The Holden Commodore (VY) is an
executive car
Executive car is a British term for a large car which is equivalent to the European E-segment and American full-size classifications. Executive cars are larger than compact executive cars (and the non-luxury equivalent mid-size cars), and small ...
that was produced by
Holden
Holden, formerly known as General Motors-Holden, was an Australian subsidiary company of General Motors. It was an Australian automobile manufacturer, importer, and exporter which sold cars under its own marque in Australia. In its last thre ...
from 2002 to 2004. It was the third iteration of the third generation of the
Commodore
Commodore may refer to:
Ranks
* Commodore (rank), a naval rank
** Commodore (Royal Navy), in the United Kingdom
** Commodore (United States)
** Commodore (Canada)
** Commodore (Finland)
** Commodore (Germany) or ''Kommodore''
* Air commodore ...
. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VY) and Holden Calais (VY); commercial versions were called the Holden One Tonner (VY), Holden Ute (VY), and Holden Crewman (VY). In 2003, the range also saw the introduction of the first Commodore-based
all-wheel drive
An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand.
The most common forms of all-wheel drive are:
;1x1 : All unicycles Reflecting one axle with one w ...
variants, including the Holden Adventra (VY) wagon.
Overview
Released in September 2002 and produced until August 2004 (with a Series II released in August 2003), the VY series was the first major design departure (both inside and out) of the third generation Commodore range released in August 1997. It launched at the same time as the
Ford Falcon (BA)
The Ford Falcon (BA) is a full-size car, full-sized car produced by Ford Australia from 2002 to 2005. It was the second significantly re-engineered iteration of the sixth generation of the Ford Falcon (Australia), Falcon, and also included the F ...
.
The range included the following models:
* Commodore Executive
* Commodore Acclaim
* Commodore S
* Commodore SV8
* Commodore SS
* Berlina
* Calais
These models were all offered as sedans, and wagons only with the Executive, Acclaim and Berlina. Unusually, the VY also introduced a limited edition SS wagon featuring the same V8 (upgraded to for Series II), body kit and sports suspension as the SS sedan. However, it was equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels as opposed to the 18-inch wheels on the sedan. 500 such wagons were produced for Series I, and 350 for Series II.
The VY was the last Commodore to use the 3.8-litre ''Ecotec'' V6 engines.
Development
Design
The front and rear of the body had minor restyling, with a new front grille, headlights and taillights. The interior has been significantly upgraded. Interior upgrade includes a new instrument panel, centre console and steering wheel and new design
transmission lever and handbrake. There is also a new mobile phone power outlet under the centre console. The new instrument cluster features a large multi-function digital display (single or triple window, depending on model), which displays information such as radio station display, PRND321 gear selected indicator, trip computer with stopwatch function, service reminders and a help facility.
Standard features (on some models) now include "twilight sentinel" - automatic headlamp control, programmable headlamps off time delay, high feature Blaupunkt audio systems, road-speed sensitive intermittent wipers and passenger airbags.
The VY Series II update added
cruise control
Cruise control (also known as speed control, cruise command, autocruise, or tempomat) is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system is a servomechanism that takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a ste ...
, front
power window
Power windows or electric windows are automobile windows which can be raised and lowered by pressing a button or switch, as opposed to using a crank handle.
History
Packard had introduced hydraulic window lifts (power windows) in fall of ...
s variable front seat
lumbar
In tetrapod anatomy, lumbar is an adjective that means ''of or pertaining to the abdominal segment of the torso, between the diaphragm and the sacrum.''
The lumbar region is sometimes referred to as the lower spine, or as an area of the back i ...
support, and revised interior trims. A 245 kW (329 hp) V8 was introduced to sports variants and a sportier repositioning of the Calais model. This repositioning included a subtle body kit, the option of a 235 kW V8 in place of the previous 225 kW (302 hp) and a firmer suspension tune (known as ''FE 1.5'') that was not as stiff as the FE2 suspension on sports variants.
Powertrains
Models
Commodore Executive
The Executive is the baseline model of the VY Commodore range. Pricing for the Executive started from A$31,650.
The Executive features included:
*
3.8 L 152 kW (204 hp) ECOTEC V6
*
5-speed manual transmission (option of
4-speed automatic transmission)
*
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaini ...
(ABS)
*
Brake assist
Brake assist (BA or BAS) or emergency brake assist (EBA) is a term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity. Research c ...
