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The Holden Commodore (VE), representing the fourth generation of the model, was the first in the series to be entirely designed and engineered by Holden in Australia, breaking from the tradition of using Opel-sourced platforms.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source material confirms that the VE was the first Commodore model to be entirely designed and developed by Holden in Australia, distinguishing it from previous generations that were based on Opel platforms.
To minimize export redevelopment costs, Holden designed the VE Commodore with an asymmetrical center console, making it easier to convert to left-hand drive.
Answer: False
Explanation: The VE Commodore was designed with a *symmetrical* center console and a flush-fitting hand brake lever, a feature specifically intended to simplify the conversion process for left-hand drive export markets.
The development of the VE sedan was Holden's largest and most expensive project, costing approximately A$500 million over five years.
Answer: False
Explanation: The development of the VE sedan was a seven-year project with a total expenditure of approximately A$1.03 billion, significantly more than A$500 million.
The initial design concept for the VE was sketched by design chief Michael Simcoe in late 1998, featuring a rakish sedan with a long wheelbase.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that design chief Michael Simcoe sketched the foundational concept for the VE in late 1998, which guided the design team with its vision of a long-wheelbase sedan with short overhangs.
Holden chose to develop a new platform for the VE Commodore because GM's new premium rear-wheel-drive Sigma platform was too wide for the Commodore's requirements.
Answer: False
Explanation: Holden engineers deemed the GM Sigma platform unsuitable not because it was too wide, but because it had a narrow shoulder width in the rear seat, which did not meet the Commodore's design requirements.
The 'Flex' strategy for the VE's interior design allowed for greater differentiation between variants by easily swapping components like audio systems.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Flex' strategy was a modular design structure that enabled Holden to easily interchange major interior components, resulting in three distinct interior styles (*Functional*, *Performance*, and *Luxury*) across the model range.
What was a key distinguishing feature of the Holden Commodore (VE) compared to its predecessors?
Answer: It was the first Commodore entirely designed and developed by Holden in Australia.
Explanation: The VE's most significant distinction was being the first Commodore entirely designed and developed in Australia, marking a departure from its Opel-based predecessors.
Which design feature was incorporated into the VE Commodore to minimize export redevelopment costs for left-hand drive markets?
Answer: A symmetrical center console with a flush-fitting hand brake lever.
Explanation: The use of a symmetrical center console and a flush-fitting hand brake was a deliberate design choice to facilitate easier and more cost-effective conversion to left-hand drive for export.
What was the total expenditure for the development of the VE sedan?
Answer: Approximately A$1.03 billion
Explanation: The development of the VE sedan was Holden's most expensive project, with a total expenditure of approximately A$1.03 billion.
Who was responsible for sketching the initial design concept of the VE in late 1998?
Answer: Michael Simcoe
Explanation: Holden's design chief, Michael Simcoe, was responsible for the initial 1998 sketch that guided the VE's design direction.
What role did the Holden Torana TT36 concept car play in the VE Commodore's development?
Answer: It served to preview the production Commodore and gauge public reaction to its exterior design.
Explanation: The Torana TT36 concept car was unveiled in 2004 to preview the VE's design language and assess public reaction ahead of the production model's launch.
Why did Holden engineers deem GM's new premium rear-wheel-drive Sigma platform unsuitable for the VE Commodore?
Answer: It had a narrow shoulder width in the rear seat.
Explanation: Holden rejected the GM Sigma platform because its narrow rear-seat shoulder width did not meet the interior space requirements for the Commodore.
What was the 'Flex' strategy in the VE's interior design intended to achieve?
Answer: Enable easy swapping of fundamentally different interior components between variants.
Explanation: The 'Flex' strategy was a modular design approach that allowed for greater differentiation between model variants by enabling the easy interchange of major interior components.
Which of the following was NOT an interior or convenience feature introduced with the VE model?
Answer: A fixed, non-flush handbrake lever.
