Misplaced Pages

#731268

87-637: The Holden Commodore (VT) is a full-size car that was produced by Holden from 1997 to 2000. It was the first iteration of the third generation of the Commodore and the last one to be powered by a locally made V8 engine (1998). Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VT) and Holden Calais (VT) but not a new generation utility version. Introduced in August 1997, the VT-series represented Holden's largest development yet. On debut, it won

174-639: A mockup , which is an inert representation of a machine's appearance, often made of some non-durable substance. An electronics designer often builds the first prototype from breadboard or stripboard or perfboard , typically using "DIP" packages. However, more and more often the first functional prototype is built on a "prototype PCB " almost identical to the production PCB, as PCB manufacturing prices fall and as many components are not available in DIP packages, but only available in SMT packages optimized for placing on

261-624: A multiplex communication bus. This setup was able to circulate 330 parameters per second to the car's major control modules, and reduce the number of hardwired circuits than if it had conventional wiring throughout (with the VT-series Calais featuring 73 fewer against the VS equivalent). Anti-theft devices included an improved electronic immobiliser (with an extra 16 million codes compared to the VS'), stronger steering lock and latest slip-type locks throughout. Inside, more than 90 percent of

348-658: A vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than mid-size cars . It is the largest size class for cars. In the United Kingdom, this class is referred to as the executive car , while in Europe, it is known as E-segment or F-segment . The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on

435-663: A 5.0-litre V8 (producing 195 kW (265 PS; 261 hp)), was also available as an option on the Commodore SS, making the Clubsport less exclusive and desirable. The VT Clubsport did feature many luxury features, including a CD player, steering wheel, front seats and foglights. The VT Series II was released in 1999 to replace the standard Clubsport. It featured a new 5.7-litre V8 LS1 Gen III engine, sourced from GM Powertrain, producing 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp). Production ceased in 2000. Introduced in 1997,

522-425: A PCB. Builders of military machines and aviation prefer the terms "experimental" and "service test". In electronics , prototyping means building an actual circuit to a theoretical design to verify that it works, and to provide a physical platform for debugging it if it does not. The prototype is often constructed using techniques such as wire wrapping or using a breadboard , stripboard or perfboard , with

609-410: A body that was 30 percent stiffer than its predecessor, the VS series. Its rounder exterior design (with a 63 degree rake for the front windscreen), which made it more attractive to buyers than the more aerodynamic rival, Ford Falcon (AU) , was considered only a styling exercise with low emphasis on aerodynamics given the sedan's ordinary drag coefficient of  C d =0.33. At the time of

696-529: A favorite among US Military modelers), railroad equipment, motor trucks, motorcycles, and space-ships (real-world such as Apollo/Saturn Vs, or the ISS). As of 2014, basic rapid prototype machines (such as 3D printers ) cost about $ 2,000, but larger and more precise machines can cost as much as $ 500,000. In architecture , prototyping refers to either architectural model making (as form of scale modelling ) or as part of aesthetic or material experimentation , such as

783-420: A four-speed 4L60-E automatic and five-speed Getrag 260 manual (replacing Holden's previous Borg-Warner T5 choice) on V6 models and the same automatic or five-speed Getrag 290 and optional six-speed Tremec T56 manuals on V8 models. The fuel tank of 75 litres (up 12 litres for the sedan and 7 for the wagon, compared to the VS series, but down 5 litres relative to that of the previous V8 range)

870-418: A lower cost. Into the 1970s, the same vehicles could transport up to six occupants comfortably (or eight in a station wagon), at the expense of high fuel consumption. The sales of full-size vehicles in the United States declined after the early 1970s fuel crisis. In response to the 1978 implementation of CAFE , American manufacturers implemented downsizing to improve fuel economy, with full-size vehicles as

957-649: A passenger side optional only on the Commodore Executive and S. Side airbags with torso and head protection became an option for the Acclaim and higher models from 1998 (a first for Holden and Australian manufactured vehicles). The VT series was officially announced on 26 August 1997 and went on sale on 5 September replacing the VS Commodore . Its only major update, marketed as the VT Series II,

