Holden Commodore (VP)

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Holden Commodore (VP)
1993 Holden Commodore (VP II) Executive sedan (2015-11-11) 01.jpg
1993 Holden Commodore (VP II) Executive sedan
Overview
Manufacturer Holden (General Motors)
Also calledHolden Berlina (VP)
Holden Calais (VP)
Holden Ute (VP)
HSV (VP)
Toyota Lexcen (T2)
ProductionSeptember 1991–July 1993
AssemblyAustralia: Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
Class Full-size
Body style 4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
2-door coupé utility
Platform GM V platform
Related Holden Statesman/Caprice (VQ)
Opel Omega
Opel Senator
Powertrain
Engine I6

V6

V8

  • 5.0 L 165 kW (221 hp) HEC 5000i V8
  • 5.0 L 180 kW (241 hp): HSV enhanced HEC 5000i V8
Transmission 5-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual
4-speed 4L60 automatic
Dimensions
Length4,891–4,910 mm (192.6–193.3 in)
Width1,812 mm (71.3 in)
Height1,403–1,422 mm (55.2–56.0 in)
Curb weight 1,332 kg (2,937 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Holden Commodore (VN)
Successor Holden Commodore (VR)

The Holden Commodore (VP) is a full-size car that was produced by Holden from 1991 to 1993. It was the second iteration of the second generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VP) and Holden Calais (VP).

Contents

Overview

Interior Holden Commodore Executive (1993 VP II series) 03.jpg
Interior

The VP series was released in September 1991 with mainly cosmetic and feature changes to the outgoing VN Series Commodore. It launched shortly after the Ford EB Falcon. The 3.8 litre V6 and 5.0 litre V8 engines from the VN were carried over, but the V6 engine received various revisions that improved its refinement and noise characteristics as well as boosting power by two kilowatts. The 2.0 litre straight-4 engine which had been offered on the VN in certain export markets was discontinued. Semi-trailing arm IRS became standard on Calais and Commodore SS models and became an optional extra on lower-end models. This new suspension drastically improving ride and handling over that offered by the live rear axle. ABS brakes were also introduced in the VP range as an option on Series 1 Calais and Commodore SS models, and on most models with IRS for Series II versions which launched in January 1993. Additional security features were introduced across the range, including an ignition-disabling device and a driver's door deadlock. Central locking and power mirrors were also a standard feature across the model range. [1] The VP series was replaced in July 1993 by the VR Series Commodore.

The VP Calais was also sold in Thailand, with 3.8 V6 version, later it used an Opel 2.6-litre C26NE inline-six Dual Ram engine.

Models

Commodore Executive

The Commodore Executive was the base model of the range.

Commodore S

The Commodore S was the cheapest sports variant of the range. It was essentially similar to the Executive, but with sports trim similar to the SS model.

Commodore SS

The Commodore SS was the top-of-the-line sports model of the range with a V8 engine.

Commodore Berlina

The Commodore Berlina was the cheapest luxury variant of the range.

Commodore Berlina LX

The Commodore Berlina LX was the semi-luxury version of the range. This model was essentially a stepping stone between the Berlina and Calais. The VP was the only version to offer this trim level.

Calais

The Calais was the luxury version of the range. It was however not badged or marketed as a Commodore.

Limited edition and other specification levels

Commodore SS V6

The SS V6 was a 1992 limited production model which had all the features of the regular Commodore SS but utilized the 3.8L V6 engine in place of the 5.0L V8. It was produced to homologate a suitable model for the Group 3E Series Production Cars motor racing category, which required a small minimum run of cars to be built. The SS V6's main rival was the Ford EB2 Falcon XR6.

Commodore BT1

The Commodore BT1, or the Police Pack was a special pack for the VP Commodore that was available to the Australian and New Zealand Police Forces. It was based on the Commodore Executive and added various specification upgrades to cater to the needs of the Police Force. Many believe that BT1 Commodores had a "cop chip" which increased the engine power output, however this is a myth, as the engine power is the same as in regular VP Commodores. BT1 with IRS had a standard size fuel tank, not a long range tank as found on other models.

Although the pack varied in each state, they were commonly fitted with:

Commodore Vacationer

The Commodore Vacationer was a limited edition model based on the Commodore Executive. It was released in October 1992.

Calais International

The Calais International was a limited edition model based on the VP Calais and released in September 1992. A total of 300 were built, 150 in Alaskan White and the same number in Anthracite Grey. All were equipped with the V8 engine and automatic transmission and the exterior featured Commodore SS lower kit (with fog lights) and a Holden VQ Caprice bootlip as well as unique International badges. The paint was single colour, unlike the standard Calais which had a grey lower half. Standard wheels were the 15in alloys from the VQ Statesman but with Holden logos in the centre cap and the interior was black over tan, with tan partial leather/suede seats, and special leather SS style steering wheel.

