Holden VP Commodore

Infobox Automobile


name = Holden VP Commodore
aka =
manufacturer = Holden
parent_company = General Motors
production = September 1991–July 1993
assembly =
predecessor = Holden VN Commodore
successor = Holden VR Commodore
class = Full-size
platform = GM V platform
body_style = 4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
engine = V6

• 3.8 L convert|127|kW|hp|0|abbr=on: 3800 V6

V8

• 5.0 L convert|165|kW|hp|0|abbr=on HEC 5000i V8

• 5.0 L convert|180|kW|hp|0|abbr=on: HSV enhanced HEC 5000i V8

transmission = 5-speed manual

• Borg-Warner T-5

4-speed automatic

• GM GM HydraMatic 4L60

length = convert|4891|mm|in|1|abbr=on–convert|4910|mm|in|1|abbr=on
width = convert|1812|mm|in|1|abbr=on
height = convert|1403|mm|in|1|abbr=on–convert|1422|mm|in|1|abbr=on
weight = convert|1332|kg|lb|0|abbr=on
fuel_capacity =
related = Holden VP Ute
Holden VQ Statesman
Holden VQ Caprice
Opel Omega
Opel Senator
similar =
designer =The Holden VP Commodore was the seventh model of the Holden Commodore, a large car produced by Australian automaker Holden.

The car was released in September 1991 and featured mainly cosmetic and feature changes to the outgoing VN. The same 3.8 litre V6 and 5.0 litre V8 engines from the VN Commodore were carried over, but the V6 engine received various revisions that improved it's refinement and noise characteristics as well as boosting power by two kilowatts. Accompanying the engine changes the 2.0 litre straight-4 was discontinued.

Semi-trailing arm IRS became standard on high-end luxury and performance models, those being the Calais and SS specification levels, and became an optional extra on lower-end models. In lieu of the live rear axle, drastically improving ride and handling.

ABS brakes were also introduced in the VP range as an option on Calais and SS models for Series I, and on most models with IRS for Series II versions. Additional security features were introduced across the range, which included an ignition-disabling device and a driver's door deadlock.

Specification levels

Commodore Executive

The Commodore Executive was the baseline model of the VP Commodore range.

:"The Commodore Executive standard features included:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#Executive | title = Holden VP Commodore Executive Standard Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006]

:"The Commodore Executive optional features included:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#Executive | title = Holden VP Commodore Executive Optional Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006]

Commodore S

The Commodore S was the cheapest sports variant of the VP Commodore range.

:"The Commodore S standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Executive variant:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#S | title = Holden VP Commodore S Standard Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006]

:"The Commodore S optional features included:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#S | title = Holden VP Commodore S Optional Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22| accessyear = 2006]

Commodore SS

The Commodore SS was the top of the line sports model of the VP Commodore range.

:"The Commodore SS standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore S variant:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#SS | title = Holden VP Commodore SS Standard Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006]

:"The Commodore SS optional features included:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#SS | title = Holden VP Commodore SS Optional Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006]

Commodore Berlina

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

:"The Commodore Berlina standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Executive variant:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#berlina | title = Holden VP Commodore Berlina Standard Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = October 21 | accessyear = 2006]

:"The Commodore Berlina optional features included:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#berlina | title = Holden VP Commodore Berlina Optional Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006]

Commodore Berlina LX

The Commodore Berlina LX was the semi-luxury version of the VP Commodore range.

:"The Commodore Berlina LX standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Berlina variant:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#BerLX | title = Holden VP Commodore Berlina Standard Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006]

:"The Commodore Berlina LX optional features included:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#BerLX | title = Holden VP Commodore Berlina LX Optional Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006]

Calais

The Calais was the luxury version of the VP Commodore range.

:"The Calais standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Berlina variant:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#Calais | title = Holden VP Calais Standard Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006] Standard features in the VP Calais included Advanced Braking System and Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), this was the first instance where IRS was used on a commodore, and continued through to the end of the VZ series commodores. Climate Control Air Conditioning, UpSpec Eurovox Cassette Player, Electric Windows, Level 3 Dash, Fully Adjustable Seats, Rear Headrests and armrests, map lights, grab handles, rear cigarette lighter, green courtesy lighting were also included. Extras on a V8 were Corvette Style front finned brake calipers and a Shot Peened borg warner diff, that was not limited slip, contrary to popular belief, but was still basically indestructible compared to the similar V6 diff.

