Holden VC Commodore

Infobox Automobile


name = Holden VC Commodore
manufacturer = Holden
parent_company = General Motors
production = 30 March 1980–October 1981
assembly =
predecessor = Holden VB Commodore
successor = Holden VH Commodore
class = Mid-size
layout = FR layout
platform = GM V platform
body_style = 4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
engine = I4

• 1.9 L convert|58|kW|hp|0|abbr=on Starfire

I6

• 2.85 L convert|76|kW|hp|0|abbr=on Blue
• 3.3 L convert|83|kW|hp|0|abbr=on Blue

V8

• 4.2 L convert|100|kW|hp|0|abbr=on Blue
• 4.2 L convert|115|kW|hp|0|abbr=on Blue (dual exhaust)
• 5.0 L convert|115|kW|hp|0|abbr=on Blue
• 5.0 L convert|126|kW|hp|0|abbr=on Blue (dual exhaust)

transmission = 4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
wheelbase = convert|2668|mm|in|1|abbr=on
length = convert|4706|mm|in|1|abbr=on – convert|4730|mm|in|1|abbr=on
width = convert|1722|mm|in|1|abbr=on – convert|1736|mm|in|1|abbr=on
height = convert|1379|mm|in|1|abbr=on – convert|1375|mm|in|1|abbr=on
weight = convert|1158|kg|lb|0|abbr=on – convert|1348|kg|lb|0|abbr=on
fuel_capacity = Convert|63|L|usgal impgal|0|abbr=on|lk=on
related = Holden Commodore (VB, VH, VK, VL)
similar =
designer =

The Holden VC Commodore is an automobile that was produced in Australia by the General Motors division, Holden between 30 March 1980 and October 1981. The VC Commodore was succeeded by the Holden VH Commodore, and is distinguished by its 'egg-crate' style grille. The VC series brought many improvements over the VB Commodore and maintained the Commodore's place as the best selling car in Australia.

The improvements included revised suspension to improve ride and handling, a few cosmetic changes and the availability of new options such as cruise control.

However, one of the biggest changes were a series of engine upgrades which included redesigned cylinder heads, now with 12 ports (6 inlet, 6 exhaust), intake/exhaust manifolds, new camshafts and pistons and an all-new carburettor called the Rochester Varijet, as well as the fitment of electronic ignition. In total, these upgrades brought up to 25% more power and 15% better fuel efficiency. The engine block on these motors were painted a blue colour (as opposed to the previous red) and were known as the XT5 versions, although are commonly referred to as the 'Blue' motors.

As well as changes to the existing engines, a new 1.9 litre 4-cylinder engine was introduced. Known as the 'Starfire Four,' the new engine was the 2.85 litre (173 ci) blue six-cylinder engine with two cylinders removed. Also used in the Holden Sunbird, this engine was fitted to the Commodore in response to increasing pressure from the 1979 oil crisis.This new engine was not a complete success however, as its lack of power meant the engine needed to be pushed hard to deliver acceptable performance, negating any fuel saving benefits.

A new spec level was added to the range: the "L". Thus the Commodore lineup was "L", "SL" and "SL/E". Transmission choices remained the same as the VB Commodore. A total of 121,807 VC Commodores were produced.

With the discontinuation of the HZ Kingswood models around this time, the Commodore was complemented by a range of WB series luxury Statesman, and utility models. All of which also utilised the "Blue" motors.