Toyota Lexcen (T2)

Toyota Lexcen (T2) CSi sedan 1993 Toyota Lexcen (T2) CSi sedan (22906668490).jpg
Toyota Lexcen (T2) CSi sedan

A badge engineered variant of the Holden VP was marketed by Toyota as the Toyota Lexcen. [2] The T2 series Lexcen was available in CSi, VXi, and Newport trim levels, [2] with a choice of sedan and wagon body styles. [3] It was offered only with the 3.8 litre V6 engine and the four speed automatic transmission, the V8 not being available in the Lexcen. [3]

Ute

A utility variant of the VP Commodore was also produced and launched in January 1992.[ citation needed ] It was marketed as the Holden Ute and was not badged as a Commodore. No Toyota equivalent was ever produced.

HSV range

The enhanced performance VP range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) comprised the variants listed below (including VQ II):

Clubsport

The VP series HSV Clubsport was launched in 1991 with the same 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) V8 used in the VN Clubsport. A special edition was launched for both the Senator and Clubsport called the 5000i.

GTS

The VP GTS program was rushed into production to compete with the ford EB GT in September 92. Essentially a parts bin special from the VN GRP A model, Like motor, brakes, spoiler kit. Being very popular at the time HSV continued with the GTS label, as HSV's top of the range performance model, [4] with some 130 produced in total. As in the case of the VN series, a V6 version was sold exclusively in New Zealand.

Maloo

The VP series Maloo utility was released in March 1992. Only 49 examples were made in the thirteen months of production, of which 15 were special HSV Fifth Anniversary Edition models, and the final eight were All-Black limited editions. These exclusive build quantities confirm the VP series to be the least production numbers Maloo ute of all. [5]

Senator

The VP Senator 5000i was introduced in June 1992, effectively replacing the VP SV 91 as HSV most luxurious well appointed model, and is equivalent of the VN SV 5000 model. Exclusive colours called Senator Quartz either soft purple or Dark grey metallic are only available on Senator 5000i model. Other features that distinguishes the 5000i over the base model Senator are leather bolstered , velour trimmed Group A devenish front seats, and a Caprice rear bench seat, with a suede trimmed centre console. Brakes from the VN GRP A , Variotronic power steering rack, 5000i badges & Rear boot 5000i decal, level ride suspension, three different engine cover colours - Red - Maroon - Orange - indicating a 200KW motor, ABS, Fog lights from the Caprice is standard for the 5000i model [6] The Senator was created in an attempt to design a vehicle that offered both luxury and performance as well as to complement the existing long-wheelbase Statesman models. Offering smoother styling compared to the HSV Clubsport and GTS models, which favoured performance rather than luxury, the Senator took advantage of the independent rear suspension which was offered on high-priced VP Commodores and Statesman/Caprices at the time and was only one of a handful of Commodore-based cars that had automatic climate control air conditioning. Other features included a leather interior, cruise control and limited slip differential. A three-spoke steering wheel was featured. Top speed was 220 km/h (137 mph). The car is available with HSV's 180 kW (241 hp) 5.0-litre V8 engine coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual. There was actually two versions built: the standard Senator and the Senator 5000i which featured a more powerful 200 kW (270 hp) engine and a 238 km/h (148 mph) top speed. The 5000i was only available with the automatic option. [7] The total number built for both versions was 337. [8]

Related Research Articles

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The Holden Commodore is a full-size car that was sold by Holden from 1978 to 2020. It was manufactured from 1978 to 2017 in Australia and from 1979 to 1990 in New Zealand, with production of the locally manufactured versions in Australia ending on 20 October 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Special Vehicles</span> Division of Holden

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) was the officially designated performance vehicle division for Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the privately owned company modified Holden models such as the standard wheelbase Commodore, long wheelbase Caprice and Statesman, and commercial Ute for domestic and export sale. HSV also modified other non-Holden cars within the General Motors lineup in low volumes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Caprice</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Caprice is a full-size car which was produced by Holden in Australia from 1990 to October 2017. The similar Holden Statesman, which was also introduced in 1990 as a model below the Caprice, was discontinued in September 2010. Between 1971 and 1984, Holden marketed their long-wheelbase sedans under the Statesman marque.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Ute</span> Australian mid-size coupe utility

