• 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 Programme, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, Corner Brake Control, upgraded ABS and Traction control
• Sharper styling cues 
• Commodore SV6 replaces Commodore S

The launch of the upgraded VZ Commodore and WL Statesman/Caprice models reinforces Holden's reputation for 'driver's car' performance character, innovation in safety technology and unparalleled value for money.

The latest versions of Australia's most popular sedans, wagons and luxury long-wheelbase vehicles introduce Holden's new generation, high feature Alloytec V6 engines. 

The 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 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.

High-output 5.7 litre Gen III V8 engines specified on Commodore SS, SV8 and the WL Caprice increase in power to 250kW and all V8-powered models benefit from evolutionary engine management system improvements.

The new VZ Commodores, Berlina and Calais are identified by sharper-accented styling and individual models are clearly defined by differing treatments.  More subtle design changes to the WL Holden Caprice and Statesman enhance their prestige appeal.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said the improvements made to the 2004 VZ sedan and WL model series at a total development cost of $189 million represented the most substantial upgrade since the VT Commodore in 1997.  The new Alloytec V6 powertrains were major contributors and they brought many associated modifications. 

"The six-cylinder engine has been the heartbeat of the Holden brand for more than 50 years, and the launch of a new generation Holden six has always been a great catalyst for change. 

"Apart from the direct benefits of increased power and mid-range torque responsiveness, Alloytec VZ and WL models also bring new electronic systems that offer even more confidence-inspiring driver control and greater safety," Mr Mooney said. 

"They are the culmination of years of intensive development by Holden engineers who are quite rightly recognised within the GM organisation as world-class in rear wheel drive powertrain application.

"The high-feature Alloytec V6 will help us maintain the momentum we need to remain competitive in domestic and export markets and reactive to our customers' needs," Mr Mooney concluded. 

Two Alloytec V6 Engine Variants

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 3.6 litre Alloytec engine is specified on VZ Commodore Executive, Acclaim and Berlina models.  It 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 3.6 litre Alloytec 190 engine is standard specification on the new-to-the-range VZ Commodore SV6 (replacing Commodore S), the Calais and the long-wheelbase WL Holden Statesman.  It 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.

Consistent with Holden's commitment to improving fuel economy, increases in engine power and torque do not bring fuel consumption penalties.  Official ADR 8/10 fuel standards show that the most popular Commodores - Executive, Acclaim and Berlina sedans with automatic transmission - use two per cent less fuel than their ECOTEC V6 predecessors.

Corresponding wagon models deliver a fuel economy improvement of close to four per cent.  Alloytec 190-powered Commodore SV6 and Calais use considerably less fuel than outgoing Supercharged V6 models.

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.

VZ models powered by the 175kW Alloytec engine offer a comprehensively upgraded four-speed automatic transmission that provides smoother shifts under all operating conditions.

More V8 Power
Improvements to throttle control, engine calibration, induction and exhaust bring increased power and torque outputs for Commodore SS, SV8 and Caprice, which now produce 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.

Active Safety Technology and Chassis Dynamics

Electronic Stability Programme (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.

According to international research findings, ESP can reduce the incidence of single vehicle accidents by more than 30 per cent and in adverse situations it helps a similarly large percentage of drivers to maintain vehicle control.

The Electronic Stability Programme is specified as standard on VZ Commodore Acclaim, Calais and Alloytec-powered WL Caprice and Statesman.

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 VZ and WL 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 VZ and WL 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.

Exclusively, Caprice now offers the benefits of a tyre pressure monitoring system and ultrasonic Front Park Assist.