SECTION 10

#1732782871732

1044-424: A scar or mark; by analogy a shape i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style, or resemblance; a model for imitation or illustrative example—note "typical"). Prototypes explore different aspects of an intended design: In general, the creation of prototypes will differ from creation of the final product in some fundamental ways: Engineers and prototype specialists attempt to minimize the impact of these differences on

1131-499: A time to the initial prototype. In many programming languages , a function prototype is the declaration of a subroutine or function (and should not be confused with software prototyping). This term is rather C / C++ -specific; other terms for this notion are signature , type and interface . In prototype-based programming (a form of object-oriented programming ), new objects are produced by cloning existing objects, which are called prototypes. The term may also refer to

1218-472: A way that the Planck constant h is prescribed a value of exactly 6.626 070 15 × 10  joule-second (J⋅s) Until 1960, the meter was defined by a platinum-iridium prototype bar with two marks on it (that were, by definition, spaced apart by one meter), the international prototype of the metre , and in 1983 the meter was redefined to be the distance in free space covered by light in 1/299,792,458 of

1305-568: A woodgrain-look gear gate, chrome-look door handles, door lamps), the key differentiating exterior features of these luxury-oriented models relative to Executive and Acclaim included chrome-look grilles, side mouldings and bumper bars with chrome-look strips, chrome exhaust tips. In addition, the Calais featured lower skirt area of the Calais in contrasting paint (for a dual tone effect), chrome-look window mouldings, front fog lights, clear rear side indicators. The range colours included: Heron (white and

1392-518: Is a form of functional or working prototype. The justification for its creation is usually a data migration , data integration or application implementation project and the raw materials used as input are an instance of all the relevant data which exists at the start of the project. The objectives of data prototyping are to produce: To achieve this, a data architect uses a graphical interface to interactively develop and execute transformation and cleansing rules using raw data. The resultant data

1479-517: Is becoming practical to eliminate the creation of a physical prototype (except possibly at greatly reduced scales for promotional purposes), instead modeling all aspects of the final product as a computer model . An example of such a development can be seen in Boeing 787 Dreamliner , in which the first full sized physical realization is made on the series production line. Computer modeling is now being extensively used in automotive design, both for form (in

1566-588: Is only available as an extra option it includes a Premium audio pack with 350 kilowatt power amp and 6 stack CD. There is an optional Coulson 'performance' front seating which is for extra comfort. The wheels are 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels. Exports of the VT to the Middle East, rebadged as the Chevrolet Lumina , began in 1998. The VT Commodore was the first Holden to be produced in left hand drive since

1653-414: Is then evaluated and the rules refined. Beyond the obvious visual checking of the data on-screen by the data architect, the usual evaluation and validation approaches are to use Data profiling software and then to insert the resultant data into a test version of the target application and trial its use. When developing software or digital tools that humans interact with, a prototype is an artifact that

1740-499: Is used as the standard of measurement of some physical quantity to base all measurement of that physical quantity against. Sometimes this standard object is called an artifact . In the International System of Units ( SI ), there remains no prototype standard since May 20, 2019 . Before that date, the last prototype used was the international prototype of the kilogram , a solid platinum-iridium cylinder kept at

1827-409: Is used to ask and answer a design question. Prototypes provide the means for examining design problems and evaluating solutions. HCI practitioners can employ several different types of prototypes: In the field of scale modeling (which includes model railroading , vehicle modeling, airplane modeling , military modeling, etc.), a prototype is the real-world basis or source for a scale model—such as

SECTION 20

#1732782871732

1914-594: The Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (International Bureau of Weights and Measures) in Sèvres France (a suburb of Paris ) that by definition was the mass of exactly one kilogram . Copies of this prototype are fashioned and issued to many nations to represent the national standard of the kilogram and are periodically compared to the Paris prototype. Now the kilogram is redefined in such

2001-478: The Chevrolet Corvair , Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant ), the "full-size car" designation came into wider use. In the 1960s, the term was applied to the traditional car lines of lower-price brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. As a relative term, full-size cars were marketed by the same brands offering compact cars, with entry-level cars for buyers seeking the roominess of a luxury car at

