Introducing the 2004 Holden Ute, Crewman and One Tonner

[Darren]

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 good-looking 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 2004 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. It’s the only crew cab in Australia to combine sedan comfort, performance and handling with flexible seating for up to five and serious load-carrying capacity.

“Our reborn 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 – more like a two-door sports car with plenty of space to carry your gear.

“Car-based Holden light commercials have always been competitor-leading in terms of load carrying ability, chassis dynamics, refinement and choice of body styles. Now with this great new Alloytec V6 powertrain and a raft of new features – and with price increases kept to a minimum – they will come on even stronger,” Mr McKenzie concluded.

Like their sedan counterparts, the 2004 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
All six-cylinder Holden Crewman, One Tonner and Ute models offer a new generation, high-feature 3.6 litre Alloytec V6 engine that improves load-carrying ability by making more usable torque available across the entire rev range.

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
Holden’s V8-powered VZ series light commercials also benefit from the inclusion of electronic throttle control and upgrades to the 5.7 litre Gen III engine management system and powertrains which improve performance and ensure that they retain their characteristic brand of driving excitement.

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
Holden chassis engineers invested years of development work and hundreds of thousands of test kilometres in making certain that the latest versions of Australia’s best-handling light commercial load-carriers retained their reputation for ‘driver’s car’ chassis dynamics and passenger car ride comfort.

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

The 2004 Crewman, Ute and One Tonner share strong new VZ design themes that accentuate width across the front and give them an even more assertive road presence.

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
Odyssey* – dark mercury silver (One Tonner and Crewman only)
Quicksilver – sharp silver with brilliant highlights (Ute and One Tonner only)
Impulse* – brilliant chromatic blue (S and SS models)
Phantom – metallic black with silver highlights
Heron – solid white
Redhot – highly chromatic solid red

* denotes new to range

VZ Light Commercial Pictures can be found here

VZ Light Commercial Vehicle Specifications can be found here
VZ Light Commercial Vehicle Production Information can be found here
VZ Light Commercial Vehicle Features can be found here

[Darren]

Recommended Retail Pricing
Holden VZ Ute, One Tonner and Crewman
Ute	Ute V6	Manual	$28,540*
	Ute V6	Automatic	$29,310*
			*includes air conditioning
S	Ute V6	Manual	$32,620
S	Ute V6	Automatic	$33,390
SS	Ute V8	Manual	$40,640
SS	Ute V8	Automatic	$40,640
One Tonner	Chassis Cab   V6	Manual	$26,290*
	Chassis Cab   V6	Automatic	$27,060*
			*includes air conditioning
S	Chassis Cab   V6	Manual	$32,120
S	Chassis Cab   V6	Automatic	$32,890
S	Chassis Cab   V8	Manual	$37,120
S	Chassis Cab   V8	Automatic	$37,120
Crewman	Crew Cab V6	Manual	$32,290*
	Crew Cab V6	Automatic	$33,060*
S	Crew Cab V6	Manual	$38,620
S	Crew Cab V6	Automatic	$39,390
SS	Crew Cab V6	Manual	$46,890
SS	Crew Cab V6	Automatic	$46,890
Smartpaks
Ute	Air conditioning, passenger airbag, ABS		$3,780
S	Passenger airbag		$495
SS	Leather trim in Anthracite, Single zone electronic climate control, Dash-mounted cupholders, top cap storage compartment		$1,490
One Tonner	Air conditioning		$2,250
	Air conditioning, passenger airbag, ABS		$3,780
	Passenger airbag		$495
Crewman	Air conditioning, passenger airbag, ABS,		$3780
	Side impact airbag		$520
SS	Leather trim in Anthracite, Single zone electronic climate control Dash-mounted cupholders, top cap storage compartment		$2,490
Option Highlights	LPG (V6 auto only)		$330*
	* plus HBD fitment cost (1,985)
	Six stacker CD		$595
	Metallic paint		$315
	Passenger airbag (One Tonner S)		$495
	Side impact airbag (Crewman S)		$520
	Air conditioning (Ute, Crewman)		$2,250
Holden By Design Selected Accessories
Wheels and Tyres:
Ute/Ute S	Range of 16x7, 17x8 and 18x8 alloys and tyres
Ute SS	Range of 17x8 and 18x8 alloys and tyres

Selected Features:

