11 things to know about VE Commodore and BF Falcon

[XPcoupe]

The anticipated wait is over and the news is out - VE Commodore is here and frankly, we don't know what all the fuss is about. GM-Holden have gone to great lengths in their effort to catch up to the amazing BF Falcon, but take a closer look at the specifications and you will soon agree that there really is no comparison.

Here are 11 key things which you should know about VE Commodore and BF Falcon.

1. VE Commodore will not perform as well as the BF Falcon

· VE Commodore Omega -

Power = 180kW@6000rpm (ECE)

Torque = 330Nm@2600rpm (ECE) 1

· BF Falcon XT has greater power and torque –

Power = 190kW@5250rpm (DIN)

Torque = 383Nm@2500rpm (DIN)

· Furthermore, Falcon XT achieves 330Nm of torque at just 1500rpm, which ultimately means greater responsiveness and performance!

2. VE Commodore's Alloytec engine is not as technologically advanced as Falcon's Barra 190

The Alloytec V6 engine misses out on continuously variable camshaft timing for exhaust cams2
This is a feature unique to the High Output Alloytec engine but is found on all Barra 190 and 245 engines and well as the E-Gas engine.


3. VE Commodore does not offer 6-speed automatic transmission on any 6 cylinder models

German ZF 6-speed automatic transmission is available on XR6, XR6 Turbo and Fairmont Ghia
Falcon XR6 Turbo and XR8 Utes also feature this amazing optional transmission, something the GM-Holden VZ 'S', 'SS' or even HSV Utes can't match
6-speed automatic transmission results in a smoother drive and greater fuel economy.


4. VE Commodore is larger and heavier than its predecessor. Fuel consumption ranges from 10.9L/100km to 14.4L/100km

BF Falcon can achieve fuel consumption as low as 10.2L/100km on the Barra 190 engine with 6-speed automatic transmission.
Omega (4-speed automatic) = 10.9L XT (4-speed automatic) = 10.9L
SV6 (5-speed automatic) = 11.3L XR6 (6-speed automatic) = 10.2L
Calais V6 (5-speed automatic) = 11.3L Fairmont Ghia (6-speed automatic) = 10.2L
SS V8 (6-speed automatic) = 14.3L XR8 (6-speed automatic) = 13.7L


5. VE Commodore does not currently offer a dedicated LPG or dual fuel LPG option

The BF Falcon boasts an optional E-Gas engine, which has been specifically designed to run on LPG. The result is fuel savings of up to 43% when compared with petrol when travelling over the same distance5
GM-Holden do not offer LPG as an option on any of their VZ Ute models while the BF Falcon Ute range offers it as an option on XL, XLS, RTV and even XR6 Utes with no loss of load space!

6. Air conditioning is a $2,000 optional extra on the VE Commodore Omega

Air conditioning comes standard on the BF Falcon XT.

7. VE Commodore comes standard with a space saver spare wheel across the range

· A full size spare option is $100 on Omega and $250 on all other models

1 BF Falcon comes with a full size spare wheel standard across the range including wagon and Ute (excluding E-Gas).

8. VE Commodore's improved luggage capacity comes as a result of a space saver spare wheel. Even then, Falcon still has more luggage capacity

· BF Falcon has a luggage capacity of 504L with a full size spare wheel compared to VE Commodore at 496L7.

9. The cost of replacing original tyres has increased on VE Commodore

A set of four new tyres on the current Commodore Executive costs approximately $500 RRP. A set of four new tyres on the VE Commodore Omega costs $928 RRP (or $232 RRP each). This represents an 85% price increase
In comparison, a set of four replacement tyres on the BF Falcon XT, Futura or Fairmont costs just $569.52 RRP (or $142.38 RRP each)
VE Commodore SS-V 19" tyres RRP = 3,789 for a set of four (or $947.40 RRP each)
VE Commodore optional 20" tyres RRP = $4,316 for a set of four (or $1,079 RRP each)


10. VE Commodore's rear seating has a centre section fold-down only

· BF Falcon on the other hand offers a versatile 60/40 split fold-down rear seat back.

11. There is no VE wagon or Ute until late 2007

· The Falcon sedan, wagon and Ute range all feature the same front end sheet metal whereas GM-Holden's wagon and Ute models will remain in VZ guise for another 12 months

1 Furthermore, GM-Holden Ute no longer offers a Chassis Cab (i.e. One Tonner) while Falcon Ute offers a full range of XL, XLS and RTV Chassis Cabs

2 Wagon and Ute represent approximately 40% of total Commodore sales10.



References:

1 Holden Australia, "Holden VE Commodore: Fuel Economy Figures New", GM Media Online, (http://media.gm.com:8221/aus/holden/en/), July 24, 2006.

