Holden VY One Tonner Press Release - 25 May 2003
|
Holden's
Reborn One Tonner Comes On Strong Loads of strength, style, power and carrying capacity – and it drives like a sedan A muscular new version of the legendary Holden One Tonner will join the Aussie workforce on June 1. Holden’s new passenger-derivative light commercial is bigger, stronger and more powerful than its famously durable predecessors – many of them still on the job – which were last produced in 1985. Die-hard fans and a new generation of buyers are set to discover that the legend lives on in fine style, as the versatile VY One Tonner builds on the traditional characteristics of the original while bringing the advanced driving dynamics of a passenger sedan to this part of the market for the first time. Well aware of the big reputation at stake, Holden engineers have gone to great lengths to make sure that the new V6 and V8 One Tonner workhorses are tough and capable enough to handle the most difficult jobs asked of them. According to Alan Blazevic, Holden’s Marketing Manager, Light Commercial Vehicles, they deliver the goods with the help of a world-first chassis frame design that adds strength, durability, ride refinement and handling not seen before in a vehicle of this sort. "While the Holden One Tonner is a no-compromise light commercial vehicle, it gives another level of choice for buyers who want that versatile, hard-core carrying capability combined with plenty of style and street cred," he said. "Just like our Ute owners, they will value the ride comfort, performance, acceleration and handling assets that come courtesy of its Commodore cousins and the advanced chassis frame set-up. "Following straight after the all-new Rodeo, the One Tonner injects even more vitality into our light commercial range. "Importantly, it’s the first in a series of innovative passenger-derivative crossover vehicles due to debut later in the year that showcase Holden’s flexible manufacturing skills and its ability to custom build to suit all kinds of customer needs," Mr Blazevic concluded. The One Tonner is available in two variants: standard and ‘S’, with 3.8 litre V6 or 5.7 litre Gen III V8 performance optional on the S model. These light commercials share the car-like cabin comfort and Australian Design Award-winning styling of the Holden Ute, but with a live rear axle and elliptical leaf spring rear suspension, they can carry payloads of over one tonne in some set-ups while still delivering sedan-like ride and handling. Structural Strength The Holden One Tonner’s unique part-monocoque and part chassis frame construction incorporates a world-first ‘torque arm’ system . While most conventional pick-ups employ a ‘torque box’ system with the chassis frame welded to the cab, the Holden chassis frame has additional reinforcement beams and webbing that allow a robust separate frame structure to be bolted into place. The heavy duty torque arm system has two vertical uprights at the front of the chassis frame which bolt to the back of the cab. Each is bolted top and bottom and stabilised to make an extremely rigid connection. Bolting through a complete cross section rather than welding the surfaces together allows the use of heavier gauge material and creates a much stiffer, stronger and more durable bond. In terms of cabin comfort, this one-of-a-kind rigid chassis frame link delivers a significant reduction in vibration levels and helps to create a driving experience that’s more passenger car than pickup. Chassis and Powertrain One Tonner is the longest Holden on the market. It also has the longest (3200mm) wheelbase in its class* and is wider (2047mm) and higher (1507mm) than the Holden Ute. The One Tonner delivers the light commercial functionality of a rear multi-spring suspension and live rear axle, rated to a competitor-leading* 1800kg. The robust rear suspension, reinforced prop shaft and rear axle housing, heavy duty wheels and specially developed tyres make for competitor-leading* strength and durability. Brakes are designed for optimum performance under repeated braking with heavy loads. Standard powerplant for both models is the 152kW 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6, teamed with automatic transmission. One Tonner S buyers have the option of the 225kW 5.7 litre Gen III V8, with six-speed manual or heavy-duty automatic transmission. Load Carrying Capacity The Holden One Tonner possesses competitor-leading* features in all key load carrying areas: front and rear axle loads of 1180 and 1800kg respectively, Gross Vehicle Mass of 2826kg and payload capacity. After allowances for fuel, passengers and extras like trays and bullbars, payload comes in at more than 1000 kg in typical work situations (see attached guidelines for more information.) Versatility The VY One Tonner lends itself to a broad range of custom body styles to suit all kinds of preferences and job descriptions. It can be optioned with a number of stylish and practical trays. They include an economical, general-purpose alloy tray and a high-feature dropside tray with removable sides which comes complete with a patented side ladder step and a header board contoured to the cabin lines. At the top of the range is a hard wood tray with colour-coded steel combing and load board. Style and High Feature Levels A true passenger car derivative, the One Tonner offers the same brand of sharp-edged, powerfully aggressive styling, smart systems and spacious, efficiently packaged accommodation that make the Holden Commodore Australia’s most popular car. The sedan heritage of the One Tonner cab chassis is also reflected in its high standard equipment levels. In common with the VY Ute, Commodore and Calais range, it has a thoughtfully designed instrument panel layout with a binnacle-style cluster and user friendly multi-function digital displays, including a trip computer, with information settings that can be easily customised. Small item storage is supplemented by the competitor-leading* volume of 250 litres of large recessed storage areas behind the bucket seats. Holden VY One Tonner Feature Highlights 152kW 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6 Colour Selection There are three exterior finishes to
choose from: Pricing One Tonner (3.8 litre ECOTEC V6) $26,210
(Automatic or optional manual transmission) Options and Accessories: Air conditioning (One Tonner) $2250
* VY One Tonner’s "competitor" is the Ford Falcon cab chassis ute. The "class" both these vehicles participate in is the VFACTS "4X2 pick-up and cab chassis" class. On Sale Load Calculation and Safer Driving Holden has issued a set of guidelines to help prospective buyers correctly specify their One Tonner cab chassis light commercials and to calculate payload in order to remain within safe operating limits and to ensure the longevity of the vehicle. The guidelines stress the importance of receiving advice on recommended body lengths and sets out maximum axle load tolerances. Common terminology is explained, as is the importance of understanding the difference between carrying capacity and payload. While all VY One Tonners have a one tonne carrying capacity, payload will vary depending on equipment fitted and other items listed below. Carrying Capacity Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) Kerb Mass Payload Calculating Payload Sample Payload Calculation
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) 2826 kg |
