Details emerge - VF Commodore

[Brazen]

Interesting read, probably a sign of what we can expect on the Falcon too.

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257A060029283C

Crash warning system among high-tech features for VF Commodore and Chev SS
22 May 2012
By RON HAMMERTON
A COLLISION warning system, blind-spot alert and keyless remote engine start are among the high-tech features set to make their Holden debut on the company’s new-generation VF Commodore and its American export offshoot, the Chevrolet SS, that are both due in showrooms next year.

Electric power-assisted steering and an electric parking brake are also included in the new Australian-developed large car that will carry the Commodore badge through to about 2018, and perhaps for the last time.

Lighter and more frugal than the current VE Commodore that was introduced in 2006, the VF will employ a host of fuel-saving measures, starting with a greater use of thin, high-strength steel.

Despite speculation that the new Commodore would use aluminium in its sheet-metal, GoAuto has been told that steel is being employed on the skin of camouflaged prototypes now roaming Victorian roads, in both left- and right-hand-drive forms.

GM Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux told the first Alternative Fuels Summit in Brisbane last year that GM Holden had targeted “mid-eights” fuel consumption for the VF, thanks partly to a federal government Green Car Innovation Fund co-investment grant of $39.8 million to develop methods to cut the car’s mass and aerodynamic drag.

Ultra-light plastic moulded door trims, a plastic spare wheel holder in the boot, revised suspension components and featherweight headlight assemblies are among a vast number of components redeveloped by engineers to help cut fuel economy by a minimum seven per cent while also improving performance of the new model.

The pre-crash system is probably GM’s Forward Collision Warning System that debuted on the GMC Terrain SUV in the US last year.

It uses a single digital camera mounted at the top of the windscreen and sophisticated computer algorithms to detect an imminent frontal crash and warn the driver.

From top: A disguised VF Sportwagon and sedan; Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux.

On the Commodore, it is expected to be standard equipment on upper-spec models, including the Chevrolet SS bound for North America in late 2013.

That system and the blind-spot warning device can be switched on and off by the press of a button on the steering wheel, which also carries audio and cruise control buttons.

A flat-bottomed steering wheel in stitched leather is expected in the sports models, such as the SS and SS-V, which will also get keyless entry and start.

Top models get a key fob with a button that can start the engine remotely – a system developed for the Caprice PPV (Police Patrol Vehicle) so police officers can start the car and thus the air-conditioning system when an arrested person is locked in the car.

A more conventional round plastic-finished steering wheel is destined for the lower models, which will also miss out on the keyless start.

Although powertrain options remain a closely guarded secret, an upgraded V6 engine line-up can be expected, with Holden possibly moving from the current 210kW 3.6-litre premium V6 engine now fitted to the SV6, to the latest LFX version of the GM V6.

This could be the V6 employed in the base model of the Caprice PPV that is made in Australia for North American law enforcement fleets.

Producing an extra 14kW of power (224kW) and an extra 9Nm of torque (359Nm), this V6 also saves more than 9kg in weight, thanks to integrated exhaust headers and a composite intake manifold.

Alternatively, Holden might go all the way to the Cadillac CTS’s 237kW/373Nm 3.6-litre V6, which is also part LFX family.

At some point, the V8 alternative is likely to be a variant of GM’s forthcoming Gen-V small-block V8 – an all-new engine family designed to improve fuel efficiency while increasing performance.

This engine will employ direct injection when its goes into production in North America in February.

Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions appear set to remain, with both options making it to the US market.

The Commodore’s interior is set to come in for a major overhaul, adopting a number of features such as switchgear from up-spec Chevrolet models such as the Australian-engineered Chevrolet Camaro.

Stitched dashboard surfaces – including what appears to be leather and a form of suede – give a Euro touch, while wood, satin aluminium, chrome and piano-black trim finishes will appear in various combinations across the range.

A large angled LCD screen will be embedded in the dash and worked by twist knobs located just below it. The screen will be corralled on each side by large vertical air vents.

The central console will be less cluttered than before, with a simple parking brake switch replacing the traditional handbrake lever, while the electric window switch cluster of the VE model will finally be moved to the doors.

