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Holden Commodore / Calais

VZ Series

August 2004 - July 2006



The VZ features:
* New generation Alloytec V6 engines, more high-output V8 power
* All-new 5-speed Active Select automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions, upgraded 4-speed automatic
* Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, Corner Brake Control, upgraded ABS and Traction Control
* Sports performance Commodore SV6 joins the range, replacing the Commodore S

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. Selected models bring advanced active safety features that electronically assist the driver to maintain vehicle control in emergency situations.

The lightweight, all-aluminium 3.6 litre Alloytec is a 60-degree V6 belonging to a new family of GM Global V6 engines that incorporate state-of-the-art features and premium performance characteristics. It is locally produced at Holden's $400 million Global V6 plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria, and comes in two variants: Alloytec and Alloytec 190.

The Alloytec engines operate with advanced double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. A combination of high feature technologies allows them to extract more power from less fuel, with fewer emissions. They deliver more peak power and considerably more torque across the rev range than the outgoing 3.8 litre 152kW ECOTEC V6.

The Alloytec produces 175 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 2800 rpm. Ninety per cent of the torque is available between 1630 and 5460 rpm.

The high-performance Alloytec 190 produces 190kW of power at 6500 rpm and 340Nm of torque at 3200 rpm. Ninety per cent of the torque is produced between 1570 and 5870 rpm, which is a 38 per cent wider rev range than the previous 171kW Supercharged V6 engine. This wide 90 per cent torque range is a performance attribute normally associated with V8 engines.

Alloytec feature highlights include continuously variable cam phasing for outstanding operational flexibility, a powerful micro-hybrid engine control unit that facilitates extremely fast data flow, electronic throttle control, variable intake manifold (Alloytec 190), coil-on-plug ignition, forged steel crankshaft and piston cooling jets. Long-life new exhaust systems have cast-iron manifolds and dual close-coupled catalytic converters.

Models powered by the Alloytec 190 offer a new five-speed automatic transmission with 'Active Select' paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. A new, premium application six-speed manual transmission is available as an option on the sports performance Commodore SV6. Models powered by the 175kW Alloytec and V8 offer a comprehensively upgraded four-speed automatic transmission that provides smoother shifts under all operating conditions.

Improvements to throttle control, engine calibration, induction and exhaust bring increased power and torque outputs for the SV8 and SS V8 which now produces 250kW of power at 5600 rpm (a rise of 5kW) and 470Nm of torque at 4800 rpm (a rise of 5 Nm). The Statesman V8 increases peak figures to 245kW (a rise of 10kW) and 465Nm and V8 Calais and Berlina figures are unchanged at 235kW and 460 Nm.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP), widely regarded as one of the most significant automotive safety systems ever to come on the market, is offered for the first time on an Australian-manufactured sedan. ESP greatly improves vehicle safety performance in situations where the driver takes emergency action to avoid a collision. It does this by electronically correcting vehicle paths through brake application to individual wheels and engine torque management. The system operates so smoothly that in most situations the driver will not be aware it has been activated. All Alloytec models with ESP feature Corner Brake Control, which helps to maintain optimum vehicle stability during heavy braking on curves and corners.

The latest generation Bosch ABS system, which optimises stopping distance with faster, surer braking, is specified on all Alloytec models. As another advancement, Electronic Brake Assist comes standard on all ESP-equipped sedans. Commodore Executive, Berlina and wagon models have a Brake Assist feature. Both systems can sense how hard and fast a driver hits the brake pedal and they give extra braking assistance if it is required. Alloytec-powered sedans and wagons have an Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) feature that optimises control of rear brake pressure on all road surfaces and under all vehicle loading conditions.

Complementing these advances, all models have upgraded braking systems with a new brake booster/master cylinder combination that invokes a very fast brake pressure response and increases safety margins by reducing stopping distances by approximately four per cent. All models are equipped with a new traction control system for smoother, more flexible brake pressure control.

Refinements to front suspensions deliver sharper, more direct steering response and all models receive high quality new lightweight power steering pumps.


January 2006 brings changes to engines to comply with the strict Euro 3 (ADR 79/01) emissions regulations. All vehicles built from the 1 January 2006 must comply with these new regulations. The main change is the introduction of the Gen IV 6.0L V8, known as the L76. This V8 replaces all current variants of the Gen III 5.7L (LS1) V8 used by Holden. Note that Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) will continue to use the LS2 variant of the Gen IV. The L76 is rated at 260kW and 510Nm. The 3.6L Alloytec engine requires minor changes to the engine, exhaust system and calibration to meet Euro 3 requirements. These changes included new fuel injectors and a new exhaust catalyst.

July 2006 brings the end to the VZ sedan range, however the VZ wagon stayed in production until.


Full VZ / WL launch Press Release

Full VZ / WL Product Information

Full Alloytec launch Press Release

Full Alloytec Product Information

Alloytec Transmission Information

Euro 3 Compliance Information

Special Edition Commodore SVZ Ute And Wagon Media Release


Models:



The VZ Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.



