Review: Holden VE Ute (2007-13)

Holden VE.I Ute (2007-10)

Overview

Released in August 2007, the Holden VE Series I (VE.I) Ute was a single cab, rear-wheel drive utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the VE Ute was initially available with 3.6-litre V6 petrol, 3.6-litre duel fuel (petrol/LPG) and 6.0-litre V8 petrol engines. As per the table below, the range consisted of Omega, SV6 and SS Utes.

Engines: Alloytec V6, L98 V8, L76 V8 and L77 V8

Of the engines,

• For the Omega Ute, the 3.6-litre ‘Alloytec’ LE0 V6 petrol engine had all-aluminium construction, a forged steel crankshaft, forged powdered metal connecting rods, twin knock control sensors, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), sequential electronic fuel injection, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake camshaft phasing, electronic throttle control and a compression ratio of 10.2:1. For the VE range, the Alloytec engines were fitted with new variable intake manifolds, Bosch E77 engine control systems with digital sensors for crank and camshaft positions, front and rear oxygen (O₂) sensors, retuned harmonic balancers and free-flowing exhaust systems. In November 2008 (‘MY09.5’), the engine was modified for lower emissions and improved fuel economy;
• For models with the LE0 engine, buyers could specify a factory-fitted dual fuel (petrol/LPG) system that was developed by IMPCO and provided sequential vapour gas injection. Designated LW2 , the dual fuel engine had different valves and hardened titanium valve seats;
• For the SV6 Ute, the high-output LY7 version of the LE0 engine also had continuously variable exhaust camshaft phasing and a new dual exhaust system;
• From September 2009 (‘MY10’), the manual Omega and SV6 variants were powered by 3.6-litre LLT V6 petrol engine which had direct injection (Holden’s Spark Ignition Direct Injection or SIDI) and a compression ratio of 11.3:1;
• For the SS and SS V Utes, the 6.0-litre L98 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, flat-topped pistons, forged powered metal connecting rods, a billet steel camshaft, two valves per cylinder, external knock sensors and a compression ratio of 10.4:1; and,
• From January 2009, the SS and SS V Utes – with automatic transmissions – were powered by 6.0-litre L76 engines which had displacement on demand hardware (Holden’s Active Fuel Management or AFM) that could shut down four cylinders under light throttle loads in higher gears. Although similar to the L98 engine, the L76 engine had a different camshaft profile and a smaller sump.

For the VE range, new engine control systems were introduced which used digital sensors for crank and camshaft positions. Service intervals for the V8 engines were also extended to 15,000 kilometres (previously 10,000 kilometres).

Transmissions

The V6 engines were available with four-speed 4L60E automatic, five-speed 5L40E automatic, six-speed 6L50 automatic and six-speed Aisin D173/AY6 manual transmissions.

The V8 engines were initially available with six-speed Tremec T56 manual and newly introduced six-speed 6L80 automatic transmissions, the latter with an ‘Active Select’ function – shared with the 6L50 – that enabled the driver to perform sequential gearshifts by tapping the gear shifter. For the VE range, the T56 transmission had shorter ratios, reduced clutch pedal travel and was upgraded with triple-synchronised capacity for the first and second gears, and double-synchronised capacity for the third to sixth gears.

In September 2009, the T56 unit was replaced by the Tremec TR6060 manual transmission which had wider gearsets for improved torque capacity and durability, though gear ratios were unchanged.

Development and dimensions

Developed at a cost of $105 million – in addition to the $1 billion spent on the VE Commodore sedan program – the VE Ute had a significantly stronger body due to its higher proportion of advanced-strength steels. For greater refinement, the VE Ute had a stiffer engine cradle with six mounting points, acoustic laminated windscreens, new engine covers and bonnet insulators, new sound absorption packages (behind the engine bay and between the transmission and transmission tunnel), insulating carpets and a new double-isolated ZF differential.

Compared to the VZ Ute , the VE Ute was 6 mm longer (at 5055 mm), 54 mm wider (1899 mm), 13 mm taller (1497 mm) and had a 70 mm longer wheelbase (3009 mm); storage volume behind the front seats also increased to 245 litres (previously 90 litres).

In September 2009, the suspension was revised and refinement improved with the introduction of additional engine bay noise insulation and a new muffler. The Omega variants were also fitted with low rolling-resistance tyres for improved fuel economy.