LED mood lighting is placed above the front door handles and console, while the dials in the instrument binnacle are said to give off a combination of blue and red hues, depending on whether the car is at rest or being driven.

Top-end models are expected to get driving lights and LED daytime-running lights, while the rear light clusters appear to have a family resemblance to those on the Cruze sedan.

[yift]

looks like the commodore may be getting alot of the global technologies, shame ford couldnt do the same with the falcon.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by yift

looks like the commodore may be getting alot of the global technologies, shame ford couldnt do the same with the falcon.

How do you know Ford won't be? Ford's still got another 2 years to get the Falcon update squared away, they've only just finished the clays off.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

How do you know Ford won't be? Ford's still got another 2 years to get the Falcon update squared away, they've only just finished the clays off.

From what we saw regarding the intended upgrades and changes for 2014,
I'd say that Ford is getting good bang for bucks in terms of fuel economy gains.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by jpd80

From what we saw regarding the intended upgrades and changes for 2014, I'd say that Ford is getting good bang for bucks in terms of fuel economy gains.

I was referring more to everything else...

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

I was referring more to everything else...

Remember, it only $100 million where as Holden has spent over $300 million on VF.

[yift]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

How do you know Ford won't be? Ford's still got another 2 years to get the Falcon update squared away, they've only just finished the clays off.

the main reason territory got EPAS was because Park Assist was going to be a feature available with it.

Ford Australia can include so many features with their vehicles, try telling the champs running the place that the buying public want these features.

voice control, Radar cruise control, blind spot alert, Key Free, heated front seats, rain sensing wipers, mirrors that fold in with the press of a button etc etc

the list is endless of the features they can include in the Falcon and Terriroty that the rest of the world has been using for at least 5 years.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by yift

the main reason territory got EPAS was because Park Assist was going to be a feature available with it.

Ford Australia can include so many features with their vehicles, try telling the champs running the place that the buying public want these features.

voice control, Radar cruise control, blind spot alert, Key Free, heated front seats, rain sensing wipers, mirrors that fold in with the press of a button etc etcthe list is endless of the features they can include in the Falcon and Terriroty that the rest of the world has been using for at least 5 years.

The need this tech in top line FPV cars along with a proper premium stereo.

[Franco Cozzo]

Isn't remote start illegal here in Australia?

[jpd80]

Internally, GM people were saying GEN V V8 with DI has been canned for regular Commodore,
but HSV might get the good engine and 8-speed auto..

[FPV GTHO]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Internally, GM people were saying GEN V V8 with DI has been canned for regular Commodore,
but HSV might get the good engine and 8-speed auto..

Quite possible. The only Corvette motor "Holden" ever used was the LS1.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Isn't remote start illegal here in Australia?

Only if its from outside the car...


BMW, Audi, Toyota etc all have keyless start now.

[jpd80]

Australian Standards Approved remote control and Engine start

[gtfpv]

sounds great , looking forward to the VF . so over the VE . too long coming .

[duaned]

I think I would still rather have a car than a toy.

[Grunter]

Originally Posted by duaned

I think I would still rather have a car than a toy.

I'd rather both.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Grunter

I'd rather both.

Damn straight.

Cars, just like phones, TV's etc are like anything mass produced product and have a look at an iphone these days!

Good on GM for pushing the envelop, because if they didnt you can bet Ford wouldnt bother adding more stuff in the Falcon aswell. Linking the Falcon into the global parts bin cant happen soon enough.

Ford have the tech, the people and the products, they just need to link it all together.

edit: in saying that I cant ever see myself buy a TV with 3D

[Joe5619]

Glad to see the local cars finally getting some gadgets into them.. I just hope the gap between 2013 VF & 2014 FH is not too big.. Dumb **** gadgets sell cars these days!!!

[Dave R]

If Holden come through with all of those features, the Falcon is going to seem very low-tech in comparison. It's about time an Aussie car started getting global tech, even if the only reason it's getting it is because the yanks will be importing Commodores.