2088-670: The Chrysler LH cars (Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler Concorde/New Yorker/LHS). The same year, the Buick Roadmaster was introduced, becoming the first rear-wheel drive GM model line adopted outside of Chevrolet and Cadillac since 1985; the Chevrolet Impala was returned for the 1994 model year. The 1989 Lexus LS400 luxury sedan was the first Japanese full-size car sold in North America. Following

2175-583: The Dodge Monaco ). Developed by AMC before its acquisition by Chrysler, the Premier was a version of the front-wheel drive Renault 25 adapted for North America. The Saab 9000 took a special position at the end of the 1980s, as for a long time it was the only imported car to be classified as a "large car" by the EPA. From the 1980s to the 1990s, the market share of full-size cars began to decline; along with

2262-540: The Elizabeth plant, which saw a 43 percent increase in robots (to a total of 130), more efficient pressing process (with 59 presses instead of 104) and welding (that sees the main body spot-welded in 101 seconds), reducing the VT's final assembly time by 2.5 hours. Holden's parent company was interested in incorporating a left-hand drive Commodore into the Buick lineup in the United States and became involved in

2349-528: The Forty Wall House open source material prototyping centre in Australia. Architects prototype to test ideas structurally, aesthetically and technically. Whether the prototype works or not is not the primary focus: architectural prototyping is the revelatory process through which the architect gains insight. In the science and practice of metrology , a prototype is a human-made object that

2436-755: The H and C platforms . Only station wagons, the Chevrolet Caprice , and the Cadillac Brougham remained. Initially developed to replace the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, the 1986 Ford Taurus was produced alongside it as the Ford mid-size model line. After largely abandoning the full-size segment for compact cars and minivans, Chrysler gained reentry into the full-size segment in 1988 with the Eagle Premier (also produced as

2523-536: The Prototype Javascript Framework . Additionally, the term may refer to the prototype design pattern. Continuous learning approaches within organizations or businesses may also use the concept of business or process prototypes through software models. The concept of prototypicality is used to describe how much a website deviates from the expected norm, and leads to a lowering of user preference for that site's design. A data prototype

2610-603: The VS Commodore utility version until December 2000, at which time the Holden Ute (VU) was released. This vehicle was based on the long wheelbase platform of the VX Commodore , itself launched in October 2000 as the first significant facelift of the VT series. The enhanced performance range of the original VT-based range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) comprised the following variants: A limited-run XU8 model

2697-597: The VY series launch in 2002, Holden aerodynamic engineers conceded that the design was not ideal, primarily because of the rounded trailing edge of the sedan's boot lid, which did not promote a clean separation of the airflow off the back of the car as would have a sharper change of angle. As such, the VY series rectified this problem. In 1999, the VT wagon platform served as the basis for the second generation Statesman and Caprice luxury cars. This third generation Commodore also formed

Holden Commodore (VT) - Misplaced Pages Continue

2784-517: The eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata , is classified by the EPA as full-size despite being marketed as a mid-size model. In 2018, the three highest-selling cars in the full-size sedan category in the United States were the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler 300. The large car segment has been declining in the United States accounting for 3.6% of new vehicle sales in 2021, down from 6.6% in 2016. The models in this category included

2871-421: The styling and aerodynamics of the vehicle) and in function—especially for improving vehicle crashworthiness and in weight reduction to improve mileage. The most common use of the word prototype is a functional, although experimental, version of a non-military machine (e.g., automobiles, domestic appliances, consumer electronics) whose designers would like to have built by mass production means, as opposed to

2958-456: The 1920s to the 1950s, most manufacturers produced model lines in a single size, growing in size with each model redesign. While the length and wheelbase varied between model lines, width was a relatively constant dimension, as the American federal government required the addition of clearance lights on a width past 80 inches. In 1960, following the introduction of compact cars (such as

