2007 Holden Ute 3.6L V6 LPG 4AT (238 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Holden launched the second generation of the Ute model in 2007, continuing the successful story of its utility vehicles built on top of car-based platforms instead of 4×4 ones.

The Australian automaker introduced its first car-based utility vehicle back in 1951. That model was based on the 48-215 sedan and had a six-cylinder engine paired with a three-on-tree gearbox that sent the power to the rear wheels. Fast forward to 2000, and Holden unveiled the Ute lineup based on a platform shared with the Commodore VX. That utility vehicle impressed its customers with its performance. While it could still carry some load in its bed, it was mostly made to avoid legislation regarding high-powered cars. The recipe worked, and in 2007, the automaker revealed the second generation of this moniker, only this time built on the GM Zeta platform shared with the Commodore VE. Besides the updated look, the 2007 Holden Ute boasted a more elegant cabin and the largest powerplant ever fitted in its family.

Like its predecessor, the 2007 Holden Ute followed the design language of the Commodore lineup. It featured angry-looking big headlights with a rounded inner edge that ended into a sharp corner at the bottom. They flanked a recessed grille where the brand’s badge took center stage. On the lower grade, the vehicle had a simple, wrapped-around plastic bumper fitted with a reversed trapezoidal air intake in the apron, while a pair of side scoops adorned by a horizontal slat flanked it. For the higher-powered versions, the automaker installed an air dam with massive intakes.

From its profile, the 2007 Holden Ute revealed its short, rounded nose followed by a raked windshield. The cabin had a flat roofline and was ended by a vertical drop for the rear window. To make the car look less utilitarian, the automaker added a small triangular window behind the doors while the C-pillars were sloped down towards the bed behind. For the lowest grade, the automaker installed 16-inch steel wheels. Moving up the ladder, the Ute came with 18-inch alloys, while the top-of-the-line version, the SS-V, boasted a 19-inch set. At the back, the taillights were corner-mounted and flanked the drop-down tailgate of the vehicle.

Inside, the automaker used the same rounded-shaped dashboard as in the Commodore VE. The air conditioning was standard for all versions besides the Omega trim level. Furthermore, the SS-V Series could be ordered with a dual-zone climate control unit, which was unusual, to say the least, for a two-seat cabin. Holden didn’t forget about children when it designed the Ute and included standard anchoring points for a child seat on the side passenger’s seat. Fronting the driver was an instrument cluster featuring an LCD placed between the main dials that showed data from the car’s onboard computer. In addition, selected versions could be fitted with a 6.5-inch color display on the center stack for the available navigation system.

The 2007 Holden Ute was available with a choice of three engines, starting with a 245 PS (241 hp) V6 powerplant followed by a high-output version that produced 265 PS (262 hp) from the same 3.6-liter displacement. At the top of the chain was the ferocious six-liter V8 LS Gen IV engine delivered from the U.S. that provided 367 PS (362 hp). Depending on the engine version and trim level, the car was fitted with a four-speed automatic, a five-speed automatic, or a six-speed automatic. Last but not least, an LPG-powered version was also available.