VZ Commodore Utility

The big news lay underneath, with an all-new drivetrain featuring the Melbourne-made Alloytech HFV6 3.6-litre DOHC 24V V6 pumping out 175kW/320Nm.

The four-speed auto was significantly revised to cope, while the six-speed manual is this engine’s only throughout the whole VZ range.

It also benefits from steering tweaks across the VZ Commodore range, along with improved brakes, although traction and stability controls are not included.

Ute payloads are now 830kg manual/827kg auto, with Ute S able to haul 726kg manual and 723kg auto and Ute SS 662kg manual and 656kg auto.

Towing capacity has increased by 30 per cent thanks to a larger clutch in manual V6 models, which can now tow the same 1600kg as automatic V6 Utes.

VZ Ute’s revised front-end styling including a new ridged bonnet, compact headlights (with black bezelled projector beams on SS), a single-bar sports grille with large Holden logo and new front bumper with larger air intake.

The SS looks more aggressive and features non-functional mudguard vents.

Meanwhile, it features a more powerful 250kW/470Nm version of the 5.7L GEN III V8.

Standard features: Power windows, cruise controlEngine options: 250kW/470Nm 5.7L V8 - S IN A predictable move, Holden has launched for 2007 an SVZ versions of its VZ Commodore-based utility, which is in its last throes before new-generation VE series models arrive.

The all-new VE utility is due on sale by October. The SVZ ute, which was not part of last year’s offer, is priced from $29,990 for the six-speed manual. (A five-speed auto on the ute adds $1000).

The SVZ ute gets the sort of treatment seen on Thunder versions of the high-performance S and SS models (and Storm special-editions before that).

Over the SV6, the Z-branded workhorse gets 18-inch alloy wheels – as seen on the Monaro CV8-R – with a full-size alloy spare, along with a performance braking package (with red-painted callipers), "Onyx" leather seats and door trims (with SVZ branding on the seat faces), and SVZ exterior decals.

As with the wagon, there are a number of VE colours to choose from, including the new "Morpheous" metallic available on Commodore sports sedans.

The SVZ ute is powered by the "High Output" version of Holden’s 3.6-litre Alloytec V6, which produces 190kW at 6500rpm with the automatic gearbox and 187kW at 6000rpm with the manual. Both produce 335Nm of torque at 3200rpm.