Reviews
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In the November 2017 issue of MOTOR, you’ll be able to read an interview with Holden’s lead vehicle dynamics engineer Rob Trubiani.
In that interview he explains the steps he’s taken to make the all-new imported ZB Commodore feel familiar to the cars that Australia has known and loved for almost 40 years.
Happily, we didn’t just have to take his word for it as he brought with him a prototype for us to try. Despite being an early hand-built development mule, it was loaded with the latest powertrain and chassis calibrations so while this is by no means a definitive verdict, it did provide a taste of how the new Commodore will drive.
Providing propulsion is a 3.6-litre naturally-aspirated V6 producing 230kW/370Nm, feeding all four wheels through a nine-speed torque-converter automatic and ‘Twinster’ all-wheel drive system. We’ll come back to that later.
It’s a keen enough engine, revving with reasonable enthusiasm to its 6500rpm redline and making a surprisingly raucous noise in the process, though this car is far from the finished article in terms of NVH protection.
It can be a challenge to make a V6 sound evocative, however Trubiani promises the VXR will have a bespoke exhaust.
As you’d expect, the nine ratios are extremely closely stacked, which keeps the engine in its sweet spot nicely. The shifts are smooth enough and there’s a reasonable level of manual control; upshifts aren’t automatically triggered at the limiter and downshifts are generally answered, though the rpm allowed is on the conservative side.
Also on the conservative side is the basic ESP tune, nibbling away on corner exit despite seemingly unimpeachable all-wheel drive traction. Its intervention is very subtle, though, and this prototype lacks the Sport mode which will be present in the final models. If you prefer, ESP can also be switched completely off.
The effects are relatively subtle – it won’t power oversteer on tarmac like the Focus RS that shares the Twinster system – but it definitely gives the driver confidence to use the throttle early and decisively. Apparently it’s a riot on dirt and the all-wheel drive traction will certainly be a boon to those who visit the snow or regularly venture to rural areas.
Is it fun? It’s certainly polished, with excellent steering (something Trubiani worked particularly hard on, and it shows), excellent body control and a general acceptance of being driven spiritedly. But fun? While I can imagine having a punt in the ZB Commodore when I came across a good road, I can’t imagine searching one out for the hell of it.
Based on the evidence of this V6 prototype, it should be an entertaining steer, albeit a very different experience to previous sports Commodores, and not just because of the lack of V8 power. Holden claims current Redline owners have been behind the wheel of the ZB and come away impressed, but it’s difficult to see the two cars appealing to the same buyer.
We’ll bring you a comprehensive review of the new Commodore range when we drive the finished product in early 2018.
Specs Engine: V6, DOHC, 24v Power: 230kW @ TBCrpm Torque: 370Nm @ TBCrpm Weight: 1650kg (est.) 0-100km/h: 6.0sec (est.) Price: TBC