(BA)
*
CD player
* Driver's and passenger's
airbag
An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then quickly deflate during a collision. It consists of the airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. Th ...
s
*
Independent rear suspension (IRS)
* Power antenna
* Security system
* Trip computer
* 15-inch steel wheels
* Cruise control
* Air conditioning
Commodore Acclaim
The Acclaim is one model up from the base model of the VY Commodore range. Pricing for the Acclaim started from A$37,510.
The Acclaim features included:
*
3.8 L 152 kW (204 hp) ECOTEC V6
*
4-speed automatic transmission
*
Air conditioning
Air conditioning, often abbreviated as A/C or AC, is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment (sometimes referred to as 'comfort cooling') and in some cases also strictly controlling ...
*
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaini ...
(ABS)
*
Brake assist
Brake assist (BA or BAS) or emergency brake assist (EBA) is a term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity. Research c ...
(BA)
*
CD player
*
Cruise control
Cruise control (also known as speed control, cruise command, autocruise, or tempomat) is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system is a servomechanism that takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a ste ...
* Driver's and passenger's
airbag
An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then quickly deflate during a collision. It consists of the airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. Th ...
s
* Front and rear power windows
*
Independent rear suspension (IRS)
* Power antenna
* Security system
* Side impact
airbag
An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then quickly deflate during a collision. It consists of the airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. Th ...
s (SIAB)
*
Traction control system
A traction control system (TCS), also known as ASR (from german: Antriebsschlupfregelung, lit=drive slippage regulation), is typically (but not necessarily) a secondary function of the electronic stability control (ESC) on production motor vehicle ...
(TCS)
* Trip computer
* 15-inch alloy wheels
Commodore S
The S is the cheapest sports variant. Pricing for the S started from A$37,820.
The S features included:
*
3.8 L 152 kW (204 hp) ECOTEC V6 (option of 171 kW (229 hp) Supercharged V6)
*
5-speed manual transmission (option of
4-speed automatic transmission)
*
Air conditioning
Air conditioning, often abbreviated as A/C or AC, is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment (sometimes referred to as 'comfort cooling') and in some cases also strictly controlling ...
*
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaini ...
(ABS)
*
Brake assist
Brake assist (BA or BAS) or emergency brake assist (EBA) is a term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity. Research c ...
(BA)
*
CD player
*
Cruise control
Cruise control (also known as speed control, cruise command, autocruise, or tempomat) is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system is a servomechanism that takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a ste ...
* Driver's and passenger's
airbag
An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then quickly deflate during a collision. It consists of the airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. Th ...
s
* FE2 sports suspension
* Front and rear power windows
*
Independent rear suspension (IRS)
* Power antenna
* Security system
*
Traction control system
A traction control system (TCS), also known as ASR (from german: Antriebsschlupfregelung, lit=drive slippage regulation), is typically (but not necessarily) a secondary function of the electronic stability control (ESC) on production motor vehicle ...
(TCS)
* Trip computer
* 16-inch alloy wheels (17-inch alloy wheels on the Series II)
Commodore SV8
![2003 Holden Commodore (VY II) SV8 sedan (2016-09-28)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/2003_Holden_Commodore_%28VY_II%29_SV8_sedan_%282016-09-28%29.jpg)
The VY Commodore was the first to not offer a V8 option on the Executive model. Buyers now had to choose the new SV8 as the cheapest V8 variant. The SV8 was essentially an Executive with a V8 engine, rear spoiler and unique 17 inch alloy wheels. Pricing for the SV8 started from A$40,490.
The SV8 features included:
* 5.7 L 235 kW (315 hp) V8 (245 kW (329 hp) High Output V8 in Series II)
* 6-speed manual transmission (option of 4-speed automatic transmission)
* Air conditioning
* Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
* Brake assist (BA)
* CD player
* Driver's and passenger's airbags
* FE2 sports suspension
* Limited slip differential (LSD)
* Independent rear suspension (IRS)
* Power antenna
* Security system
* Traction control system (TCS)
* Trip computer
* 17-inch alloy wheels
Commodore SS
The SS was the flagship sports model of the VY range. Pricing for the SS started from A$49,490.