3045-558: The 1950s, and have become increasingly common since the downsizing of full-sized cars in the 1980s. The lineage of mass-produced full-size American cars begins with the 1908 Ford Model T . In 1923, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Superior , becoming the first vehicle to adopt a common chassis (the A-body ) for several brands. Compared to the cars of the 21st century, these vehicles are small in length and width. From

3132-437: The 195i and the 220i these was known by the badges found on the rear. The numbers that were chosen was to illustrate the power the cars had. Some of the optional features included an upgraded braking system, rain sensing wipers and luxury tuned suspension. Leather featured heavily throughout the vehicle and dual climate control was to enhance comfort for the passengers throughout the large wagon. A special entertainment audio system

3219-496: The 1996 model year, GM ended production of large rear-wheel drive sedans. By 2000, with the sole exception of the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car, full-size cars had abandoned rear-wheel drive and body-on-frame construction. Instead of model lineage, the EPA "large car" definition of over 120 interior cubic feet was widely used. Initially developed for the midsize Oldsmobile Aurora ,

3306-523: The 1997 Wheels Car of the Year award, resulting in the fourth time that this award was won by a Commodore. It found ready acceptance in the market as many buyers steered away from the more radically designed Ford Falcon (AU) , becoming the best selling Commodore and cementing its place as number one in Australian sales at its time. The VT Series II (VT II) was released in 1999, before being replaced by

3393-435: The 1997–1999 VT Calais) instead of the previous amber . The updated Calais now also featured a chrome strip across the boot garnish above the number plate, to distinguish it from the lower model variants. Unlike in the case of its other new generation platforms , which saw Holden release a utility version concurrent to other mainstream body shapes, a VT utility version was never developed. Instead, Holden continued to sell

3480-471: The 50th Anniversary—but without the luxury interior features such as climate control and full trip computer). With the VT Series II upgrade of 1999, the Ecotec V6 remained structurally unchanged, but it received an updated tune that made the car slightly faster than the original version. The availability of the supercharged V6 changed by no longer being available on the Commodore SS and becoming optional on

3567-712: The Berlina, but standard on the Calais (although the naturally aspirated version could be specified as a "delete option"). The venerable 5.0-litre Holden V8 was instead replaced by a new 5.7-litre Gen III V8 sourced from the United States. (The LS1 engine was manufactured at the St Catharines GM powertrain factory which is in Ontario in Canada). The VT II in Gen III V8 guise was claimed by Wheels in 1999 to be

Holden Commodore (VT) - Misplaced Pages Continue

3654-470: The Calais and P225/50 for the Commodore S, and the largest P235/45 on 17-inch wheels for the Commodore SS. For the steering, the predominant system was a variable-ratio Bishop-design design (modified to provide 46 to 67 millimetres (1.8 to 2.6 in) of rack travel per pinion revolution against the VS' 40 to 58 millimetres (1.6 to 2.3 in), and a 10.9-metre (36 ft) kerb to kerb turning circle for

3741-542: The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. They have been discontinued after the 2023 or 2024 model years. The trend in the large car market segment in United States is toward the SUV. Prototype A prototype can also mean a typical example of something such as in the use of the derivation ' prototypical '. This is a useful term in identifying objects, behaviours and concepts which are considered

3828-818: The Five Hundred was renamed the Taurus. After the 2011 model year, Ford ended production of the Panther platform, shifting to the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS; in 2017, the latter was replaced by the Lincoln Continental . In 2011, General Motors ended production of the G-body for several chassis (with Cadillac later shifting its largest sedans to rear-wheel drive). In 2012, the Tesla Model S became

3915-744: The GM G-body chassis was expanded into the full-size segment for Cadillac in 2000 (for the Deville, later the DTS) and adapted by Buick (the Lucerne) in 2006. For the 2005 model year, Chrysler replaced the LH cars with the LX cars (returning to rear-wheel drive). The same year, Ford introduced the Five Hundred, its first front-wheel drive full-size car (the first American full-size car offered with all-wheel drive); in 2008,