The Holden Ute was a coupe utility built by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors, since 2000. Before then, Holden had marketed their Commodore-based utility models under the Holden Utility (VG) and Holden Commodore utility names, although the term “Holden Ute” was also used in their official marketing literature. The Holden Ute name is often used for earlier Holden Utility models as the word "ute" is a colloquial term used commonly in Australia for a utility vehicle or pickup truck. Holden's performance division, an independent company called HSV assembles a high-performance version called the Maloo. Between 2003 and 2007, Holden built a stretched, crew cab version of the Ute with four doors and seating for five, called the Holden Crewman and between 2003 and 2005 a cab-chassis version known as the Holden One Tonner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VZ)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Commodore (VZ) is a full-size car that was produced by Holden from 2004 to 2006 as a sedan and to 2007 as a wagon and Ute sold alongside the new VE series. It was the fourth and final iteration of the third generation of the Commodore and the last to spawn a coupé variant. Its range continued to include the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VZ) and Holden Calais (VZ).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VE)</span> Motor vehicle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VY)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Commodore (VY) is an executive car that was produced by Holden from 2002 to 2004. It was the third iteration of the third generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VY) and Holden Calais (VY); commercial versions were called the Holden One Tonner (VY), Holden Ute (VY), and Holden Crewman (VY). In 2003, the range also saw the introduction of the first Commodore-based all-wheel drive variants, including the Holden Adventra (VY) wagon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VN)</span> Full-size car produced by Holden from 1988 to 1991

The Holden Commodore (VN) is a full-size car that was produced by Holden from 1988 to 1991. It was the first iteration of the second generation of this Australian made model, which was previously a mid-size car, as well as the first Commodore available as a coupé utility. The new range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VN) and Holden Calais (VN) and, from 1990, introduced the commercial Holden Utility (VG).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VL)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Commodore (VL) is a mid-size car that was produced by Holden from 1986 to 1988. It was the final iteration of the first generation of the Holden Commodore and included the luxury variant, Holden Calais (VL). Between February 1986 and August 1988, 151,801 VL model Commodores were built.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Caprice (VQ)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Caprice (VQ) and Holden Statesman (VQ) were Holden's top-of-the-line luxury sedans produced between 1990 and 1994. It was the first Statesman to be based on the Commodore line. The rear end was an all-new design, with independent rear suspension.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VT)</span> Motor vehicle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VR)</span> Motor vehicle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VS)</span> Motor vehicle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VX)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Commodore (VX) is an executive car that was produced by Holden from 2000 to 2002. It was the second iteration of the third generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VX) and Holden Calais (VX), and it formed the basis for a new generation Holden Ute (VU) coupé utility and Holden Monaro (V2) coupé.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VK)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Commodore (VK) is a mid-size car that was produced by Holden from 1984 to 1986. It was the fourth iteration of the first generation of the Holden Commodore and introduced the luxury variant, Holden Calais (VK) sedan.

United Australian Automobile Industries (UAAI) was an automobile model sharing firm that operated in Australia between 1987 and 1996 as the result of an agreement between Holden and Toyota Australia. The joint venture resulted in the two companies sharing production of locally produced automobiles by selling their models under both brands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Royale</span> Index of articles associated with the same name

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VF)</span> Car

The Holden Commodore (VF) is an executive car that was produced by Holden between June 2013 and October 2017. It was the second and last significantly restyled iteration of the fourth (and final) generation of the Holden Commodore to be manufactured in Australia. Its range included the sedan and station wagon variants that sold under the luxury Holden Calais (VF) nameplate. Also available was the commercial utility variant that sold under the Holden Ute (VF) nameplate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Utility (VG)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Utility (VG) is a full-size utility that was produced by the Australian manufacturer Holden from 1990 to 1991. It was based upon the Holden Commodore VN) released in 1988, and was the first utility in Holden's Commodore range. It was not badged as part of the Commodore range.

References

  1. "1991–93 VP Commodore". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  2. 1 2 Toyota Lexcen Review and Specs, www.gumtree.com.au Retrieved on 2 June 2014
  3. 1 2 Tony Davis, Toyota Lexcen, The New Car Buyers Guide, No 5, 1993, Page 106
  4. The HSV Classic Programme Retrieved from web.archive.org on 18 October 2010
  5. "20th Anniversary Maloo R8 Brochure". HSV.com.au. Archived from the original on 15 December 2010. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  6. "Review: HSV VP Senator (1992–93)". AustralianCar.Reviews. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  7. Anderson, Donn, ed. (March 1993). "A very special Holden". New Zealand Car. Vol. 7, no. 5. Auckland: Accent Publishing. p. 48. ISSN   0113-0196.
  8. Pascale, Robert. "VP Senator". Archived from the original on 29 August 2007. Retrieved 8 March 2007.