Explanation: The VE introduced a flush-fitting handbrake lever integrated into the center console, not a fixed, non-flush lever.
Official manufacture of the VE sedan began in July 2006 at Holden's production facility in Elizabeth, South Australia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that manufacturing of the VE sedan officially commenced on July 13, 2006, at Holden's production plant in Elizabeth, South Australia.
The VE Commodore features a double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension, replacing older designs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms the VE Commodore utilized a double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension, which were advancements over the designs used in previous generations.
Denny Mooney, chairman of Holden, advocated for an increase in panel gaps to improve perceived quality issues in the VE Commodore.
Answer: False
Explanation: Holden chairman Denny Mooney prioritized improving perceived quality by advocating for a *reduction* of panel gaps by 0.5 millimeters, not an increase.
Holden's Elizabeth facility was redesigned to allow for the assembly of entire sections of the car off the main production line, such as the front-end module.
Answer: True
Explanation: A key manufacturing innovation at the Elizabeth facility was the ability to assemble complete sub-assemblies, like the front-end module, off the main production line, which simplified construction and improved efficiency.
To improve crash safety and handling, Holden engineers relocated engine components like the battery to the boot, allowing the engine to be moved back and lower.
Answer: True
Explanation: A consensus between designers and crash engineers led to relocating components like the battery to the boot, which freed up space to position the engine lower and further back, improving both safety and weight distribution.
The VE Commodore initially received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which was maintained throughout its production.
Answer: False
Explanation: The VE Commodore initially received a four-star ANCAP safety rating. It was later upgraded to a five-star rating in December 2008 following safety enhancements.
What type of front suspension did the VE Commodore feature?
Answer: Double-pivot MacPherson strut
Explanation: The VE Commodore utilized an advanced double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension, an improvement over the simpler designs of its predecessors.
What was a key manufacturing innovation implemented at Holden's Elizabeth facility for the VE Commodore?
Answer: Assembly of entire sections of the car off the main production line.
Explanation: A significant manufacturing innovation for the VE was the assembly of complete sub-assemblies, such as the front-end module, off the main production line to improve efficiency and quality.
What was the initial ANCAP safety rating for the VE Commodore?
Answer: Four stars
Explanation: At its launch, the VE Commodore received a four-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
Holden's updates to the VE Commodore were primarily focused on major styling overhauls and complete engine replacements each year.
Answer: False
Explanation: Updates to the VE Commodore were typically subtle model year (MY) changes, involving alterations to colors, trim, and standard equipment, with more significant revisions like new engines or styling updates occurring less frequently.
Holden initially offered the Australian-built *Alloytec* V6 engine to minimize risks associated with simultaneously introducing a new platform and drivetrain.
Answer: True
Explanation: To mitigate development risks, Holden chose to launch the VE with the proven *Alloytec* V6 engine from the VZ model, allowing the engineering team to focus on the new platform.
The bi-fuel variant of the Alloytec V6, introduced in October 2006, delivered higher performance when running on LPG compared to petrol.
Answer: False
Explanation: When running on LPG, the bi-fuel *Alloytec* V6 delivered slightly lower performance (175 kW) compared to its output on petrol.
The 'EcoLine' designation was introduced by Holden to highlight vehicles employing fuel-saving technologies, such as AFM-equipped V8s and LPG-powered versions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Holden used the 'EcoLine' badge to identify models with enhanced fuel efficiency, including those with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and LPG-powered engines.
The MY10 revisions introduced new 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter V6 engines featuring Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) technology.
Answer: True
Explanation: The MY10 update in September 2009 marked the introduction of new 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter V6 engines equipped with Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) for improved performance and efficiency.
The 'Holden-iQ' infotainment system was an optional upgrade for high-specification VE models, offering basic audio functions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Holden-iQ' system was made standard on most models with the MY11 update and offered integrated media playback, flash-drive storage, iPod integration, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Why did Holden initially offer the *Alloytec* V6 engine in the VE Commodore?
