Holden Commodore

Holden Commodore
Production period:	since 1978
Class :	upper middle class
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon , pickup
Previous model:	Holden Kingswood

The Holden Commodore is a mid-range or upper mid-range model offered by the Australian automobile manufacturer Holden since 1978 . Holden is the Australian branch of the US company General Motors . The better equipped variants are called Holden Calais and (from 1984) Holden Berlina . From 1990 to 1997 a pickup based on the Commodore was offered under the name Holden Commodore Utility . From 2000 this pickup was called Ute .

From 1989, the Holden upper-class models Statesman and Caprice were based on the platform of the then Commodore, and from 2001 to 2006 the Monaro coupé .

In Japan the Holden Commodore was offered as the Toyota Lexcen , in the UK as the Vauxhall VXR8 . In the Middle East and South Africa the model is available as the Chevrolet Lumina , in the United States as the Pontiac G8 , in South American markets as the Chevrolet Omega . Various sport versions of the Commodore are offered by the in-house tuning company Holden Special Vehicles . In Malaysia , the model was offered in the VR / VS and VX generations as the Opel Calais .

Year by year

Commodore / Calais / Berlina (VB / VC / VH / VK / VL, 1978–1988)

Commodore VB (1978–1980) Commodore VC (1980–1981) Commodore VH (1981–1984) Commodore VK (1984–1986) Commodore VL (1986–1988)
Holden Commodore VB
Production period:	1978-1988
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon
Engines:	Petrol engines : 1.9-5.0 liters (54-196 kW)
Length:	4705-4766 mm
Width:	1722 mm
Height:	1360-1465 mm
Wheelbase :	2668 mm
Empty weight :	1158-1440 kg

Rear view of the Commodore VB

Holden Commodore VC station wagon (1980–1981)

In November 1978, Holden introduced the more compact Commodore VB as the successor to the almost five meter long models of the HZ series (Holden Belmont / Kingswood / Premier) . This largely corresponded to the Opel Commodore C , but had Holden's own motors and transmissions that had already been used in the HZ. Specifically, these were 2.85 and 3.3 liter inline six-cylinder and 4.2 and 5.0 liter V8 engines; On the transmission side, four-speed gearboxes or a three-speed automatic transmission called by Holden Trimatic were used.

The Commodore immediately won the title of Car of the Year awarded by the Australian trade journal Wheels . The car was seen as progressive and signaled a departure from the traditional five-meter class cars that Holden, Ford and Chrysler had produced in Australia since the early 1970s. The basic Commodore, the Commodore SL and the Commodore SL / E were available, each as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon. 95,906 copies of the Commodore VB were made up to March 1980.

In March 1980 Holden presented the Commodore VC , which differed from the VB in cosmetic details and the introduction of an electronic ignition. The base model was now called the Commodore L.

Another new addition to the range was a four-cylinder version of the Commodore, which only sold modestly in Australia. The 1.9-liter engine had nothing to do with the same-displacement Opel four-cylinder, but was a version of the 2.85-liter six-cylinder that was shortened by two cylinders.

The four-cylinder version was scolded for its lack of power, but was quite popular in some export markets and remained on sale until the late 1980s.

121,807 copies of the VC were built by September 1981.

The Commodore VH appeared in late 1981 and received a major facelift without any technical changes. New were a five-speed gearbox for the models with four-cylinder and the 2.85-liter six-cylinder, as well as the SL / X equipment level, which was located between the basic model now known as the SL and the top-of-the-range SL / E. In the latter, cruise control and on-board computer were now part of the standard equipment.

141,018 units of the Commodore VH were manufactured up to March 1984.

The Commodore VK introduced in 1984 no longer had the body of the Opel Commodore C, but corresponded to the Opel Senator A with six side windows in a revised design.

On the drive side, the four-cylinder, the 3.3-liter six-cylinder with carburetor or injection and the 5.0-liter V8 were available.

The equipment levels were now called Executive, Berlina and Calais instead of SL, SL / X and SL / E. From the UK there were special models for the first time under the name Vacationer ; a custom that Holden maintained until the 1990s.

The Commodore VK was built exactly 135,705 times until February 1986.

