Holden to Release Commodore with Advanced LPG

[csv8]

Holden plans an LPG assault for its next-generation flex-fuel family car, but it won't include E85.

Holden is expected to release a dedicated LPG Commodore with more advanced liquid fuel injection as part of a push to increase the popularity of the fuel.

Holden is planning a radical change to its Commodore family car that will attract buyers back to liquid petroleum gas - but it won't include the ability to also run on an ethanol blend.

LPG is largely unloved by the Australian car-buying public, regarded as a taxi fuel and accounting for only 1 per cent of annual sales despite generous government subsidies. But Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux says the car maker has big plans for the fuel ahead of a model update due in 2012.


"Our objective on our next Commodore will have a very, very sophisticated dedicated LPG system," said Mike Devereux, Holden chairman and managing director. "This allows us to optimise engine performance specifically for LPG and get better performance and economy."

Regarding LPG he said Holden wants to "make it a real alternative to private buyers that doesn't involve any compromises".

"We also want to help change the perception of LPG."

The LPG strategy is the next plank in Holden's energy diversity, which gives customers alternatives to traditional petrol and LPG. E85 (a blend of petrol and up to 85 per cent ethanol) is already available in the Commodore.

Like LPG, it also helps utilise local fuels rather than relying predominantly on imported fuel.

Ford builds its Falcon large family sedan with a dedicated LPG system, and is expected to next year introduce a liquid injection system that provides almost the same fuel economy - LPG burns at a rate up to 30 per cent faster than petrol - and almost the same performance as its petrol equivalent.

HSV became the first performance car maker to offer LPG on its V8-powered Commodore-based models with its "LPI" liquid-injection version in dual-fuel set-up that reverts to petrol on start-up and at higher engine revs.

According to Holden energy and environment director Richard Marshall, the version of the Commodore we're not yet ready to see is a flex-fuel vehicle capable of running on petrol, E85 ethanol-blended fuel or LPG.

''Holden will continue to keep its mono-fuel (petrol/E85) strategy, and a dual-fuel strategy with petrol and LPG,'' he says. ''We're not going to say anything yet about something that combines all three.''

Holden's modifications to its 3.0-litre V6 and 6.0-litre V8 engines now allow the vehicle to use any combination of fuel from just petrol alone up to E85, a mix of 15 per cent petrol and 85 per cent ethanol.

The 3.6-litre V6 engine is expected to add E85 compatibility in 2011. The engine is expected to be offered alongside the V8 for police vehicles being developed for the US market.
DRIVE Barry Park
December 11, 2010

[ebxr8240]

They like to keep their name in the news ...
Even if it's news about nothing new !!!

[deesun]

And they do it well and far far better than Ford.

[Venomous1]

Holden now trying desperately to make the 335 look irrelevant.

Can make their cars run on parrafin ethanol petrol diesel LPG cooking oil whatever still never buy one.

But yeah good way to keep the word Holden in your mind.

[ltd]

Meh, who cares?
The reason that no one wants a commodore on LPG is because lets face it, their engines are shocking to begin with.
The 3.0 litre V6 is so grossly underpowered it would struggle to pull a hobo off your sister.
The 6 litre V8 has that AFM thing which shuts down cylinders; albeit with the subtlety of a tap dancing elephant. Why buy something even the taxi drivers don't want?

[mickyyyy]

I think its good as it lifts the standard and bring's technology forward and change perception of LPG in Australia.............

But i still rather a straight 6 any day of the week hehehe

[EgoFG]

So this is a catch up to the dedicated LPG engine by Ford, but with Liquid injection ... which for will have by then.

These guys are like apple
(advertise the video calling as if it is a new thing - been standard in the industry for 5 years - then release it half baked)

[burnz]

drive must be slow "holden to release"

note to drive "they have been on the road for 6 months now"

[flappist]

Originally Posted by burnz

drive must be slow "holden to release"

note to drive "they have been on the road for 6 months now"

Maybe Drive was waiting until they had the first actual order........

[Brazen]

I wonder how they will do the spare tyre for it, for me that is the biggest deal breaker for an LPG sedan.

[Gobes32]

So in 2012 the Commodore will be available with dedicated LiLPG? That is not news worthy..........

[kezzer]

Why does Holden care about the new FPV's? They aren't competing with the 335, HSV is.