- Holden VS Commodore
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For a complete overview of all Commodore models, see Holden Commodore.
Holden VS Commodore 
1996–1998 Holden VS II Commodore S utilityManufacturer Holden Also called Holden VS Berlina
Holden VS Calais
Opel Calais
Toyota LexcenProduction April 1995–August 1997 Assembly Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia Predecessor Holden VR Commodore Successor Holden VT Commodore Class Full-size car Body style 2-door coupé utility
4-door sedan
5-door station wagonPlatform FR GM V platform Engine 3.8 L ECOTEC 3800 V6
3.8 L Supercharged ECOTEC V6
5.0 L 5000i V8Transmission 4-speed 4L60-E automatic
5-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual
5-speed Getrag 260 transmission manualWheelbase Sedan: 2,731 mm (107.5 in)
Wagon: 2,822 mm (111.1 in)Length Sedan: 4,861 mm (191.4 in)
Wagon: 4,903 mm (193.0 in)Width 1,794 mm (70.6 in) Height 1,476 mm (58.1 in) Curb weight 1,385–1,477 kg (3,050–3,260 lb) Related Holden VS Statesman/Caprice The Holden VS Commodore, released in 1995, was the ninth model of the Holden Commodore, a large car built by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. The VS Commodore served as a mechanical update of the second generation architecture, destined to assist sales before the all-new VT model. The extent of exterior changes veered not much further than a redesigned Holden logo and wheel trims.[1] An updated Ecotec (Emissions and Consumption Optimisation through TEChnology) version of the Buick V6 engine coincided with the changes to the engine in the United States. The Ecotec engine packed 13 percent more power, an increase of 17 kilowatts (23 hp) over the VR, cut fuel consumption by 5 percent, and increased the compression ratio from 9.0:1 to 9.4:1. Holden mated the new engine with a modified version of the GM 4L60-E automatic transmission, bringing improved throttle response and smoother changes between gears.[1] Safety features were also improved, with a passenger airbag becoming available. Limited edition VS station wagon with manual gear box was limited to a production of 300.
The Series II update of June 1996 brought elliptical side turn signals, interior tweaks and the introduction of a L67 Supercharged V6 engine for selected trim levels.[1] The new supercharged engine slotted in between the existing engines in the lineup and was officially rated at 165 kilowatts (221 hp), just 3 kilowatts (4 hp) below the V8.[2]
The VS Commodore was the last of which to be sold as Toyota Lexcens, as Holden and Toyota ended their model-sharing scheme.[3] The last Lexcens were built during 1997.[4]
This model was also sold between 1995 and 1997 in small numbers to Malaysia and Singapore as the Opel Calais.[5][6] Prior to the VS, the Opel-badged models were sold in VR specification from 1994. As of December 1994, Holden were selling approximately 40 per month of the VR series Opel Calais.[6] Both the VR and VS versions were fitted with the Opel-sourced 2.6-litre C26NE inline-six engine and four-speed 4L30-E automatic. These vehicles initially featured the front-end of the VR Statesman[6] until a circa 1997 facelift progressed to the front-end design of the VS Caprice. The final batch of Singapore-bound Opel Calais models were produced in August 1997 and featured the newer 2.5-litre X25XE V6 engine with the 4L30-E automatic transmission. However, this order was cancelled, likely due to the imminent Asian financial crisis. As the vehicles were not compliant for sale in Australia, they were instead exported to New Zealand and retailed through Ebbett Waikato dealerships, complied as 1998 models, and rebranded as the "Holden Commodore Royale".[7]
Contents
Utility
The coupé utility version of the Commodore was released in April 1995, and stayed in production (with minor changes along the way) until the December 2000 release of the Holden Ute (VU).
VS II Calais sedan
VS II Commodore Executive wagon
VS II Commodore Royale sedan (New Zealand)References
- ^ a b c "Holden Commodore VS". Unique Cars and Parts. http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_holden_commodore_vs.htm. Retrieved 2007-08-01.
