Holden revs up to match Falcon in power stakes
Extracted article by Russell Williamson, The Age, Thursday October 10 2002, www.drive.com.au

Holden is set to at least match the base-model Falcon's power when its new family of V6 engines and gearboxes debut in the VZ Commodore in 2004.

The first details of the HFV6 engine family have been released in the US, with GM announcing that the 3.6-litre version, expected to go into the Cadillac CTS, will produce 190kW of power and 339Nm of torque.

The current base-model 3.8-litre VY Commodore engine generates just 152kW and 305Nm against the new BA Falcon's 182kW and 380Nm from a double overhead-cam 4.0-litre in-line six.

Holden is understood to be testing the engine in a Cadillac CTS that has been spotted around Melbourne.

Like the new Falcon powerplant, the Holden High Feature V6 will incorporate double overhead camshafts, 24 valves and variable valve timing. It will have the added benefit of being all-alloy, thus saving weight.

Although GM has released power figures only for the 3.6, Holden's engine is expected to remain at 3.8-litre capacity - to increase the torque output - with the new HFV6 to be built in sizes ranging from 2.8-litres to 3.8-litres.

The HFV6 engines will be built at a new $700 million engine plant at Fishermans Bend. As well as going into the Commodores, it will be exported to supply other GM brands including Opel, Alfa Romeo and Saab.

Saab will take a 2.8-litre version, complete with its trademark turbo - as well as possibly a twin-turbo. This also means Holden will retire its supercharged version of the present V6 in favour of a turbo engine, which is likely to match the might of Ford's new XR6 turbo.

The VZ Commodore will also gain a new five-speed automatic transmission, with the subsequent all-new 2005 VE Commodore possibly gaining a six-speed auto. The new Hydra-Matic six-speed transmission was another of the powertrain developments announced by GM last week; it is scheduled to appear in rear-wheel-drive products in 2005.

GM also announced it would start producing a V12 engine for the first time in more than 60 years. It is expected to have a 7.5-litre capacity, all-alloy construction and 48-valves, developing more than 373kW.

This engine is slated for top-of-the-range Cadillacs but, with the packaging designed to meet the same requirements as a V8, it could also have application potential in local products.