Suspension

The VE Ute had ‘Linear Control’ suspension which consisted of double-pivot MacPherson strut-based front suspension with dual lower links (with individual ball joints), a tension link, lateral link and a direct acting stabiliser bar. The rear suspension was a four-link independent system with coil-over shock absorbers, three lateral ball joints per side and a decoupled stabiliser bar.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VE Ute included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

From October 2008, the Omega was fitted with an energy-absorbing steering column shroud and passenger seatbelt reminder; other variants followed thereafter. From September 2009, the Ute was also fitted with front side airbags and curtain airbags as standard.

Brakes

VE Utes with V6 engines were fitted with 298 mm by 30 mm ventilated front brake discs with twin-piston callipers and 302 mm by 22 mm ventilated rear discs with single-piston callipers. Models with V8 engines, however, were fitted with 321 mm by 30 mm front discs and 324 mm by 22 mm rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2007 Omega Ute variant received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.41 out of 37 (when fitted with dual front airbags). In the offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

Ute models produced from October 2008 – with a steering column shroud and passenger seatbelt reminder – achieved an improved occupant protection score of 30.41 . In the offset crash test, leg protection improved but chest protection remained marginal.

Furthermore, post-September 2009 Ute models – i.e. those fitted with six airbags – received a five star rating with a score of 33.16 . As a result of the additional airbags, a higher score was attained in the side impact test and an additional two points were scored in the pole test.

Features: Omega, SV6, SS and SS V

Standard features for the Omega Ute included 16-inch steel wheels, a Blaupunkt sound system with CD player, a power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, automatic headlights, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, tray liner and immobiliser; air conditioning was standard from November 2008.

Beyond this, the SV6 Ute added 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, front fog lamps and a soft tonneau cover.

The SS Ute further equipped with a limited slip differential, six-disc CD player and MP3-compatibility, contoured sports seats, Bluetooth connectivity and dual cargo nets. The SS V Ute was distinguished by its 19-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, a 6.5-inch colour information screen, projector headlights, colour-coded instruments and alloy-faced pedals.

March 2009: Ute update

From March 2009, the dark-grey dashboard strip and steering wheel spokes were replaced with a matte silver material for the SV6, SS and SS V.

2008 Ute 60^thAnniversary

In May 2008, a limited-run 60th Anniversary variant was released. Based on the SV6, it was distinguished by its six-stack CD player (with MP3-compatibility), Onyx leather seat trim, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, sports-profile leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals, floor mats and rear ’60th Anniversary’ badge.

2009 Ute SS V Special Edition

In October 2009, a ‘Special Edition’ of the SS V Ute was released; it was distinguished by its twin-nostril front fascia, unique lower splitter and twin letter-box hood scoops. The SS V Special Edition was available in Phantom Black, Red Hot and Voodoo Blue paint finishes.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden VE.I Ute (April 2008)
• Brochure: Holden VE Ute 60th Anniversary Edition (April 2008)
• Brochure: Holden VE Commodore, Sportwagon and Ute SS V Special Edition (November 2009)

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: Holden’s All New VE Ute Raises The Bar (August 2007)
• Holden Media Archive: Holden Ute Gets A New Hero With All New SS V (August 2007)
• Holden Media Archive: Improved Fuel Efficiency For Commodore (October 2008)
• Holden Media Archive: Fuel Saving Technology For V8 Automatic Range From 2009 (October 2008)
• Holden Media: Holden VE/WM MY10 Product Information (September 2009)
• Holden Media: Another First for Holden – Six Airbags Standard on Ute Range (September 2009)
• Holden Media: Holden to Launch Two New Special Editions (October 2009)

Holden VE.II Ute (2010-13)

Overview

Released in September 2010, the VE Series II (VE.II) Ute introduced an updated interior with additional features, a subtle facelift and new engines. For the engines, flex-fuel capability was introduced for the 3.0-litre V6 and 6.0-litre V8 engines, designated as the LFW and L77 , respectively. With flex-fuel capability, the engine could run on a mixture of petrol and ethanol up to E85 (i.e. 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol). Although ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol, its higher octane rating enables it to provide greater performance.

Fuel consumption was improved through improved aerodynamics (including underbody air flow panels for all variants other than the Omega), a clutched air conditioning compressor and lower engine idle speed for the 3.6-litre LLT SIDI V6.

