Holden Commodore (VP)

The Holden Commodore (VP) is a full-size car that was produced by Holden from 1991 to 1993. It was the second iteration of the second generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VP) and Holden Calais (VP).

Overview

The VP series was released in September 1991 with mainly cosmetic and feature changes to the outgoing VN Series Commodore. It launched shortly after the Ford EB Falcon. The 3.8 litre V6 and 5.0 litre V8 engines from the VN were carried over, but the V6 engine received various revisions that improved its refinement and noise characteristics as well as boosting power by two kilowatts. The 2.0 litre straight-4 engine which had been offered on the VN in certain export markets was discontinued. Semi-trailing arm IRS became standard on Calais and Commodore SS models and became an optional extra on lower-end models. This new suspension drastically improving ride and handling over that offered by the live rear axle. ABS brakes were also introduced in the VP range as an option on Series 1 Calais and Commodore SS models, and on most models with IRS for Series II versions which launched in January 1993. Additional security features were introduced across the range, including an ignition-disabling device and a driver's door deadlock. Central locking and power mirrors were also a standard feature across the model range. The VP series was replaced in July 1993 by the VR Series Commodore.

The VP Calais was also sold in Thailand, with 3.8 V6 version, later it used an Opel 2.6-litre ''C26NE'' inline-six Dual Ram engine.

Models

Commodore Executive

The Commodore Executive was the base model of the range.

Commodore S

The Commodore S was the cheapest sports variant of the range. It was essentially similar to the Executive, but with sports trim similar to the SS model.

Commodore SS

The Commodore SS was the top-of-the-line sports model of the range with a V8 engine.

Commodore Berlina

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

Commodore Berlina LX

The Commodore Berlina LX was the semi-luxury version of the range. This model was essentially a stepping stone between the Berlina and Calais. The VP was the only version to offer this trim level.

Calais

The Calais was the luxury version of the range. It was however not badged or marketed as a Commodore.

File:1992 Holden Berlina (VP) sedan (2015-07-10) 02.jpg, VP Berlina sedan
File:1993 Holden Berlina (VP II) station wagon (2010-05-04) 02.jpg, VP II Berlina station wagon
File:1992 Holden Commodore (VP) Executive (2007-02-24) 01.jpg, VP Executive sedan
File:1993 Holden Calais (VP II) sedan (2010-07-05) 02.jpg, VP II Calais sedan
File:1992 Holden Commodore (VP) SS sedan (2010-05-01).jpg, VP Commodore SS
File:1992 Holden Berlina (VP) LX sedan (2009-07-15) 01.jpg, VP Berlina LX
File:1992 Holden Commodore (VP) S station wagon (2009-12-09) 02.jpg, VP Commodore S

Limited edition and other specification levels

Commodore SS V6

The SS V6 was a 1992 limited production model which had all the features of the regular Commodore SS but utilized the 3.8L V6 engine in place of the 5.0L V8. It was produced to homologate a suitable model for the Group 3E Series Production Cars motor racing category, which required a small minimum run of cars to be built. The SS V6's main rival was the Ford EB2 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. BT1 with IRS had a standard size fuel tank, not a long range tank as found on other models.

Although the pack varied in each state, they were commonly fitted with:
* FE2 sports suspension
* Oil sump protector
* Always-on top lighted speedo (inside the cluster in front of the speedo for "headlights off" speed checks when following speedsters) with 2 km increments (as per Berlina/Calais)
* Dome light and map light interior lighting
* 15 × 6-inch steel wheels
* Transmission Cooler
* Country pack suspension (V5W) in lieu of FE2 in some rural areas
* Vinyl floor mats
* Limited slip differential
* Modified shift gate to allow gear change from overdrive to second gear without engaging lever. (Standard models only allow shift from overdrive to drive position).

Commodore Vacationer

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

File:1992 Holden Commodore (VP) Vacationer sedan (2009-07-15) 01.jpg , VP Vacationer sedan
File:1992 Holden Commodore (VP) Vacationer station wagon (20734497099).jpg , VP Vacationer station wagon

Calais International

The Calais International was a limited edition model based on the VP Calais and released in September 1992. A total of 300 were built, 150 in Alaskan White and the same number in Anthracite Grey. All were equipped with the V8 engine and automatic transmission and the exterior featured Commodore SS lower kit (with fog lights) and a Holden VQ Caprice bootlip as well as unique International badges. The paint was single colour, unlike the standard Calais which had a grey lower half. Standard wheels were the 15in alloys from the VQ Statesman but with Holden logos in the centre cap and the interior was black over tan, with tan partial leather/suede seats, and special leather SS style steering wheel.

Toyota Lexcen (T2)

A badge engineered variant of the Holden VP was marketed by Toyota as the Toyota Lexcen.Toyota Lexcen Review and Specs, www.gumtree.com.au
Retrieved on 2 June 2014 The T2 series Lexcen was available in CSi, VXi, and Newport trim levels, with a choice of sedan and wagon body styles.Tony Davis, ''Toyota Lexcen'', The New Car Buyers Guide, No 5, 1993, Page 106 It was offered only with the 3.8 litre V6 engine and the four speed automatic transmission, the V8 not being available in the Lexcen.

