Holden Commodore (VZ)

For a complete overview of all Commodore models, see Holden Commodore.
Holden Commodore (VZ)
Overview
Manufacturer Holden (General Motors)
Also called Holden Adventra (VZ)
Holden Berlina (VZ)
Holden Calais (VZ)
Holden Crewman (VZ)
Holden Monaro (VZ)
Holden One Tonner (VZ)
Holden Ute (VZ)
Chevrolet Lumina
Chevrolet Omega
Production August 2004 – July 2006 (sedan)
August 2004 – August 2007 (wagon, utility)
Assembly Australia: Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
Class Full-size
Body style 4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
2-door coupe utility
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Platform GM V platform
Related Holden Statesman/Caprice (WL)
Holden Monaro (VZ)
HSV Z Series
Powertrain
Engine
  • 3.6 L Alloytec (LY7) V6
  • 3.6 L Alloytec 190 (LY7) V6
  • 5.7 L Gen III (LS1) V8
  • 5.7 L Gen III High Output (LS1) V8
  • 6.0 L Gen IV (L76) V8
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,789–2,939 mm (109.8–115.7 in)
Length 4,876–5,033 mm (192.0–198.1 in)
Width 1,842–1,847 mm (72.5–72.7 in)
Height 1,440–1,527 mm (56.7–60.1 in)
Curb weight 1,569–1,654 kg (3,459–3,646 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Holden Commodore (VY)
Successor Holden Commodore (VE)

The Holden Commodore (VZ) is a full-size car that was produced by the Australian manufacturer Holden from 2004 to 2006 as a sedan, and to 2007 as a wagon and Ute sold alongside the new VE series. It was the fourth and final iteration of the third generation of this Australian made model and the last to spawn coupé and all-wheel drive variants. Its range continued to include the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VZ) and Holden Calais (VZ).

Overview

Released in August 2004, the VZ series was a minor facelift of the previous VY series that feature a new V6 engine in different tune guise. In fact, the powerplants included 175 and 190 kilowatt (kW) (235 and 255 hp) 3.6 litre (L) Alloytec V6 engines in place of the older 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6 engines. Other changes to the V6 was the loss of the supercharger that was included in the S models from the VS to VY, this was also dropped with the 3.8L and would not be used with the new 3.6L V6. These new Alloytec DOHC engines have carried on through to the Holden Commodore (VE) which was released in August 2006. A new 5L40-E 5-speed automatic transmission sourced from General Motors was introduced on the sports and luxury V6 variants.

The VZ is notable for being the only Commodore series of recent times to not officially introduce a Series II update to the range, however, a number of mechanical changes were made in January 2006, designated MY06. Holden introduced the new L76 6.0 litre V8 to its range. The V8 has been slightly detuned, and both Displacement on Demand and variable valve timing have been removed. The base V6 also went from 175 kilowatts (235 hp) to 172 kilowatts (231 hp) and the 190 kilowatt (255 hp) V6 went from 340 to 335 newton metres (Nm) at the same time, to meet new ADR 79/01 (Euro III) emissions standards that became effective 1 January 2006.

The advanced 3.6 litre Alloytec engines are more powerful, responsive and fuel-efficient than the outgoing ECOTEC V6. Matched to all-new and upgraded transmissions they deliver noticeable increases in all-round driving refinement. To achieve 190 kilowatts (255 hp), the Alloytec V6 gains variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust sides as well as a dual stage intake manifold, while the 175 kilowatt (235 hp) version retains variable valve timing on the inlet side only. Selected models bring advanced active safety features that electronically assist the driver to maintain vehicle control in emergency situations.

The VZ Commodore was available in several model variations, most of which carried over from the VY range, with the exception of the newly introduced SV6, a specification level that replaced the S range. All models in the Commodore range (Executive, Acclaim, Berlina, Calais, SV6, SV8 & SS) were available as sedans, while wagon variants of the Executive, Acclaim & Berlina were available. Berlina and Calais models were not badged or marketed as Commodores. The VZ was the last Commodore line-up to use the Executive and Acclaim nameplates.