Commodore Executive

Executive
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Standard Equipment:

Alloytec V6, 4 speed automatic transmission, security system, IRS, ABS brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), 15x6 inch steel wheels, cruise control, auto headlights, basic trip computer, driver's and passenger's airbags, CD player, steering wheel audio controls, power antenna, power socket in centre console, power front windows, 4 cupholders.


Optional Equipment:

FE2 Sports Suspension, Country Pack Suspension, Rear Park Assist (on sedan), Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), air conditioning, alloy wheels, satellite navigation (on sedan).



Commodore Lumina

Commodore Lumina
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This was a limited edition run from December 2004. 3,500 were manufactured. It was advertised as having $5,000 worth of additional features. Based on the V6 Executive, it features air conditioning, rear power windows, leather wrapped steering wheel, gear selector, handbrake handle, six-disc in dash CD player, upgraded multi-function trip computer, FE2 Sports Suspension, 17" wide-spoke alloy wheels (including steel spare wheel), rear spoiler (sedan), wagon roof rack, wagon dust deflector and roof rails in body colour, chrome exhaust tip, body colour side mouldings, black headlamp bezels, and unique interior trim.

It was available in a choice of five colours: Heron (solid white), Phantom (metallic black with silver highlights), Quicksilver (silver metallic), Odyssey (mercury silver metallic), and Vespers Blue (dark blue metallic). The recommended retail price was $33,690 for the sedan and $35,630 for the wagon. Options available were side impact airbags & rear parking sensors (sedan only) and side impact airbags (wagon only).


Commodore Lumina
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This was a limited edition run from September 2005. 3,700 were manufactured (2775 sedans and 925 wagons). It was advertised as having $6,000 worth of additional features. Based on the 175kW V6 Executive with 4 speed auto, it features air conditioning, rear power windows, leather wrapped steering wheel, gear selector and handbrake grip, six-disc in dash CD player, premium function trip computer, FE1.5 luxury sports suspension on sedan, 17" alloy wheels (including steel spare wheel), rear spoiler (sedan), roof racks on wagon, wagon dust deflector and roof rails in body colour, chrome exhaust tip, body colour side mouldings and mirror scalps, black headlamp bezels, front fog lamps and special edition interior trim.

It was available in a choice of six colours: Heron (solid white), Phantom (metallic black with silver highlights), Quicksilver (silver metallic), Odyssey (mercury silver metallic), Vespers Blue (dark blue metallic), and Cosmo (purple metallic). The recommended retail price was $32,990 for the sedan and $34,990 for the wagon. Options available were side impact airbags & rear parking sensors (sedan only) and side impact airbags (wagon only).

(Not to be confused with the Chevrolet Lumina that Holden exports to the Middle East and South America.)



Commodore Equipe

Commodore Equipe
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This was a limited edition run from April 2005. 3,500 were manufactured, 2625 sedans and 875 wagons. It was advertised as having $5,000 worth of additional features. Based on the V6 Executive, it features air conditioning, rear power windows, leather wrapped steering wheel, gear selector and handbrake handle, six-disc in dash CD player, FE2 Sports Suspension, 17" wide-spoke alloy wheels (including steel spare wheel), wagon dust deflector and roof rails in body colour, chrome exhaust tip, body colour side mouldings and exterior mirrors, Rear Park Assist (sedan only), 'Equipe' badging, 'Comet' interior seat and door trim. Also, Holden is extending its factory warranty from three years/100,000 kilometres to five years/100,000 kilometres for the first time.

It was available in a choice of five colours: Heron White (solid white), Quicksilver Metallic (silver metallic), Shanghai Mica (medium red metallic), Martini Mica (pale olive gold metallic), and Barbados Mica (mid-blue metallic). The recommended retail price was $33,490 for the sedan and $35,490 for the wagon. Options available were side impact airbags.


Commodore SVZ

Commodore SVZ
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This was a limited edition run from March 2006. It was advertised as having $6,000 worth of additional features. Based on the 172kW V6 Executive with 4 speed auto, it features air conditioning, rear power windows, leather wrapped steering wheel, gear selector and handbrake grip, six-disc in dash CD player, Anthracite sports seat trim with leather bolsters, FE1.5 luxury sports suspension, 17" alloy wheels (including steel spare wheel), Berlina-style front fascia with fog lamps, Black bezel headlamps, wagon dust deflector and roof rails in body colour, chrome exhaust tip, body coloured mirror scalps, Rear spoiler (sedan only), Roof racks (wagon only), 'SVZ' badging.

It was available in a choice of seven colours: Quicksilver metallic, Odyssey metallic (dark mercury silver), Shanghai mica (mid red), Glaze mica (blue silver), Impulse mica (blue), Heron White and Phantom Mica (black). The recommended retail price was $32,990 for the sedan and $34,990 for the wagon.