The SS features included:
* 5.7 L 235 kW (315 hp) V8 (245 kW (329 hp) High Output V8 in Series II)
* 6-speed manual transmission (option of 4-speed automatic transmission)
* Single in-dash CD player (option of 6 disc in-dash cd player)
* Air conditioning
* Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
* Brake assist (BA)
* Cruise control
* Driver's and passenger's airbags
* FE2 sports suspension
* Front and rear power windows
* Independent rear suspension (IRS)
* Limited slip differential (LSD)
* Power antenna
* Security system
* Side impact airbags (SIAB)
* Traction control system (TCS)
* Trip computer
* 18-inch alloy wheels
Berlina
The Berlina is the semi-luxury version of the VY range; it sits above the Acclaim and below the Calais. Pricing for the Berlina starts from A$40,850.
The Berlina features included:
*
3.8 L 152 kW (204 hp) ECOTEC V6 (option of 225 kW (302 hp) LS1 V8)
*
4-speed automatic transmission
* 6-disc in-dash
CD player
*
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaini ...
(ABS)
*
Brake assist
Brake assist (BA or BAS) or emergency brake assist (EBA) is a term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity. Research c ...
(BA)
* Climate control
air conditioning
Air conditioning, often abbreviated as A/C or AC, is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment (sometimes referred to as 'comfort cooling') and in some cases also strictly controlling ...
*
Cruise control
Cruise control (also known as speed control, cruise command, autocruise, or tempomat) is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system is a servomechanism that takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a ste ...
* Driver's and passenger's
airbag
An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then quickly deflate during a collision. It consists of the airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. Th ...
s
* Front and rear power windows
*
Independent rear suspension (IRS)
* Power antenna
* Security system
* Side impact
airbag
An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then quickly deflate during a collision. It consists of the airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. Th ...
s (SIAB)
*
Traction control system
A traction control system (TCS), also known as ASR (from german: Antriebsschlupfregelung, lit=drive slippage regulation), is typically (but not necessarily) a secondary function of the electronic stability control (ESC) on production motor vehicle ...
(TCS)
*
Trip computer
A trip computer is a computer fitted to some cars; most modern trip computers record, calculate, and display the distance travelled, the average speed, the average fuel consumption, and real-time fuel consumption.
The first, mechanical trip co ...
* 16-inch alloy wheels
Berlina International
A limited run of 325 VY series 1 wagons (all in the colour Turbine Grey) was released in 2002. These were a level above the Berlina with some Calais options which include the following:
![VY Berlina International](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/VY_Berlina_International_.jpg)
* Calais headlights
* Unique satin grey badging
* Dual-zone climate control
* 8-way electric front seats without memory function
* Pistachio Green leather seats with Racquet cloth inserts
* 4 custom floor mats
* 6-spoke alloy wheels from the WH Statesman
Calais
The Calais is the top-of-the-line luxury model in the VY range; it sits above the Berlina and combines luxury with performance. Pricing for the Calais starts from A$56,250.
The Calais features included:
* 3.8 L 171 kW (229 hp) Supercharged ECOTEC V6 (option of 152 kW (204 hp) ECOTEC V6 or 225 kW LS1 V8 (302 hp) then 235 kW (315 hp) LS1 V8 in Series II)
* 4-speed automatic transmission
* 6-disc in-dash CD player
* Bose speakers
* Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
* Brake Assist (BA)
* Climate control air conditioning
* Cruise control
* Driver's and passenger's airbags
* Front and rear power windows
* Independent rear suspension (IRS)
* Luggage net
* Power antenna
* Rear park assist
* Security system
* Side-impact airbags (SIAB)
* Traction control system (TCS)
* Trip computer
* 16-inch alloy wheels
eries 1
The Erie people (also Eriechronon, Riquéronon, Erielhonan, Eriez, Nation du Chat) were Indigenous people historically living on the south shore of Lake Erie. An Iroquoian group, they lived in what is now western New York, northwestern Pennsylvani ...
* 17-inch alloy wheels
eries 2
The Erie people (also Eriechronon, Riquéronon, Erielhonan, Eriez, Nation du Chat) were Indigenous people historically living on the south shore of Lake Erie. An Iroquoian group, they lived in what is now western New York, northwestern Pennsylvani ...
Adventra
The Holden Adventra is Holden's first
all-wheel drive
An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand.
The most common forms of all-wheel drive are:
;1x1 : All unicycles Reflecting one axle with one w ...
variant built on the wagon platform. It was produced between October 2003 and February 2005 also acting as the basis of commercial derivates in the form of the Crewman Cross 8 and
Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) was the officially designated performance vehicle division for Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the privately owned company modified Holden models such as the standard wheelbase Commodore, ...
sports variants. The Adventra is based on the VY II Commodore station wagon but features an
all-wheel drive
An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand.