4002-752: The LH Torana finished production in 1976. In addition, General Motors do Brasil also imported the VT as the Chevrolet Omega from October 1998 to replace the same-named predecessor that was a rebadged Opel Omega A . The Brazilian model sold as a single-specification CD model, based on the Holden Calais automatic powered by the Ecotec 3.8-litre V6 engine. The VT II model came to Brazil in December 1999. VT Omega sales ended in 2001 when replaced by

4089-549: The Middle East badged as the Chevrolet Lumina , and to Brazil badged as the Chevrolet Omega . The base engine was the 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 that Holden originally launched with the Commodore VS Series II , which remained unchanged except for new exhaust manifolds and the latest Bosch EV6 fuel injectors . Apart from the 5.0-litre Holden V8 (for which Holden spent A$ 2 million to extract an extra 10 kW (13 hp) and 10 N⋅m (7.4 lb⋅ft) over

4176-669: The Omega as is (which, notably, was also sold in North America as the Cadillac Catera between 1997 and 2001), save for the engines and transmissions or just reskinning the second generation (VN–VS) architecture . The VT series ended up being a A$ 600 million development program that spanned more than half a decade . It sported many firsts for an Australian-built car (such as more advanced electronic systems), improved dynamics and increased crash safety also thanks to

4263-569: The Opel Omega, with 78 millimetres (3.1 in) and 92 millimetres (3.6 in) wider front and rear tracks). The sedan's boot capacity was 475 litres (16.8 cu ft), up from the VS series' 443 litres or 15.6 cubic feet, while the wagon's maximum was 2,683 litres (94.7 cu ft). The wagon was bigger still in the respective dimensions listed above by 139 millimetres (5.5 in), 65 millimetres (2.6 in), 123 millimetres (4.8 in) and 150 millimetres (5.9 in). According to

4350-532: The V8s a 17mm bar. A standard three-channel Bosch 5.3 anti-lock braking system (ABS) was fitted across the range, with front discs measuring 296 millimetres (11.7 in) in diameter (and 28 millimetres (1.1 in) thickness), while the rear's respective sizes were 286 and 16 millimetres (11.3 and 0.6 in). Tyre sizes varied from 15-inch P205/65 for the Commodore Executive, Acclaim and Berlina (the latter, and following models, with alloy wheels), to 16-inch P215/60 for

4437-575: The VS series' 5.5) and most cars ran a 26-millimetre (1.0 in) stabiliser bar at the front, while the V8s with standard tyres and stiffer FE2 suspension tune (with 15 percent stiffer springs and firmer dampers for the Commodore SS) had a 25-millimetre (1.0 in) stabilizer bar. At the rear, the V6 models had a 15-millimetre (0.6 in) stabilizer bar, the V6 Supercharged a 16mm, and

SECTION 50

#1732782871732

4524-596: The VT Senator Signature gained the larger all-new bodyshell of the VT Commodore and also heralded the introduction of a Senator Signature wagon for the first time into the HSV range. An upgraded 195 kW (261 hp) 5.0-litre and 220 kW (295 hp) 5.7-litre V8 engines were offered. The VT Senator Signature came standard with speed-sensitive steering which would act in different ways depending on

4611-515: The VT development cycle early on. Holden was provided funds for the necessary engineering changes and a prototype was unveiled to the American public in 1995 as the Buick XP2000 concept car whose styling formed the basis for the VT series. The project, known internally as "Project 127", was abandoned in early 1994, well before the VT's release but Holden made the most of the situation by exporting left-hand drive VTs to parts of Indochina and

4698-530: The VT's electrical and HVAC components were new over the VS, except for the carry-over column stalks. Safety wise, Holden relied on more computer simulations than ever before (with the aid of crash research from the Monash University Accident Research Centre), resulting in only 20 VTs being physically crash tested, compared to 55 with the previous VR series. A driver side airbag was standard across all models, along with

4785-405: The VT's planning chief, Tony Hyde, the critical dimension was 1,520 millimetres (59.8 in) for the rear shoulder room that was believed to be needed to keep the Commodore range competitive. Inside, front passengers sit 22 millimetres (0.9 in) further apart and with 24 millimetres (0.9 in) more fore-aft seat travel, and the seats featured a new "Surebond" technique to bond seat facings to

