New Holden Commodore’s torque vectoring detailed

HOLDEN’s next-gen imported Commodore – which shares most of its engineering with the Euro-spec Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport – will receive a state-of-the-art torque vectoring system to maximise performance and safety in the all-wheel-drive (AWD) sedan.

While information on the 2018 Commodore’s torque vectoring system has been slow to surface, Holden’s European sister-brand Vauxhall has now detailed the cutting-edge system to be implemented in its AWD Insignia.

The all-paw Vauxhall sedan will make use of a twin-clutch system for the rear axle, forgoing a limited-slip differential in favour of reduced weight and increased simplicity.

However, the system is still able to split torque to individual rear wheels depending on calculations based on information including throttle position, steering angle and road surface for reduced understeer and sharper turn in.

In Vauxhall’s words, “when cornering, higher torque is sent to the outside rear wheel, inducing rotation around the vertical axis (yaw) – the Insignia turns in with more precision, responding spontaneously to inputs from the driver”.

Holden has yet to confirm if this will be the torque vectoring system utilised in next year’s Commodore, but with both vehicles sharing major parts – including engine and transmission components – expect to see next year’s mid-size sedan arrive with the same technology as its Vauxhaull counterpart.

The most likely Commodore range engines include 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel units in a various states of tune, and a flagship V6 producing around 230kW of power and 370Nm of torque.

During the announcement of the all-new Commodore, GM Holden executive director of sales Peter Keley said the imported model would “redefine the level to technology people can expect” and that it will “help our customers be safer, more involved and more connected than ever before”.

“The Commodore combines technology across a number of areas in a way that you would usually only find in high-end prestige vehicles and makes it available for everyday Australians,” he said.

However, Holden’s local development team will tweak and tune suspension and ride settings to better suit Australian conditions.

The front- or all-wheel drive configurations expected to arrive Down Under have drawn criticism from some Aussie performance purists who say a Commodore should be V8-powered and rear-wheel drive, but the latest release may appease some.