Got to see the new VZ SS in the flesh today

[IH8WRX]

Armstrong Holden in Brisbane got their first VZ SS in this morning so I had a good look over it. It is the new blue colour. It was automatic and had dark grey leather interior.

I'm sorry, but it doesn't tickle my fancy. The mags look cheap and small for some reason (the VY SS mags look the best in a long time from Holden) and they appear similar in designed to HBD wheels of the past. And the indicators in the guards set-up :spew: It looks like a door handle and I can see to be a big problem to polish and clean around. Why on earth it was designed like that I will never know. I find that set-up even worse than whom ever designed those ghastly reflectors in the rear bar of the VX's, and that person should have faced the firing squad! On a more positive note, the interior instrument display looked very nice and functional, the colour looked nice and the engine bay looks muh better with the new twin style GTO engine covers sold on the Pontiac.

I'll test drive it tomorrow and tell you how it handles/feels :D

[kryten2001]

Mmm interesting. I'm also waiting to see what the new VZ's look like in the flesh.

I don't think anybody is expecting them to be all that different (kind of like the VR/VS upgrade path).

I think the "vents" are going to polarise opinion though. I've not yet seen one in the flesh, but they do appear (at least to me) to be a bit european/wrx'ey style, which I'm not personally convinced will look all that good on a musclecar/cruiser... To each his own I suppose.

If you think there's going to be debate on whether the VZ looks any good or not, just wait until the VE!... (I wish I could fast forward to then, just to read the threads.......)

All in all, I think it's a good thing. Our "old" cars don't look dated (Hell, the VT still looks pretty good IMHO).

(For what it's worth, I agree with you about the VY's wheels.. Lovely)...

[vxcalaiszzz]

... the engine bay looks muh better with the new twin style GTO engine covers sold on the Pontiac.


Maybe you could export these to the US... :stick:

[ralcool]

Tis a shame about the vents/flutes.

The ones on the prototype Cross8 a while back looked much better IMHO.

Why couldn't Holden use them.... then again, the other day I think I saw the reason. The Elfin Club Car thing Holden has on their web site, has 'similar' vents...maybe this is a visual link?


my 2.2c

Sean

[slickholden]

It took some time for me to come around a little bit to this new front, But i will wait till i see it in the flesh make my judgment then, I didn't like the VY HSV front at first till i seen one at K.D's then i fell in love with it :)

[VZSS250]

I've seen the VZ SS also and was very impressed with its nice aggressive stance in the flesh. The projector headlights look great compared to the plain VY SS headlights and the car somehow looks bigger and has a better presence....The wheels look great too but they need chrome covers for the bolts...the black looks cheap. I may have to order one with the lot. Overall I think it is the most refined interpretation of the VT shape and has lost that lumpy look of the earlier models.

[QIKMIK]

Saw the SS Ute at Robina Holden on Monday arvo. Not sure about the V8 badge on the door though. I thought I read somewhere on here that it may have been dropped (or reppositioned) in production. It looks out of place, but the rest of the car looks HORN!

Mick

[kaniSS-81]

Its the first holden I actually hate, dont like it either. Whats up with that front grill area? looks stupid.

[VZSS250]

Kannis,

so I take it you would rather ride your VS in 18s...I think not.

The VZ is the latest and the greatest. I cant wait to see them popping up at Chapel Street here in Melbourne.

[Ghia351]

Kannis,

so I take it you would rather ride your VS in 18s...I think not.

The VZ is the latest and the greatest. I cant wait to see them popping up at Chapel Street here in Melbourne.

Why would a VZ SS appearing in Chapel St be something you can't wait for? It's full of wannabe's, try to be's, pretend to be's...South Yarra that is..

[clixanup]

Why would a VZ SS appearing in Chapel St be something you can't wait for? It's full of wannabe's, try to be's, pretend to be's...South Yarra that is..

And that's putting it nicely......