Answer: To minimize risks associated with simultaneously introducing a new platform and drivetrain.
Explanation: Holden used the proven *Alloytec* V6 from the previous model to reduce the risk of launching a new platform and a new drivetrain at the same time.
What was a characteristic of the bi-fuel variant of the *Alloytec* V6 when running on LPG?
Answer: Slightly lower performance compared to the conventional V6.
Explanation: The bi-fuel *Alloytec* V6 produced slightly less power when running on LPG compared to its performance on petrol.
What was the 'EcoLine' designation used for in the VE Commodore range?
Answer: Vehicles employing fuel-saving technologies.
Explanation: Holden used the 'EcoLine' designation to brand vehicles that incorporated fuel-saving technologies, such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) or LPG compatibility.
Which new engine technology was introduced with the MY10 revisions to the VE series?
Answer: Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI)
Explanation: The MY10 update introduced new 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter V6 engines featuring Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) technology for improved efficiency and power.
What new fuel compatibility was introduced with the MY11 update for the 3.0-liter V6 and 6.0-liter V8 engines?
Answer: E85 bio-ethanol
Explanation: The MY11 update introduced flex-fuel capability, allowing the 3.0-liter V6 and 6.0-liter V8 engines to run on E85 bio-ethanol.
What was the 'Holden-iQ' infotainment system primarily designed to integrate?
Answer: Media playback and control functions.
Explanation: The 'Holden-iQ' system was a comprehensive infotainment unit designed to integrate media playback, music storage, and connectivity features like Bluetooth and iPod integration.
The VE Sportwagon was built on an extended wheelbase, similar to previous Commodore station wagon models, to maximize cargo capacity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Unlike its predecessors, the VE Sportwagon was built on the same 2,915 mm wheelbase as the sedan, a design choice made to give it a sportier appearance rather than maximizing cargo space.
The primary goal of the VE Sportwagon program was to develop a traditional, longer wagon format to appeal to fleet customers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The VE Sportwagon program aimed to create a sportier and more stylish station wagon to attract more retail customers, moving away from the traditional fleet-focused wagon market.
The Sportwagon's design, built on the same wheelbase as the sedan, increased its cargo capacity compared to the preceding VZ model.
Answer: False
Explanation: Due to its sportier design and shared sedan wheelbase, the VE Sportwagon's cargo capacity was reduced to 895 liters, down from the VZ model's 1,402 liters.
The Holden Ute was designed as a 'workhorse' vehicle and shared its wheelbase with the VE sedan.
Answer: False
Explanation: The VE Ute was designed as a 'lifestyle vehicle,' shifting away from the traditional 'workhorse' image. It also used the longer 3,009-millimeter wheelbase of the WM Statesman/Caprice, not the sedan's wheelbase.
When was the production version of the VE Sportwagon introduced?
Answer: July 2008
Explanation: Following the launch of the sedan and Ute, the production version of the VE Sportwagon was introduced in July 2008.
What was the wheelbase of the VE Sportwagon?
Answer: The same as the sedan, 2,915 mm (114.8 in).
Explanation: Departing from previous wagon models, the VE Sportwagon was built on the same 2,915 mm wheelbase as the sedan to achieve a sportier aesthetic.
What was the primary goal behind the development of the VE Sportwagon?
Answer: To develop a sportier and more stylish station wagon to attract retail customers.
Explanation: Holden developed the VE Sportwagon to be a more stylish and sporty offering aimed at attracting retail customers, in response to the declining traditional wagon market.
How did the Sportwagon's design impact its cargo capacity compared to the VZ model?
Answer: It reduced cargo capacity from 1,402 liters to 895 liters.
Explanation: The focus on a sportier design meant the VE Sportwagon's cargo capacity was reduced to 895 liters, a significant decrease from the 1,402 liters of the previous VZ wagon.
What was the design philosophy behind the Holden Ute?
Answer: To be a 'lifestyle vehicle,' shifting away from its traditional 'workhorse' market image.
