HOLDEN’S new V6 is loaded with high technology and high expectations. In the new SV6 sports sedan, the top-shelf Alloytec 190 boasts all-alloy construction, twin camshafts per cylinder bank, four valves per cylinder, six separate ignition coils – even variable valve timing – all promise an exhilarating drive experience. Especially when it’s replacing a time-honoured but primitive V6 that was never renowned for its smoothness or refinement. The Alloytec reality is a bit of a letdown. It doesn’t sound or feel a lot different to the old engine, even if it most certainly is, and doesn’t return anything special in terms of fuel efficiency or accelerator response. The Alloytec is undoubtedly a better engine, and will take Holden well into the future, but could it be we maligned the old V6 a little too much?
Commodore S sedan
Released: October 2002
Ended: August 2004
Family Tree: CommodoreHolden's long-standing Commodore S nameplate first received supercharged V6 excitement with the VT model in September 1997. Ending the variant badge's lineage is the new VZ Commodore SV6, whose most direct predecessor is both the naturally aspirated and supercharged S versions of the VY Commodore released in October 2002. While the former featured an unfettled 152kW/305Nm V6 for just under $40,000, the blown S offered a gruntier but even gruffer 171/375Nm version of same for just over $40,000. A minor VY Series II update of both variants was released in August 2003.
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