4872-583: The VX-based model, as announced on 18 May 2001. Production of all VTs between August 1997 and August 2000 totalled 303,895 units. Of these, some 100,000 units were sold in the first 22 months leading up to the release of the VT Series II in June 1999, and 33,428 were exported. A Commodore VT driven by Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna won the 2000 FAI 1000 at Bathurst. Books Magazines Full-size car Full-size car —also known as large car —is

4959-430: The accepted norm and is analogous with terms such as stereotypes and archetypes . The word prototype derives from the Greek πρωτότυπον prototypon , "primitive form", neutral of πρωτότυπος prototypos , "original, primitive", from πρῶτος protos , "first" and τύπος typos , "impression" (originally in the sense of a mark left by a blow, then by a stamp struck by a die (note "typewriter"); by implication

5046-414: The backing foam (most apparent on Berlina, Calais and Commodore SS) to eliminate traditional sewing. The VT series heralded the fitment of semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension (IRS) as standard across the range. However, when originally carried over, the European design was simplified with the removal of the toe control link, standard equipment on the six-cylinder Omega since 1987. This design

5133-410: The basis for the resurrection of the iconic Monaro coupé from the 1960s and 1970s. Presented as the "Holden Coupé" concept car at the 1998 Australian International Motor Show held in Sydney , overwhelming public interest resulted in the coupé finally reaching production in 2001 as the Monaro albeit by then based on the VX series . As part of this project came a spend of A$ 275 million to upgrade

5220-507: The combined passenger and cargo volume, large cars (full-size cars) are defined as having an interior volume index of more than 120 cu ft (3.4 m ) for sedan models, or 160 cu ft (4.5 m ) for station wagons. From the introduction of the Ford Flathead V8 in the 1930s until the 1980s, most North American full-size cars were powered by V8 engines . However, V6 engines and straight-six engines have also been available on American full-size cars, especially until

5307-407: The cycle returns to customer evaluation. The cycle starts by listening to the user, followed by building or revising a mock-up, and letting the user test the mock-up , then back. There is now a new generation of tools called Application Simulation Software which help quickly simulate application before their development. Extreme programming uses iterative design to gradually add one feature at

SECTION 60

#1732782871732

5394-415: The driver rather than the car, such as a Maglite torch, wheel nut cap remover and a multi-purpose pen knife. The VT Series II introduced a new 5.7-litre LS1 V8 which produced 250 kW (335 hp) and 473 N⋅m (349 lb⋅ft). A choice of two transmissions were offered a 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. Front and side airbags, climate control air-conditioning and traction control are some of

5481-481: The fastest Australian car ever. The V8 was detuned to 220 kW (295 hp) from the original version, but would receive incremental power upgrades to 250 kW (335 hp) throughout its time in the Commodore. Cosmetically, all Series II VT models received slightly revised wheel covers and alloys, front grilles (silver accents on the base models and thicker horizontal chrome bars on Berlina and Calais) as well as clear side and rear indicator lenses (as fitted on

5568-405: The features that come as standard. By activating a certain button in the cabin labelled "power" the automatic transmission holds the gears in longer, this gives the car more acceleration power. Storage wise the cabin offers, pockets behind the seats, door pockets, a large glove box and a console bin plus the larger boot. The Senator Signature Estate Wagon had two versions available with this version

5655-480: The final production costs due to inefficiencies in materials and processes. Prototypes are also used to revise the design for the purposes of reducing costs through optimization and refinement. It is possible to use prototype testing to reduce the risk that a design may not perform as intended, however prototypes generally cannot eliminate all risk. Building the full design is often expensive and can be time-consuming, especially when repeated several times—building

5742-528: The final production design. This is due to the skill and choices of the designer(s), and the inevitable inherent limitations of a prototype. Due to differences in materials, processes and design fidelity, it is possible that a prototype may fail to perform acceptably although the production design may have been sound. Conversely, prototypes may perform acceptably but the production design and outcome may prove unsuccessful. In general, it can be expected that individual prototype costs will be substantially greater than

