VE Gets A New Brain

[SSbaby]

The VE Ute debut's new PCM hardware and software.

Revealed on the VE Ute launch was the fact that the VE Commodore's computer hardware has already been upgraded along with new software. As part of an ongoing process to meet new Euro IV requirements in mid-2008 and growing export programs, Holden has been forced to upgrade the electronics in the VE and related models.

New long-wheelbase export programs are demanding additional luxury features not seen in the Australian versions. Along with an integrated satellite navigation system required for export markets and maturing local market demands, the VE has not been allowed to rest on its laurels.

Other new demands under the bonnet are perhaps of more interest to Australians. Already, imported engines fitted to the VE are engineered for Active Fuel Management. AFM is GM's latest version of 'displacement on demand', which sees the engine shut down a number of cylinders when at low load or idling.

In local applications, this feature has yet to be introduced but it is only a matter of time before it will be required in the VE's engines. And if not locally, certainly in export markets to meet new fuel consumption benchmarks.

The AFM feature requires extra computer power that must be carefully calibrated for each engine and local traffic conditions. It would make sense to integrate these calibrations and any hardware changes with other changes dictated by Australia's switch to Euro IV emissions requirements in 2008.

This will also provide Holden an opportunity to upgrade its V6 engine, which in base form is the VE Achilles' Heel.

Chevrolet already offers a 3.9-litre V6 with AFM in the US. HSV will probably use the same timing and processes to upgrade its LS2 6.0-litre engines to the LS3 6.2-litre unit just announced for the 2008 Corvette.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/2817986.aspx ______

[2002_z28_six_speed]

Oh, great -- an even more mind-numbing embedded system with the organisation of 1000's of bureaucratic know-it-alls for GM to unlease upon the populace. Everyone hide!

[SSbaby]

Oh, great -- an even more mind-numbing embedded system with the organisation of 1000's of bureaucratic know-it-alls for GM to unlease upon the populace. Everyone hide!

Wait until VVT becomes available. Can't stand in the way of progress.

[joecar]

G'day Tony, good to see you around...

[SSbaby]

G'day Tony, good to see you around...

Thanks Joe

I don't get much time to myself these days... not since the little ones arrived.

[GMPX]

The 2007 Trucks already run AFM (and VVT) on an E38 ECM, so there is no need for them to upgrade to anything else.

Cheers,
Ross

[SSbaby]

Perhaps this is bigger news...

According to the document, C3XX pickups will feature a new 'Gen V' 6.2-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) V8 engine - a major departure from GM's traditional overhead valve (OHV) pushrod engine design used in its trucks, like the ‘Gen IV’ 403-horsepower / 417 lb-feet L92 6.2-liter V8 under the hood of the GMC Sierra Denali. The only DOHC V8 GM currently offers is Cadillac’s 4.6-liter Northstar engine.

The Gen V 6.2 motor will use variable valve timing (VVT) like the Gen IV 6.2, but the use of dual overhead cams holds the promise of four valves per cylinder instead of the current two valves, for better intake and exhaust flow and increased power. This is a similar setup to the 5.7-liter i-Force V8 used in the Toyota Tundra, but the Gen V 6.2 will also offer GM's active fuel management (AFM) system. AFM shuts down half the cylinders during steady state running for improved fuel economy – a feature not currently available for the i-Force. Up until this point, it’s been conventional wisdom that implementing cylinder deactivation on OHC engines is impractical for reasons of cost and complexity.

Pushrod engines won’t be disappearing entirely from GM’s truck line. A new ‘Gen V’ OHV V8 will replace the current 320-hp / 340 lb-feet 5.3-liter V8. Apparently the final displacement hasn’t been determined yet, because it’s referred to as 5X.

The new 5X gasoline engine will feature spark ignition direct injection (SIDI), similar to a diesel's fuel injection setup but still using a spark plug to ignite the fuel instead of diesel's high compression ratio that causes the fuel air mixture to auto-ignite. SIDI places the fuel injector right inside the combustion chamber, so fuel can be directly mixed with air entering the chamber during the intake stroke instead of before it enters the chamber, like in a conventional multi-port fuel injected gas engine. This approach enables a leaner burn of the fuel at higher compression ratios than current gas engines, resulting in greater fuel economy, cleaner emissions, and more power.

Initial production of both engines is slated to start in 2011 with full production in 2012.

Of course, it's possible that because this information is still approximately three years out in time, plans detailed in this document for the full size truck powertrains could still change.

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/news...eunionuaw.html

[2002_z28_six_speed]

Usually OEMs make engines smaller when going to DOHC due to cost and the fact the engines are generally larger.

What is GM going to fit this thing into and how much is it going to hike the prices?

[joecar]

Can just put a bigger bulge/scoop in the hood, I don't think that's much of a problem, and it will be fun if GM makesit affordable...