30 per cent lighter. This is a huge mass saving and means we can support the bonnet with a single gas strut.

"Commodore also uses a light-weight aluminium instrument panel beam, made by Diver Industries in Melbourne. Again it's stiffer and just as strong as the steel support it replaces, but also brings refinement benefits, with reductions in noise and vibration."

Other fuel-saving contributors include the use of aluminium suspension components and the increased application of stronger, advanced high strength steels in Commodore's world-standard rigid body structure.

Electric power steering

VF's new variable assist electric power steering system (EPS) offers multiple benefits, not least of which are substantial fuel efficiency gains in real world driving conditions.

Unlike hydraulic systems with conventional power steering pumps that draw engine power continuously, electric power steering draws power only when in use. EPS saves approximately 0.2 litres per 100km, compared with the hydraulic system it replaces.

Other steps taken in the process of improving VF fuel economy included modifications to patented Regulated Voltage Control (RVC) technology, which reduces energy consumed by the alternator to make the engine run more efficiently.

MyLink tunes VF Commodore to Driver Demands

The Holden VF Commodore will be the only car range in Australia to include a large eight-inch colour touch screen as a standard feature on every model when it goes on sale next month.

The touch screen plays host to Holden's MyLink system - a hub that enables Commodore drivers to sync their compatible smartphone with their car to access selected internet and phone services as well as control many conventional vehicle functions.

Via the MyLink touch screen, VF Commodore drivers can access vehicle information and entertainment functions including Pandora® Internet Radio and Stitcher SmartRadio™ embedded apps, play music from a variety of sources, including Bluetooth® connected devices, USB, CD player and AM/FM radio, view and control satellite navigation where installed and view vision from the rear view camera.

Holden Director of Electrical Engineering, Jo Markham, said the rapid adoption of smartphones and improved data networks in Australia were enabling the integration of new technology into modern cars.

"Australia has one of the highest levels of smartphone penetration in the world - in fact by the end of the year, over 73 per cent of phones in Australia will be smartphones," she said.

"Around 85 per cent of smartphone users use their phone while on the go and this means that for drivers, they are increasingly expecting their phone to integrate with their car and vice-versa. It's an area of rapid change. How can we deliver on drivers' expectations to keep connected while keeping them focused on the road ahead?"

One of the core development areas for Holden has been the integration of voice recognition that enables drivers to instruct MyLink to perform most functions via a push-to-talk button located on the steering wheel.

"It's about ensuring the drivers eyes remain on the road and their hands remain on the steering wheel," Jo Markham said.

"Through voice recognition, drivers can set a navigation destination, select a music track, switch between apps, listen to text messages, make a phone call or, via iPhone, instruct Siri to read a reminder or compose a text - all without the driver taking their hands from the steering wheel."

"Holden MyLink takes hands-free connectivity to a new level. There's wider scope for media customisation, including internet radio streaming with our partner apps, Pandora and Stitcher - and this high-feature access is available right across the VF Commodore range," Jo Markham said.

As part of the core requirement to deliver in car technology solutions simply, quickly and safely, the MyLink interface in VF Commodore has also been developed to offer full flexibility, drivers and passengers can connect via touch screen, faceplate buttons, steering wheel controls, voice control or a combination of these methods with equal ease.

"We know drivers have different preferences on how they choose to access these functions, so we offer them the choice. What is key to the successful integration of these technologies into cars is that the system is simple and intuitive to use."