5829-513: The first fully electric full-size car sold in North America. For the 2013 model year, the Chevrolet Impala became the final American-market full-size sedan sold with a front bench seat . By the mid-2010s, full-size cars began seeing a steep decline in sales in North America, with SUVs replacing much of the full-size segment. At the end of the decade, demand for sedans (of all sizes) shifted towards vehicles of other layouts, reducing or shuttering production of sedans entirely. In 2018, Ford announced

5916-400: The first model lines to see major change. While General Motors and Ford would reduce the exterior footprint of their full-size lines to that of their intermediates, AMC withdrew its Ambassador and Matador full-size lines (to concentrate on production of mid-size vehicles). To save production costs, Chrysler repackaged its intermediates using the erstwhile full-size names, moving on to exiting

6003-464: The full design, figuring out what the problems are and how to solve them, then building another full design. As an alternative, rapid prototyping or rapid application development techniques are used for the initial prototypes, which implement part, but not all, of the complete design. This allows designers and manufacturers to rapidly and inexpensively test the parts of the design that are most likely to have problems, solve those problems, and then build

6090-508: The full design. In technology research, a technology demonstrator is a prototype serving as proof-of-concept and demonstration model for a new technology or future product, proving its viability and illustrating conceivable applications. In large development projects, a testbed is a platform and prototype development environment for rigorous experimentation and testing of new technologies, components, scientific theories and computational tools. With recent advances in computer modeling it

6177-431: The increased use of mid-size cars, vans, and SUVs grew in use as family vehicles. Between 1960 and 1994, the market share of full-size cars declined from 65 to only 8.3 percent. From 1990 until 1992, both GM and Ford redesigned its full-size car lines for the first time since the late 1970s. For the 1992 model year, Chrysler introduced a new front-wheel drive full-size car line, replacing the Eagle Premier/Dodge Monaco with

6264-440: The intended role for the prototype. For example, if a visual prototype is not able to use the same materials as the final product, they will attempt to substitute materials with properties that closely simulate the intended final materials. Engineers and prototyping specialists seek to understand the limitations of prototypes to exactly simulate the characteristics of their intended design. Prototypes represent some compromise from

6351-549: The previous series) and uprated HSV variants, the other engine offered as an option on the Commodore S and SS, and the Calais, was the supercharged version of the Ecotec that was also launched with the VS II. In its latest guise, it generated a higher output of 171 kW (229 hp) thanks to a new engine management system with individual cylinder knock-sensor control. The available transmissions, depending on engine option, included

6438-411: The prototyping platform, or replace it with only the microcontroller chip and the circuitry that is relevant to their product. Prototype software is often referred to as alpha grade , meaning it is the first version to run. Often only a few functions are implemented, the primary focus of the alpha is to have a functional base code on to which features may be added. Once alpha grade software has most of

6525-438: The real EMD GP38-2 locomotive—which is the prototype of Athearn 's (among other manufacturers) locomotive model. Technically, any non-living object can serve as a prototype for a model, including structures, equipment, and appliances, and so on, but generally prototypes have come to mean full-size real-world vehicles including automobiles (the prototype 1957 Chevy has spawned many models), military equipment (such as M4 Shermans,

6612-463: The required features integrated into it, it becomes beta software for testing of the entire software and to adjust the program to respond correctly during situations unforeseen during development. Often the end users may not be able to provide a complete set of application objectives, detailed input, processing, or output requirements in the initial stage. After the user evaluation, another prototype will be built based on feedback from users, and again

6699-640: The restyled VX model in 2000. In 1998, the VT formed the basis of a prototype that became the catalyst for the reintroduction in 2001 of the Holden Monaro coupé—a nameplate on hiatus since 1977. As with previous Commodore models, Holden looked to Opel in Germany for a donor car . The VT series was derived from the Omega B by broadening that vehicle's width and adapting the mechanical setup for Australian conditions. The alternative would have been to adopt

