- Holden VZ Commodore
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For a complete overview of all Commodore models, see Holden Commodore.
Holden VZ Commodore Manufacturer Holden Also called Holden VZ Berlina
Holden VZ Calais
Chevrolet LuminaProduction August 2004–September 2007 Assembly Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia Predecessor Holden VY Commodore Successor Holden VE Commodore Class Full-size Body style 4-door sedan
4-door station wagonLayout FR layout Platform GM V platform Engine V6 - 3.6 L 172 kW (231 hp): Alloytec
- 3.6 L 175 kW (235 hp): Alloytec
- 3.6 L 190 kW (255 hp): Alloytec 190
Transmission 6-speed Manual - Aisin D173 (V6 only)
- Tremec T56 (V8 only)
- GM 5L40-E (190 kW V6 only)
Wheelbase 2789–2939 mm Length 4876–5033 mm Width 1842–1847 mm Height 1440–1527 mm Curb weight 1569–1654 kg Related Holden VZ Adventra
Holden VZ Crewman
Holden VZ Monaro
Holden VZ One Tonner
Holden VZ Ute
Holden WL Caprice/CapriceThe Holden VZ Commodore is the thirteenth model of the Holden Commodore lineup, a full-size car produced by the Australian automotive marque, Holden.
Released in August 2004, the car debuted a new generation of 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. These new Alloytec DOHC engines have carried on through to the VE Commodore 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. 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 January 1, 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 lineup to use the Executive & Acclaim nameplates, both of which would be later replaced by a new Omega model in the VE Commodore.
Sales of the VZ Commodore failed to match those of the preceding VY Commodore in light of rising small car sales, higher fuel prices and growing interest in the VZ's replacement, the VE.
The VZ Commodore sedans were superseded by the VE Commodore range in August 2006, whilst the Wagon & 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 September 6, 2007.[1]
Contents
Specification levels
Commodore Executive
The Commodore Executive was the baseline variant, and was priced from A$33,160.
- The Commodore Executive standard features included:[2]
- 3.6 L 175 kW (238 PS; 235 hp) Alloytec V6 engine (updated to 3.6 L 172 kW (234 PS; 231 hp) Alloytec V6 engine in January 2006)
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Auto headlights
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Cruise control
- Driver's and passenger's airbags
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Front power windows
- Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
- Power antenna
- Power socket in centre console
- Quad cupholders
- Security system
- Single disc CD player
- Steering wheel audio controls
- Trip computer
- 15x6 inch steel wheels
- The Commodore Executive optional features included:[3]
- Air conditioning
- Alloy wheels
- Country pack suspension
- FE2 sports suspension
- Rear park assist (available on sedan only)
- Satellite navigation (only available on the sedan)
- Side Impact Airbags (SIAB)
Commodore Acclaim
The Commodore Acclaim sat above the Commodore Executive in specification level hierarchy of the VZ Commodore range, and was priced from A$39,050.
- The Commodore Acclaim standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Executive variant:[4]
- Air conditioning
- Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) (available on sedan only)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which incorporated:
- Traction control system (available on sedan only)
- Front and rear power windows
- Rear park assist (available on sedan only)
- Side Impact Airbags (SIAB)
- Traction control (available on station wagon only)
- 15x7 inch alloy wheels
- The Commodore Acclaim optional features included:[5]
- Alloy wheels
- FE2 sports suspension
- Satellite navigation
Commodore SV6
The SV6 was the cheapest sports variant. Pricing for the SV6 started from A$38,990.
The SV6 features included:
- 3.6 L 190 kW (258 PS; 255 hp) Alloytec V6
- 6-speed manual transmission (option of 5-speed automatic transmission)
- Air conditioning
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Auto headlights
- Brake assist (BA)
- CD player
- Cruise control
- Driver's and passenger's airbags
- Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
- FE2 sports suspension
- Front fog lamps
- Front and rear power windows
- Independent rear suspension (IRS)
- Limited slip differential (LSD)
- Leather steering wheel
- Power antenna
- Security system
- Sports body kit
- Traction control system (TCS)
- Trip computer
- 17 inch alloy wheels
Commodore SV8
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. The SV8 was priced from A$41,990.
SV8 features included:
- 5.7 L 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp) LS1 V8 (until 31/12/05, then 6.0 L 260 kW (354 PS; 349 hp) L76 V8 from 1/1/06)
- 6-speed manual transmission (option of 4-speed automatic transmission)
- Air conditioning
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Auto headlights
- Brake assist (BA)
- CD player
- Cruise control
- Driver's and passenger's airbags
- Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
- FE2 sports suspension
- Front power windows
- Independent rear suspension (IRS)
- Limited slip differential (LSD)
- Power antenna
- Security system
- Traction control system (TCS)
- Trip computer
- 17 inch alloy wheels
Commodore SS
The SS was the flagship sports model of the VZ range. Pricing for the SS started at A$50,990.
SS included such features as:
- 5.7 L 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp) LS1 V8 (until 31/12/05, then 6.0 L 260 kW (354 PS; 349 hp) L76 V8 from 1/1/06)
- 6-speed manual transmission (option of 4-speed automatic transmission)
- 6 disc in-dash CD player
- Air conditioning
- Alloy pedals
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Auto headlights
- Brake assist (BA)
- Colour coded instrument cluster
- Cruise control
- Driver's and passenger's airbags
- Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
- FE2 sports suspension
- Front and rear power windows
- Front fog lamps
- Independent rear suspension (IRS)
- Limited slip differential (LSD)
- Power antenna
- Security system
- Side impact airbags (SIAB)
- Sports leather steering wheel
- Traction control system (TCS)
- Trip computer
- 18 inch alloy wheels
Berlina
The Berlina was the semi-luxury version of the VZ range; it sited above the Acclaim and below the Calais in the VZ range. Pricing for the Berlina began from A$42,900.