Explanation: The VE Ute was intentionally designed as a 'lifestyle vehicle' to appeal to a broader market, moving away from its purely utilitarian 'workhorse' roots.
The MY11 Series II revisions included extensive styling updates such as redesigned front fascias and new alloy wheels, but the interior remained largely unchanged.
Answer: False
Explanation: The MY11 Series II revisions included significant interior updates, such as a new 6.5-inch touchscreen, a redesigned center console, and refreshed dashboards, in addition to the extensive exterior styling changes.
The Commodore Omega, as the entry-level VE model, initially included standard air conditioning and a full-size spare tire.
Answer: False
Explanation: The entry-level Omega was initially criticized for not including standard air conditioning and for being equipped with a 'space saver' spare tire, not a full-size one.
The Commodore SV6 featured the 'FE2' suspension, which included a lowered body, firmer springs, and heavier dampers for a sportier ride.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that the Commodore SV6 was equipped with the 'FE2' sports suspension, which was characterized by a lowered ride height, firmer springs, and heavier dampers.
The Commodore SS utilized a 6.0-liter V8 engine and won *Motor* magazine's 'Bang For Your Bucks' award in 2006 and 2007.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Commodore SS was equipped with a 6.0-liter V8 engine and was recognized for its performance value by winning *Motor* magazine's 'Bang For Your Bucks' award in both 2006 and 2007.
The SS V variant was Holden's first use of the 'V-Series' naming convention for a series-produced car, offering additional luxuries and unique interior options.
Answer: True
Explanation: The SS V marked the first time Holden used the 'V-Series' designation for a regular production model, distinguishing it with more luxury features and unique interior choices, such as color-matched dashboards.
The Berlina, as the mid-range VE model, shared its interior style with the entry-level Omega.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Berlina featured the 'Luxury-type' interior, distinguishing it from the 'Functional-style' interior of the entry-level Omega.
The Calais, the flagship VE model, was exclusively equipped with the 6.0-liter V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Answer: False
Explanation: The flagship Calais model was equipped with the *High Output Alloytec* V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, not the V8.
Which of the following was NOT a primary variant of the Holden Commodore (VE)?
Answer: Holden Statesman
Explanation: The Berlina, Calais, and Ute were all primary variants of the VE Commodore. The Statesman was a separate, long-wheelbase luxury model based on the same architecture but not considered a Commodore variant.
What was a key interior update introduced with the MY11 Series II revisions?
Answer: A new 6.5-inch touchscreen in a redesigned center console.
Explanation: A major interior enhancement for the MY11 Series II was a redesigned center console that incorporated a new 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
What was a significant standard feature of the Commodore Omega, the entry-level VE model, at its launch?
Answer: Bosch version 8.0 electronic stability control system
Explanation: A key standard feature on the entry-level Omega from its launch was the Bosch version 8.0 electronic stability control system, a significant safety inclusion.
Which special edition of the Commodore Omega featured Bluetooth phone connectivity and rear parking sensors?
Answer: Lumina model
Explanation: The Lumina special edition, released in June 2007, added features such as Bluetooth phone connectivity and rear parking sensors to the Omega base model.
What type of suspension did the Commodore SV6 feature?
Answer: FE2 suspension
Explanation: The sporty Commodore SV6 was equipped with the 'FE2' suspension tune, which included a lowered body and firmer components for improved handling.
What was a key enhancement included in the SV6 Z Series special edition?
Answer: 19-inch alloy wheels and leather-bolstered seats.
Explanation: The SV6 Z Series special edition added premium features to the standard SV6, including larger 19-inch alloy wheels and leather-bolstered seats.
What distinguished the SS V variant from the standard SS?
Answer: It was Holden's first use of the 'V-Series' naming convention for a series-produced car.
Explanation: The SS V was significant as it marked Holden's first use of the 'V-Series' name for a regular production model, indicating a higher level of luxury and features over the standard SS.