Commodore SVZ Wagon
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This was a limited edition run from May 2007. Based on the 172kW V6 wagon with 4 speed auto, it features air conditioning, front and rear power windows, leather wrapped steering wheel, gear selector and handbrake grip, six-disc in dash CD player, Anthracite sports seat trim with leather bolsters, FE1.5 luxury sports suspension, 17" alloy wheels (including steel spare wheel), Distinctive front fascia with fog lamps, Black bezel headlamps, Body colour rear wind deflector and roof rails, chrome exhaust extension, body coloured mirror scalps, Roof rack, SVZ rear badge. It was available in the following colours: Provence, Sandstorm, Red Passion, Nickel, Evoke, Vespers Blue, Impulse, Phantom, Heron White. The Recommended Retail Pricing was $32,490.


Commodore Acclaim

Acclaim
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Standard Equipment:

As for Executive, plus: Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) (sedan only), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) including traction control (sedan only), traction control (wagon only), 15x7 inch alloy wheels, Rear Park Assist (on sedan), Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), air conditioning, four power windows.


Optional Equipment:

Alloy wheels, FE2 Sports Suspension, Satellite navigation.



Commodore SV6

SV6
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Standard Equipment:

As for Executive, plus: Alloytec 190 V6, 6 speed manual transmission, FE2 sports suspension, traction control, 17 inch alloy wheels, front foglamps, sports body kit, leather steering wheel, air conditioning, four power windows.


Optional Equipment:

5 speed automatic transmission, LSD, Rear Park Assist, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), Satellite navigation.



Commodore SV8

SV8
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Standard Equipment:

As for Executive, plus: High Output V8 (until 31/12/05, then 260kW 6.0L V8 from 1/1/06), 6 speed manual transmission, LSD, FE2 sports suspension, traction control, 17 inch alloy wheels, air conditioning.


Optional Equipment:

4 speed automatic transmission, Rear Park Assist, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), four power windows, performance brakes, Satellite navigation.



Commodore SS

SS
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Standard Equipment:

As for SV8, plus: 18 inch alloy wheels, sports leather steering wheel, colour coded instrument cluster, alloy pedals, 6 disc in-dash CD player, four power windows, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB).


Optional Equipment:

4 speed automatic transmission, Rear Park Assist, performance brakes, Satellite navigation.



Commodore SSZ

Commodore SSZ
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This was a limited edition run from September 2005. 930 were manufactured. It was advertised as having up to $6,300 worth of additional features. Based on the SS, it features leather seats with SSZ logo, premium performance brakes, colour-coded SSZ instrument cluster, black centre-mounted oil and volt meters, 18-inch VZ Monaro wheels, Rear Park Assist and Bluetooth. Recommended retail pricing of $49,990 (excluding dealer delivery and government charges).



Berlina

Berlina
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Standard Equipment:

As for Executive, plus: LSD (with V8), traction control, 16x7 inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, Rear Park Assist (on sedan), trip computer, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), 6 disc in-dash CD player, climate control air conditioning, four power windows.


Optional Equipment:

235kW V8 (until 31/12/05, then 260kW 6.0L V8 from 1/1/06), alloy wheels, FE2 Sports Suspension, performance brakes (V8 only), Satellite navigation.



Calais

Calais
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Standard Equipment:

As for Berlina, plus: Alloytec 190 V6, 5 speed automatic transmission (on Alloytec 190 V6), Luxury / Sports suspension, Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) (on Alloytec 190 V6 only), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) including traction control (on Alloytec 190 V6 only), 17x8 inch alloy wheels, sports leather steering wheel, dual zone electronic climate control.


Optional Equipment:

235 kW V8 (until 31/12/05, then 260kW 6.0L V8 from 1/1/06), FE2 Sports Suspension, Satellite navigation.



Commodore 9C1 Pack (Police Pack)

All 9C1 pack Commodores have the following above what is on standard Commodores: ABS, FE2 Sports Suspension, LSD, 15" x 7" rims, 225 x 60 R15 tyres, Passenger's Airbag, Sump protector plate, additional Wiring Loom (supplying power for lights siren etc.), modified Transmission Gate (can manually select 2nd gear in auto box without depressing top of gear stick), Interior Dome Light with Incorporated Map Reading lights (as per Calais), Interior Lights Isolation Switch (isolates glovebox light, boot and interior dome and map reading lights), Front brake pads are Bendix Ultimate, Rear Brake Pads are standard "Akibono" made by PBR. A larger higher capacity battery with 450 CCA and 115 min RC. The Speedo has 2 km/h increments marked. Any VT/VX/VY Commodore can have the "Police Mode" digital speed indication feature enabled under the Speedo dial with Tech 2 at a dealership. Takes about 3 minutes. In doing this, the vehicle looses the Speed Alert feature. 9C1 gets 2 horns, the standard 400hz horn plus a more powerful 450hz horn.


The VZ Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.


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Last modified: 25 August 2007.

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