Holden VT Commodore

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Holden VT Commodore
Production	September 1997–September 2000
Engine	V6 3.8 L 147 kW: ECOTEC 3.8 L 171 kW: Supercharged V8 5.0 L 179 kW: HEC 5000i V8 5.0 L 195 kW: HSV 195i V8 5.0 L 215 kW: HSV V8 5.7 L 220 kW: Gen III LS1

The Holden VT Commodore, released in 1997, was loosely based on the Opel Omega, and saw a coupe version, the Monaro, which resurrected a famous Holden brand name from the 1960s and 1970s. The VT heralded the fitment of the semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension as standard across the range. However, the simple design allowed distortions to the camber angle during heavy towing or when improperly manufactured, leading to excessive rear tyre wear. Various aftermarket camber kits became available to correct this problem.

The 1999 VT Series II update brought with it a new 5.7 L LS1 V8 sourced from the US to replace the venerable Holden 5.0 L V8. Throughout its time in the Commodore, the LS1 would receive incremental power upgrades from 220 kW to 250 kW, before finally being replaced by the L76. Side airbags also became an option for the Acclaim and higher models, a first for Holden. Cosmetically, the Series II VT replaced amber side indicator lenses with clear lenses (which carried over to the VX) and clear indicator lenses on tail lights for all models, which was previously only available on the Series I Calais. The Series II Calais also introduced a chrome strip on the boot garnish. The new Monaro was available in the US as the Pontiac GTO and was sold in the UK with Vauxhall badges. The last Monaro rolled off the production lines in December 2005, production canceled due to sluggish US demand for the Pontiac and due to a poor exchange rate favouring the Australian dollar (Pontiac GTO production continued until June, 2006). The Holden Commodore was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for a fourth time in 1997. The VT Commodore remains the best selling Holden Commodore to date.