Sales of the VZ series failed to match those of the preceding VY in light of rising small car sales, higher fuel prices and growing interest in the whole new replacement, the VE series.

The VZ Commodore sedans were superseded by the VE series in July 2006, whilst the Wagon and Ute ranges lived on for almost another year. Ute production ended in August 2007, whilst the last wagon rolled off Holden's Elizabeth plant line on 6 September 2007.[1]

Models

Executive

VZ Commodore Executive sedan
VZ Commodore Executive interior
VZ Commodore Executive wagon

The Executive was the baseline model. Pricing for the Executive started from A$33,160. The VZ series was the last one to include this nameplate, which was first introduced in 1984.

The Commodore Executive standard features included:[2]
The Commodore Executive optional features included:[3]

Acclaim

VZ Commodore Acclaim wagon

The Acclaim sat above the Executive in the specification level hierarchy of the VZ range, and was priced from A$39,050. The VZ series was the last one to include this nameplate, which was first introduced in 1993.

The Commodore Acclaim standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Executive variant:[4]
The Commodore Acclaim optional features included:[5]

SV6

Commodore SV6 sedan

The SV6 was the baseline sports variant. Pricing for the SV6 started from A$38,990.

The SV6 features included:

SV8

The SV8 was the mid-range sports variant, and was priced from A$41,990. Early VZ versions of the SV8 continued with the VY SV8 theme, being essentially an Executive with a V8 engine, rear spoiler, unique 17 inch alloy wheels and SV6 tail lights. This specification was later upgraded as a running change to match the equipment levels and appearance of the SV6, which remained a step down from the SS.

SV8 features included:

SS

Holden VZ Commodore SS Sedan

The SS was the flagship sports variant of the VZ range. Pricing for the SS started from A$50,990.

SS included such features as:

Berlina

VZ Berlina sedan

The Berlina was the semi-luxury model of the VZ range, it sat above the Acclaim and below the Calais. Pricing for the Berlina started from A$42,900.

The Berlina features included:

Calais

Holden Calais (VZ)

The Calais was the top of the line, luxury model in the VZ range. It sat above the Berlina and combined luxury with performance. Pricing for the Calais started at A$52,660.

The Calais features included:

Adventra

VZ Adventra LX6

The Holden Adventra (VZ) is an all-wheel drive wagon update to the original VY II series model.

An interim VZ Adventra appeared in August 2004 at the time of the release of the VZ Commodore range, but this was in essence the familiar VY body with VZ engine,running gear,ECU and a VZ compliance plate. A true VZ series facelift was introduced in February 2005 and with it, the introduction of a V6 engine as the principal power unit. Adventra was now available in a choice of four equipment levels: SX6, CX6, LX6, and LX8, with a 3.6 litre V6 engine affording 190 kilowatts (250 hp) and a five-speed automatic transmission. The V8 engine from the VY iteration was uprated to 250 kilowatts (340 hp), although, now available solely in the premium LX8 model. Production of the V8-powered Adventra ceased in December 2005, due only to the fact that Holden ceased manufacturing the Generation III power unit and did not see a strong enough business case to invest in the new 6.0 litre Generation IV V8 for the Adventra's all-wheel drive application.

Sales of the Adventra range never achieved Holden's expectations, especially in comparison to the rival Ford Territory, and it was ultimately phased out of production in 2006 to make way for the newly introduced Captiva, imported from GM Daewoo in South Korea.[6]

Limited edition and other models

Commodore 9C1

The Commodore 9C1, or 'Police Pack', was a special pack for the VZ Commodore that was available to all police organisations in Australia, New Zealand and several in the Middle East. It was based on the Commodore Executive with various added specification upgrades to cater for its specific role. Most 9C1s were delivered in white, though unmarked vehicles were offered in other colours.