[Roddy]

Armstrong Holden in Brisbane got their first VZ SS in this morning

How many km's did it have on the clock? :D

[VZSS250]

Chapel Street is the car Mecca in Melbourne and nothing surpasses it. Unfortunately, too many teenagers think they can take there japanese buzz box, fit some ridiculously loud blow off valve, and then blend with the Maserati's, Porsches and late model V8 Commodores. Its just not on.

[kaniSS-81]

Kannis,

so I take it you would rather ride your VS in 18s...I think not.

The VZ is the latest and the greatest. I cant wait to see them popping up at Chapel Street here in Melbourne.


offcourse I would prefer the latest and greatest gadgets in the VZ over my VS, but I just dont like the body styling of the VZ, backed up by a few people here aswell who possibly think its taken a wrong turn on the design department.

I would go for the VS body and chassi styling over the VZ styling anyday. but thats my personal taste.

[Ghia351]

Chapel Street is the car Mecca in Melbourne and nothing surpasses it. Unfortunately, too many teenagers think they can take there japanese buzz box, fit some ridiculously loud blow off valve, and then blend with the Maserati's, Porsches and late model V8 Commodores. Its just not on.

Although sadly not reflected in my own personal wealth, these Euro badges are local suburban cars in my neck of the woods...latest was the Ferrari 360 convertible that stalled off Hampton street 3-point turning, a stalling Ferrari V8 makes quite a metallic racket.

[vh-holden]

How many km's did it have on the clock? :D

-32km is my bet

[the mooch]

Chapel Street is the car Mecca in Melbourne and nothing surpasses it. Unfortunately, too many teenagers think they can take there japanese buzz box, fit some ridiculously loud blow off valve, and then blend with the Maserati's, Porsches and late model V8 Commodores. Its just not on.
When I visited a cousin of mine who lives in St. Kilda and works just off Chapel St. she suggested to me while walking down there (daytime) I should count the number of Saab convertibles cruising along. Seven in one direction in ten minutes! She later commented they were the 'IT' car of the moment :eek: Tryhards!

[Drewie]

Kannis,

so I take it you would rather ride your VS in 18s...I think not.

The VZ is the latest and the greatest. I cant wait to see them popping up at Chapel Street here in Melbourne.

Just because it is the latest doesn't mean it is the greatest, history doesn't always treat the latest models the best after a few years slip by, the VZ SS would want to look a lot better in the metal than the photos for me to buy one, I am leaning to the BA XR8 for looks. From a history point of view would you prefer an XY GT to an XA, or a EH to a HD, EL Falcon to an AU just to name a few so latest doesn't always mean the most desirable later in life.
But maybe I am completely wrong and it might be a knock out, lets hope so.

[Doohan]

All I can say is that im glad I have a VYSS....the front of the VZSS does nothing for me....the oversized Holden badge is big enough to use as a frisbee. And those stupid looking vents on the front quarters....crap!

And to all the idiots who 'cruze' Chapel street....get a bloody life. Enjoy it while you can, the Police are about to crack down on that area big time. Undercover are launching an operation to get rid of the wankers going up and down at 5kph with their 'doof doof' shite playing. CANARIES for everyone! They are also talking about closing the street permanently from 10pm till 6am and making it pedestrian only.

[MaDDoG]

Alan Mance Holden in Footscray have one in the showroom....gotta get there today and have a look

[VZSS250]

Your absolutely right Doohan....I do prefer the VY more I want to swap my VZ with you...NOT.

[Doohan]

Sure ill swap....but you would have to pay me 10k.
When are you going to the beach to throw your frisbee?

[VZSS250]

Probably go to the beach the same day you can afford to update your car.

[kaniSS-81]

VZSS250 just out of curiosity, do you have a VZ sitting in your garage or car port at home?

[the mooch]

VZSS250 just out of curiosity, do you have a VZ sitting in your garage or car port at home?
parked next to the unicorn, the holy grail, and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[VZSS250]

Settle their Kannis...obviously you have been reading the other thread...There'll be no VZ in my garage til late this month.