The Commodore VL presented in March 1986 was a VK with a comprehensive facelift and the last of the “compact” Commodore. The overall lines were more rounded than on the predecessor, and a small spoiler lip was integrated into the trunk lid. The Calais received pop-up headlights .

The base engine in the VL was a 155 hp , three-liter in-line six-cylinder from Nissan , as the company's own six-cylinder engines could not be converted to the unleaded petrol that has now been introduced in Australia. The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, which was available instead of the Holden five-speed transmission, also came from Nissan.

In the fall of 1986, a turbo version of the Nissan engine (type RB30ET) with a liquid-cooled Garrett turbocharger appeared. With new pistons, lower compression and a modified camshaft, this engine developed 150 kW (204 hp). This version was up to 220 km / h and had more powerful brakes with front Girlock calipers from the Chevrolet Corvette .

In October 1986 the VL followed with a five-liter V8 and four-way carburetor. The V8 was stronger than its predecessor and developed 166 hp at 4400 rpm and offered a maximum torque of 323 Nm.

The VL suffered from quality problems, in particular the defective windshield seal led to water penetration and rust formation under the windshield. The body quality wasn't the best either, and some parts of the interior looked quite cheap.

A total of 151,801 copies of the Commodore VL were made.

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  Holden Commodore VH (1981-1984)

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  Rear view of the Commodore VH

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  Holden Commodore UK (1984–1986)

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  Holden Calais VL (1986–1988)

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  Rear view of the Calais VL

Commodore / Calais / Berlina (VG / VN / VP / VR / VS, 1988–1997)

Commodore VG Utility (1990–1991) Commodore VN (1988–1991) Commodore VP (1991–1993) Commodore VR (1993–1995) Commodore VS (1995–1997)
Holden Commodore VR Executive (1993–1995)
Production period:	1988-1997
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon , pickup
Engines:	Petrol engines : 2.0-5.7 liters (85-215 kW)
Length:	4850-5040 mm
Width:	1780-1845 mm
Height:	1403-1545 mm
Wheelbase :	2731-2930 mm
Empty weight :	1310-1600 kg

Holden Berlina VN (1988-1991)

Holden Commodore VP (1991-1993)

Rear view of the Commodore VP

The Commodore VN , offered from 1988 onwards, was based on the extended platform of the Opel Omega A , its body came from the Opel Senator B. The size of the VN corresponded to the contemporary Ford Falcon , its biggest rival. As VG Commodore Holden offered from 1990 for the first time a Ute - Pickup on model based on the Commodore.

The Commodore VN was available in the equipment levels Executive, Berlina, Calais, S and SS, for authorities and fleet customers there was also an SL version with reduced equipment. The VN was the second Commodore to be named Car of the Year by Wheels . The upper-class models Holden Caprice and Statesman were based on the longer wheelbase of the Commodore station wagon and Ute models.

Changes in exchange rates made it inopportune for Holden to continue using the popular Nissan three-liter engine. Instead, the plant began manufacturing its own 3.8-liter V6 based on a Buick engine. The five-liter V8 remained in the program and its output was increased to 224 hp. Both the V6 and V8 had multipoint injection. The V6 was not a paragon of smoothness, but received good marks for its performance. For export markets, namely New Zealand and Singapore, the Commodore was still offered with a four-cylinder engine; it was now an injected two-liter from the Opel Vectra A.

The four-speed automatic from Jatco was replaced in the VN by a GM unit; In addition, the T-5 five-speed transmission from BorgWarner was available.

The Commodore VN was also sold by Toyota under the name Toyota Lexcen , named after the yacht designer Ben Lexcen ; in return, Holden marketed the Toyota Corolla and Camry as the Holden Nova and Holden Apollo for a while .

Furthermore, the Commodore VN was the last Commodore to be assembled in New Zealand. After the customs border fell, Holden closed the assembly plant there and imported the cars from Australia.

A total of 215,180 pieces of the Commodore VN were produced.

The Commodore VP manufactured from 1991 onwards was a facelift of the VN; the drive was taken over by the familiar V6 and V8 engines, but revised for smoother running. A trailing arm rear axle replaced the rear rigid axle in the Commodore Calais and SS and was available for the other models at an additional cost; this noticeably improved road holding and handling. The four-cylinder version was canceled. For the first time, ABS was available for an extra charge.

