New Gen IV for Holden Commodore
With Holden's 5.7-litre V8 unable to meet new emissions regulations from January, an all-new 6.0-litre V8 is being readied.
Article written by: The Sydney Morning Herald for Drive
Originally Published on 2005-11-18.
Holden is set to fit an all-new V8 engine to its Commodore range by the end of December. Codenamed L76, the all engine displaces 6.0 litres and is also referred to as the Gen IV. (Click on the image above for a larger view). The fourth generation "small-block" V8 was initially designed for use in various large off-roaders in the United States, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. As well as providing more power and torque than Holden’s outgoung 5.7-litre LS1/Gen III V8 engine – which was also sourced from the US but can’t be made to meet new emissions regulations coming into effect in Australia in January, 2006 – the new 6.0-litre engine will include displacement on demand technology. The so-called DOD can shut down up to four cylinders when maximum output is not needed to improve fuel economy. It will also boast variable valve timing, for improved output across the rev range, and could even be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Gen IV line-up will also include a range of engine capacities and configurations for use in other models for sale in America. In both iron and aluminium construction, they include capacities of 4.8 litres, 5.3 litres, 6.0 litres and even a 6.2-litre flagship capable of delivering 298kW, which is 1kW more than the current HSV LS2 V8. A recent press release issued by General Motors disclosed the following details on the new engine. Engine: 6.0-litre all-aluminium V8 Codename: L76 or Gen IV Power: 264kW Transmission: Can be matched to a six-speed automatic Features include: - Variable valve timing
- Displacement On Demand on 5.3L and aluminum-block 6.0L engines
- Revised cylinder block design with externally mounted knock sensors
- High flow cylinder heads
- Electronic throttle control
- Enhanced quietness and smoothness
- Improved torque for better low-rev performance
- Up to 7 per cent fuel economy improvements over the outgoing Gen III
- Reduced emissions to help meet new 2006 regulations
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