[Resurrection]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

If Holden come through with all of those features, the Falcon is going to seem very low-tech in comparison. It's about time an Aussie car started getting global tech, even if the only reason it's getting it is because the yanks will be importing Commodores.

I'd rather good quality low tech than poor quality high tech.

Example VT versus AU rear ends. The VT had IRS which in theory should be superior to the live axle fitted to most AUs. But the AU rear end was much better sorted than the VT IRS which was a cheap system.

[4.0i OHC]

Originally Posted by Resurrection

I'd rather good quality low tech than poor quality high tech.

Example BA versus AU rear ends. The BA had IRS which in theory should be superior to the live axle fitted to most AUs. But the AU rear end was much better sorted than the BA IRS which was a cheap system.

Edited for accuracy

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Resurrection

I'd rather good quality low tech than poor quality high tech.

Example VT versus AU rear ends. The VT had IRS which in theory should be superior to the live axle fitted to most AUs. But the AU rear end was much better sorted than the VT IRS which was a cheap system.

Out of interest, have you owned an FG? I've had three, sadly they are not top quality like some make out. Excellent motor vehicles, but not top quality. If anything, a US market Commodore will take a step up in quality. But regardless, quality isn't even applicable here - how can you have a "poor quality" remote start, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, mood lighting etc? It's all GM technology. They are features the Falcon will likely never have - and once introduced on top of everything else the VF brings, the Falcon will seem mighty low tech in comparison.

[irish2]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Out of interest, have you owned an FG? I've had three, sadly they are not top quality like some make out. Excellent motor vehicles, but not top quality. If anything, a US market Commodore will take a step up in quality. But regardless, quality isn't even applicable here - how can you have a "poor quality" remote start, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, mood lighting etc? It's all GM technology. They are features the Falcon will likely never have - and once introduced on top of everything else the VF brings, the Falcon will seem mighty low tech in comparison.

All good on paper, untill you feel the boost in your Falcon and forget all about such things.

On a serious note, what is to say the Falcon will not have these things when it is next updated?

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by irish2

All good on paper, untill you feel the boost in your Falcon and forget all about such things.

On a serious note, what is to say the Falcon will not have these things when it is next updated?

That's one thing Holden will never have, an angry boosted inline 6

The next Falcon update is 2014, I very much doubt Ford will be pumping too much money into it seeing as it's unlikely (at this stage) that we will even have an Australian built Falcon post 2016.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

how can you have a "poor quality" remote start, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, mood lighting etc? It's all GM technology. They are features the Falcon will likely never have - and once introduced on top of everything else the VF brings, the Falcon will seem mighty low tech in comparison.

Well, you'd be mistaken on that count. Dunno about Forward Collision Warning and "mood lighting" (it's a car, not a nightclub) but the rest is a sure bet, along with adaptive cruise, lane departure warning nad of course, Sync.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Well, you'd be mistaken on that count. Dunno about Forward Collision Warning and "mood lighting" (it's a car, not a nightclub) but the rest is a sure bet, along with adaptive cruise, lane departure warning nad of course, Sync.

Is there proof to back this up, or are you just speculating? Until the refresh is released in 2014 I'm not going to call anyone mistaken. However, from what Ford themselves have said, their budget is largely going towards economy, aero and emissions. Even if they do give it some of the features you claim it will have (I'm not holding my breath), the Commodore is still going to be more advanced unfortunately.

[XRGhia]

So the new commodore will simply be more plastic, more expensive and still slow as a wet week...

Cool...

Edit: and mood lighting?! Seriously?? What's the point in that?

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by xrghiawagon

So the new commodore will simply be more plastic, more expensive and still slow as a wet week...

Cool...

Edit: and mood lighting?! Seriously?? What's the point in that?

I doubt a 225kw V6 will be slow, the 210kw version already noses out the Falcon in a straight line. Mood lighting also gives the cabin a much more upmarket feel, luxury automakers have been using it for a while.

[XRGhia]

Didn't notice that bit

[FPV8U]

All of that reads well to me, seems the export program is yeilding rewards for Australian customers already.