Introducing the VZ Holden Ute, Crewman and One-Tonner |
The new VZ Holden ute |
24th August, 2004
Holden is set to maintain its leadership of the ute and light commercial vehicle markets with the release of substantially upgraded versions of its top-selling Ute, Crewman four-door ute and One Tonner cab chassis. The VZ series Holden workforce comes on stronger than ever with the added responsiveness and pulling power of new-generation 175kW Alloytec V6 engines, extra V8 power of up to 250kW and even more enjoyable sedan-style ride and handling qualities. A new, premium application six-speed manual transmission which will be available across the V6 Ute, Crewman and One Tonner range helps to increase maximum V6 towing capacity by 30 per cent. Four-speed automatics benefit from electronic upgrades, ABS-equipped models offer improved braking performance and all models are now specified with power windows, cruise control and 'drive by wire' electronic throttle control. Holden's Executive Director, Marketing, Ross McKenzie, said the upgraded VZ series would further boost the popularity of Australia's number one light commercial range, which continued to sustain a record-breaking sales run. "There's no secret to our success in this area. It's a matter of listening to your customers and giving them what they want, which in essence means you offer a wider range of options to meet diverse needs and you present them better than anybody else," Mr McKenzie said. "The Crewman is doing very well indeed and there's absolutely nothing to match it. "Our One Tonner goes from strength to strength because it does what it does better than its direct competitors - namely carry more payload with better driving dynamics. And the Ute is a very smart workhorse. Like their sedan counterparts, the VZ Crewman, One Tonner and Ute are
set apart by distinctive front end styling, characterised by new grille
treatments, more compact headlamps and deep facias integrated with a dynamic new
bonnet form. The Gen III V8-powered Crewman SS and Ute SS models sport smart
chrome fender vents and projector headlamps.
Alloytec V6 Powertrain More powerful than the previous 3.8 litre 152kW ECOTEC V6, the lightweight, fuel-efficient 175kW Alloytec V6 operates with advanced double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Holden believes that it will help to set new Australian standards for V6 light commercial performance, reliability and durability. The Alloytec V6 combines with a new six-speed manual transmission (to be introduced in November) and an upgraded four-speed automatic transmission. On the One Tonner and Crewman, load-pulling peak torque of 320Nm is delivered at just 2400 rpm (Ute 2800 rpm) and peak power for all is 175kW at 6000 rpm. Ninety per cent of torque is available between 1630 and 5460 rpm, thanks to the application of advanced technologies like continuously variable cam phasing, which constantly optimises camshaft position. Among other major contributors to improved performance, operating refinement and durability are a lightweight alloy cylinder block, forged steel crankshaft, piston cooling jets, a powerful micro-hybrid engine control unit that facilitates faster data flow, electronic throttle control, coil-on-plug ignition and a long-life new exhaust system with cast-iron manifolds and dual close-coupled catalytic converters for emissions reduction. The VZ series brings a manual transmission for the first time to the V6-powered Crewman and One Tonner models. This quick-shifting six-speed transmission will become available in November and it replaces the five-speed manual formerly specified in the Holden Ute. It combines with a larger, heavy-duty clutch which has been designed to complement the torque character of the new engine and now allows a 1600 kg maximum towing capacity, 30 per cent more than the superseded five-speed manual Ute's 1200 kg capacity. Upgrades to the four-speed automatic transmission, including fitment of an
advanced controlling module and torque converter refinements, enhance launch
feel and shift consistency.
V8 Powertrain The Ute SS now produces 250kW of power and 470Nm of torque and has a twin
exhaust system and tailpipes. Power output on Crewman SS and V8-optioned One
Tonner S models rises to 235kW and torque to 460Nm.
Chassis Dynamics The inherent torsional rigidity of the unique torque arm system that links chassis to cabin on Crewman and One Tonner models and Holden Ute's competitor-leading Control Link independent rear suspension are complemented by refinements to suspension, steering and braking systems. Steering has a more direct feel off-centre and Alloytec V6-powered models are
fitted with the latest-generation Bosch ABS system and a new brake booster and
master cylinder, which help optimise stopping distance with faster, surer
braking. ABS-equipped models also have a Brake Assist feature, which senses how
hard and fast a driver hits the brake pedal and give extra braking assistance if
required. In addition, they offer Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, (EBD),
which controls rear brake pressure under all load conditions and road surfaces.
Styling Highlights Textured mesh inserts in the larger air intake openings differ between model levels and combine with cues like specific bumper facias and contrasting headlamp bezels - black for performance models, jewelled for others - which help give each its own identity. Buyers have two new exterior colours to choose from: Odyssey, a dark mercury silver, which is available on Crewman and One Tonner, and Impulse, a brilliant chromatic blue exclusive to S and SS performance models. To complement this finish, One Tonner S, Ute S, Crewman S and SS offer toning Bermuda cloth trim, while Ute SS offers exclusive Bermuda leather. The entry level Crewman, One Tonner and Ute now feature richer, body-coloured paint treatments, headlamps with silver chrome bezels and larger grille openings with cross-hatched textured mesh inserts. Crewman and One Tonner also sport a new geometric design interior trim fabric. The Crewman S, One Tonner S and Ute S have specific deeper-set front facias, new body-coloured side mouldings and rear bumperettes. A new sports mesh interior trim fabric, Sonic, is available on One Tonner S, Crewman S and all Ute models. The Crewman SS and Ute SS are further distinguished by striking fender vents,
twin horizontal 'optic fibre' parking lamp treatments and fog lamps.
VZ Ute, One Tonner and Crewman Colours
Selected Features: Performance brakes (V8 models) On Sale Load Calculation and Safer Driving Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) The GVM rating for the VZ One Tonner and Crewman V6 models is 2826
kilograms. Kerb Mass Payload Available payload mass Calculating 'available payload mass' Sample 'Available payload mass' Calculation
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