Holden VL Commodore

Infobox Automobile


name = Holden VL Commodore
aka = Holden VL Calais
manufacturer = Holden
parent_company = General Motors
production = February 1986–August 1988
assembly = Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
predecessor = Holden VK Commodore
successor = Holden VN Commodore
class = Mid-size
platform = GM V platform
body_style = 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
engine = 2.0 L "RB20E" I6 (New Zealand)
3.0 L "RB30E" I6
3.0 L "RB30ET" I6
4.9 L "Black" V8
transmission = 5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
wheelbase = Auto mm|2668
length = Auto mm|4766
width = Auto mm|1722
height = Auto mm|1363–Auto mm|1368
weight = Auto kg|1250–Auto kg|1350
related =

The Holden VL Commodore is a mid-size car manufactured between 1986 and 1988 by the General Motors (GM) Australian arm, Holden. The VL series was the final update of the first generation Holden Commodore architecture, heralding imported straight-six engines from Nissan in Japan.

The total build number for the VLs was 151,801.

Design

The VL Commodore represented a substantial makeover of the VK, and would be the last of the mid-size Commodores. The engineers sought to soften the lines of the VL, rounding off the panels and introducing a small tail spoiler built into the boot lid.

For the VL, Holden implemented rectangular headlamps as opposed to the square type fitted to earlier models. For the top-of-the-range Calais model, the design incorporated the use of semi-retracting headlight covers, the first for a production Holden. This had been previously attempted on the never released Torana GTR-X which featured fully retractable headlights. Interestingly the Calais covered headlights were the same as the regular VL Commodore headlights. Minor changes were made to the interior, such as a new dashboard design with some relocated switches and new instrument cluster.

Powertrains

Straight-six engine

A comprehensive makeover for the VK "Black" engine was completely dropped in favour of an imported 3.0 litre "RB30E" straight-six unit designed and manufactured by Nissan in Japan. This featured an overhead camshaft (OHC) and an alloy cylinder head. The reason for the Nissan-Holden combination was because all cars manufactured in Australia from January 1 1987 had to run on unleaded 91 octane fuel. The previous six-cylinder "Black" motor was unable to do this, as was the V8, hence the later release date of this engine. As the tooling for the Holden straight-six engine had become worn by this stage, it also was not considered cost-effective to adapt the design to unleaded petrol. The new engines included features such as an Electronic Combustion Control System (ECCS) and a ram-tuned intake manifold.

Six months into its release a convert|150|kW|hp|lk=on turbocharged version of the Nissan engine was released. The Garrett turbo unit was fitted inside a water-cooled housing to ensure longevity. The engine received new pistons which lowered the compression ratio, while an updated camshaft was used to reduce overlap. The allure of the Commodore was quickly established particularly when the top speed was convert|200|km/h|mi/h|0 and then extended to convert|220|km/h|mi/h|0 with the addition of the Garret turbocharger. In addition stopping power for the turbo models was upgraded to larger brakes and Girlock finned alloy front callipers. The Australian Police commissioned the turbocharged models as their "interceptor" Highway Pursuit cars of choice. These interceptors were denoted by "BT1" in the model code on the Body & Option plate attached to the firewall.

GM also sourced a Nissan electronic four-speed automatic. Those that opted for a manual, received a Nissan "MF5" five-speed transmission, with the turbocharged models received a Nissan "MX7" unit.

New Zealand

The New Zealand assembled six-cylinder VLs had the 2.0 litre Nissan "RB20" engine six-cylinder as an addition to the 3.0 litre models. The engine was mated with the Japanese "Jatco" four-speed automatic; the 5.0 litre (4987 cc) V8 remained available in carbureted form with the old three-speed automatic. New Zealand models did not have emission controls fitted.

V8 engine

Previously, Holden had considered discontinuing the V8 engine rather than adapting it to unleaded petrol. This was partly in response to Ford Australia's 1983 decision to drop the V8 in its competing Falcon model. However public outcry spearheaded by a media-driven "V8s 'til 98" campaign persuaded Holden to continue production. Eventually with continual developments, the Holden V8 lasted until 1999, before being replaced by an imported unit.

The 5.0 litre V8 was released in October 1986, it still featured the familiar Rochester four-barrel carburettor, not electronic fuel injection (EFI). Now adapted to unleaded fuel, this V8 5.0 litre was boasting both more power and torque than its predecessor, now at convert|122|kW|hp with convert|323|Nm|ftlbf. GM had fitted the V8 with larger valves carried over from the previous Group A engine. EFI did however make it's V8 debut in the VL Commodore in the evolution version of the Group A touring car homologation special, the SS Group A SV "WALKINSHAW", the car which also marked Holden Special Vehicles taking over as Holden's official aftermarket modifier. With the convert|150|kW|hp 3.0 litre turbocharged engine being the performance flagship, Holden marketed the V8 as ideal for towing due to its low-rpm torque characteristics. The V8 engine was mated with either the existing three-speed "TriMatic" automatic, or the five-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual.

Specification levels

Introduced in Commodore SL, Executive and Berlina variants, the VL vehicle line also included a luxury Calais model. [cite web | last = Davis | first = Tony | coauthors = Kennedy, Alistair; Kennedy, Ewan | date = February 2007 | url = http://www.holden.com.au//images/sc18_downloads/brochures/Holden_Heritage_Part_Two.pdf | format = PDF | title = The Holden Heritage - 13th Edition (Part Two) | publisher = GM Holden | pages = 39 | accessdate = 2008-06-11] However, this was known as the Holden Calais as opposed to the Holden Commodore Calais. [cite web | url = http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/holden_commodore_VL_technical_specifications.htm | title = Holden Commodore VL Technical Specifications | publisher = Unique Cars and Parts | accessdate = 2008-06-11] A Calais station wagon and a turbocharged Calais wagon were both produced in extremely limited numbers. [cite web | url = http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/vehicles.php?make=HOLD&family=PSCALAIS&year=19880 | title = Holden Calais 1988 | publisher = Red Book | accessdate = 2008-06-11] In October of 1986, the V8-powered models were introduced, including the sports-oriented SS. [Wright (1998), p. 342] The following year, a special edition Commodore Vacationer was offered. [cite web | url = http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/vehicles.php?make=HOLD&family=PSCOMMODO&year=19870 | title = Holden Commodore 1987 | publisher = Red Book | accessdate = 2008-06-11] A year later again, to commemorate the Australian Bicentenary in 1988, a Bicentennial sedan; aptly named the "Series 200" was issued in a commemorative champagne colour.

Notes

References

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