Holden Commodore (VS)

Overview

aka	Holden Berlina (VS) Holden Calais (VS) Opel Calais Toyota Lexcen (VS)
manufacturer	Holden (General Motors)
production	April 1995–August 1997 (sedan, wagon) April 1995–June 1999 (Statesman/Caprice) April 1995-December 2000 (utility)
assembly	Australia: Adelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth)
class	Full-size
platform	FR GM V platform
body style	2-door coupé utility 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
engine	2.5 L C25XE V6 (export only) 3.8 L ECOTEC 3800 V6 3.8 L Supercharged ECOTEC V6 5.0 L 5000i "Iron Lion" V8
transmission	4-speed 4L60-E automatic 5-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual (Series 1 - 1995, 1996) 5-speed Getrag 260 manual (1996-2000)
wheelbase	Sedan: 2731 mm Wagon: 2822 mm
length	Sedan: 4861 mm Wagon: 4903 mm
width	1794 mm
height	1476 mm
weight	1385 - 1477 kg
related	Holden Statesman/Caprice (VS) HSV VS series CSV VS series Opel Omega A
predecessor	Holden Commodore (VR)
successor	Holden Commodore (VT) (sedan, wagon) Holden Ute (VU) (utility) Lexus GS (Lexcen)

The Holden Commodore (VS) is a full-size car which was produced by Holden from 1995 to 1997 for sedans and wagons, 1995 to 1999 for the long-wheelbase Statesman/Caprice, and 1995 to 2000 for utility versions. It was the fourth and final iteration of the second generation of the Commodore. The range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VS) and Holden Calais (VS).[1]

Overview

Launched in April 1995, the VS Commodore served as a mechanical update of the second generation architecture, destined to assist sales before the all-new VT model in August 1997. The extent of exterior changes veered not much further than a redesigned Holden logo and wheel trims.[2] 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 kW over the VR, cut fuel consumption by 5 percent, and increased the compression ratio

HSV range

Holden's performance vehicle partner Holden Special Vehicles produced the following range of Holden VS based models, which were each marketed under the HSV brand.

Clubsport

The VS Clubsport was very similar to the VR Clubsport and still used the 5.0-litre V8 from the VR Clubsport.

Manta

The Manta was introduced in April 1995 in sedan and wagon models.[11]

GTS and GTS-R

The GTS sedan was the flagship model until the limited edition GTS-R was launched. The latter was exclusively painted in XU-3 Yellah with matching seat colour inserts, and it featured a big race-style rear carbon-fibre wing. In total, only 75 were built for Australia and 10 for New Zealand, all using the 215i 5.7-litre HSV V8 engine, with a more powerful "blueprint" option also available.

Maloo

The facelifted VS series Maloo utility was released in April 1995. 173 examples were produced. It featured a 5.0-litre V8 engine still producing 185 kW.[12]

The Series II version was introduced in June 1996 and carried through in its original form to August 1997, during which time 280 examples were produced. With HSV's introduction of the VT sedan range in September 1997, continued production of the VS Maloo thereafter was curiously referred to as VS II at VT Maloo, whereby a further 388 examples were produced through to December 1998. These later models included a special run of ten HSV 10th Anniversary Edition Maloo utes featuring an exclusive Anniversary Bronze paint colour.[12]

The next HSV update of the VS Maloo followed Holden's release of a VS Series III ute that, for the first time, included a V8 SS version. In 1999, HSV introduced an improved VS III Maloo with a wiring upgrade to support the revised 195 kW V8 that had been introduced two years earlier with the original VT series HSV sedans. The VS III Maloo's legacy is to be the last HSV vehicle to be fitted with the 'original' Holden V8 engine.[12]

Senator

In 1995 the VS Senator was introduced based on the VS Commodore. This model saw slight revisions to the body styling, trim and new alloy wheels. The VS Series II saw the fitment of HSV's ISS (Integrated Security System) as standard as well as new steering-wheel mounted stereo controls. There remained a choice of two models: the 185i and the 215i. The 185i had the 5.0-litre (4987 cc) V8 engine which pushed out 185 kW at 4800 rpm. The 215i had the 5.7-litre (5737 cc) V8 engine which delivered 215 kW at 4800 rpm. The total number that were built by December 1995 was 416, down 439 units over the VR.

Holden Commodore (VS)

Overview

Series II

Series III

Exports

Gallery

HSV range

Clubsport

Manta

GTS and GTS-R

Maloo

Senator

Toyota Lexcen (T4 and T5)

References