Road Test Reports | Car Reviews & News

The X6 M, has at last got in Australian salerooms, priced from $179,900 & gunning for a cut of Porsche Cayenne Turbo & Mercedes ML 63 AMG sales. They have added new pistons, cylinder heads conceived of the same material used in their diesel motor, a new intake manifold, a crossover exhaust manifold that connects both cylinder banks, a finned aluminum oil pan, castrated cam timing, & one new twin-scroll turbos that provide max boost of 17.4 psi, which ought to Chernobyl anything made of aluminum.
Although priced higher than the Benz, the BMW X6 M significantly undercuts the Cayenne Turbo & – according to BMW – offers more power, more efficiency & better operation than both.

Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.4 litre petrol V8 which develops 408kW & 680Nm of torque, the latter of which is available from between 1500 & 5650 rpm. Performance is appropriately bracing: the 0-100km/h sprint can be done away with in 4.7 seconds & top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. All 4 wheels are forced by a six-speed automated transmission system, which is also equipped with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Suspension hardware is appended by BMW’s adaptational Drive procedure, which boasts electronically adjustable dampers as well as self-levelling air suspension on the back end axle. The X6 M rides 10mm lower than the ‘regular’ X6, & the suspension tune is markedly stiffer & more resistant to body roll. Damper tuning up & power steering aid can be adapted by the wheel-mounted M Drive button, which also unlocks sportier throttle mapping & shift mapping.

The X6 M’s inside gets heated up seats, a one-of-a-kind contraption cluster conception with white elucidation, an M leather steering wheel and M-branded kickplates and footrest.

This is a great car to get on a novated lease is a special type of car loan.

A selectable M Dynamic Mode unlocks a lower entrenching stability control program, and deviates more ability to the rear wheels to raise cornering experience. Basic gear also has bi-xenon headlamps, day jogging lamps, a sunshine roof and quad chrome exhausts. A heads-up exhibit and adjustive headlamps with high beam help are optional extras.

The 2010 Holden Commodore SS Ute is essentially a Commodore SS Coupe with a very large boot, which is great for someone who wants performance with the ability to carry a tonne in the back. The only engine option in the Commodore SS Ute is a 6.0 liter OHV V8 unit which produces 260 horsepower at 5700 revolutions per minute. Total payload capacity is 594 kilograms, and maximum towing capacity is 1600 kilograms. Performance figures are impressive, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds and a claimed top speed of 260 km/h. The V8 is mated to an six-speed automatic transmission, and the power is driven sent through the rear wheels. Safety features for the Holden include ABS on all four wheels, eletronic stability control, traction control, and front and side airbags; all of these features allowed the Commodore to achieve an ANCAP score of 5 stars. Fuel consumption is rated at 12.9L/100 km as rated by ADR. Standard features on the SS Ute include air conditioning, 6 disc CD audio system, cruise control, and a trip computer. The interior cabin is comforable and roomy; the radio controls on the steering wheel are a nice touch. The cockpit is surprisingly quiet, and the plastics and upholstery in the cabin have an expensive feel. The audio system in the SS Ute is a Blaupunkt unit; other than weak FM selection, the Blaupunkt performs well. Another nice feature on the Holden is the Active Fuel Management (AFM) cylinder shutdown system that turns off cyinders in the engine when they are not needed in order to save fuel. While you won’t mistake the Holden’s gas mileage for a Hyundai Accent’s, the 12.9L/100 km gas mileage rating is respectable for a V8-powered vehicle. The steering for this vehicle is sharp, and the Holden does not exhibit the choppy ride that is so commonly found in this type of vehicle. Overall, the Holden Commodore SS Ute is an attractive package.

The 2010 Holden Commodore Omega has come out roaring to the car market, but now with a smaller engine. Although is still holds the SIDI badge for its impressive Spark Ignition Direct Injection, the sedan now only holds a 3.0 liter V6. With the smaller engine the sedan is now equipped with a long awaited six-speed transmission, an added 2 gears from its previous transmissions.

The new 6 speed transmission reduces the load on the engine at cruising speeds as well as lower engine speeds. This thereby allows for better fuel economy which you will notice in your wallet, and will also reduce engine noise and wear on the engine itself. The automatic transmission allows for reduced weight and size with clutch to clutch operations, but still allows for the efficiency you typically get from a manual transmission.

The smaller engine is said to significantly improve fuel efficiency, but still allows for 281 hp (210 kW) and 258 lb.-ft (350 Nm.) The fuel efficiency of the vehicle is said to be able to allow the sedan to travel from Melbourne to Sydney while using less than 1 half a tank of gasoline. This means it can travel around 100 kilometers on just 9.3 liters of fuel. This will make the Commodore Omega the most fuel efficient Australian built vehicle with 6 cylinders on the market, at its release in December.

Those customers who still prefer the 3.6 liter model will still have this engine option, available on certain models.

The Commodore Omega, along with the Berlina will be the only models affected by a price increase, of only $700. All other models will have carryover pricing from the previous models.

Also in focus with the new fuel economy of the smaller engine, there have been numerous areas of weight reduction, as well as low rolling resistance tires. The effectiveness of the upgrades in fuel economy is the most significant in Commodore’s history in the Australian automotive community. That is a span of 31 years.

It’s brilliant new cars like this that keeps Holden in a strong position. They are not cheap cars so if you need to use a car loan calculator or a novated lease calculator you can do so by clicking the links.

The 2010 Holden Calais V Series

The 2010 Calais V-Series just might be defined as the perfect combination of sport and luxury. Upon first view of the Calais V one can’t help but notice it’s smooth and elegant shape, accented with hint of sport performance. New for this model year are projector headlights, fog lamps, and a rear spoiler. The Holden Calais V also rides upon 18 inch alloy wheels. Folding door mirrors and illuminated courtesy lamps are also present along with a stainless quad tipped dual exhaust.

Under the hood the Calais V-Series is sporting a 3.6L SIDI Direct Injection V6. The V6 produces an adequate 262 hp and 250 lb/ft averaging 21 mpg. For those who insist upon performance Holden offers an optional V8 engine that produces an impressive 362 hp and 390 Lb/ft and ranges an average of 19.75 mpg. SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) is the moniker Holden has chosen to label these efficient power plants. Both engines are accompanied by a 6-speed auto transmission with Active Select shift action.

The interior is sure not to disappoint. Modern contemporary styling meets high quality leather upholstery, providing an impressive sport luxury feel. Detailed gauges with silver accents are present along with a message center to keep you posted on maintenance issues. 8 way power adjustable seats, power mirrors, full lcd screen offering climate, DVD, and navigation controls are just a handful of the features in this car.

For a large car, the Calais offers surprisingly nimble handling and excellent viability. It’s agility has been compared to the feel of smaller sport rivals such as the Audi A4 or BMW 3-series. Overall the Holden Calais V Series 2 redefines the sport luxury concept in Australia. Operation of this vehicle is a highly rewarding experience giving higher priced European competitors a good run for their money. The Calais V-Series is a big welcome step up from the standard Commodore lineup. It offers an element of refinement ,luxury and sophistication at an affordable price within it’s class.