Specification upgrades included:

Commodore Lumina

The Commodore Lumina was launched in September 2005. It was based on the Commodore Executive with A$6,000 worth of additional features. 3,700 were produced and sold at a price of A$32,990 each.

Commodore Equipe

VZ Commodore Equipe sedan

April 2005 saw the launch of the Commodore Equipe, a Holden tradition for many recent models of the Commodore. Based on the VZ Executive with A$5,000 worth of extra features, it sold for A$33,490 AUD. 3,500 were produced.

Commodore SVZ

VZ Commodore SVZ

In March 2006, Holden produced the limited edition SVZ model. This was based on the Executive sedan and wagon model with A$6,000 worth of extra features for A$32,990.

In March 2007, this model was re-introduced as a run-out model, based on the Executive wagon and base model Ute. The SVZ ute could be ordered in Morpheous (Metallic purple with pink highlights from the VE series).

Commodore SSZ

Late in 2005, Holden released 930 units of the limited edition Commodore SSZ. This model featured leather upholstery with SSZ logo, premium performance brakes, colour-coded SSZ instrument cluster, black centre-mounted voltage and oil pressure gauges, 18-inch Monaro-style wheels, Rear Parking Assist and Bluetooth, for A$49,990. The SSZ was discontinued upon arrival of the VE series.

Commercial range

VZ Ute Thunder S
VZ Crewman S

Whilst the sedan VZ range received both versions of the Alloytec V6, the Ute range received just the lower-capacity Alloytec 175 – it was the standard engine across the entire ute range with a six-speed manual – an upgraded 4-speed automatic was available as an option. Once again the One Tonner and Crewman ranges shared the same specification models, as shown below:

This model was rebranded as SV6 in August 2006, and the five-speed auto from the sedan became available for the first time as well as a power increase to 190 kW (255 hp).

The Crewman was once again available in Cross 8 form, whilst the VZ range added the Crewman Cross 6, essentially a V6 version of the Cross 8.

The One Tonner was available with the following specifications:

To make room in the factory for the upcoming VE series, production of the One Tonner ceased in December 2005.

The Ute range continued without any updates for the next 18 months, until the January 2006 addition of Holden's new L76 V8 engines. The VZ Utes remained on sale well after the introduction of Holden's next-generation VE series, as did the VZ Wagons. By December of the same year, the Crewman and all AWD variants of the ute were gone from showrooms after Holden ceased production, and the One Tonner range was discontinued. VZ Utes were superseded by the VE series equivalent released in September 2007.

HSV range (Z Series)

The enhanced performance VZ range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) was released in 2004 as the Z Series. Its standard range included the models listed below.

Clubsport

HSV Clubsport HRT Edition

The Clubsport was powered by the LS2 engine a 6.0 L, 16-valve pushrod V8 producing 297 kW (404 PS; 398 hp) at 6000 rpm and 530 N·m (390 lb·ft) at and 4400 rpm. There was the choice of either a Six-speed manual or four-speed auto. Fuel consumption was 15.3 L/100 km. The Z-Series started at $61,850 plus on-road costs for the manual. A Clubsport R8 was also available, with greater equipment (e.g. leather seats and extra instrument gauses) and revised wheels design and upgraded braking system.

In July 2005, HSV also produced a manual-only Clubsport and Clubsport R8 "Dealer Team Spec" (DTS), comprising Stage 1 and optional Stage 2 packages. Stage 1 included upgraded tyre and wheel package, lighter overall weight and Stage 2 included other upgrades such as enhanced driver interface, adjustable suspension and tyre pressure monitors.[7][8]

The Z Series was the first range with which HSV reached the Middle East with the one-make racing ClubSport R sedans.[9][10]

GTS

GTS was available by special order only, in very limited numbers (less than 100).[11]

Senator

Green sedan automobile
Green sedan automobile
HSV Senator (Z Series)

The Z Series no longer featured the Senator Signature nameplate. The new Senator featured a more subtle styling, with 19 in (482.6 mm) wheels as standard. The engine was a new 6.0 litre LS2 V8 (as featured on the C6 Corvette) pushing out 297 kW (398 hp). Newly designed rear mufflers give the car more of a deeper sound. The Senator's weight increased to 1,735 kg (3,825 lb), 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) takes 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (limited). The fuel economy was officially rated at 10-12 litres/100 km on the highway, and a jump to 18-22 litres/100 km through the cities.