A total of 111,770 copies of the Commodore VP were made by July 1993.

In July 1993, the visually more modern looking Commodore VR went into series production. Distinguishing features were, among other things, round (instead of angular as before) rear wheel cutouts and raised rear lights. The Calais was the first Australian car to have a standard driver airbag . ABS and the trailing arm rear axle were only available in conjunction with an automatic transmission. This was now controlled electronically (type 4L60E ). The VR was voted Car of the Year 1993 by Wheels .

The Commodore Acclaim with safety-oriented equipment was new to the program; ABS, trailing arm suspension, driver airbag and cruise control were part of the Acclaim series.

165,262 copies of the Commodore VR were built.

The Commodore VS launched in 1995 largely corresponded to the VR, but received revised 3.8-liter V6 engines of the so-called ECOTEC series in suction and compressor versions. The five-liter V8s remained unchanged compared to the VR. While maintaining the dimensions for bore and stroke, GM had designed a practically completely new V6. The Ecotec-V6 was 13% more powerful than its predecessor, but consumed 5% less. Measures such as increased compression, lighter pistons, revised cylinder heads and larger valves increased the power from 177 to 200 hp.

The VS was sold in Singapore and Malaysia as the Opel Calais with a 2.6-liter V6 and was the last Commodore to be available as a Toyota Lexcen.

277,774 units of the Commodore VS were produced in a good two years.

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  Holden Commodore VR station wagon (1993–1995)

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  Holden Berlina VS (1995-1997)

Commodore / Calais / Berlina (VT / VX / VY / VZ, 1997-2006)

Commodore VT (1997–2000) Commodore VX (2000–2002) Commodore VY (2002–2004) Commodore VZ (2004–2006)
Holden Commodore VT station wagon (1997-2000)
Production period:	1997-2006
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon
Engines:	Petrol engines : 3.6-5.7 liters (170-250 kW)
Length:	4880-5040 mm
Width:	1840-1850 mm
Height:	1450-1545 mm
Wheelbase :	2790-2940 mm
Empty weight :	1525-1690 kg

Holden Berlina VX (2000-2002)

Rear view of the Berlina VX

The Commodore VT , presented in 1997 and built in 303,895 units by 2000, was also based on the enlarged platform of the Opel Omega . From VT all Commodore models had the trailing arm rear axle as standard. However, excessive loads on the axle, e.g. when towing a trailer, could cause it to misalign, causing increased tire wear.

In 1999, the Commodore VT underwent a slight revision in the form of the Series II, with the Holden five-liter being replaced by a 5.7-liter V8 from the USA, which initially developed 220 kW (299 hp) and later up to 250 kW (340 hp). From the Commodore Calais upwards, side airbags were available for a surcharge for the first time.

In 1997, the Commodore VT received the Car of the Year award from Wheels magazine for the fourth time .

In October 2000 the Commodore VX went into series production; thanks to changes to the engine management system, the V6 developed 152 kW (207 hp); in the series II of the VX (from 2001) the rear axle was modified to improve the directional stability.

The Commodore VX was available in the trim levels Executive, Acclaim, Berlina, Calais, S and SS; Executive, Acclaim and Berlina were also available as a station wagon. By autumn 2002, 211,125 Commodore VX had rolled off the production line.

The Commodore VY was produced from September 2002 to August 2004, from August 2003 as the VY Series II.

The VY was an extensively revised VX with modified front and rear sections and a renovated interior with a new dashboard, center console and steering wheel as well as redesigned gear and handbrake levers. In the more expensive versions, headlights, Blaupunkt radio, intermittent wipers and passenger airbags came as standard.

The model range included Executive, Acclaim, Berlina, Calais, S, SV8 and SS; the first three were also available as a station wagon. 241,909 units were built in two years.

Holden Calais VY (2002-2004)

The Commodore VZ , introduced in August 2004, had, in addition to the unchanged 5.7-liter V8, completely new 3.6-liter Alloytec V6 engines with two overhead camshafts and outputs from 175 kW (238 hp) to 190 kW ( 258 hp); Variants of this engine also worked in the Alfa Romeo 159 and, with a turbocharger, in the Saab 9-3 Aero.