Ute

A utility variant of the VP Commodore was also produced and launched in January 1992. It was marketed as the Holden Ute and was not badged as a Commodore. No Toyota equivalent was ever produced.

File:1993 Holden Commodore (VP II) utility (2011-03-10) 01.jpg , VP II Ute
File:1993 Holden Commodore (VP II) utility (2011-03-10) 02.jpg , VP II Ute

HSV range

The enhanced performance VP range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) comprised the variants listed below (including VQ II):

* LS Utility (VG and VP) — 54 built, September 1991 – June 1993
* Club Sport — 387 built, October 1991 – June 1993
* 5th Anniversary Club Sport — 65 built
* Sport Wagon — 43 built, October 1991 – June 1993
* 5th Anniversary Sport Wagon — 5 built
* SV91 — 103 built, October 1991 – June 1992
* + Six 1992 — 82 built, February 1992 – June 1992
* + Six 1993 — 58 built, March 1993
* Maloo — 34 built, March 1992 – April 1993
* 5th Anniversary Maloo — 15 built
* Senator — 201 built, April 1992 – August 1993
* 5th Anniversary Senator — 15 built, March 1993 – May 1993
* Senator 5000i — 136 built, June 1992 – September 1993
* 5th Anniversary Senator 5000i — 30 built, June 1993 – August 1993
* Nitron — 50 built, July 1992 – August 1992
* GTS — 130 built, September 1992 – December 1992
* SV93 Statesman — 46 built, September 1992 – March 1993
* Formula — 67 built, May 1993 – June 1993 (different from the "Formula" body kit offered by Holden)
* Club Sport 5000i — 50 built, May 1993 – June 1993
* Statesman (VQ II) — 84 built, April 1992 – April 1993
* 5th Anniversary Statesman (VQ II) — 8 built, June 1993 – September 1993

Clubsport

The VP series HSV Clubsport was launched in 1991 with the same 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) V8 used in the VN Clubsport. A special edition was launched for both the Senator and Clubsport called the 5000i.

GTS

The VP GTS program was rushed into production to compete with the ford EB GT in September 92. Essentially a parts bin special from the VN GRP A model, Like motor, brakes, spoiler kit. Being very popular at the time HSV continued with the GTS label, as HSV's top of the range performance model, with some 130 produced in total. As in the case of the VN series, a V6 version was sold exclusively in New Zealand.

Maloo

The VP series Maloo utility was released in March 1992. Only 49 examples were made in the thirteen months of production, of which 15 were special ''HSV Fifth Anniversary Edition'' models, and the final eight were ''All-Black'' limited editions. These exclusive build quantities confirm the VP series to be the least production numbers Maloo ute of all.

Senator

The VP Senator 5000i was introduced in June 1992, effectively replacing the VP SV 91 as HSV most luxurious well appointed model, and is equivalent of the VN SV 5000 model. Exclusive colours called Senator Quartz either soft purple or Dark grey metallic are only available on Senator 5000i model. Other features that distinguishes the 5000i over the base model Senator are leather bolstered , velour trimmed Group A devenish front seats, and a Caprice rear bench seat, with a suede trimmed centre console. Brakes from the VN GRP A , Variotronic power steering rack, 5000i badges & Rear boot 5000i decal, level ride suspension, three different engine cover colours - Red - Maroon - Orange - indicating a 200KW motor, ABS, Fog lights from the Caprice is standard for the 5000i model The Senator was created in an attempt to design a vehicle that offered both luxury and performance as well as to complement the existing long-wheelbase Statesman models. Offering smoother styling compared to the HSV Clubsport and GTS models, which favoured performance rather than luxury, the Senator took advantage of the independent rear suspension which was offered on high-priced VP Commodores and Statesman/Caprices at the time and was only one of a handful of Commodore-based cars that had automatic climate control air conditioning. Other features included a leather interior, cruise control and limited slip differential. A three-spoke steering wheel was featured. Top speed was . The car is available with HSV's 5.0-litre V8 engine coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual. There was actually two versions built: the standard Senator and the Senator 5000i which featured a more powerful engine and a top speed. The 5000i was only available with the automatic option. The total number built for both versions was 337.

File:1991-93 VP Clubsport

.JPG , HSV Clubsport sedan
File:1992-1993 HSV VP Senator sedan 01.jpg , HSV Senator sedan
File:1993 HSV Maloo (VP II) utility (26886664965).jpg , HSV Maloo utility
File:1993 HSV Maloo (VP II) utility (26280929314).jpg , HSV Maloo utility

References

External links

Holden Model History - Holden Commodore / Calais - VP Series October 1991 - July 1993
* ttp://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vp/index.html The Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive - VP Commodore / Calaisbr>Unique Cars and Parts: Holden Commodore VP

{{Holden timeline

Cars of Australia
VP
Full-size vehicles
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Coupé utilities
Sedans
Station wagons
Cars introduced in 1991