The Berlina features included:
- 3.6 L 175 kW (238 PS; 235 hp) Alloytec V6 (172 kW in 2006, option of 5.7 L 235 kW (320 PS; 315 hp) LS1 V8 until 31/12/05, then 6.0 L 260 kW (354 PS; 349 hp) L76 V8 from 1/1/06)
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- 6 disc in-dash CD player
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Auto headlights
- Brake assist (BA)
- Climate control air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Driver's and passenger's airbags
- Electronic brake assist (EBA)
- Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
- Front and rear power windows
- Independent rear suspension (IRS)
- Leather steering wheel
- Limited slip differential (LSD) (with V8)
- Power antenna
- Security system
- Side impact airbags (SIAB)
- Rear park assist
- Traction control system (TCS)
- Trip computer
- 16x7 inch alloy wheels
Calais
Colour range (expands) Heron White (white) Quicksilver (silver) Glaze (silver with blue highlights – 2005–2006) Odyssey (light grey with green highlights) Phantom (black with silver highlights) Redhot (red) Shanghai (light burgundy) Devil (yellow – 2006, Utes only) Martini (metallic olive – 2004–2006) Barbados (light blue with turquoise highlights – 2004–2005) Turismo (light blue-aqua – 2005–2006) Impulse (vivid blue) Vespers (dark royal blue) Nickel (replacing Quicksilver – Aug 2006–2007) Evoke (Aug 2006–2007) Sandstorm (Aug 2006–2007) Ignition (replacing Devil – Aug 2006–2007) Provence (Aug 2006–2007) The Calais is 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 began at A$52,660.
The Calais features included:
- 3.6 L 190 kW (258 PS; 255 hp) Alloytec V6 (option of 5.7 L 235 kW (320 PS; 315 hp) LS1 V8 until 31/12/05, then 260 kW (349 hp) 6.0 L L76 V8 from 1/1/06)
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- 6 disc in-dash CD player
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Auto headlights
- Brake assist (BA)
- Cruise control
- Driver's and passenger's airbags
- Dual zone electronic climate control
- Electronic brake assist (EBA)
- Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
- Electronic stability program (ESP)
- Front and rear power windows
- Independent rear suspension (IRS)
- Limited slip differential (LSD) (with V8)
- Luxury / sports suspension
- Power antenna
- Security system
- Side impact airbags (SIAB)
- Sports leather steering wheel
- Rear park assist
- Traction control system (TCS)
- Trip computer
- 17x8 inch alloy wheels
Limited edition and other specification levels
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 and added various specification upgrades to cater to the needs of police. Most 9C1s were delivered in white, but were also offered in other colours, normally used as unmarked vehicles.
It has features such as:
Traction control
4 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side)
Interior light with integrated map lights
Interior light lockout switch (Centre console mounted button, isolates glovebox light, boot and interior dome and map reading lights)
FE2 suspension
15x7" 'chaser' rims with 225/60/R15 tyres
Black coloured dash surrounds (standard VZ Commodore Executive had greyish coloured surrounds)
Front and rear power windows (standard VZ Commodore Executive only had front apart from higher models)
Limited slip differential
Sump protector guard
Larger higher capacity battery with 450 CCA and 115 min RC
Speedometer with 2 km/h (1 mph) increments marked
Two horns - standard 400 Hz horn plus a more powerful 450 Hz horn
ABS
Upgraded front brake pads (Bendix ultimate on front, PBR akebono on rear)
Additional Wiring Loom (supplying power for lights siren etc.)
Plus standard features of the VZ Commodore ExecutiveCommodore 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
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
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 range).
Commodore SSZ
Late in 2005, Holden released the limited edition Commodore SSZ. 930 SSZ models were produced. 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 quickly discontinued upon arrival of the VE Commodore; however the VE does feature a V-Series model, that is similar to the SSZ.
Side airbag recall
On 25 November 2008, Holden issued a product recall to fix a potential problem with the side airbag system. The recall applying to 8,792 VZ models, including Commodore derivatives involves a faulty airbag attachment within the front seat assemblage. This could allow the airbag to come away from the seat frame, thus compromising airbag performance in a crash.[6][7]
References
- ^ "Last VZ Commodore rolls off the line". News Limited. 2007-09-06. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22374102-1246,00.html. Retrieved 2007-09-21.[dead link]
- ^ "Holden VZ Commodore Executive standard features". Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive. http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vz/index.html#exec. Retrieved 2006-12-08.
- ^ "Holden VZ Commodore Executive optional features". Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive. http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vz/index.html#exec. Retrieved 2006-12-08.
- ^ "Holden VZ Commodore Acclaim standard features". Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive. http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vz/index.html#acclaim. Retrieved 2006-12-08.
- ^ "Holden VZ Commodore Acclaim optional features". Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive. http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vz/index.html#exec. Retrieved 2006-12-08.
- ^ Australian Associated Press (2008-12-01). "Holden recalls 9,000 cars". Fairfax Media. http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=59329. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Holden—VZ vehicles equipped with Side Airbags". Product Recalls Australia. http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/952994. Retrieved 2010-09-24.
External links
Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors, automobile timeline, 1948–present List of Holden vehicles
† HQ–WB Statesmans not marketed under the "Holden" brand, but rather the separate "Statesman" brand.Categories:- Cars of Australia
- Holden Commodore
- Full-size vehicles
- Rear wheel drive vehicles
- Sedans
- Station wagons
- Vehicles introduced in 2004
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