Holden, the Australian subsidiary of US automaker General Motors (GM), has started the production of the VF Commodore Calais V sedan at Holden Vehicle Operations in Adelaide suburb of Elizabeth, South Australia.
The sedan is powered by a 6.0L 90-degree OHV V8 engine with active fuel management (AFM) technology, which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and generates an output power of 260kW at 5600rpm and 517Nm of torque at 4400rpm.
Being built using A$39.8m grant from the Australian Government's Green Car Innovation Fund (GCIF), the Calais V sedan incorporates several fuel economy enablers, including the deployment of aluminium componentry, electric power steering and aerodynamic enhancements.
The carmaker claims that the use of an aluminium bonnet and boot lid in manufacturing the VF model is for the first time on an Australian car.
Additionally, the new model will be exported to the US with the name Chevrolet SS Sports Sedan.
The new sedan features LED daytime running lights, integrated lip spoiler in the deck lid, new fender vents, more creases in the hood, a new rear end and heads-up display.
Security features of the Calais V include Holden MyLink with built-in apps, auto park assist, forward collision alert, colour head-up display, lane departure warning, rear view camera, blind spot alert and reverse traffic alert.