The most common forms of all-wheel drive are:
;1x1 : All unicycles Reflecting one axle with one w ...
configuration as opposed to a
rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars.
Most rear-wheel ...
running gear. Available in two equipment levels—CX8 and LX8—with a standardised driveline consisting of a single
powertrain
A drivetrain (also frequently spelled as drive train or sometimes drive-train) is the group of components that deliver mechanical power from the prime mover to the driven components. In automotive engineering, the drivetrain is the components o ...
combination. That being, a 5.7-litre ''
Generation III''
V8 engine
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration.
The first V8 engine was produced by the French Antoinette company in 1904, developed and us ...
rated at and a four-speed
automatic transmission
An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving c ...
.
Over the standard Commodore wagon, the Adventra adds a 60/40 split rear seat and additional gauges above the central ventilation outlets. Black plastic accents on the front and rear bumpers along with the wheel guards visually distinguished the Adventra from the Commodore.
Extra-cost options available included third-row seating, cargo hold down nets, and an off-road recovery kit.
Holden replaced the VY II with the
VZ Adventra in 2004. An interim VZ Adventra appeared in August 2004 at the time of the release of the VZ Commodore range, but this was in essence the familiar VY body with VZ engine, running gear, ECU and a VZ compliance plate. A true VZ series facelift was introduced in February 2005 and with it, the introduction of a V6 engine as the principal power unit.
Commercial range
The VU Ute range was facelifted in 2002 to create the VY-based Ute range. These commercial vehicles received the same upgrades as the sedan/wagon range, which involved a new, sharper-designed nose, and restyled interior. The same three specification models were carried over for the VY and picked up the same upgraded equipment lists as the VY sedans. The VY ute models were not badged as "Commodores".
The VY range marked major change for Holden's Ute range, with the 2003 addition of two new models: the return of the One Tonner cab-chassis utility after an 18-year hiatus; and the introduction of Holden's first-ever 4-door utility, arriving in the form of the Crewman. The Crewman brought a longer wheelbase – compared to the of the Ute; and a shorter tray – compared to the of the Ute In December 2003, Holden released an
all-wheel drive
An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand.
The most common forms of all-wheel drive are:
;1x1 : All unicycles Reflecting one axle with one w ...
variant of the Crewman known as the Crewman Cross 8. Powered by a
V8 engine
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration.
The first V8 engine was produced by the French Antoinette company in 1904, developed and us ...
, the Cross 8 featured a modified appearance, more suited to an off-road vehicle.
Both the Crewman and One Tonner models added instant sales to the Holden range, sparking rapid expansion of the Holden Ute range, its first major growth spurt since its 1990 reintroduction. Once again the same three specifications were carried over for the VY, with the Ute range available in base Ute, S & SS forms. The same did not apply for the One-Tonner cab-chassis range though – it was available in just two model forms, base and S.
*Base: Based on Commodore Executive specification. Available with 3.8-litre
Ecotec V6
*S : Based on Commodore S specification. Available with 3.8-litre
Ecotec V6 – 4sp auto, 5sp manual
*SS: Based on Commodore SS specification. 5.7-litre
Generation 3 V8 – 6sp manual or 4sp auto
Crewman
Crewman is a generic term for a crew member serving in the operation of an aircraft, naval vessel, or train. The term may also refer to individuals serving in a military capacity on weapon system platforms, such as those operating a tank.
In so ...
models were on the other hand available with the same three specifications as the Ute range and were launched conjointly with the rest of Holden's VY Series 2 range, the major update this time being the addition of to the Gen.3 V8. By December 2003 the Crewman range had expanded to include Holden's very first AWD utility in the form of the Crewman Cross 8. The Cross 8 received bolstered wheelarches, raised ride height as well as additional equipment, with the sole drivetrain being the recently upgraded Gen.3 V8 connected to a 4-speed automatic. V6-powered versions of the One Tonner & Crewman were only available with automatic transmission. The VY's were superseded by the arrival of the VZ range in August 2004.
HSV range (Y Series)
The enhanced performance VY range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is marketed as the ''Y Series'' and it comprised the variants listed below, alphabetically. For the first time, HSV stopped adopting the same series code as the mainstream donor cars in order to further differentiate its products.
Avalanche
The HSV Avalanche is an
all-wheel drive
An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand.
