The fourth generation of the Holden Commodore has arrived. The 2006 VE Commodore is Australia's first $1 billion car program and the most homegrown development project in almost 60 years of Holden vehicle production. The fourth generation Commodore is much safer, offers more technology and delivers more features and value than ever before. Interiors, exteriors and major mechanical features have been totally redesigned or upgraded, representing the most clean-sheet car program in Holden history.
Safety was a key factor in the new vehicle, with the acclaimed crash avoidance technology Electronic Stability Program (ESP) standard and curtain airbags available on the entire VE sedan range. The chassis was designed to accommodate a range of active and passive safety technologies, and more super-strength and high-strength steels have been used than ever before in Commodore's structure.
The model line-up has been revised, with the Omega to replace Executive and Acclaim, and the addition of the V Series, to highlight the top-of-the-line offerings, commencing with the SS V and Calais V.
The peak power of the advanced Alloytec V6 engines, which are made in Australia, has increased to 180 and 195 kilowatts respectively. The six-litre V8 has been improved with peak power and torque of 270 kilowatts and 530 Newton metres. A new six-speed automatic transmission has been introduced for V8 models.
All-new front and rear suspension systems have been introduced to provide outstanding handling without sacrificing ride comfort. The car's microprocessing capability has more than doubled which allows for new levels of safety and user-friendly features.
March 2008: Holden has made six airbags and air conditioning standard across the whole Commodore sedan range. On the Omega alloy wheels are also now standard.
November 2008: Holden has upgraded its Alloytec V6 engine on Omega and Berlina models, the improvement offers fuel savings of up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres for petrol models and 1.3 litres per 100 kilometres for LPG variants.
January 2009: Holden will introduce fuel saving Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology on all its V8 automatic models.
Full VE Unveiled Media Release
New Six-Speed Automatic Transmission For V8 Commodores Media Release
Sophisticated New Suspension System For Commodore Media Release
Safety The Priority For Commodore Development Media Release
User-Friendly Technology Takes Centre Stage Media Release
Media Release - Special Edition Commodore Lumina
Media Release - Six Airbags Standard Across Commodore Range
Media Release - Holden Launches Fuel Saving Technology For V8 Automatic Range
Media Release - Improved Fuel Efficiency for Commodore
The VE Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.
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180kW Alloytec V6, 4 speed automatic transmission, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which incorporates: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Traction Control System (TCS); security system, Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), 16x7 inch steel wheels, 17x4 inch steel spare wheel, driver's and passenger's airbags, multifunction steering wheel controls, multifunction driver display, priority key, trip computer, Cruise Control, speed dependent intermittent wipers, automatic headlamps, single disc CD player, 6 speakers, 4-way electrically adjustable seat, power windows, twin cup holders, auxiliary power socket in centre console.
From March 2008, also added: Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), Curtain airbags, air conditioning, alloy wheels, body colour exterior door handles and mirror covers and an all-new grille.
175kW Alloytec LPG V6, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), Curtain airbags, Bluetooth wireless communications, Country Pack Suspension, Sports Suspension, Limited Slip Differential (LSD only available with sports suspension), full sized spare wheel, Satellite navigation, 6 disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility, air conditioning, alloy wheels.
This was a limited edition in late 2006, based on Commodore Omega. It has the following additional features: Air Conditioning, 17 inch alloy wheels (steel spare), sports rear spoiler, body colour door handles and mirrors, special V Series badge. It was available in the following colours: Heron White, Redhot, Nickel, Impulse, Phantom.
This was a limited edition from June 2007. Based on Commodore Omega, it has the following additional features: Air Conditioning, 18 inch alloy wheels (steel spare), rear parking sensors, bluetooth phone connectivity, distinctive front grill, body colour door handles and mirrors, Lumina rear badge. It was available in the following colours: Heron White, Red Passion, Evoke, Nickel, Impulse, Sandstorm, Phantom. The recommended retail price was from $32,990.
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As for Omega, plus: Alloytec 195kW High Output V6, 6 speed manual transmission, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), Bluetooth wireless communications, Sports Suspension, 18x8 inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, dual exhaust outlets, leather wrapped steering wheel, 7 speakers, air conditioning.
From March 2008, also added: Curtain airbags.
5 speed automatic transmission, Curtain airbags, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), full sized spare wheel, Satellite navigation, 6 disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility.
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As for SV6, plus: 270kW 6.0L V8, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), quad exhaust outlets, 6 disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility.
From March 2008, also added: Curtain airbags.
6 speed automatic transmission, Curtain airbags, full sized spare wheel, Satellite navigation.
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As for SS, plus: 19 inch alloy wheels, Curtain airbags, projector headlamps, alloy faced pedals, leather wrapped gear selector, colour coded instruments, 11 speakers including sub-woofers, dual zone climate control.
6 speed automatic transmission, 20 inch alloy wheels, full sized spare wheel, Satellite navigation.
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As for Omega, plus: Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), Bluetooth wireless communications, 17x7 inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, leather wrap steering wheel, Rear Park Assist, 6 disc in-dash CD player with MP3 compatibility, 7 speakers, dual zone electronic climate control.
From March 2008, also added: Curtain airbags.
270kW 6.0L V8 with 6 speed automatic transmission, Side Curtain airbags (with leather interior only), Sports Suspension, Limited Slip Differential (with sports suspension only), full sized spare wheel, rear seat overhead DVD player, Satellite navigation.
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As for Berlina, plus: Alloytec 195kW High Output V6, 5 speed automatic transmission, Curtain airbags, Sports Suspension, projector headlamps, dual exhaust, leather wrap gear selector, 9 speakers, 6.5" colour LCD multifunction display.
270kW 6.0L V8 with 6 speed automatic transmission, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), full sized spare wheel, rear seat overhead DVD player, Satellite navigation.
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As for Calais, plus: 18x8 inch alloy wheels, Front and Rear Park Assist, rain sensing wipers, 11 speakers including sub-woofers, rear seat overhead DVD player.
270kW 6.0L V8 with 6 speed automatic transmission, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), full sized spare wheel, Satellite navigation.
Above is a Victorian Police Highway Patrol Commodore SS.
Above is a Northern Territory Police Commodore SS.
The VE Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.
Return to Unofficial Holden Commodore Main Page.
Last modified: 9 November 2008.