2 VE Commodore Specification Sheet, July 2006.

3 Holden Australia, "New Six-Speed Automatic Transmission for V8 Commodores", GM Media Online (http://media.gm.com:8221/aus/holden/en/), July 25, 2006.

4 Holden Australia, "All-New Holden Commodore Unveiled to the World", GM Media Online (http://media.gm.com:8221/aus/holden/en/), July 15, 2006.

5 Calculated using ADR 81/01 fuel consumption figures of 15.9L/100km (E-Gas) and 10.9L/100km (petrol) and average Sydney and Melbourne capital city fuel costs of LPG (49.91c) and unleaded petrol (129.68c), April 1 to April 30, 2006. Source: Informed Sources Pty Ltd. The actual fuel consumption you achieve will depend, however, on many factors including your driving habits, the prevailing conditions and your vehicle's equipment, condition and use. Figures based on sedan vehicle.

6 Holden Australia, "Holden Releases Pricing For 2006 Commodore, WM Statesman and Caprice", GM Media Online (http://media.gm.com:8221/aus/holden/en/), July 18, 2006.

7 McDonald, N, "Freeze Frame", GoAuto E-News, No. 345, July 19, 2006.

8 Dowling, J & Hudson, J, "VE News: Commodore's $3,500 tyre change", the Sydney Morning Herald, July 21, 2006.

9 Martin, T, "Billion Dollar Car", GoAuto E-News, No. 345, July 19, 2006.

10 VFACTS, June 2006.

[Smoked]

Holden do offer LPG, infact the offer a dual Fuel Squential Vapour injectin Gas system.

[Poetic Justice]

Interesting read....

On the contrary, I'd like to see a 11 things to know why the VE commodore is better than BF because that could be equally as thrilling.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by blackout

Interesting read....

On the contrary, I'd like to see a 11 things to know why the VE commodore is better than BF because that could be equally as thrilling.

Well do your own research then instead of being negative towards what's been pointed out just because it looks favourable towards the BF...

[F6 UTE]

I wonder if the Commodores seatbelts retract, have noisy diffs, shocking 6spd noises, etc etc etc.

Yes, there will be the Holden baggers, Yes Ford baggers aswell. But untill either company can provide us with a product which is actually worth the coin you pay, I don't think we can comment too much.. They are good value for the performance models, but look at the items we are ALL complaining about.. Both camps.

As for no VE ute/wagon till 2007, do you think Ford will treat us any differently?
BA Tornado drivers are stuck with 'T' series skirts and rear bars from 5 years ago, and the flash new 6spd auto uses an AU flex plate..

Continuously adjustable cams?? on the Barra... Show me.. Didn't exist, (but was advertised) untill BF.

Did you drive the VE? what's it like??

[THORNSPAWN]

Originally Posted by F6 UTE

Continuously adjustable cams?? on the Barra... Show me.. Didn't exist, (but was advertised) untill BF.

BA DID have continuously variable cams, intake and exhaust move together. BF has Dual Independant variable cams.

[Dazza XLT]

I can see this thread heading the way of the other VE Threads...
Good info anyway.

Cheers

[Kryton]

can someone please explain to me why are the Omega tyres so damn expensive?
are they special or is that what it would cost from Holden spare parts?

[Dazza XLT]

Originally Posted by davway

can someone please explain to me why are the Omega tyres so damn expensive?
are they special or is that what it would cost from Holden spare parts?

That had me wondering too.
And do 19" Tyres really cost $900??? I thought they would be around $400, if that.

[The G6ET Spot]

Originally Posted by Darran

That had me wondering too.
And do 19" Tyres really cost $900??? I thought they would be around $400, if that.

I'd like to know which tyres they are using as well, as I priced a set of Yokohama Advan V103 245x40x19 $490 265x35x19 $500 and I'd say that Holden are only using Bridgestones.

[Hally]

I read somewhere that Bridgestone designed a whole new tyre range just for the VE with each model in mind. The article also said that the prices would come down very quickly, in line with demand increasing.

Interesting to note that a 19" spare is only $250. Wonder if you could order 4 when purchasing???

[Dazza XLT]

Originally Posted by Hally

I read somewhere that Bridgestone designed a whole new tyre range just for the VE with each model in mind. The article also said that the prices would come down very quickly, in line with demand increasing.