Dimensions were 1,450 mm (57.1 in) height, 4,984 mm (196.2 in) length, 1,842 mm (72.5 in) width and the wheelbase is 2,788 mm (109.8 in).

Some of the main options included the sunroof $2390, satellite navigation $3800, rear-seat DVD players $3900, Xenon headlights $1800, tyre pressure monitoring system $1395. Inside it features Nappa leather on the seats. The braking system on the Senator comes with ABS with twin-piston front callipers and grooved discs. The specially designed rear suspension has a self-levelling feature, so if the Senator was towing a trailer, instead of the weight forcing the back down and causing the front of the car to go up, the rear suspension would harden itself and therefore keeping the car levelled and aerodynamic. This feature is also on the current E-series Senator Signature.

The chrome outline on the grill was added to give the style more of a relaxed luxury appearance. The Senator has specially designed 10 spoke alloys. For the interior special suede leather come as an optional extra. The Senator Signature name has now been dropped out of the line up, in the price department it matches the Clubsport approximately. Nappa leather is standard for the Senator. The 6.0 litre Gen5 (LS2) V8 engine was taken off the C6 Chevrolet. The brakes are upgraded and feature Bosche 8.0 ABS which provides EBD. The new LS2 V8 made it the quickest Australian made production car at the time.[12]

Avalanche

The Avalanche was an all-wheel drive crossover SUV that was manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) in 2005. Based on the Holden Adventra LX8 crossover wagon, the Avalanche range also incorporated a dual-cab utility model known as the HSV Avalanche XUV. The XUV derived from the Holden Crewman Cross8.

Both HSV vehicles were built in two series, the 2003 "Y Series II" (the wagon was actually available as of October/November 2003) and an updated version of the "Y Series II", which included some of the upgrades found in the newer "Z Series" HSV models. These later models are quite rare, with a build life of nine months from April 2005 to December 2005.

As with the related Holden VY all-wheel drive vehicles, the HSV Y Series AWD vehicles as built from September 2004 to March 2005 confusingly have Z Series compliance and Vehicle Identification Numbers; this correlates to the building of new specification Holden VZ and Z Series HSV non-AWD cars during this period.

The updated Avalanches with some of the Z Series upgrades can be externally visually differentiated from the Y Series versions by their re-profiled front bumper unit that looks less aggressive and which features a more integrated appearance to the auxiliary driving lights.

The Avalanche vehicles were fitted exclusively with the 5.7 litre LS1 V8 engine rated at 270 kilowatts (360 hp) of power and 475 newton metres (350 lb·ft) of torque, mated to a four-speed 4L65-E automatic gearbox. Permanent all-wheel drive was calibrated to deliver 62 percent of the power to the rear wheels, thereby maintaining a rear wheel drive feel to the handling of these vehicles.

Along with Holden's V8 Commodore-based AWD vehicles, the HSV Avalanche series was discontinued in late 2005 due to phasing out of the 5.7 litre LS1 engines because of the Euro III emissions regulations.

Maloo

2005 HSV Maloo (Z Series)

HSV's facelifted Z Series was introduced in October 2004 and featured a new LS2 6.0 litre V8 engine, producing 297 kW (398 hp). Along with the new engine exclusive to HSV, Z Series introduces 19" wheels, Traction Control and Multi-link rear suspension as standard equipment to the Maloo range.[13]

In total, the Z Series built were 517 (base) and 958 (R8) and the Z Series MY06 were 181 (base) and 339 (R8).