What type of interior did the Berlina, as the mid-range VE model, feature?
Answer: Luxury-type interior
Explanation: The Berlina was positioned as a mid-range luxury model and was equipped with the 'Luxury-type' interior, setting it apart from the base and sport models.
What was the standard engine and transmission combination in the Calais, the flagship VE model?
Answer: High Output Alloytec V6 with a five-speed automatic.
Explanation: The flagship Calais model was equipped with the more powerful *High Output Alloytec* V6 engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The VE Commodore was sold in North America under the name Chevrolet Lumina.
Answer: False
Explanation: The VE Commodore was sold in North America as the Pontiac G8. The Chevrolet Lumina name was used for exports to the Middle East and South Africa.
The HSV E Series, comprising high-performance versions of the VE Commodore, was launched in August 2006.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that the Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) E Series, the high-performance lineup based on the VE Commodore, was launched in August 2006.
The W427 was a limited-edition HSV model that was the most powerful in the E Series lineup, featuring a 7.0-liter *LS7* V8 engine.
Answer: True
Explanation: The HSV W427 was a limited-edition model and the most powerful of the E Series, distinguished by its 7.0-liter *LS7* V8 engine.
In which market was the VE Commodore badge-engineered and sold as the Chevrolet Omega?
Answer: Brazil
Explanation: The VE Commodore was exported to Brazil and sold under the Chevrolet Omega nameplate.
What was a unique feature of the special edition Commodore SS V produced after the Pontiac brand was discontinued?
Answer: It was fitted with the Pontiac G8 front-end fascia.
Explanation: After the Pontiac brand was discontinued, Holden produced a special edition of approximately 1,500 Commodore SS Vs fitted with the surplus front-end fascia from the Pontiac G8 export model.
What was the initial engine used in the HSV E Series lineup?
Answer: 6.0-liter *LS2* V8
Explanation: The initial models in the HSV E Series lineup were powered by the 6.0-liter *LS2* V8 engine.
Which limited-edition HSV model was the most powerful in the E Series lineup?
Answer: W427
Explanation: The limited-edition W427 was the most powerful vehicle in the E Series range, featuring a 7.0-liter *LS7* V8 engine.
What led to the discontinuation of the Pontiac G8, which was based on the VE Commodore?
Answer: General Motors' Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand.
Explanation: The Pontiac G8 program was terminated as a direct result of General Motors' Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which led to the elimination of the entire Pontiac brand.
The Holden Commodore (VE) was named the 2006 Car of the Year by *Wheels* magazine and was consistently the best-selling automobile in Australia during its production.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms the VE Commodore's critical and commercial success, noting it received the 2006 Car of the Year award from *Wheels* magazine and maintained its position as Australia's best-selling car throughout its production run.
The primary direct competitor of the VE Commodore in the Australian market at its launch was the Toyota Aurion.
Answer: False
Explanation: At its launch, the primary direct competitor to the VE Commodore was Ford's BF Falcon. The Toyota Aurion was considered indirect competition.
The introduction of the Sportwagon in mid-2008 significantly contributed to the VE Commodore regaining its top sales position in Australia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source indicates that the Sportwagon's launch was a major factor in the VE Commodore regaining its sales leadership in Australia, accounting for over 30 percent of total Commodore sales.
What was the primary direct competitor of the VE Commodore in the Australian market at its launch?
Answer: Ford's BF Falcon
Explanation: At the time of its launch, the VE Commodore's main and direct competitor in the Australian large car market was the Ford BF Falcon.
How did the introduction of the Sportwagon impact the VE Commodore's sales performance in Australia?
Answer: It significantly contributed to the VE Commodore regaining its top sales position.
Explanation: The launch of the Sportwagon was a major commercial success, significantly boosting sales and helping the VE Commodore regain its position as Australia's top-selling car.
When was the final VE Commodore produced?
Answer: May 2013
Explanation: The production of the VE Commodore concluded on May 17, 2013, after a manufacturing run of over 520,000 units.