Holden VR Commodore

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Holden VR Commodore
Production	July 1993–April 1995
Engine	V6 3.8 L 130 kW: 3800 V6 V8 5.0 L 165 kW: HEC 5000i V8

The Holden VR Commodore of July 1993 came with an updated, sleeker and more modern design, as well as safety enhancements such as ABS brakes. From the side, the biggest change was the use of a round rear wheelarch, instead of a squared-off shape used on the previous two commodores. The VR Calais included a driver's side airbag, being a first for an Australian car, although ABS brakes and IRS were only available with an automatic transmission. The rear-end treatment saw raised tail lights, which were apparently implemented for safety reasons. A new electronic version of the TH700 automatic transmission was introduced, known as the GM 4L60-E. The VR Commodore was Wheels Car of the Year for 1993.

The VR Commodore also saw the introduction of the Commodore Acclaim specification level, which was basically a safety pack that was aimed at families and was situated one notch above the Executive in the car's specification level hierarchy. The Acclaim featured ABS brakes, IRS, drivers-side airbag and cruise control as standard.

Toyota Lexcen

The joint venture agreement with Toyota continued with the VR. The VR Lexcen was introduced at or about the same time as the other VR models and has some small styling differences, particuarly, the front panels, this was due to Toyota specifying styling that was in common with the then new Wide Body Camry. However this strategy was not a success and 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.

Faults

The VR series vehicles are quite rugged and reliable with few major problems. The V6 engine is long lasting and most of them are running around with an average of 200,000+ kays on the original motor. The transmissions are strong and long lasting, but need be serviced according to manufacturer's specifications to ensure long life, Oil leaks are common from the engine, as in earlier VN and VP models, but this a seldom a problem if the leaks are small and the vehicle is maintained. Paint work is known and oxidise badly, this is due to the antiquated paint processes in Australian Car Manufacturing at the time.