The Holden Commodore (VZ) is a full-size car that was produced by 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 the Commodore and the last to spawn a coupé variant. 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 featured a new V6 engine in different tune guises. The powerplants included , 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 engines in place of the older 3.8-litre Ecotec V6. Other changes to the V6 was the loss of the supercharger that was included in the S models from the VT to VY, this was also dropped with the 3.8-litre and would not be used with the new 3.6. These new Alloytec DOHC engines have carried on through to the Holden Commodore (VE) which was released in July 2006. A new 5L40-E 5-speed automatic transmission was introduced on the sports and luxury V6 variants.
The advanced 3.6-litre Alloytec engines were more powerful, responsive and fuel-efficient than the outgoing Ecotec V6. To achieve , the Alloytec V6 gains variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust sides as well as a dual stage intake manifold, while the 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 and SS) were available as sedans, while wagon variants of the Executive, Acclaim and 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.
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 and the High Output V6 went from at the same time, to meet new ADR 79/01 (Euro III) emissions standards effective from 1 January 2006.
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 utility ranges lived on for almost another year. VZ Ute production ended in August 2007, whilst the last wagon rolled off Holden's Elizabeth plant line on 6 September 2007.
Models
Executive
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: 3.6 L Alloytec V6 engine (updated to 3.6 L 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 Power antenna Power socket in centre console Quad cupholders Security system Single disc CD player Steering wheel audio controls Trip computer 15-inch steel wheels
The Commodore Executive optional features included: 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)
Acclaim
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: 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