New Commodore's engine keeps more dollars in tank

The Commodore has had its V6 engine tweaked to improve economy and cut emissions, with the V8 to follow in January with a major technological change which will cut cylinders during low-load running for even greater efficiency.

Official details of the engine update will be announced by GM Holden later today, but the company claims a cash saving of more than $1.50 a week for an average family Commodore running an average of 20,000km.

The improvement could mean a 60-litre saving on fuel use a year, with a CO2 reduction of close to 170kg.

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But there is a price to pay — the V6 will lose 5kW of power, reducing output to the level of the 2004 Commodore at 175kW. It means the Holden will trail well behind the rival Ford Falcon, even though it easily outsells it in showrooms.

“You would have to be a race car driver to feel it. The fuel economy benefits far outweigh it,” GM Holden spokesperson Kate Lonsdale said last night. “The big focus at the moment is on fuel efficiency and emissions.”

Ms Londsale said the improvement in economy is up to 0.4 litres/100km, or more than 2.5 per cent.

The LPG Commodore has received an even bigger tweak with an improvement of 1.3 litres/100km for the sedan, and slightly less for other models.