1992 Holden VP Commodore Vacationer sedan |
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| Manufacturer | Holden |
|---|---|
| Also called | Holden VP Berlina Holden VP Calais Toyota Lexcen (T2) |
| Production | September 1991–July 1993 |
| Assembly | Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia |
| Predecessor | Holden VN Commodore |
| Successor | Holden VR Commodore |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Platform | GM V platform |
| Engine | V6
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| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Length | 4,891 mm (192.6 in)–4,910 mm (193.3 in) |
| Width | 1,812 mm (71.3 in) |
| Height | 1,403 mm (55.2 in)–1,422 mm (56.0 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,332 kg (2,937 lb) |
| Related | Holden VP Ute Holden VQ Statesman/Caprice Opel Omega Opel Senator HSV VP Series |
The Holden VP Commodore is an automobile which was produced by Australian automaker Holden from 1991 to 1993. It is the seventh generation Holden Commodore.
The VP Commodore was released in September 1991 with mainly cosmetic and feature changes to the outgoing VN Series Commodore. 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. Additional security features were introduced across the range, including an ignition-disabling device and a driver's door deadlock.
The VP was also sold in Thailand, but used an Opel 2.6-litre inline-six Dual Ram engine.
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The Commodore Executive was the base model of the VP Commodore range.
The Commodore S was the cheapest sports variant of the VP Commodore range. It was essentially similar to the Executive, but with sports trim similar to the SS model.
The Commodore SS was the top of the line sports model of the VP Commodore range.
The Commodore Berlina was the cheapest luxury variant of the VP Commodore range.
The Commodore Berlina LX was the semi-luxury version of the VP Commodore range. This model was essentially a stepping stone between the Berlina and Calais.
The Calais was the luxury version of the VP Commodore range. It was however not badged or marketed as a Commodore.
The SS V6 was limited production model which had all the features of the regular Commodore SS but utilized the V6 engine in place of the v8. Its 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 competed against the Ford EB2 Falcon SS in that category.
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.
Although the pack varied in each state, they were commonly fitted with:
The Commodore Vacationer was a limited edition model based on the Commodore Executive. The VP Commodore Vacationer was released in October 1992.
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 and the interior was black over tan, with tan partial leather/suede seats.
A coupe utility variant of the VP Commodore was also produced. It was marketed as the Holden Ute and was not badged as a Commodore.
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Holden’s performance car partner Holden Special Vehicles produced a number of models based on the VP Commodore and sold under the HSV brand. These included the HSV GTS.[1]
| List of Holden vehicles † HQ–WB Statesmans not marketed under the "Holden" brand, but rather the separate "Statesman" brand. |