Holden Commodore (VE)

Holden Commodore (VE)
Overview
Manufacturer	Holden
Also called	Holden Berlina Holden Calais Holden Ute HSV E Series Chevrolet Lumina (Middle East and South Africa) Chevrolet Omega (Brazil) Pontiac G8 (North America) Vauxhall VXR8 (UK) CSV CR8
Production	July 2006 – May 2013 (sedan) August 2007 – May 2013 (utility) July 2008 – May 2013 (wagon)
Assembly	Australia: Adelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth)
Designer	Peter Hughes (2003)
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size
Body style	2-door coupé utility 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Platform	GM Zeta
Related	Buick Park Avenue (China) Chevrolet Camaro (fifth generation) Holden Statesman/Caprice (WM) Holden Special Vehicles GTS/Clubsport
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 L LF1 V6 3.6 L LY7 V6 3.6 L LFX V6 6.0 L L98 V8 (Manual 2008–2010) 6.0 L L76 V8 (Auto 2008–2010) 6.0 L L77 V8 6.2 L LS3 V8 (HSV and Pontiac) 7.0 L LS7 V8 (HSV only)
Transmission	4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic 5-speed GM 5L40-E automatic 6-speed GM 6L50 automatic 6-speed GM 6L80-E automatic 6-speed Aisin AY6 manual 6-speed Tremec T56 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,915 mm (114.8 in) (sedan, wagon) 3,009 mm (118.5 in) (utility)
Length	4,894–4,900 mm (192.7–192.9 in) (sedan) 4,896–4,904 mm (192.8–193.1 in) (wagon) 5,040–5,055 mm (198.4–199.0 in) (utility)
Width	1,899 mm (74.8 in)
Height	1,471–1,497 mm (57.9–58.9 in)
Kerb weight	1,690–1,825 kg (3,726–4,023 lb) (sedan) 1,837–1,988 kg (4,050–4,383 lb) (wagon) 1,620–1,777 kg (3,571–3,918 lb) (utility)
Chronology
Predecessor	Holden Commodore (VZ)
Successor	Holden Commodore (VF)

The Holden Commodore (VE) is a full-size car that was produced from 2006 to 2013 by Holden—the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. Dubbed Holden's "billion dollar baby",^[1][2] the car was available in luxury variants—the Holden Berlina and Holden Calais—and a utility version—the Holden Ute.

Succeeding the VZ series, the VE was the first iteration of the fourth generation of the Holden Commodore, a series of automobiles built between 1978 and 2020. Unlike its predecessors, which used Opel-sourced platforms adapted mechanically and in size for the local market, the VE was the first Commodore entirely designed and developed by Holden in Australia. Despite its status as an all-new model, engines—comprising the 3.6-litre V6 and the 6.0-litre V8—derive mainly from the VZ series. To minimise export redevelopment costs, features such as a symmetrical centre console housing a flush-fitting hand brake lever facilitated the conversion to left-hand drive. The VE was internationally badge-engineered as the Chevrolet Lumina, Chevrolet Omega, Bitter Vero Sport and Pontiac G8.

Holden introduced the VE variants in stages, beginning with the sedan in July 2006. Before this, Holden stated they would manufacture two parallel generations of Commodores until the launch of the station wagon and utility. Variants by Holden's performance vehicle partner, Holden Special Vehicles, were released soon after the sedan's debut alongside the long-wheelbase WM Statesman/Caprice models. The VE Ute entered production in 2007, coinciding with the unveiling of the Sportwagon concept car. The production version of the Sportwagon—which shared its 2,915 mm (114.8 in) wheelbase with the sedan instead of the extended wheelbase from the Caprice like previous models—was introduced in July 2008.

Holden introduced updates to the VE as model year changes starting in April 2007. Typically subtle, these recurring changes have involved alterations to colours and trim, increased standard equipment, and reduced fuel consumption. More noteworthy adjustments have come in the form of a smaller 3.0-litre V6 engine for entry-level versions and "Series II" styling revisions in September 2010.