To achieve 190 kW (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 kW (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 base V6 also went from 175 to 172 kW (235 to 231 hp) and the High Output V6 went from 340 to 335 N⋅m (251 to 247 lb⋅ft) at the same time, to meet new ADR 79/01 (Euro III) emissions standards effective from 1 January 2006.

The VZ Commodore sedans were superseded by the VE series on 10 July 2006,[1] whilst the wagon and utility ranges lived on for almost another year.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.

Early VZ versions of the SV8 continued with the VY SV8 theme, being essentially an Executive with a V8 engine, rear spoiler, unique 17 inch alloy wheels and SV6 tail lights.

This specification was later upgraded as a running change to match the equipment levels and appearance of the SV6, which remained a step down from the SS.

SS included such features as: The Berlina was the semi-luxury model of the VZ range, it sat above the Acclaim and below the Calais.

The Calais features included: The Holden Adventra (VZ) is an all-wheel drive wagon update to the original VY II series model.

A true VZ series facelift was introduced in February 2005 and with it, the introduction of a V6 engine as the principal power unit.

Adventra was now available in a choice of four equipment levels: SX6, CX6, LX6, CX8, and LX8, with a 3.6-litre V6 engine affording 190 kW (255 hp) and a five-speed automatic transmission.

Sales of the Adventra range never achieved Holden's expectations, especially in comparison to the rival Ford Territory, and it was ultimately phased out of production in 2006 to make way for the newly introduced Captiva, imported from GM Daewoo in South Korea.

The SVZ ute could be ordered in Morpheous (Metallic purple with pink highlights from the VE series).

This model featured leather upholstery with SSZ logo, premium performance brakes, colour-coded SSZ instrument cluster, black centre-mounted voltage and oil pressure gauges, 18-inch Monaro-style wheels, Rear Parking Assist and Bluetooth, for A$49,990.

By December of the same year, the Crewman and all AWD variants of the ute were gone from showrooms after Holden ceased production, and the One Tonner range was discontinued.

The enhanced performance VZ range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) was released in 2004 as the Z Series.

A Clubsport R8 was also available, with greater equipment (e.g. leather seats and extra instrument gauges) and revised wheels design and upgraded braking system.

[8][9] The Z Series was the first range with which HSV reached the Middle East with the one-make racing ClubSport R sedans.

Some of the main options included the sunroof $2390, satellite navigation $3800, rear-seat DVD players $3900, Xenon headlights $1800, tyre pressure monitoring system $1395.

This feature is also on the current E-series Senator Signature and has been optioned on Holden models as far back as WH Caprice in 1999.

[12] The Avalanche was an all-wheel drive crossover SUV that was manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) in 2005.

The Avalanche vehicles were fitted exclusively with the 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine rated at 270 kW (362 hp) of power and 475 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft) of torque, mated to a four-speed 4L65-E automatic gearbox.

Along with Holden's V8 Commodore-based AWD vehicles, the HSV Avalanche series was discontinued in late 2005 due to phasing out of the 5.7-litre LS1 engines because of the Euro III emissions regulations.

Along with the new engine exclusive to HSV, Z Series introduces 19" wheels, Traction Control and Multi-link rear suspension as standard equipment to the Maloo range.

On 25 May 2006, a standard 2006 HSV Maloo R8 driven by Mark Skaife was clocked at an averaged speed of 271.44 km/h (168.7 mph) in Woomera, South Australia.

[19][20] As with the previous VY model, exports to Malaysia and Thailand continued in VZ form as the Chevrolet Lumina, sold in LTZ trim (based on the Holden Berlina).

[20][21] VZ Omega sales officially ended in 2007 when replaced by the VE-based model, as announced on 4 July 2007.