Visually, the VE.II Ute could be identified by its squarer front fascia, reshaped headlights and more prominent grille and bumper. Compared to the Omega, the SV6 and SS had larger upper grilles, squarer detailing around the lower lights and air intake and differently shaped headlights with black bezels.

November 2011 update (MY12): LFX engine and 6L45 transmission

In November 2011, several changes were introduced for improved fuel efficiency:

• For models with V6 engines, the six-speed 6L50 transmission was replaced by the more efficient 6L45 unit;
• For models with the 3.0-litre LFW V6 engine, a revised torque converter was introduced;
• The 3.6-litre LLT petrol V6 engines were replaced by flex-fuel capable 3.6-litre LFX engines; and,
• For all models, the air conditioning system was re-engineered to improve efficiency and draw less power.

LWR dedicated LPG engine

In February 2012, the dual fuel LW2 V6 engine was replaced by the dedicated LPG LWR engine. The 3.6-litre LWR engine had multi-point vapour injection (rather than liquid injection as per the Ford FG Falcon’s ‘LPI’ engine) which heated the gas immediately prior to injection. Compared to the 3.6-litre LY7 engine, the dedicated LPG engine had hardened valves and valve seats, a redesigned cylinder head and manifold for improved air flow, variable exhaust valve timing, specially-developed fuel injectors, new pistons with pentroof-style domes, a compression ratio of 12.2:1, a new fuel rail and new LPG fuel filter. Like other models with V6 engines, the LWR engine was also mated to the six-speed 6L45 automatic transmission.

To alleviate concerns over range, the dedicated LPG Utes were fitted with an 84-litre twin cylinder fuel tank manufactured from high-strength, aircraft-grade extruded aluminium. To accommodate the tank, the spare wheel was omitted and a puncture repair kit was provided. Models with the dedicated LPG engine also had a single pipe exhaust system to conserve mass.

Features

Compared to its VE.I predecessor, standard features for the Omega Ute were extended to include 16-inch alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3-compatibility, USB and auxiliary inputs, integrated iPod support, Bluetooth audio streaming, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, touch-screen dialing and dual zone climate control air conditioning.

The SV6 Ute and SS vwere further equipped with 18-inch twin five-spoke machined alloy wheels, SS-style contoured front seats, high clarity sports instrumentation and new interior colours and trim. The SS V was differentiated by its 19-inch twin five-spoke machined alloy wheels, full-colour navigation mapping with voice control and real-time traffic information.

Redline handling package

A ‘Redline’ handling package was also available for the SS V – this included forged and polished 19-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels with low profile tyres, FE3 suspension tune with high performance dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars, Brembo two-piece and four-piston front brake calipers with 355 mm inner-vented rotors and chromed window surrounds.

2011 SV6 Thunder and SS Thunder

In April 2011, limited-run Thunder editions of the SV6 and SS variants were released; the Thunder editions were distinguished by their 19-inch charcoal-finished alloy wheels, satellite navigation, leather seat bolsters and ‘Thunder’ badges.

November 2011 update: Ute MY12

In addition to the mechanical changes described above, the iQ media interface was enhanced in November 2011 with improved Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone-compatibility updates.

Visually, the Omega variants could be identified by their 16-inch alloy wheels and a revised bumper with chrome highlights. The SV6 and SS variants received chrome highlights around the air intake and grille; the SS V added chrome-lipped fog-light surrounds and red stitching for certain colour combinations. The SS V Redline was distinguished by its new 19-inch alloy wheels with FE3 sports suspension and red painted Brembo brake calipers.

Ute Z-Series: September 2012

In September 2012, limited-run Z-Series editions were released for the SV6, SS and SS V variants. The SV6 and SS Z-Series were further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels (though 18-inch alloys for LPG models), leather bolstered seats, ‘Z-Series’ carpet mats and ‘Z-Series’ badges. The SS V Z-Series was further equipped with 19-inch forged alloy wheels, Brembo front brakes and FE3 sports suspension.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden VE.II Ute (July 2012)
• Brochure: Holden VE.II Commodore, Sportwagon and Ute Z-Series (August 2012)

Related links

• Holden Media: VE Series II – The future friendly Commodore (August 2010)
• Holden Media: Model Year 12 Commodore (November 2011)
• Holden Media: Holden Releases Special Edition Z-Series Range (September 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VE Commodore (Ute)