Also new were a GM five-speed automatic transmission (type 5L40E) and a six-speed manual transmission from Aisin for the sporty models.

In January 2006 the six-liter V8 (type L76) came into the Holden program; this engine dispensed with the cylinder deactivation and the variable valve timing that distinguished it in the US version.

The Commodore VZ was offered as Executive, Acclaim, Berlina, Calais, SV6, SV8 and SS; As before, Executive, Berlina and Acclaim were again available in combination versions.

While the sedans were replaced by the Commodore VE in August 2006, the station wagons and pickups remained in production until the successor appeared in 2007.

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  Rear view of the Calais VY

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  Holden Commodore VZ SV6 (2004-2006)

Commodore / Calais / Berlina VE / VF (2006-2017)

VE (2006–2013) VF (2013–2017)
VE Commodore Omega
Production period:	2006-2017
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon
Engines:	Petrol engines : 3.0–6.0 liters (180–270 kW)
Length:	4895 mm
Width:	1900 mm
Height:	1475 mm
Wheelbase :	2915 mm
Empty weight :	1690-1805 kg

The Commodore VE was presented for the first time on July 16, 2006 in Melbourne and went into series production in August 2006.

After the previous base, the German Opel Omega , was no longer available, this generation of models was developed entirely in Australia. There was a new platform for this, the GM Zeta platform.

The V6 versions received revised versions of the Alloytec engine, which, thanks to modified timing chains, ran quieter than before. The six-liter V8 in the VE delivered 10 kW more than its predecessor; this new version, called the L98, had 270 kW (367 hp).

On the transmission side, depending on the model, there is a choice between six-speed transmissions from Aisin and Tremec and four, five or six- speed automatic transmissions from GM.

Opportunities include besides the base model Commodore Omega lines Berlina , Calais , SV6 , SS and International .

The car was also exported, but sold under different names in some markets. In the USA an adapted version (with left-hand drive) was initially sold as the Pontiac G8 , and then as the Chevrolet SS after the end of the Pontiac brand . It was available in the UK (right-hand drive) as the Vauxhall VXR8 . In contrast, this car was not available in continental Europe.

After 11 years of production, the last car of this series, a red Commodore V8, rolled off the production line on October 20, 2017. At the same time, it was the last car that was produced in Australia. In the future, Holden will only offer imported vehicles.

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  Holden Berlina VE Sportwagon (since 2006)

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  Holden Commodore SV6 (2008)

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  Holden Commodore SS VE Sportwagon "Special Edition"

Parts of this article seem out of date as of 2014 .
Please help to research and insert the missing information .

ZB (2017-2020)

E.g.
Production period:	2017-2020
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon
Engines:	Otto engines : 2.0–3.6 liters (191–235 kW) Diesel engine : 2.0 liters (125 kW)
Length:	4897-4986 mm
Width:	1863 mm
Height:	1455-1483 mm
Wheelbase :	2829 mm
Empty weight :

Since 2017 a new model based on the smaller front-wheel drive and is Epsilon II platform as a sister model of the Buick Regal and Opel Insignia B offered. All three models are produced in Rüsselsheim .

swell

• Terry & Malik Bebbington, A. Michel: 45 Years of Holden. Australian Publishing and Printing Company, Sydney NSW (1994), ISBN 0-947216-31-6 .
• Automobile revue. various catalog numbers (technical data).
• Ewan Kennedy: Holden. The Classic Models. Marque Publishing Company, Blakehurst 1997, ISBN 0-947079-55-6 .
• The Holden Heritage. Company history brochure published by the company, February 2007 edition, p. 143 f. (Quantities).

Individual evidence

1. ↑ http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/end-of-an-era-the-last-holden-car-made-in-australia/news-story/5ea0fe7c407adcf7290c999be591dac7
2. ↑ GM-Opel Rüsselsheim, Germany Plant. In: gmauthority.com. December 23, 2018, accessed December 25, 2018 . 

Web links

Commons : Holden Commodore  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Holden Australia website
• Holden New Zealand website
• Holden Model History - Holden Commodore
• The Commodore Info Page - Holden Commodore
• The Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive
• Unique Cars and Parts: Holden Heritage
• German side with Holden Commodore VB Special