[Doohan]

Probably go to the beach the same day you can afford to update your car.

Why would I update to an older looking model.....so far about 90% of people in this thread think the VYSS looks better.....how much did you pay for it?

[the mooch]

I drive an VY SS II, and I will be updating early next year after having a real close look at the whole VZ SS package. So to the 90% of you out there who prefer the look of Vy's over VZ's, if you're in the market for a VY SS with real low kay's around March/April 05, drop me a line. ;)

[VZSS250]

Mate get real...look at your headlights! they're off the VZ SV6!!! Look at your bumper and foglights...they're the same as the SV6!!! Sadly Holden has decided to make the VZ SV6 look the same as the VY SS which is not good. In fact, I'm sure people will soon find it hard to distinguish between the two.

The price I got is too low to mention because it would cause a lot of anxiety to Holden salespeople. I made a lot of enemies getting the price I did.

[snowySS]

Probably go to the beach the same day you can afford to update your car.

Why would Doohan, who drives an 04 VYII SS being looking to update, especially with the VE due in a couple of years. The VZ has some cosmetic changes, the interior and dash etc is no different. Nothing mechanically different to get excited about.
What do you drive at the moment?

[Doohan]

The price I got is too low to mention because it would cause a lot of anxiety to Holden salespeople. I made a lot of enemies getting the price I did.

HAhahah what a load of crap...why are you scared of those fools.....its good you got a cheap price....screw those wankers. I bet I made more enemies and got a better price than you...I spoke to 32 dealers by phone when I bought mine and had them all bidding against each other...in the end they all hated me....except the dealer I bought from!

[M&Ms]

Mate get real...look at your headlights! they're off the VZ SV6!!! Look at your bumper and foglights...they're the same as the SV6!!! Sadly Holden has decided to make the VZ SV6 look the same as the VY SS which is not good. In fact, I'm sure people will soon find it hard to distinguish between the two.

Only 3 ways you can tell them apart. (1) The badging (2) The wheels and (3) The fake side vents on the SS. Other than that, very close in looks. And i'm sure someone will debadge the SV6 and put the SS 18's on it and then theres no way to tell (except for the fake vents, which he might even put on the SV6!)

[VZSS250]

The HSV headlights look horn...I would be predicting that VY owners would jump at the chance of swapping theire headlights with VZ SS headlights but they can't because of those dodgy looking parklights that are moulded into the bumper.

[Red CV8 R]

I saw a new VZ SS in Impulse Blue this morning. Looks very good in the metal, better then the pictures suggest.

[PepeLePew]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion VZSS250. However it isnt on running down other peoples cars just to build up your own perception of your purchase.

As you may have noticed this is an LS1 forum. What wraps around it does and will change. Lets all see it in the flesh before we indulge in CONSTRUCTIVE comment on it.

[Danv8]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion VZSS250. However it isnt on running down other peoples cars just to build up your own perception of your purchase.

As you may have noticed this is an LS1 forum. What wraps around it does and will change. Lets all see it in the flesh before we indulge in CONSTRUCTIVE comment on it.


Agreed personally I don't see the need to upgrade my VY2 Calais for a VZ model since there are minor changes (with the V8 model). If you don't like a particular car then you are not obligated to buy it. I am more hanging out for the VE model than anything else. :)

[clixanup]

HAhahah what a load of crap...why are you scared of those fools.....its good you got a cheap price....screw those wankers. I bet I made more enemies and got a better price than you...I spoke to 32 dealers by phone when I bought mine and had them all bidding against each other...in the end they all hated me....except the dealer I bought from!

Hehe. I did something pretty similar. Isn't it amazing how they all say "we'll beat any price you get..."

[VZSS250]

I can see your point...If VZII comes out with the 6.0 litre I would not upgrade given that VE ill be due 9 months later. Would anyone buy a VZII with 6.0 litre knowing that VE is only months away? You would have to be absolutely loaded and stupid at the same time.

