Holden delivers its most powerful V8 ever

HOLDEN has released full details of its 2006 Australian-built V8 model range which, as GoAuto revealed last November, gains an all-new 6.0-litre V8 engine codenamed L76 as its headline act.

A member of General Motors’ fourth-generation small-block V8 stable and the first application of L76 within the GM empire, the Mexican-built engine delivers 260kW at 5600rpm and 510Nm at 4400rpm (on premium unleaded petrol) and is believed to have been fast-tracked for Australia to meet our new Step 2 emissions standard now in force.

Production commences next month following a $35 million upgrade to Holden’s Elizabeth production plant in South Australia over the past few weeks.

Holden claims the Gen IV L76 offers better acceleration, smarter low-speed engine response and improved ease of towing over the previous 250kW/470Nm 5.7-litre Gen III V8 engine.

It is fitted standard in Commodore SV8 and SS sedans, and SS-branded single-cab ute and dual-cab Crewman light commercials (as well as Crewman Cross8). It is also available in Calais and Berlina sedans, Berlina wagon and Statesman and Caprice long-wheelbase prestige sedans.

But, of course, it won't power the discontinued One Tonner or Adventra V8.

Fuel consumption according to the ADR 81/01 test standard is listed as 14.0 L/100km for all automatic models bar Crewman SS (15.3), Crewman Cross8 (15.6) and Caprice (14.3), while manual versions return 14.6L/100km where available (with the exception of Crewman SS: 14.8).

To complement the increased power, the SS sedan and ute each receive upgraded brakes – 320mm x 32mm vented rotors at the front wheels (up from 296mm x 28mm) and 286mm x 18mm vented rotors at the rear (up from 286mm x 18mm solid).

SS Crewman gets the beefier front brakes, but not at the rear.

Holden also claims further that the extra performance is managed with a better-breathing sports exhaust and "significant" improvements to the higher torque-rated 4L65-E four-speed automatic transmission formerly reserved for models including the 295kW HSV ClubSport.



The latter gains an input shaft speed sensor, which is said to improve shift quality and consistency under varied conditions (low-throttle in particular) but, come VE Commodore time, the ancient four-speeder is expected to make way for the six-speed auto the new V8 is available with in the US.

The Tremec T56 six-speed manual gearbox has a revised clutch plate and pressure plate to manage the extra torque.

Among the features of the L76 engine is an all-aluminium cylinder block casting and a revised cylinder design with external knock sensors. It can also offer "displacement on demand" cylinder deactivation technology, which is designed to reduce fuel consumption, however, Holden has determined not to offer this feature for the time being because of "significant testing and calibration development requirements".

The other notable change to MY2006 V8 models concerns the SS sedan, which gains VZ Monaro CV8 alloy wheels (including a spare), a performance exhaust, leather seats and grey accent stitching on the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake.

DRIVE IMPRESSIONS:

THE burble of a V8 is almost a boy-toy thing.

So it comes as no surprise the Holden has given its new 6.0-litre V8 a dinosaur roar that will bring a smile to aficionados of pure V8 motoring.

There’s a slight burble at idle but when unleashed the throatiness of the V8 turns into an almighty roar thanks to reduce back-pressure and improved sound quality.

With 260kW on tap and a massive 510Nm the new engine, codenamed L76, is far from a rough diamond.

It’s smooth, responsive at low revs and Holden claims offers better mid-range acceleration.

Importantly too, as we discovered, the ageing four-speed automatic has been tweaked enough to deliver smooth changes and a degree of silkiness unexpected of the old unit.

Holden also claims the oil problems experienced by some owners of the old Gen III V8 have been eradicated.

Save for the sports exhaust and badging, there is little to distinquish the V8s from lesser siblings. Holden has saved the best for under the bonnet.

Apart from the pure grunt, bigger discs help the V8 slow with a degree of confidence often found wanting in with the old Gen III V8 models.

If you think fuel prices have scared off V8 buyers, think again.

Holden says that last year 15 per cent of Commodore buyers opted for a V8, 49 per cent in the Statesman, 36 per cent in the ute and 28 per cent in the Crewman.

You may lament the passing of the Monaro V8, but the legend of the V8 lives on.

2006 6.0-litre V8 pricing:

Commodore SV8 sedan (m/a) - $44,490
Commodore SS sedan (m/a) - $51,790
Berlina sedan (a) - $48,590
Berlina wagon (a) - $51,590
Calais sedan (a) - $58,590
Statesman sedan (a) - $61,690
Caprice sedan (a) - $75,390
Commodore SS ute (m/a) - $41,490
Crewman SS ute (m/a) - $47,690
Crewman Cross8 ute (a) - $52,290