- ^ "Holden Commodore VS". MyHolden.com.au. http://www.myholden.com.au/commodores/vs.php. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
- ^ "NRMA Used Car Review - Holden Commodore VS I & II". NRMA. http://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynrma/hs.xsl/holden_vs_commodore_used_car.htm. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "Toyota Lexcen". Red Book. Automotive Data Services. http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/index.php?make=TOYO&family=PSLEXCEN. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "Opel Calais". Red Book (Malaysia). Automotive Data Services. http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/my/vehicle/index.php?make=OPEL&family=PSCALAIS. Retrieved 2007-03-25.
- ^ a b c MacKenzie, Angus, ed (January 1995). "Calais' Singapore Sting". Wheels (Sydney, New South Wales: ACP Syme Magazines): 13. "Holden has followed the lead set by Ford with its new Fairmonts and given Calais the same nose treatment as its upscale long wheelbase models. But you won't be seeing it in your local Holden dealerships — yet. This car is the new 2.6 litre Opel engined Calais destined for Singapore and Malaysia, where Holden currently sells about 40 per month. This is despite a price tag in Singapore of a mere $200,000 thanks to tariffs, taxes and a mandatory 'certificate of entitlement' which costs $100,000 per car. In Malaysia the Calais is a steal at $76,000. The simple but effective make-over involved fitting a Statesman bonnet with integral grille, and a Statesman front bumper."
- ^ "1998 Holden Commodore Royale". Red Book (New Zealand). Automotive Data Services. http://redbook.co.nz/vehicle/specs.php?id=508537. Retrieved 2011-10-30.
Utility
The coupé utility version of the Commodore was released in April 1995, and stayed in production until the December 2000 release of the Holden Ute (VU).
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1996–1997 Holden VS II Calais sedan
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1996–1997 Holden VS II Commodore Executive wagon
References
- ^ a b c "Holden Commodore VS". Unique Cars and Parts. http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_holden_commodore_vs.htm. Retrieved 2007-08-01.
- ^ "Holden Commodore VS". MyHolden.com.au. http://www.myholden.com.au/commodores/vs.php. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
- ^ "NRMA Used Car Review - Holden Commodore VS I & II". NRMA. http://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynrma/hs.xsl/holden_vs_commodore_used_car.htm. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "Toyota Lexcen". Red Book. Automotive Data Services. http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/index.php?make=TOYO&family=PSLEXCEN. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
- ^ "Opel Calais". Red Book (Malaysia). Automotive Data Services. http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/my/vehicle/index.php?make=OPEL&family=PSCALAIS. Retrieved 2007-03-25.
- ^ a b c MacKenzie, Angus, ed (January 1995). "Calais' Singapore Sting". Wheels (Sydney, New South Wales: ACP Syme Magazines): 13. "Holden has followed the lead set by Ford with its new Fairmonts and given Calais the same nose treatment as its upscale long wheelbase models. But you won't be seeing it in your local Holden dealerships — yet. This car is the new 2.6 litre Opel engined Calais destined for Singapore and Malaysia, where Holden currently sells about 40 per month. This is despite a price tag in Singapore of a mere $200,000 thanks to tariffs, taxes and a mandatory 'certificate of entitlement' which costs $100,000 per car. In Malaysia the Calais is a steal at $76,000. The simple but effective make-over involved fitting a Statesman bonnet with integral grille, and a Statesman front bumper."
- ^ "1998 Holden Commodore Royale". Red Book (New Zealand). Automotive Data Services. http://redbook.co.nz/vehicle/specs.php?id=508537. Retrieved 2011-10-30.
Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors, automobile timeline, 1948–present List of Holden vehicles
† HQ–WB Statesmans not marketed under the "Holden" brand, but rather the separate "Statesman" brand.Categories:- Cars of Australia
- Holden Commodore
- Full-size vehicles
- Rear wheel drive vehicles
- Sedans
- Station wagons
- Vehicles introduced in 1995
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