:"The Calais optional features included:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#Calais | title = Holden VP Calais Optional Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006] Beige Leather or Black leather trim, leather stearing wheel, sunroof, Live Axle rear end (a no cost downgrade), convert|2100|kg|lb|0|abbr=on tow pack with body bracing. Some dealers would give buyers the option of a 'HSV enchanced package' which was basically a computer memcal, exhaust and intake upgrade, which saw V8 power levels rise from convert|165|kW|hp|0|abbr=on to convert|180|kW|hp|0|abbr=on.

Limited edition and other specification levels

Commodore SS V6

A limited run model which had all the 'SS' model's features, except for that fact that it only had a V6 unit, as opposed to a V8 of the regular SS models. Its main aim was as a rival of the then-newly released Ford 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.

:"The BT1 Commodores standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Executive. Although the pack varied in each state, they were commonly fitted with:"
* FE2 sports suspension
* Oil sump protector
* lighted and 2km increments instrument cluster
* dome light and map light interior lighting
* Steel rims know as (chaser)
* Transmission Cooler
* LPG
* country pack suspension
* vinyl floor mats
* limited slip differential

Commodore Vacationer

The Commodore Vacationer was a limited edition of VP Commodore range based on the Commodore Executive. The Commodore Vacationer was released in October 1992.

:"The Commodore Vacationer standard features supersede and add to those of the Commodore Executive variant:"

:"The Commodore Vacationer optional features included:"

Commodore GTS

(Drawing on lessons from previous IRS Statesman-based models and the VN Group A, HSV hit the ground running with the first VP GTS. At last, HSV had an independent rear suspension for its big grunt cars. The GTS was HSV’s first elite performance model with suspension that lifted it into the grand touring class exposing those with anything less as pretenders. In a move reminiscent of the legendary battles of the late 1960’s, the GTS was a knockout package and therefore humiliated the Falcon GT on its revival. For maximum impact and performance, the VP GTS drew on most of the VN Group A’s aerodynamic body additions and combined them with top shelf Senator wheels, grille and rear spoiler.It was a rare combination of brawn and class. And so it was under the bonnet. HSV brewed a special engine starting with the Group A block and internals capped off with the SV5000’s red motor ancillaries to keep the bonnet line low. It provided the best of both worlds, mean, powerful, amazingly flexible for road use and all the stamina of an endurance race engine. It was evil enough to warrant its black rocker covers and it is not for nothing that it is called the black engine. HSV’s premium brake package was there to harness it. The cabin was a match for all this action with a development of the Group A sports seats trimmed in body hugging cloth trim and a magnificent three spoke Momo steering wheel. The driver wore the GTS like a glove, big enough to be a boxing glove, yet driven quickly, the GTS grew smaller as it took on the precision of a rapier-like blade of steel.

The GTS represents pure distilled HSV magic and its tiny production run means there will never be enough to go around.)I believe this bit to be wrong.

The first of the GTS range brought out in commodores, Very limited run of 128 ever produced

New zealand model.Appears to be a executive with a ss body kit.Made under contract by HSV

Calais International

The Calais International was a limited edition of VP Commodore range based on the Calais. The Calais International was released in September 1992 with 300 made in total. The VP Calais Internationals' were available either Alaskan white or Anthracite grey, with 150 being made in each color. All were released from factory as Automatic V8s.

The Exterior comprised SS Lower kit, And a VQ Caprice Bootlip. The paint was single colour, unlike a normal Calais which had grey bottom half. Standard wheels were the same 15in Alloys found on VQ Statesmans.

The Interior was Black over Tan, with Tan partial leather/suede seats.

:"The Calais International standard features supersede and add to those of the Calais variant:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#CalaisInt | title = Holden VP Calais International Standard Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006]

:"The Calais International optional features included:" [cite web | url = http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html#CalaisInt | title = Holden VP Calais International Optional Features | work = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = November 22 | accessyear = 2006]

Gallery

Notes

References

* [http://hh.hansenits.com/model/v/vp_commodore_1991-93.html Holden Model History - Holden Commodore / Calais - VP Series October 1991 - July 1993]
* [http://home.iprimus.com.au/jshiong/thecars.htm#vp The Commodore Info Page - Holden Commodore / Calais - VP Series October 1991 - July 1993]
* [http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html The Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive - VP Commodore / Calais]
* [http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/vp-specs.html The Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive - VN Commodore / Calais Specifications]
* [http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_holden_commodore_vp.htm Unique Cars and Parts: Holden Commodore VP]
*Wheels magazine "2006 Collector's Edition VE Commodore: The Full Story"