Item: 2006 Holden VE Commodore
Rating: 3.5

Excellent ride/handling balance
Powerful L76, L77 and L98 V8 engines
Accurate, well-weighted steering
Spacious and comfortable interior

3.6-litre ‘Alloytec’ V6 engines lack refinement
Thick A-pillars impair forward visibility
Awkward handbrake position and operation
Clunky downshifts for four-speed automatic transmission
Heavy body hurts fuel economy
Carbon deposits on intake valves of direct injection V6 engines

Holden VE.I Commodore (2006-10)

Overview

Released in August 2006, the Holden VE Series I (VE.I) Commodore was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan (the related VE Berlina , VE Calais and VE Sportwagon have been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the VE Commodore range was initially available with 3.6-litre V6 and 6.0-litre V8 petrol engines, while the range consisted of Omega, SV6, SS and SS V variants (see table below).

Engines

Of the engines:

For the Commodore Omega, the 3.6-litre ‘Alloytec’ LE0 V6 petrol engine had all-aluminium construction, a forged steel crankshaft, forged powdered metal connecting rods, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), sequential electronic fuel injection, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake camshaft phasing, electronic throttle control, twin knock control sensors and a compression ratio of 10.2:1. For the VE range, the Alloytec engines were fitted with new variable intake manifolds, Bosch E77 engine control systems with digital sensors for crank and camshaft positions, front and rear oxygen (O₂) sensors, retuned harmonic balancers and free-flowing exhaust systems. In November 2008 (‘MY09.5’), the engine was modified for lower emissions and improved fuel economy;
For Commodore Omega models with the LE0 engine, buyers could specify a factory-fitted dual fuel (petrol/LPG) system that was developed by IMPCO and provided sequential vapour gas injection. Designated LW2 , the dual fuel engine had different valves and hardened titanium valve seats;
For the Commodore SV6, the high-output LY7 version of this engine also had continuously variable exhaust camshaft phasing and a new dual exhaust system;
From September 2009 (‘MY10’), the Omega and SV6 variants were powered by 3.0-litre LF1 and 3.6-litre LLT V6 petrol engines which had direct injection (Holden’s Spark Ignition Direct Injection or SIDI) – whereby fuel was pressurised and injected directly into the combustion chamber compression – and variable exhaust camshaft phasing (previously omitted from the LE0 ). The 3.0-litre LF1 and 3.6-litre LLT engines had compression ratios of 11.7:1 and 11.3:1, respectively, and were both fitted with dual exhaust systems.
For the SS and SS V variants, the 6.0-litre L98 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, flat-topped pistons, forged powered metal connecting rods, a billet steel camshaft, two valves per cylinder, external knock sensors and a compression ratio of 10.4:1; and,
From January 2009, the SS and SS V variants – with automatic transmissions – were powered by 6.0-litre L76 engines which had displacement on demand hardware (Holden’s Active Fuel Management or AFM) that could shut down four cylinders under light throttle loads in higher gears. Although similar to the L98 engine, the L76 engine had a different camshaft profile and a smaller sump.

For the VE range, new engine control systems were introduced which used digital sensors for crank and camshaft positions. Service intervals for the V8 engines were also extended to 15,000 kilometres (previously 10,000 kilometres).

Transmissions

The V6 engines were available with four-speed 4L60E automatic, five-speed 5L40E automatic, six-speed 6L50 automatic and six-speed Aisin D173/AY6 manual transmissions.

The V8 engines were initially available with six-speed Tremec T56 manual and newly introduced six-speed 6L80 automatic transmissions, the latter with an ‘Active Select’ function – shared with the 6L50 – that enabled the driver to perform sequential gearshifts by tapping the gear shifter. For the VE range, the T56 transmission had shorter ratios, reduced clutch pedal travel and was upgraded with triple-synchronised capacity for the first and second gears, and double-synchronised capacity for the third to sixth gears.

In September 2009, the T56 unit was replaced by the Tremec TR6060 manual transmission which had wider gearsets for improved torque capacity and durability, though gear ratios were unchanged.

Holden VE.I Commodore specifications
Variant	Engine	Trans.	Production	Peak power	Peak torque
Omega	3.6-litre LE0 petrol V6	4sp auto	Aug 2006 to Oct 2008	180 kW at 6000 rpm	330 Nm at 2600 rpm
	3.6-litre LE0 petrol V6	4sp auto	Nov 2008 to Aug 2009	175 kW at 6500 rpm	325 Nm at 2400 rpm
	3.0-litre LF1 petrol V6 SIDI	6sp auto	Sep 2009 to Aug 2010	190 kW at 6700 rpm	290 Nm at 2900 rpm
	3.6-litre LW2 petrol/LPG V6	4sp auto	Oct 2006 to Oct 2008	175 kW at 6000 rpm	325 Nm at 2600 rpm
	3.6-litre LW2 petrol/LPG V6	4sp auto	Nov 2008 to Aug 2010	175 kW at 6500 rpm	318 Nm at 2400 rpm
SV6	3.6-litre LY7 petrol V6	5sp auto, 6sp man.	Aug 2006 to Sep 2009	195 kW at 6500 rpm	340 Nm at 2600 rpm
SV6	3.6-litre LLT petrol V6 SIDI	6sp auto, 6sp man.	Sep 2009 to Aug 2010	210 kW at 6400 rpm	350 Nm at 2900 rpm
SS, SS V	6.0-litre L98 petrol V8	6sp man.	Aug 2006 to Aug 2010	270 kW at 5700 rpm	530 Nm at 4400 rpm
	6.0-litre L98 petrol V8	6sp auto	Aug 2006 to Dec 2008	270 kW at 5700 rpm	530 Nm at 4400 rpm
	6.0-litre L76 petrol V8 AFM	6sp auto	Jan 2009 to Aug 2010	260 kW at 5700 rpm	517 Nm at 4400 rpm

Development and dimensions

The product of a $1 billion investment program, the VE Commodore was a ‘clean sheet’ design which had a more rigid body than its VZ predecessor – due to a higher proportion of advanced-strength steels – and an almost 50:50 weight distribution as the engine was positioned low and rearward within the engine bay, a saddle-style fuel tank was introduced and the battery was positioned in the rear of the vehicle.