They would want to!
Need a mortgage to replace a tyre! :

[Bermo]

Re: The Tyres
I think it's a good thing that they are putting decent tyres on the base model.

Re: Backseat
Personal preference as too wether or not 60/40 is better than centre console.

I wish with these comparisions they would do it with an unbiasd opinion for a change!


Disclaimer: I own a BA and am a Ford man through and through.

[Dazza XLT]

Originally Posted by Bermo

Re: The Tyres
I think it's a good thing that they are putting decent tyres on the base model.

Thats all well and good, but I don't think any fleet company in this country will fork out $900 for a set of tyres, once the originals are buggered!

[HSE2]

sounds like the "drive team" is impressed with the way they drive. Some mighty impressive claims being made

[crYnOid]

Originally Posted by HSE2

sounds like the "drive team" is impressed with the way they drive. Some mighty impressive claims being made

Carpoint are very impressed as well.

[HSE2]

Originally Posted by crYnOid

Carpoint are very impressed as well.

You mean something like this?



"Indeed, the overall SS V package leaves its $51,330 XR8 rival in serious trouble when the Ford is thirstier, not as quick and front heavy in comparison to the new Holden.

Feature for feature the SS V also has the Falcon pinned to the canvas. Even if you argue the XR8’s six-speed auto is significantly better than the SS V transmission, the L98 V8 has such an even spread of torque and superior power output that it doesn’t matter. And the way an SS V buyer can differentiate their car from lesser SV6 (for more click here) and SS models will make XR8 owners red and orange with envy.

Where the XR8 can only boast a lonely power bulge over the base XR6 models, the SS V starts out as more differentiated over other Commodores then adds quad exhausts, different headlights, rocket launcher tail lights, 19-inch alloys with their own spoke pattern, larger rear spoiler with black support structure and V badging.

The SS V also leaves the top-shelf V8 Euros suddenly staring at the law of ever diminishing returns"

[MickyB]

Originally Posted by HSE2

You mean something like this?



"Indeed, the overall SS V package leaves its $51,330 XR8 rival in serious trouble when the Ford is thirstier, not as quick and front heavy in comparison to the new Holden.

Feature for feature the SS V also has the Falcon pinned to the canvas. Even if you argue the XR8’s six-speed auto is significantly better than the SS V transmission, the L98 V8 has such an even spread of torque and superior power output that it doesn’t matter. And the way an SS V buyer can differentiate their car from lesser SV6 (for more click here) and SS models will make XR8 owners red and orange with envy.

Where the XR8 can only boast a lonely power bulge over the base XR6 models, the SS V starts out as more differentiated over other Commodores then adds quad exhausts, different headlights, rocket launcher tail lights, 19-inch alloys with their own spoke pattern, larger rear spoiler with black support structure and V badging.

The SS V also leaves the top-shelf V8 Euros suddenly staring at the law of ever diminishing returns"

I actually find the XR8 incredibly easy to differentiate from the 6 cylinder Falcon's due to the 'lonely' power bulge. From a distance you would never be able to pick out V badging or different headlights, the SS-V might be good, but they're crazy to bag the XR8 for not being easily spotted.

[HSE2]

Originally Posted by MickyB

I actually find the XR8 incredibly easy to differentiate from the 6 cylinder Falcon's due to the 'lonely' power bulge. From a distance you would never be able to pick out V badging or different headlights, the SS-V might be good, but they're crazy to bag the XR8 for not being easily spotted.

Yeah not sure what all that is about. VE over load maybe?

[chief]

Do you think wheels or motor magazine would say what has just been said above. No. They wil spin doctor it into being the most significant car in Australian history.

[MickyB]

Originally Posted by chief

Do you think wheels or motor magazine would say what has just been said above. No. They wil spin doctor it into being the most significant car in Australian history.

This could be so they can sell more issues though, the more hype that is generated by the VE, the better for them. They did it for VT, and more recently the BA. They now have a chance to have 6 months worth of different Holden and Ford comparison's, and once BFII comes out, a few more, and then it will all start again with Orion.
They must love new models.

[joshf2]

that was an email sent out from the ford marketing dept to their staff from what ive heard

[XR-ENVI]

Originally Posted by joshf2

that was an email sent out from the ford marketing dept to their staff from what ive heard

yes we recieved a forwarded copy form my brother who works at Ford Motor Company the email orignated from
Falcon / Fairlane Brand Team
Ford Motor Company of Australia

[Full Spectrum]

LOL can't believe someone put that much effort into that much crap.