The most common forms of all-wheel drive are:
;1x1 : All unicycles Reflecting one axle with one w ...
crossover SUV
A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of automobile with an increased ride height that is built on unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars, as opposed to traditional sport utility vehicles ( ...
that was manufactured by
Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) was the officially designated performance vehicle division for Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the privately owned company modified Holden models such as the standard wheelbase Commodore, ...
(HSV) between 2003 and 2005. Based on the Holden Adventra LX8 crossover wagon, the Avalanche range also incorporated a dual-cab
utility
As a topic of economics, utility is used to model worth or value. Its usage has evolved significantly over time. The term was introduced initially as a measure of pleasure or happiness as part of the theory of utilitarianism by moral philosopher ...
model known as the HSV Avalanche XUV. The XUV derived from the Holden Crewman Cross8.
Both HSV vehicles were built in two series, the 2003 "Y Series II" (the wagon was actually available as of October/November 2003) and an updated version of the "Y Series II", which included some of the upgrades found in the newer "Z Series" HSV models. These later models are quite rare, with a building life of nine months from April 2005 to December 2005.
As with the related Holden VY all-wheel drive vehicles, the HSV Y Series AWD vehicles as built from September 2004 to March 2005 confusingly have Z Series compliance and
Vehicle Identification Number
A vehicle identification number (VIN) (also called a chassis number or frame number) is a unique code, including a serial number, used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles, towed vehicles, motorcycles, scooters ...
s; this correlates to the building of new specification
Holden VZ and Z Series HSV non-AWD cars during this period.
The updated Avalanches with some of the Z Series upgrades can be externally visually differentiated from the Y Series versions by their re-profiled front bumper unit that looks less aggressive and which features a more integrated appearance to the auxiliary driving lights.
The Avalanche vehicles were fitted exclusively with the 5.7-litre ''
LS1 LS1 may refer to:
* Central Leeds postcode
* GM LS engine
"LS engine" is the colloquial name given to the third and fourth generation small-block V8 gasoline engine used in General Motors' vehicles. The name evolved from the need to differe ...
''
V8 engine
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration.
The first V8 engine was produced by the French Antoinette company in 1904, developed and us ...
rated at of power and of torque, mated to a four-speed ''
4L65-E'' automatic gearbox. Permanent all-wheel drive was calibrated to deliver 62 percent of the power to the rear wheels, thereby maintaining a rear-wheel drive feel to the handling of these vehicles.
Along with Holden's V8 Commodore-based AWD vehicles, the HSV Avalanche series was discontinued in late 2005 due to phasing out of the 5.7-litre ''
LS1 LS1 may refer to:
* Central Leeds postcode
* GM LS engine
"LS engine" is the colloquial name given to the third and fourth generation small-block V8 gasoline engine used in General Motors' vehicles. The name evolved from the need to differe ...
'' engines because of the
Euro III emissions regulations.
Clubsport
![2002-04 VY Clubsport 2003</h1></p>](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/2002-04_VY_Clubsport_2003%3D%3D.JPG)
VY Clubsport was based on the VY Holden Commodore frame. The V8 5.7litre GEN3 Chevrolet engine was revised to produce 260KW this model was available in 4 Speed auto or 6 Speed Manual.
GTS
VY GTS was a special order only vehicle with very limited build numbers, making it one of the most sought HSV's of the future. Only 100 of these cars were produced
Maloo
![2002-2003 HSV Maloo (Y Series) R8 utility 01](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/2002-2003_HSV_Maloo_%28Y_Series%29_R8_utility_01.jpg)
HSV's facelifted Y Series (as opposed to VY series in Holden terminology) was released in October 2002. The original Y Series Maloo utility retained the 5.7-litre LS1 engine from the VU, but power was increased to . Enhancements such as Climate Control air conditioning and the 'Performance' Brake System were made standard equipment on Maloo, with the 'Premium' Brake system now standard equipment on Maloo R8. New paint colours included Hothouse Green and Turbine Grey. 167 standard Maloo versions and 132 R8 models were produced in the original Y Series.
Y Series 2 was released in October 2003 in concert with HSV's Coupe Series 3 range, with the LS1 5.7-litre V8's engine power now increased to . New paint colours for the Maloo range were Syracuse (gold) and HSV Ultra Violet. 312 standard Maloo versions and 361 R8 models were produced in Y Series 2.
