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| 2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV |
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| 2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV |
In an Australian first, all Series II models powered by Holden's 3.0 Litre SIDI V6 and 6.0 Litre V8 engines will have flex-fuel capability, allowing them to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between.
Bio-ethanol is a cleaner-burning energy source comprising ethanol and petrol. Bio-ethanol significantly reduces CO2 emissions and enhances vehicle performance.
In Australia, bio-ethanol is currently produced from waste streams created by the industrial production of wheat and sugar. None of these resources would otherwise be used for food production.
To ensure availability of the fuel for Series II vehicles, Holden has entered an alliance with Australia's leading fuel retailer, Caltex which has committed to selling the fuel under the Bio EFlex brand name.
Caltex will have Bio E-Flex available in 31 service stations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra by the end of October, increasing to 100 metropolitan and regional locations in 2011.
Holden is also investigating the viability of establishing Australia's first second-generation ethanol plant, as part of a consortium including the Victorian Government, Caltex, Veolia, Mitsui and Coskata.
The plant could be capable of turning materials such as household rubbish and building waste into more than 200 million litres of ethanol a year.
Holden's leadership in alternative fuels in Australia is part of GM's global sustainability and energy diversity strategy. In the US, GM is the leading producer of flex-fuel vehicles with more than 3.5 million E85-capable GM cars on the road.
Although fuel consumption of bio-ethanol in Series II models will be higher because ethanol contains less energy than petrol, bio-ethanol's higher octane rating means better vehicle performance. As an illustration, Holden V8 Supercars made the successful switch to E85 in 2009.
For Series Holden engineers have introduced a number hardware changes to the company's 3.0-litre SIDI V6 and 6.0-litre Gen IV V8 engines to make them flex-fuel capable.
Firstly due to lubrication differences using bio-ethanol, base engine hardware has been changed to include hardened intake, exhaust and seat valves.
A new fuel pump unit made of different materials to work with bio-ethanol has also been installed along with a flex-fuel sensor to detect the alcohol level in the fuel line and provide information to the engine control unit (ECU).The detection takes place after every refill and also continuously during driving.
Aside from hardware changes, significant calibration work has also been undertaken to meet Holden's flex-fuel needs.
Styling
The multi-award-winning VE Commodore made a strong and dramatic design statement, characterised by its classic rear wheel drive proportions and an athletic stance emphasised by striking wheel arches.
For VE Series II, designers briefed to refresh the exterior have executed a series of subtle changes, including new front fascia, grille and headlamp treatments across the range.
Berlina specification and above feature new alloy wheels and the upper decklids of the sedan models are enhanced with integrated aero lip detailing.
On the interior, Holden has continued its trend of creating unique personalities for each model. Mainstream, prestige and sports models all receive new centre stack features, mouldings, decoration and illumination colours.
Interior design work has focused on high standards of perceived quality, and creating a more 'pilot oriented' cabin integrating new features and accessories.
Readily apparent is a higher-mounted, more prominent placement of the Holden-iQ system display screen, controls and air vents.
Interior and exterior design enhancements across the range include:
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| 2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV |
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| 2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV |
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| 2011 Holden VE II Commodore SSV |
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