The VY represents another large investment by Holden, with refinements to body structure, powertrain and chassis dynamics delivering appreciable improvements in performance, ride, handling, safety and build quality.
The SS Ute is powered by a High Output 235kW version of the Generation III V8, with a twin exhaust system.
The steering system has been revised and features a precise feel and better driver feedback.
Interior upgrade includes a new instrument panel, centre console and steering wheel, and new design transmission shifter and handbrake. There is also a new mobile phone power outlet under the centre console. The new instrument cluster features a large multi-function digital display (single or triple-window, depending on model), which displays information such as radio station display, PRNDL gear selected indicator, trip computer with stopwatch function, service reminders and a help facility.
Standard features now include "twilight sentinel" automatic headlamp control, headlamps off programmable time delay, high feature Blaupunkt audio systems, road-speed sensitive intermittent wipers and passenger airbags.
The front of the body has been restyled, with new front grill and headlamps.
Recalibrations and shift revisions improve the performance of automatic transmissions, and V8 transmissions have been upgraded for greater durability. Service intervals for V6 engines have been extended to 15,000 km.
Major changes introduced with the Series II include: The SS Ute is now powered by the 245kW High Output V8, with a front strut brace. The Ute S V8 option is now 235kW. There is now the added safety benefit of steering column modifications which assist in reducing the risk of occupant injury in a frontal crash.
Holden By Design (HBD) have released a canopy for the Ute, to bring back the Panelvan.
V6, 5 speed manual transmission, Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), 15" steel wheels, CD player, Driver's Airbag, Remote Central Locking and Immobiliser.
4 speed automatic transmission, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cruise Control, Passenger's Airbag, Air Conditioning.
This was a limited edition run from May 2003. 1000 were manufactured. It was advertised as having $3,500 worth of additional features. Based on the V6 Ute, additional features include 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, FE2 sports suspension, S Sedan front fascia, SS Ute lower body kit, 'Storm' decals - side and rear, six-stack in-dash CD player, unique seats with leather bolsters, and passenger airbag. It was available in a choice of four exterior finishes: Hothouse (bright metallic green), Phantom (metallic black with silver highlights), Redhot (highly chromatic solid red), Delft (cobalt blue metallic). The recommended retail price was $32,650 for manual, and $33,420 for automatic.
V6, 5 speed manual transmission, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), 16" alloy wheels, Cruise Control, CD player, power antenna, Driver's Airbag, Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Remote Central Locking and Immobiliser and Alarm.
225 kW V8 (Series I only), 235 kW V8 (Series II only), 6 speed manual transmission (with V8 only), 4 speed automatic transmission, Passenger's Airbag.
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235kW High Output V8 (Series I only), 245kW High Output V8 (Series II only), 6 speed manual transmission, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), 17" alloy wheels, front foglamps, leather wrap steering wheel, Cruise Control, CD 6 disc in-dash changer, power antenna, Driver's and Passenger's Airbags, Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Remote Central Locking and Immobiliser and Alarm.
4 speed automatic transmission.
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The HBD canopy can be ordered with any model Ute and it's colour-coded to all five exterior paint finishes. Like all customised HBD enhancements the Ute Canopy is covered by Holden's three-year, 100,000km factory warranty. Special features of the aerodynamically efficient fibreglass canopy include full width lift-up glass (with rear heat and demist function) above the lockable tailgate, which has an interior override button and emergency release. There are two wedge-shaped, flip-out side windows, the canopy is fully fabric-lined and fitted with an interior light. The Ute Canopy gives approximately 2,100 litres of covered, secure, rear cargo space.
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Unofficial Holden Commodore Main Page.
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VY Commodore Main Page.
Last modified: 29 August 2004
