2018 Holden Commodore torque vectoring AWD explained

2018 Holden Commodore 2018 Holden Commodore 2018 Holden Commodore 2018 Holden Commodore

When the imported all-wheel drive (AWD) Holden Commodore arrives in Australia in 2018 it will be equipped with a mechanical torque vectoring system that maximises safety and performance in the five-door hatch.

Information on the state-of-the-art system has been detailed by Holden’s European sister-brand Vauxhall, which currently sells the new Commodore under the moniker of Insignia Grand Sport.

The AWD Vauxhall sedan will eschew a limited-slip differential for a lighter, simpler twin-clutch set-up for the rear axle, with the system still able to calculate which wheel to send torque to based on throttle position, road surface and steering angle.

The torque vectoring system is designed for sharper turn in and reduced understeer.

According to Vauxhall, “when cornering, higher torque is sent to the outside rear wheel, inducing rotation around the vertical axis (yaw) – the Insignia turns in with more precision, responding spontaneously to inputs from the driver”.

The Commodore combines technology across a number of areas in a way that you would usually only find in high-end prestige vehicles.

Holden is yet to directly confirm that the Commodore will use the new system, but given the Insignia and Commodore will share many vital parts including transmission and engine components, it is highly likely. 

Engine choices are expected to include 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel variants in different states of tune, and a top-spec V6 producing around 230kW/370Nm.

Suspension and ride settings will be tweaked by Holden’s local development team to better suit the new Commodore to Australian road conditions. 

When the next-gen Commodore was announced, GM Holden executive director of sales Peter Keley said the new model would “redefine the level to technology people can expect” and that it will “help our customers be safer, more involved and more connected than ever before”.

“The Commodore combines technology across a number of areas in a way that you would usually only find in high-end prestige vehicles and makes it available for everyday Australians,” he said.

The new Commodore has drawn criticism from fans of the Aussie-built stalwart, who claim that a Commodore should always be rear-wheel drive with a V8 option, instead of the front- and all-wheel-drive layout of the new model.

Should Holden have retired the Commodore name with the death of the Aussie-built, rear-wheel-drive legend? Tell us what you think in the comments below.