Holden VZ Commodore

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Holden VZ Commodore
Manufacturer	Holden
Parent company	General Motors
Also called	Chevrolet Lumina
Production	August 2004–September 2007
Assembly	Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Predecessor	Holden VY Commodore
Successor	Holden VE Commodore
Class	Full-size
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR
Platform	GM V platform
Engine(s)	V6 3.6 L 172 kW: Alloytec 3.6 L 175 kW: Alloytec 3.6 L 190 kW: Alloytec 190 V8 5.7 L 235 kW: Gen III LS1 5.7 L 250 kW: High Output LS1 6.0 L 260 kW: Gen IV L76
Transmission(s)	6-speed Manual Aisin D173 (V6 only) Tremec T56 (V8 only) 4-speed Automatic GM 4L60 GM 4L65-E 5-speed Automatic 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
Fuel capacity	91 RON/75 L
Related	Holden VZ Adventra Holden VZ Crewman Holden VZ Monaro Holden VZ One Tonner Holden VZ Ute Holden WL Caprice Holden WL Statesman

For a complete overview of all Commodore models see: Holden Commodore.

The 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) 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 to 172 kilowatts and the 190 kilowatt 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, 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 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 cartried 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, whilest wagon varients of the Executive, Acclaim & Berlina were available. 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 of 2006, whilst the Wagon & Ute ranges lived on for almost another year. Ute production ended in August of 2007, whilst the last wagon rolled off Holden's Elizabeth plant line on September 6th 2007.^[1]

Contents 1 Issues and criticism 2 Specification levels 2.1 Commodore Executive 2.2 Commodore Acclaim 2.3 Commodore SV6 2.4 Commodore SV8 2.5 Commodore SS 2.6 Berlina 2.7 Calais 3 Limited edition and other specification levels 3.1 Commodore 9C1 3.2 Commodore Lumina 3.3 Commodore Equipe 3.4 Commodore SVZ 3.5 Commodore SSZ 4 References

[edit] Issues and criticism

The ride and handling of the VZ were noted to be inferior to that of its main competitor, the Ford Falcon. Many motoring journalists noted that whilst the Commodore was still a worth competior, it was not up to the levels of the-then BA Falcon. One such journalist from drive.com was quoted as saying: "The problem is that giving this outdated chassis extra power and torque isn’t something it really needs. The equivalent XR Falcons embarrass it for handling and ride prowess on a winding road. Still, it’s fun if you’re into wearing out rear tyres real fast."^[2]

[edit] Specification levels

[edit] Commodore Executive

The Commodore Executive was the baseline variant, and was priced from AU$33,160.

The Commodore Executive standard features included:^[3]

• 3.6 L 175 kW Alloytec V6 engine (updated to 3.6 L 172 kW 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:^[4]

• Air conditioning
• Alloy wheels
• Country pack suspension
• FE2 sports suspension
• Rear park assist (available on sedan only)
• Satellite navigation (available on sedan only)
• Side Impact Airbags (SIAB)

[edit] Commodore Acclaim

The Commodore Acclaim sat above the Commodore Executive in specification level hierarchy of the VZ Commodore range, and was priced from AUD$39,050.

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

• Air conditioning
• Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) (available on sedan only)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which incorporated:
  • Traction control (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:^[6]

• Alloy wheels
• FE2 sports suspension
• Satellite navigation

[edit] Commodore SV6

The SV6 was the cheapest sports variant. Pricing for the SV6 started from AUD$38,990.

The SV6 features included:

• 3.6 L 190 kW 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)
• Leather steering wheel
• Power antenna
• Security system
• Sports body kit
• Traction control system (TCS)
• Trip computer
• 17 inch alloy wheels

[edit] Commodore SV8

The SV8 sat above the SV6 and below the SS. Pricing for the SV8 was priced form AUD$41,990.

SV8 features included:

• 5.7 L 250 kW LS1 V8 (until 31/12/05, then 6.0 L 260 kW 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

[edit] Commodore SS

The SS was the top line sports model. Pricing for the SS started at AUD$50,990.

SS included such features as:

• 5.7 L 250 kW LS1 V8 (until 31/12/05, then 6.0 L 260 kW 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

[edit] 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 AUD$42,900.

The Berlina features included:

• 3.6 L 175 kW Alloytec V6 (172 kW in 2006, option of 5.7 L 235 kW LS1 V8 until 31/12/05, then 6.0 L 260 kW 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)
• Power antenna
• Security system
• Side impact airbags (SIAB)
• Rear park assist
• Traction control system (TCS)
• Trip computer
• 16x7 inch alloy wheels

[edit] Calais

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 AUD$52,660.

The Calais features included:

• 3.6 L 190 kW Alloytec V6 (option of 5.7 L 235 kW LS1 V8 until 31/12/05, then 260 kW 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

[edit] Limited edition and other specification levels

[edit] Commodore 9C1

The Commodore 9C1, or the Police Pack, was a special pack for the VZ Commodore that was available to both the Australian, New Zealand police forces, as well as several Middle Eastern Police Forces. It was based on the Commodore Executive and added various specification upgrades to cater to the needs of the Police Force.

[edit] Commodore Lumina

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

[edit] 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 AU$5,000 worth of extra features, it sold for AU$33,490 AUD. 3,500 were produced.

[edit] Commodore SVZ

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

[edit] Commodore SSZ

Late in 2006, 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 oil display meters, 18-inch Monaro-style wheels, Rear Parking Assist and Bluetooth, for AU$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. The SSZ also had a steeper diff ratio of 3.7:1 compared to the standard 3.08:1

[edit] References

v • d • e Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors, automobile timeline, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Subcompact						Barina			Barina						Barina							Barina				Barina
	Gemini					Gemini
Compact																										Viva				Viva
					Astra			Astra		Nova					Nova		Astra		Astra						Astra					Astra
Mid-size			Camira							Apollo				Apollo				Vectra						Vectra				Epica
	Commodore
Full-size									Commodore									Commodore									Commodore
											Statesman									Statesman							Statesman
Sports							Piazza					Calibra														Tigra
																						Monaro
Utility		Rodeo							Rodeo															Rodeo					Colorado
	Kingswood										Commodore										Ute								Ute
	1 Tonne																							One tonner
																								Crewman
Van						Scurry											Combo						Combo
			Shuttle
Compact MPV																						Zafira
Mini SUV						Drover																	Cruze
Mid-size SUV																Frontera				Frontera				Adventra			Captiva
		Jackaroo			Jackaroo							Jackaroo
Full-size SUV																			Suburban
List of Holden vehicles