Guys, I know everyone has their opinions...but if everyone wants to be a diplomat than heated debates will be few and far between.

[Veeate]

Got my VX2 Clubbie coming off lease in March 2006. While i could get out of it early i am not interested in a VZ. Nothing i see in the VZ at the moment makes me want to jump from my VX.

The VE would seem to be my logical choice.

Unfortunately my last experience in a completely new Holden car (the Vt series 1) leaves me with my nightmares. They did not get the quality right and quite frankly it was not bloody good enough.

I wonder if Holden will get it right with the VE. Does anyone else hold a similar concern ? Or has Holden moved on from the quality issues of original VT ?

[Gee]

Guys, I know everyone has their opinions...but if everyone wants to be a diplomat than heated debates will be few and far between.

I think what users take exception to isnt 'heated debate'.

There's nothing wrong with a heated thread about relative benfits of this mod or that.. anything constructive as has been mentioned.

Remarks about other peoples cars, or suggesting people cant afford what you can, well.. it's a bit sad, you would just come across as a bit of a tosser really if you were to make remarks like that.

[VZSS250]

Your off the topic Gee.

[ROK350]

This whole; "VZ doesn't look as good as the VY thing" sounds exactly the same as when the VY replaced the VX. Remember all the comments about the VY's arseend. Move on people, nothing to see here.
Congrats VZSS250 on your purchase, enjoy.

[snowySS]

Your off the topic Gee.

Off topic????

He just summerised your "heated debate"
I second the motion that you are a tosser.

[VZSS250]

Snowy my "heated debate" comment was an aside at the bottom of a different comment. Go back to driving your VY SS and working out how your going to remove them park lights. Then you can decide why Holden decided to put rims on your car that look like a flower in full bloom.

[snowySS]

Snowy my "heated debate" comment was an aside at the bottom of a different comment. Go back to driving your VY SS and working out how your going to remove them park lights. Then you can decide why Holden decided to put rims on your car that look like a flower in full bloom.

Look mate, your one who is getting all off topic.
As for my parking lights, why would I want to remove them :confused:
I bought my car to drive it. When I am sitting in my car driving it, I cant see my headlights, so it doesnt really bother me what they look like. I think the front end of the VY looks ok, you obviously disagree, so be it.
As for the wheels if you can see the likeness of the rims and a flower then you should get out a bit more, sipping too many lattes on chapel st. I reckon.
I got my car because I liked the way it drove during the test drive, not because of what it looked like in a magazine.
How was your test drive? :lol:
What are you driving at the moment by the way?

[JEM]

please, whoever made that comment that people are trying to fit in amongst the porcshes, ferrari's and "Late model V8 commodores".... give me a break.. No offense to you commodore fellas, but they are not in the same league as the above mentioned cars.

Been watching too much of those Game Over ads have we???

And i agree 100% with the person who made a comment about the losers on chapel in their cars... I live around the corner from chapel, and let me tell all you blokes that cruze chapel in your modified automobiles that you look like total w@nkers, especially the ones who drive ALONE.... aren't you embarrassed???

I'd love to see if any of these guys are on these forums, coz i like to see if you could have a conversation.

[kaniSS-81]

Snowy my "heated debate" comment was an aside at the bottom of a different comment. Go back to driving your VY SS and working out how your going to remove them park lights. Then you can decide why Holden decided to put rims on your car that look like a flower in full bloom.


VZ grow up, thats 4 people's car's youve bagged out including mine, I think the moderators will have a field day with your ass soon the way your going.

Relax mate.

[SSbaby]

For those who are interested, South City Holden are taking delivery of a blue VZ SS (I saw it on the back of a truck! :D ).

Unfortunately, the V8 badge is present on the leading edge of the front doors. :(

[VZSS250]

it appears that every dealership is getting one VZ for promotional purposes, but otherwise the showrooms are still full of VYs. I think delivery to customers in late September sounds realistic.