On 25 May 2006, a standard 2006 HSV Maloo R8 driven by Mark Skaife was clocked at an averaged speed of 271.44 km/h (168.7 mph) in the Woomera, South Australia.[7] The speed was recognised by the Guinness World Records representative, Chris Sheedy, as the Fastest Production Pickup Truck recorded. The speed improved over the previous record held by a Dodge Ram SRT-10 at 248.784 km/h (154.587 mph).

Limited editions

HSV produced the following Z Series and Z Series MY06 limited editions:

Exports

Exports of the VZ sedan were made to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina from 2004 as per the previous VY series. Trim levels were the Lumina LS (based on Commodore Executive), Lumina S (Commodore SV6 with 175 kW), Lumina LTZ (Berlina), and Lumina SS (Commodore SS).[19][20]

As with the previous VY model, exports to Malaysia and Thailand continued in VZ form as the Chevrolet Lumina, sold in LTZ trim (based on the Holden Berlina). Exports ceased during 2005.[19][20][21]

General Motors do Brasil imported the VZ as the Chevrolet Omega from 2005 to replace the VY-based Omega. This update was announced 9 March 2005.[22] The Brazilian model sold as a single-specification CD model, based on the Holden Berlina with some additional Calais equipment.[20][21] VZ Omega sales officially ended in 2007 when replaced by the VE-based model, as announced on 4 July 2007.[23]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Holden Commodore (VZ).
  1. ↑ Skentzos, George (10 September 2007). "Last Commodore VZ Rolls Off The Line". CarAdvice. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  2. ↑ "Holden VZ Commodore Executive standard features". Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive. Retrieved 8 December 2006.
  3. ↑ "Holden VZ Commodore Executive optional features". Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive. Retrieved 8 December 2006.
  4. ↑ "Holden VZ Commodore Acclaim standard features". Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive. Retrieved 8 December 2006.
  5. ↑ "Holden VZ Commodore Acclaim optional features". Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive. Retrieved 8 December 2006.
  6. ↑ Ponchard, Nathan (November 2006). "At last, Holden finds a Seoul mate". Wheels. pp. 106–112. Retrieved 24 May 2007.
  7. ↑ [http://australiancar.reviews/reviews.php#!content=review&make=HSV&model=ClubSport&gen=402&pno=0
  8. ↑
  9. ↑ "HSV exports". Motoring.com.au. March 2008. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  10. ↑ http://forums.v8owners.com.au/showthread.php/walkinshaw-hsv-clubsport-1989.html
  11. ↑ Drive.com.au, HSV ClubSport Z-Series.
  12. ↑ "Z-Series Senator". Drive. Retrieved 8 March 2007.
  13. 1 2 "20th Anniversary Maloo R8 Brochure". HSV.com.au. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  14. ↑ AustralianCar.Reviews: #1 for Reviews and Used Car Valuations
  15. ↑ HSV Gen-F / Press and Media
  16. ↑ AustralianCar.Reviews: #1 for Reviews and Used Car Valuations
  17. 1 2 3 Hsv News
  18. ↑ "Racing spirit celebrated in special HSV models". HSV. Retrieved 25 January 2007.
  19. 1 2 "Holden Sets All-Time Vehicle Export Record". Next Car. 21 January 2005. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  20. 1 2 3 "Flagships star in GM Holden's export record". Next Car. 1 February 2006. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  21. 1 2 "2006 Best Ever Year For Holden in Middle East". Next Car. 4 February 2007. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  22. ↑ "Chevrolet Omega 2005 muito mais potência e luxo" [Chevrolet Omega 2005 more power and luxury] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. 9 March 2005. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  23. ↑ "GM do Brasil lança nova geraçăo do sofisticado automóvel Chevrolet Omega" [GM do Brasil launches new generation of the sophisticated Chevrolet Omega automobile] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. 4 July 2007. Retrieved 19 December 2014.

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