For greater refinement, the VE Commodore had a stiffer engine cradle with six mounting points, acoustic laminated windscreens, new engine covers and bonnet insulators, new sound absorption packages (behind the engine bay and between the transmission and transmission tunnel), insulating carpets and a new double-isolated ZF differential. Tyre pressures were also increased to 250kPa (36.25 psi) to reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy.

Compared to the VZ Commodore , the VE Commodore sedan was 3 mm longer (at 4894 mm), 57 mm wider (1899 mm), 26 mm taller (1476 mm) and had a 127 mm longer wheelbase (2915 mm).

From September 2009, the VE.I Commodore was fitted with additional engine bay insulation and a quieter muffler, while models with 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels were also fitted with low rolling-resistance Bridgestone Turanza tyres for improved fuel economy.

Suspension

The VE Commodore had ‘Linear Control’ suspension which consisted of double-pivot MacPherson strut-based front suspension with dual lower links (with individual ball joints), a tension link, lateral link and a direct acting stabiliser bar. The rear suspension was a four-link independent system with coil-over shock absorbers, three lateral ball joints per side and a decoupled stabiliser bar. The Omega had a ‘comfort biased’ suspension tune, while the SV6, SS and SS V had sport handling settings.

In September 2009 (‘MY10’), the rear suspension was revised with an additional cross-axis ball joint (in place of a rubber bush in the lower control arm); sports sedans were also fitted with a larger 20 mm rear sway bar.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden VE Commodore Omega included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The SV6 and SS were also fitted with front seat-mounted side airbags, while the range-topping SS V was fitted with full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants).

From March 2008, however, front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags were standard across the range. In November 2008, an energy-absorbing steering column shroud was introduced for improved knee protection and the Omega variants received a passenger seat belt reminder (subsequently fitted to other variants).

Brakes

VE Commodore models with V6 engines had 298 mm by 30 mm ventilated front brake discs with twin-piston callipers and 302 mm by 22 mm ventilated rear discs with single-piston callipers. Models with V8 engines, however, had 321 mm by 30 mm front discs and 324 mm by 22 mm rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a VE Commodore Omega – equipped with dual front airbags – initially received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.45 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, occupant protection was good though a rear door opened during the crash, resulting in a one point deduction. Models produced from 2007 were awarded an additional point for an intelligent driver’s seatbelt reminder, taking their score to 27.45.

For models produced after November 2008 – i.e. equipped with six airbags, a steering column shroud and passenger seatbelt reminder – a five star adult occupant protection rating was awarded with a score of 33.45 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and lower leg injury for the driver. In the side impact and pole tests, maximum points were awarded.

Features: Commodore Omega

Standard features for the Commodore Omega included a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, a four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel controls, automatic headlights, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and immobiliser.

From March 2008 (‘MY09’), standard features were improved with the addition of air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, body colour wing mirrors and door handles, and a chrome grille insert. From November 2008 (‘MY09.5’), white instrument cluster illumination was made standard across the range.

Features: Commodore SV6 and SS

Compared to the Omega, the Commodore SV6 added 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, a seven speaker sound system, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Commodore SS was further equipped with a limited slip differential and six-stack CD player, while the range-topping SS V was differentiated by its 19-inch alloy wheels, eleven speaker sound system, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, projector headlights, alloy-faced pedals and leather-wrapped gearshift.

March 2009: VE Commodore update

In March 2009, the VE.I Commodore’s space-saving spare tyre was discontinued and replaced with – at the buyer’s choice – either a tyre inflator kit or full-size spare wheel. The dark grey horizontal dashboard strip and steering wheel spokes used on the SV6, SS and SS V were also replaced with a matte silver finish.

2006 VE Commodore V-Series

In August 2006, a limited-run V-Series variant was released; based on the Omega, the V-Series was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, rear spoiler and body-coloured mirrors and door handles.

2007 VE Commodore Lumina

In June 2007, a limited run Lumina was released; based on the Omega, the Lumina added air conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and rear parking sensors. Visually, the Lumina could be identified by its unique front grille, Lumina badging and body-coloured door handles and mirrors.

2008 Commodore 60th Anniversary

In April 2008, a limited-run 60th Anniversary variant was released; based on the Omega, the 60th Anniversary variant added 18-inch alloy wheels, Onyx leather seat inserts, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front grille insert and rear badge. A 60th Anniversary-badged SS V was also released, featuring 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, satellite navigation with colour screen, rear parking sensors, chrome door handles, a high mount rear spoiler, ’60th Anniversary’ floor mats and rear badge.

2009 VE Commodore SS V Special Edition

In October 2009, a Special Edition SS V was released; similarly equipped to the standard SS V, the Special Edition was visually differentiated by its twin-nostril front fascia, unique lower splitter, twin letter-box hood scoops, decklid spoiler and chrome headlights. The SS V Special Edition was available in Phantom Black, Red Hot and Voodoo Blue paint finishes.

2009 VE Commodore International

Released in November 2009, the International variant was based on the Omega but added 18-inch alloy wheels, a Berlina-style front grille, leather seat trim, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Brochures

Holden VE.II Commodore (2010-13)