December 1999 Volume 80 Number 12 "serving the protectors"
Gutsy V8 with Computerized Directions
By Jim Barnett

entirely new, big news in motoring, increased

power and torque, improved fuel economy

ire Holden’s new monster V8 into life and the first thing you’ll notice is just how smoothly it purrs. One hears no distinctive V8 rumble from behind the wheel of the new Series II Commodore or Calais, but that’s progress. This engine is whisper quiet at low revs, but sounds like an F1 racing car when worked hard in the upper rev range.

It’s stunningly quick off the mark, and there’s plenty of thrust available for rapid overtaking. Even with automatic transmission, its capable of accelerating a Commodore from rest to 100km/h in around 6.6 seconds.

Put the foot down too hard and the traction control system will gently remind you who’s in charge. This V8 can lift the heaviest right foot off the accelerator to ensure power is used efficiently.

The release of this entirely new, Generation III (GEN III) 5.7-litre, alloy V8 engine is big news in motoring. Developed in the US, its obvious benefits are increased power and torque, and improved fuel economy. The engine is standard on SS and a $4,100 option on Executive, Berlina and Calais.

Weighing just 185kg, it’s comparable in mass to Holden’s 3.8-litre V6.

Peak power of 220kW is generated at 5000rpm and maximum torque is 446Nm @ 4400rpm. This represents a 23 per cent power increase over the 179kW, 5.0-litre V8 which GEN III replaces. Holden claims fuel consumption of 13 litres/100km on city cycle and 7.4 litres/100km on highway cycle for the manual.

A new six-speed manual transmission - also sourced from the US - is standard on SS and optional on Executives with the V8. The manual box features close ratio gears and dual-cone synchronisers for a sporty feel through reduced shifting effort. Double overdrive gear ratios of 0.74 (5th) and 0.50 (6th) contribute to improved fuel economy.

Series II models now feature remote central deadlocking and a battery saver function that automatically switches off any lights after 60 minutes. Holden’s seat-mounted, side impact airbags (SIAB) are standard on Acclaim, Berlina and Calais, and optional on other models. An auto-on, manual switch-off, traction control system is standard on Acclaim, SS and Calais.

The Police Journal tested a luxurious Calais, fitted with the new V8. Calais boasts more chrome, new alloy wheels and wider tyres. It’s standard features include:

• 12-function trip computer.
• Eight-way power adjustable front seats.
• 260-watt, 10-speaker audio system with steering wheel mounted controls.
• 10-stack CD changer.
• Dual-thermostat climate control system.
• Woodgrain instrument panel surround.

Driven gently, the V8 returns excellent economy while being able to overtake and tow with absolute ease. On test, the trip computer showed an overall fuel consumption of 13.4litres/100km. To maintain a highway speed of 110km/h, the engine ticks over at a leisurely 2000rpm and the trip computer shows a constant fuel usage of 7.6litres/100km.

The test car was fitted with a Philips CARiN satellite navigation system, optionally available at $4,495. A navigation computer - fitted in the boot - receives signals from the speedometer, an on-board gyroscope and a number of GPS satellites. The computer - equipped with a digital road map stored on CD - uses this data to determine the car’s position.

A remote key pad fitted to the console is used to enter an address. The system then guides the driver to the chosen location with pinpoint accuracy. On a colour screen in the console, the car’s position is shown against a map. To reach the location, voice commands are given for all necessary turns. Even if a driver misses a turn, the system makes adjustments to get him or her back on track.

Sounds ideal for patrol sergeants who strain to read street directories.

PASAweb   Index & Search   Top of Page   Comments   Email to Editor

The Police Journal Online is an official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 1999  The Police Association of South Australia sustance