[GTS JaZzA]

You also have to remember that Holden wouldn't do something unless some one liked it. right?

[Ghia351]

For those who are interested, South City Holden are taking delivery of a blue VZ SS (I saw it on the back of a truck! :D ).

Unfortunately, the V8 badge is present on the leading edge of the front doors. :(

The inside front cover of the current Wheels has a SS ad with V8 badges on the leading edge while I coud swear I've seen some photos (not ad material) with V8 badges and without..or maybe they've already been badged by low lifes.

[Ghia351]

Unfortunately my last experience in a completely new Holden car (the Vt series 1) leaves me with my nightmares. They did not get the quality right and quite frankly it was not bloody good enough.

Having the V6 out on Australian roads in an older chassis should make sure that at least the powertrain/driveline side of things will be well sorted out come VE. Body fit/finish could be a problem with early build however if you start slow down the line and give workers a chance to work under less pressure this should also help. I'm not sure but also some feedback from other plants could be shared where relevant and also make it a less troublesome change to an all new chassis.

[VeeTee346]

All I can say is that im glad I have a VYSS....the front of the VZSS does nothing for me....the oversized Holden badge is big enough to use as a frisbee. And those stupid looking vents on the front quarters....crap!

I agree that the "vents" are unwarranted.. look ricey to me. But my main concern is that Audi-like nose treatment.. the vertical styling cues detract from making the car look low and sleek IMHO, unlike the VY.

As for the VY, personally I liked the styling in SS form from day 1, and yes especially the tail lights! However, on the detail front I reckon the VZ tailights (SS/SV6) with their more even bulb placement (indicators/reverse are on the same horizontal plane) look better.

To Holden: what is with the persistent 15" wheels on the Exec?!!

[FatBoy]

Thanks for the laughs guys, it's been great watching the VY owners clash with the VZ fan... :lol:

Unfortunately i don't have either at the moment due to a money pit that sees the track half a dozen times each year, but i'd be happy with either... Be grateful that you guys are enjoying an LS1 and get over the p!ssing contest ok ?? ;)

Cheers,
Paul...

[slickholden]

In Motor mag the V8 badge is present on the door Sep2004

[MaDDoG]

HSV VZ RELEASE DATE IS OCOBER 7th :cool:

[HsV_GTS_300]

Heading back from work today, seen a monaro drive past and then noticed the front bar and new driving lights and then i realised that it was a new monaro looked at the back and yep two exhausts. It was silver and it was in Sunshine so it's proberly from Kevin Dennis Holden. BTW it was Silver and had NO bonnet scoops.

[KeenGolfer]

Went and checked out a black VZ SS today at local dealer. Not such a huge difference apart from those weird side vent/indicator things. And boy, how cheap, flimsy and cheap do those dual engine covers look? :lol: (have to think twice about getting a set now).

[spank]

i was at a holden dealer in dandenong today looking at a new grange and they had 3 vz's on the floor , one was a ss and i must say its looks a lot better in the flesh than in the photos and front didnt look so mazda 3 ish as it did in the photos . the side vents didnt bother me as much as the V8 badge on the front doors does i would either remove it or put it beneath the side vent , inside the car had black roof lining and top half trims which i could give or take as opposed to the vy interior .all in all just a small change in styling and i like it , will have to wait and see what hsv comes up with

[KeenGolfer]

Hmmm, I'm sure the SS I saw didn't have badges on the doors, although I might have missed them... I'll have to go check it again. OT, I saw an HSV Avalanche at the dealers for the first time, what a horn piece of kit :)

[spank]

the hsv avalanche i saw didnt have mesh in the lower front bar and it looked quite "bare" and as if they had forgotten about it !

[Kirium]

And boy, how cheap, flimsy and cheap do those dual engine covers look? :lol: (have to think twice about getting a set now).