6786-459: The result being a circuit that is electrically identical to the design but not physically identical to the final product. Open-source tools like Fritzing exist to document electronic prototypes (especially the breadboard-based ones) and move toward physical production. Prototyping platforms such as Arduino also simplify the task of programming and interacting with a microcontroller . The developer can choose to deploy their invention as-is using

6873-800: The road and surrounding conditions and luxury suspension tuned featuring Monroe Sensatrac shock absorbers . Appearance differed from other HSV models with the use of a chrome single-slat grille, side skirts, front fog lamps and 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels. The suspension was lowered, with leather seats and woodgrain standard throughout the Senator Signature. The steering featured the Variatronic power assisted rack and pinion technology. The independent rear suspension and luxury front and rear Sensatrac variable rate dampers fitted made for smooth ride control and high speed stability. Additionally, HSV added complementary special features which were for

6960-578: The sales of all Ford-branded passenger cars (except for the Mustang ) would end in North America by 2022. General Motors announced the closure of several manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada, with the production of the Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse ending in 2020. As of 2022, full-size cars from Asian manufacturers include the Lexus LS , Genesis G80 / G90 , Nissan Maxima , and Toyota Avalon . Another car from an Asian manufacturer,

7047-486: The sedan). The Calais, instead, adopted a speed sensitive "Variotronic" mechanism, criticized for its overall feel. This and other new electronic systems (such as traction control standard on the Commodore Acclaim and the Calais, and all optional on all other models; to headlights that automatically extinguished themselves some time after parking and the Calais' key-based memory settings) were possible thanks to

7134-535: The segment in 1981. During the 1980s, manufacturers further reduced the exterior footprint of several model lines from the full-size segment into the mid-size class to comply with more stringent CAFE standards. With the 1982 model year, Chrysler exited the full-size segment entirely, with the mid-size Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury serving as its largest sedan lines. Following the 1985 model year, General Motors replaced most of its full-size rear-wheel-drive model lines with smaller front-wheel drive sedans on

7221-483: The sole non-metallic), Rubens Mica, Capricorn Mica, Raven Mica, Orion Frost (silver), Valencia Mica, Tundra Mica, Botanica Mica, Granada Mica, Morocco Sand Frost, Bermuda Mica. Special editions included the following: Featuring special badging, with the exception of Calais, which featured unique limited edition parts, the rest of these special editions were base Commodores sold with extra equipment (e.g. full body-coloured bumper bars, standard alloy wheels—from Berlina for

7308-487: Was also released powered by the last Australian-made 5.0-litre V8, due to be replaced by the imported 5.7-litre V8 standard on VT Series II cars. The launch of this series also introduced the short lived XU6 sedan, which was powered by the supercharged version of Commodore's 3.8-litre V6 engine. Launched in 1997, the HSV VT Clubsport was much larger and heavier than its predecessors. Critics noted that its engine,

7395-640: Was launched on 1 June 1999 and sold until October 2000, when the VX series was launched as its replacement. The original 1997 VT range was introduced with a range of six models comprising: In terms of major features and options: The Berlina and Calais luxury models were not badged or marketed as Commodores and the Calais was only offered as a sedan. Apart from greater standard interior features as listed above plus such things as map lamps, footwell lamps, programmable interior dimming lights, auto-off lamp function, speed sensitive windscreen wipers (and, for Calais, including

7482-441: Was mounted ahead of the spare wheel floor cavity at the rear. Performance and fuel efficiency were compromised by the new body, which weighed 166–195 kilograms (366–430 lb) more over the VS series due to its larger size—the sedan being respectively up 23 millimetres (0.9 in) in length, 60 millimetres (2.4 in) in width, 47 millimetres (1.9 in) in height and 57 millimetres (2.2 in) in wheelbase (and, relative to

7569-536: Was prone to distorting the suspension camber angle and toe under heavy loads (e.g. when towing or travelling over undulated surfaces), leading to excessive rear tyre wear. Holden's performance arm HSV re-added the toe control link on the flagship GTS 300 model, based on the Series II update. Overall, the VT series was regarded a more neutral handler compared to the previous VS (with the front MacPherson strut suspension featuring 8 degrees of positive castor , from

#731268