Holden is edging ever closer to debuting GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology Down Under.
To be offered in the VE Commodore-based Pontiac G8 which goes on sale in the USA soon, the Lion will leverage the expertise gained via the export program to introduce the fuel-economy focussed system to its local range -- perhaps as early as next year.
According to GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Chris Gubbey, the AFM program is underway but no firm date has been set for local introduction. That said speculation is strong, AFM will be one of the foundations of the VE II update expected in mid-2008.
In reality, the only concept aspect of Holden's new VE Sportwagon debut at AIMS today (more here) was the slinky wagon's AFM-equipped and E85 biofuel compatible V8 engine. Boasting equivalent power and torque figues to the current production 6.0-litre LS3 engine, the AFM-equipped eight is claimed to offer fuel economy benefits in the region of 25 per cent.
According to GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Chris Gubbey, "Showcasing an E85 fuel system in this vehicle makes a powerful statement about Holden and GM's commitment to developing alternative energy sources that reduce our dependence on petroleum-based products.
"It also demonstrates that drivers of alternative fuel vehicles don't have to sacrifice performance.
"Our sister brand Saab has led the way in promoting bio-fuel technology to advance the public, political and commercial debate in this area. We want to add our voice to that debate whilst simultaneously looking at ways to further reduce fuel consumption in our existing engines."
In other GM alt-fuel news, Saab announced the release of its first production E85-compatible model into Australia at AIMS. The 9-5 BioPower is available at a $1500 premium over the equivalent Linear 9-5. The engine will happily accept normal petrol but when fuelled with E85 delivers 154kW and 310Nm -- a handy jump on the 91/95 RON output of 136kW/280Nm.
In addition, Saab also confirmed it would introduce a performance diesel variant into the 9-3 range in early 2008.
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