Holden Commodore (VR)

Holden VR Commodore
Holden Commodore (VR) Acclaim sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Holden (General Motors)
Also called	Holden Calais Holden Ute[1] Opel Calais Toyota Lexcen (T3)
Production	1993–1995
Assembly	Australia: Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size car
Body style	2-door coupe utility[1] 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Platform	FR layout GM V
Related	Holden Statesman/Caprice (VR) HSV VR CSV 220i Opel Omega A
Powertrain
Engine	[2] V6 3.8 L 3800 (non-IRS models 130 kW (174 hp)) IRS models (132 kW (177 hp)) V8 5.0 L HEC 5000i V8 (165 kW (221 hp)) L6 (Not available in Australia) 2.6 L Dual Ram Inline 6 (110 kW (148 hp))
Transmission	Manual 5-speed Borg-Warner T-5 Automatic 4-speed GM 4L60-E
Chronology
Predecessor	Holden Commodore (VP)
Successor	Holden Commodore (VS)

The Holden Commodore (VR) is a full-size car that was produced by the Australian manufacturer Holden from 1993 to 1995. It was the third iteration of the second generation of this Australian made model. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VR) and Holden Calais (VR).

Overview

Launched in July 1993 and sold until April 1995, the VR series came with an updated, sleeker and more modern design, as well as safety enhancements such as anti-lock brakes (ABS). From the side, the biggest change was the revised daylight opening around the C-pillar and the use of a round rear wheelarch, instead of a squared-off shape used on the previous VN and VP model Commodores. The VR Acclaim and Calais included a driver's side Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)^[3] air bag as standard, which was a first for an Australian car. They also had standard ABS brakes and independent rear suspension (IRS). The airbag, ABS brakes and IRS were also available across the range for both automatic transmission and manual transmission models. The rear-end treatment saw raised tail lamps, which were recessed high up on the boot lid for safety reasons. A new electronic version of the Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 (TH700) automatic transmission was introduced, known as the GM 4L60-E. The VR Commodore was Wheels Car of the Year for 1993.

Models

Commodore Executive

Commodore Executive opened up the VR lineup, although it was primarily projected at fleet customers. Power steering, electric side mirrors and four-wheel disc brakes were standard, with automatic transmission optional.

Only one limited edition model was offered in the VR range:

• Commodore Equipe: introduced in 1995, a Series II model in either sedan or wagon bodies was based on the Executive.

Commodore Acclaim

Holden VR Commodore Engine Bay with the 3.8 L 3800

With the introduction of the VR Commodore, Holden added the Acclaim model to the Commodore range. Sitting one notch above the Executive, the Acclaim was based on an automatic transmission Executive with a safety pack that was aimed at families and featured ABS brakes, IRS, driver's side airbag and cruise control as standard.

Although the Acclaim came standard with automatic transmission, a buyer could, by taking an Executive with manual transmission, and adding the ABS brakes, IRS, and airbag options, have a Commodore that was almost a manual transmission Acclaim. Only cruise control was not available as an option.

Commodore S

The Commodore S was a sports option based on the Executive, retaining its 3.8-litre engine.

Commodore SS

Interior of an SS

SS models were similar to the S, except that they were fitted with Holden's 5.0 litre HEC 5000i V8. A unique-to-SS alloy wheel design was also featured. Also as an option they had the choice of a 185 kW (252 PS; 248 hp) engine

Berlina

The Berlina was the first of the luxury-oriented variants. Alloy wheels, electric windows and automatic transmission were standard fitment.

Calais

The Calais topped the VR lineup with an automatic transmission, driver's airbag, IRS, and ABS as standard, as well as features, such as climate control and velour trim or optional leather, to differentiate it from the lesser Commodore models.

• 

  Commodore Executive wagon (Series II)

• 

  Commodore Equipe sedan (Series II, limited edition)

• 

  Commodore SS

• 

  HSV Clubsport

Holden Ute

A coupe utility variant of the VR Commodore was offered in Holden Ute and the Holden 'S’ Ute models.^[1] Unlike the Ute which carried no external model badging, the 'S’ Ute was fitted with "Commodore" badges.^[1]

• 

  Holden Ute S (Series II)

• 

  Holden Ute S (Series II)

HSV range

The enhanced performance VR range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) comprised the variants listed below.

Clubsport

The VR Clubsport was launched in 1993 along with the new Holden VR Commodore along with the Maloo Ute and Sedans Manta (level Below clubsport) an GTS (Level Above Clubsport). The Clubsport, Maloo and Manta still used the same 5-litre Holden V8 as the VP Clubsport while the GTS got a Stroked out version, making it a 5.7-litre Holden V8 that produced 220 kW (295 hp).

GTS

Came with a six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Its V8 engine produced 215 kW (288 hp) and 475 N·m (350 lb·ft). 277 produced.

Maloo

The VR series Maloo utility was introduced in August 1993 with new front sheetmetal and a reworked interior appearance. The 5.0 litre V8 engine was upgraded slightly to 185 kW (248 hp). 156 examples were produced.^[4]

Senator

In 1993, the significantly redesigned VR Senator was released, based on the VR Commodore it was the first radical body change since the 1988. The rear seating was from the Holden Statesman. Along with the rest of the HSV range, the Senator bodykit was penned by designer Ian Callum to produce a sleeker, more aggressive stance along with a 185 kW (248 hp) version of the 5.0-litre V8. A new suspension setup was developed, known as the touring package which aimed to provide capable handling and a smooth ride. Additionally from May 1994 onwards, the Senator could be optioned with HSV's new 215 kW (288 hp) 5.0-litre "stroker" V8 known as the '215i'. The $10,000 "stroker" engine option was handbuilt as an upgrade over the 5.0-litre V8. This engine could be coupled to either the 4-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission.^[5] 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) takes 7.8 sec for the 185i and takes 7.3 sec for the 215i. Total number built for both versions was 855.^[6]

Toyota Lexcen (T3)

Toyota Lexcen (T3) CSi wagon

Toyota Lexcen (T3) Newport sedan

The United Australian Automobile Industries (UAAI) joint venture agreement with Toyota Australia first starting with the VN Commodore continued with the VP and VR. The VR Lexcen equivalent was known as the T3 series, and was introduced at or about the same time as the other VR models; featuring subtle styling differences, particularly, the front panels. While the VR badged as a Holden was either first or second in the monthly Australian automotive sales, the Toyota Lexcen sold substantially fewer, with some interpreting the Toyota Lexcen as Japan returning to its copycat roots. This was due to Toyota specifying styling that was in common with the then new "wide body" Camry, while retaining the original Commodore bodywork and interiors. Lexcen sales were still quite low, also another factor in this is Holden restricted Toyota in the number of Lexcens it was to provide to them. The number of technical service bulletins, recalls and customer service exercises on Holden-supplied Lexcens exceeds typical Toyota exercises on Toyota built vehicles in the era by more than five to one.

References

1. The Legendary V6 And V8 Holden Utes, 12-page brochure AD10510 of July 1993 covering the VR Series Holden Ute and Holden 'S’ Ute
2. Holden Owner's Handbook VR series, General Motors - Holden's Automotive Ltd, 1993, page 8-2
3. Holden Owner's Handbook VR Series, General Motors - Holden's Automotive Ltd, 1993, page 6-5
4. "20th Anniversary Maloo R8 Brochure". HSV.com.au. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
5. "The arrival of the VR". Archived from the original on 21 April 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2007.
6. "(1993-1995) HSV VR". Retrieved 8 March 2007.