Performance brakes (V8 models)
DVD player (Crewman)
Blue Tooth mobile phone kit
Soft tonneau cover (Ute, Crewman)
Hard tonneau cover (Ute SS, Crewman SS)
Range of aluminium and steel trays (One Tonner and Crewman)
Sports profiled leather-covered steering wheel (Anthracite, Silver Foil and Redhot)
Leather-covered handbrake and auto/manual shifter (Anthracite, Silver Foil and Redhot)
Sports suspension (Ute)
'Sandman' canopy (Ute)
Canopy (Crewman)
Six disc CD player
Stainless steel sill plates
Alloy pedals
Satin chrome interior door handles
Country roo bar
Sports bar and sports bar tonneau cover

On Sale
Late August 2004

Load Calculation and Safer Driving
Holden has issued a set of guidelines to help prospective buyers correctly specify their Holden light commercials and to calculate payload in order to remain within safe operating limits and to ensure the longevity of the vehicle. The guidelines explain maximum axle load tolerances and stress the importance of receiving advice on recommended body lengths. Common terminology is explained, as is the importance of understanding the difference between 'payload' and 'available payload mass'. Holden Crewman, One Tonner and Ute models have designated Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and payloads. 'Available payload mass' varies depending on extra equipment fitted and other items listed below.

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
- is the accepted safe, maximum all-up weight rating of a fully loaded vehicle and is based on design factors, strength of the frame, spring fitment, tyre rates and axle capacities.

The GVM rating for the VZ One Tonner and Crewman V6 models is 2826 kilograms.
The GVM rating for the VZ One Tonner V8 models is 2826 kilograms.
The GVM rating for the VZ Crewman V8 models is 2535 kilograms.
The GVM rating for the VZ Holden Ute V6 models is 2365 kilograms.
The GVM rating for the VZ Holden S Ute V6 models is 2275 kilograms.
The GVM rating for the VZ Holden SS Ute models is 2275 kilograms.

Kerb Mass
- is the mass of the vehicle in running order, unoccupied and unladen with all fluid reservoirs filled to capacity, including fuel, and with all standard equipment (including air conditioning on models where this feature is not standard). Kerb mass ratings vary from model to model according to powertrain combinations.

Payload
- is the maximum capacity of the vehicle for the carriage of all non-standard items, including cargo carrying devices (i.e. tray or body), the cargo itself, occupants, optional equipment and accessories. Payload can be calculated by subtracting the vehicle's kerb mass figure from its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).

Available payload mass
- is the mass of cargo that the finished vehicle is permitted to carry, after subtracting the total of the vehicle's kerb mass, optional equipment, accessories, cargo carrying device and occupants from the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).

Calculating 'available payload mass'
- maximum 'available payload mass' is calculated by subtracting from the GVM the following: kerb mass (including fuel and air conditioning); the weight of occupants and the weight of any fitted options (towbar, bull bar, optional rear tray, etc).

Sample 'Available payload mass' Calculation
(based on One Tonner with Alloytec V6 auto powertrain)

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)	2826 kg
Less
Kerb Mass	1532 kg
Equals
Payload	1294 kg
Less weights for the following items:
Occupant	68 kg
Aluminium tray	120 kg
Tow bar and tongue	22 kg
Total extra items:	210 kg
Payload	1294 kg
less extra items	210 kg
Equals
Available payload mass	1084 kg

[Jaime]

Very sorry to burst your bubble a bit but Odyssey isn't available on the One Tonner.

Cheers.

[Darren]

Feel free in taking it up with Jason Laird who is part of Holden Corporate Affairs should you feel this is incorrect, his email address is jason.laird@gm.com. I can only really go by what has been released.

[Gobbles]

Ohh...Darren are you sure its wise to go head to head with the colour expert?

[PIMPIN]

Ohh...Darren are you sure its wise to go head to head with the colour expert?

In the Red Hot corner...weighing in at .....pounds The Administratar from South Australiar...DAAAARRENNNNN!!!!

And in the Impulse Blue corner....weighing in at ....pounds...Jamie 'The Resurrection' Silvaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

[AirStrike]

The One Tonner is avaliable in: Red Hot, Phantom Mica, Heron and also Quicksilver Mica.
The One Tonner S is avaliable in the above plus: Impulse Metallic

[Jaime]

LOL Pimpin.

Airstrike: bloody spot on mate!

[norm69]

hi i recieved my new ssz black crewman this week and its SENSATIONAL
took me till the age of 37 to get my first v8 and the wait was worth it

[FROGi]

SS Crew Cab V6 Manual $46,890

Eh? V6 SS Crewman?