Holden VZ 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) (235 and 255 hp) 3.6 litre (L) Alloytec V6 engines in place of the older 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6 engines. Other changesto 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 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.