Senator Signature
Following a slight change to the HSV series naming method, the Y Series Senators, based on the
VY Commodore debuted in 2003. The Y-series naming method caused confusion with most people still calling it the VY. Featuring even more angular and aggressive styling, the Y series offered both an entry-level grand tourer Senator and high luxury Senator Signature models. Both came standard with a revised Luxury suspension tune, rear parking sensors and LS1 engine. In addition to the features found on the Senator, the Senator Signature came with larger alloy wheels (the Senator came equipped with wheels), different seats and larger front brakes. The Y Series II update upgraded power to .
Some of the features that were introduced on the Y-series Senator include oil and battery gauges on the centre stack, shale leather trim interior trim as well as white backing for the instruments. A leather steering wheel was added to improve grip and feel when turning and more memory options for the front electric seats to cater to different users. HSV redesigned the front seats because of complaints from the customers they were too uncomfortable.
Standard features include a CD stacker, power mirrors and windows, cruise control, climate control, engine immobilizer and remote central locking. A rear DVD player and headphones were added. Front and side airbags were standard across the whole range. Two extra safety features were added: an electric tyre pressure monitoring system and
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) driving lights. Once again the fully independent multi-link rear suspension is standard on the Senator. GPS or
Satellite navigation
A satellite navigation or satnav system is a system that uses satellites to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning. It allows satellite navigation devices to determine their location (longitude, latitude, and altitude/elevation) to high pr ...
and the sunroof are not standard with this model but are available at extra cost.
The engine is a 5.7-litre LS1 V8 pushing out at 5600 rpm and of torque. New badging featured on the Senator read "260" reflecting the increased power output. The brake and some of the engine cooling vents located on the front bumper are slightly hidden to keep its luxury well present while viewing the vehicle. Mesh cloth is located at the front air dams. Some of the side skirts front and rear air dams and the lower parts of the exterior mirrors are coloured in a satin finish grey. The rest is finished in the body colour. The famous "Senator" nameplates are featured on the side skirts, rear and at the bottom of the rear doors.
Some of the interior changes include alloy pedals, new colours, a re-designed four-spoke steering wheel with remote audio controls, white finish instrument dials and minor gauges now in their own dedicated binnacle in the centre of the dash. The multi-function read-out has been re-programmed to show the HSV logo and the vehicle build number and identification during start-up. Automatic climate control and a Blaupunkt 6-disc CD stacker are standard and 8 speakers. Carbon fibre trim is found throughout the cabin as well as light shale leather trim. The starting price for the Senator at the time was $74000.
File:HSV Senator (16129357080).jpg, Holden VY HSV Senator
Motorsport
![Todd Kelly Barbagello](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Todd_Kelly_Barbagello.jpg)
The VY Commodore was used in the
Supercars Championship
The Supercars Championship is a touring car racing category in Australia, running as an International Series under Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) regulations, governing the sport.
Supercars events take place in all Australian ...
between 2003-2005
Exports
![Chevrolet Lumina SS VY (Bahrain)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Chevrolet_Lumina_SS_VY_%28Bahrain%29.jpg)
Exports of the VY were made to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina from 2002 as per the previous VX series. Trim levels were the Lumina LS sedan and wagon (based on Commodore Executive), Lumina S (Commodore S), Lumina LTZ (Berlina), and Lumina SS (Commodore SS).
General Motors do Brasil
General Motors do Brasil is the largest subsidiary of General Motors in South America, one of the oldest and largest car producers in Brazil.
Founded in 1925 and initially located in the historic district of Ipiranga, São Paulo, the company as ...
imported the VY as the
Chevrolet Omega
The Chevrolet Omega is an executive car sold by Chevrolet for the Brazilian market. Replacing the Chevrolet Opala, which was a development of the Opel Rekord C, the original Chevrolet Omega was based on the Opel Omega A and built locally betw ...
from 2003 to replace the VX-based Omega. This update was announced 28 April 2003. The Brazilian model sold as a single-specification CD model, based on the Holden Calais.
VY Omega sales ended in 2005 when replaced by the VZ-based model, as announced on 9 March 2005.
In September 2003, Chevrolet Lumina exports started in Malaysia in LTZ trim (based on the Holden Berlina), followed by Thailand in October with LTZ (Berlina) and S trims. Singapore was added as an export market by 2004 with the Lumina LTZ.
Exports to Singapore ended during 2004; Malaysia and Thailand sales continued in VZ form from 2004.
References
{{Holden timeline
Cars of Australia
VY
Full-size vehicles
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Coupé utilities
Sedans
Station wagons
Police vehicles
Cars introduced in 2002
Cars discontinued in 2004