Anyway on the spare tyres just buy what you want when the time is right to change them, thats what many do.
Just like DVD-RW CD's when first out very expensive look at them now.

XPcoupe why don't you make a Sig out of your slop 11:P

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by SlickHolden

LOL can't believe someone put that much effort into that much crap.

I guess the same could be said for the valiant effort you put into defending all things holden.... :evil_laug

[Full Spectrum]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

I guess the same could be said for the valiant effort you put into defending all things holden.... :evil_laug

Well i don't need to defend Mr always picks out holden people to bag:P

[Full Spectrum]

I was more happy they liked the Base model even with the old 4 speed, Cause that is the biggest gap between ford and holden since VY-BA.

[HSE2]

Originally Posted by SlickHolden

I was more happy they liked the Base model even with the old 4 speed, Cause that is the biggest gap between ford and holden since VY-BA.

Yeah they liked it so much they said this

"The most disappointing aspect is the raucous nature of the 180kW engine and its unpleasant sound under duress. It’s not that bad but because the rest of the car is so good, it stands out as not belonging .

Likewise the revised four-speed auto which though improved beyond belief compared to the previous model still has no grade control logic for engine braking at low speeds or during a hill descent. The lack of a sequential manual shift compounds this and will leave most drivers riding the brakes in urban drives as this car really likes to roll. With 40km/h speed limits, both these features are increasingly important and can be found in most rivals."

[Wezza]

Originally Posted by HSE2

Yeah they liked it so much they said this

"The most disappointing aspect is the raucous nature of the 180kW engine and its unpleasant sound under duress. It’s not that bad but because the rest of the car is so good, it stands out as not belonging .

Likewise the revised four-speed auto which though improved beyond belief compared to the previous model still has no grade control logic for engine braking at low speeds or during a hill descent. The lack of a sequential manual shift compounds this and will leave most drivers riding the brakes in urban drives as this car really likes to roll. With 40km/h speed limits, both these features are increasingly important and can be found in most rivals."

Sorry i was getting a bit tired of your one eyed comments, i just had to register. Mate, can't you acknowledge that Holden have built a great car?? I love Holdens, but i will acknowledge that Ford have a great car in the BF Falcon.

Here are some good comments made by the drive team:

Glenn Butler, senior editor, Drive:
To Tony Hyde and his dedicated team of engineers: bravo. VE is the best handling, smoothest riding Commodore I’ve ever driven. I’m not going to pre-empt any Holden v Ford comparisons, but Ford should be worried about becoming the perennial bridesmaid in that particular two-car race.

Bruce Newton, contributor, Drive:

Calais-V:
The Calais V is undoubtedly the best looking. Truly world class in its presentation of sports luxury.

SS-V
In conditions that Noah would welcome the SS-V was poised, responsive, stable, nimble and awesomely quick.

It is undoubtedly Australia’s new muscle car King.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big claims, i can't see why any of them would lie. I guess we will have to wait to get a drive of them. But i think supporters of both the Blue Oval & Holden shoudl be happy that there is great vehicles coming out on both sides.

[MickyB]

Originally Posted by Wezza

Sorry i was getting a bit tired of your one eyed comments, i just had to register. Mate, can't you acknowledge that Holden have built a great car?? I love Holdens, but i will acknowledge that Ford have a great car in the BF Falcon.

Here are some good comments made by the drive team:

Glenn Butler, senior editor, Drive:
To Tony Hyde and his dedicated team of engineers: bravo. VE is the best handling, smoothest riding Commodore I’ve ever driven. I’m not going to pre-empt any Holden v Ford comparisons, but Ford should be worried about becoming the perennial bridesmaid in that particular two-car race.

Bruce Newton, contributor, Drive:

Calais-V:
The Calais V is undoubtedly the best looking. Truly world class in its presentation of sports luxury.

SS-V
In conditions that Noah would welcome the SS-V was poised, responsive, stable, nimble and awesomely quick.

It is undoubtedly Australia’s new muscle car King.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big claims, i can't see why any of them would lie. I guess we will have to wait to get a drive of them. But i think supporters of both the Blue Oval & Holden shoudl be happy that there is great vehicles coming out on both sides.

Oh well, I don't think Ford should worry too much considering how well the VY sold when the BF was clearly streets ahead in chassis setup. As for muscle car king, people still bought SS's when the XR6T was destroying it in every comparison ever printed.