LOL... they sound cheap...

But I priced them at local dealer for something like $65 each... much cheaper than the other twin covers you find aftermarket...

[vysandman]

I saw an SS VZ sedan (blue) at Suttons Homebush tonight, they also had an SV6.
The V8 badges were on the doors of the SS. I love the side vents, the Holden emblem is a bit big in the grille (about the size of a large pizza).
like someone else commented on here "the car looks better in the flesh than the photos". I have a VY SS and I reckon it looks dated when parked along side the VZ. If you don't agree, wait until you see a few of them getting around.

[SSbaby]

I saw an SS VZ sedan (blue) at Suttons Homebush tonight, they also had an SV6.
The V8 badges were on the doors of the SS. I love the side vents, the Holden emblem is a bit big in the grille (about the size of a large pizza).
like someone else commented on here "the car looks better in the flesh than the photos". I have a VY SS and I reckon it looks dated when parked along side the VZ. If you don't agree, wait until you see a few of them getting around.

Each to their own, hey. ;)

I reckon the VY grille looks better than the largish opening on the VZ. I would have preferred that the front end changes were limited to incorporate the SSX front bar for the SS. The best thing Holden could have done for VZ (IMO) would have been to restyle the rear.

IMHO, the styling has gone backward with each iteration - VT-VX-VY-VZ. I'll get used to the styling but that doesn't mean I have to like it. :p

[the mooch]

Each to their own, hey. ;)

I reckon the VY grille looks better than the largish opening on the VZ. I would have preferred that the front end changes were limited to incorporate the SSX front bar for the SS.
Think VZ Monaro

[VZSS250]

SSbaby,

undoubtedly the VTSS mastered the "subtle aggression" look. Later models of the SS were designed I think to satisfy buyers who wanted something more flashy, the same way a HSV is flashy. Nonetheless, they have all been great looking cars. BTW I to thought the SSX bumper and headlights would be used in VZSS. Obviously the HOlden guys could not be bothered and perhaps Mike Simcoe's influence is starting to wane.

[SSbaby]

SSbaby,

undoubtedly the VTSS mastered the "subtle aggression" look. Later models of the SS were designed I think to satisfy buyers who wanted something more flashy, the same way a HSV is flashy. Nonetheless, they have all been great looking cars. BTW I to thought the SSX bumper and headlights would be used in VZSS. Obviously the HOlden guys could not be bothered and perhaps Mike Simcoe's influence is starting to wane.

Yeah, different models have their legion of fans. ;)

You can only compare the success of each model during their era. There's no doubt that the newer models are better value cars.

Personally, I'd always go for the latest model unless the deal is too good to refuse, of course. :D

[SSbaby]

Well I got to see a new VZ on the road today... the engine sounded quiet, refined and unfussed as the driver took off from the lights... didn't sound anything like the Ecotec.

BTW, I noticed the big Holden badge on the grille, that's how I could tell. :D

[ssberlina]

Has anyone looked at the brakes on the SS are they bigger?

[VZSS250]

Hi ppl,

How is it that VZs are appearing on the road yet my dealer is telling me to wait another month before I get my hands on an SS. Something dodgy is going on. SSbaby, you didn't happen to see what dealership that car was from?

It looks like I may have to abandon my deposit and go to another dealership.

[SSbaby]

This car was a silver Executive (I think) ... I only saw the front. There's usually a waiting list for SS during a new model launch.

Cheers.

[Knight Phlier]

I saw a new SS VZ today, and first noticed the taillights being different, and then pulled up next to it and saw the fender vents... It's rego was VZSS03 VIC plates and it was blue, but was going across the Harbour bridge this morning about 9:30am

I was impressed.. The car looks HORN! :p

[VZSS250]

Hi kphlier,

sounds like you saw one of Holden's cars that are reserved for media use. Probably being driven by some media jerk ready to criticise the car on just about everything because the lamborghini he drove last week was so much better.

BTW, great ride.