Holden Commodore (VY)

For complete overview of all Commodore models, see Holden Commodore.
Holden Commodore (VY)
Overview
Manufacturer Holden
Also called Holden Berlina
Holden Calais
Chevrolet Lumina
Chevrolet Omega
Production September 2002 – August 2004
Assembly Australia: Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
2 door coupé utility
Layout FR layout
Platform GM V platform
Related Opel Omega B
Holden Adventra (VY II)
Holden Crewman (VY)
Holden One Tonner (VY)
Holden Monaro (V2 II and III)
Holden Statesman/Caprice (WK)
HSV Y Series
Powertrain
Engine

V6

  • 3.8 L 152 kW (204 hp): ECOTEC
  • 3.8 L 171 kW: (229 hp) Supercharged

V8

  • 5.7 L 225 kW (302 hp): Gen III LS1
  • 5.7 L 235 kW (315 hp): Gen III LS1
  • 5.7 L 245 kW (329 hp): Gen III LS1
Transmission 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length 4,891 mm (192.6 in)–5,046 mm (198.7 in)
Width 1,842 mm (72.5 in)–1,847 mm (72.7 in)
Height 1,450 mm (57 in)–1,545 mm (60.8 in)
Curb weight 1,522 kg (3,355 lb)–1,590 kg (3,510 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Holden Commodore (VX)
Successor Holden Commodore (VZ)

The Holden Commodore, Berlina, Calais, and Ute (VY) are a series of automobiles produced by Holden in Australia between September 2002 and August 2004. The VY Commodore, which was the twelfth Holden Commodore series, was the successor to the VX Commodore. A VY Series II was released in August 2003 and that made way for the updated VZ Commodore range in August 2004.

The VY Commodore was available in several models. These are the Commodore Executive, Acclaim, S, SV8 and SS and the Berlina and Calais models which were not badged as Commodores. All the models in the VY range were offered as sedans and the Executive, Acclaim and Berlina were also available as wagons. Unusually, the VY also introduced a limited edition SS wagon featuring the same 235 kW (315 hp) (245 kW (329 hp) for Series II) V8, bodykit and sports suspension as the SS sedan. However, it was equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels as opposed to the 18 inch wheels on the sedan. 500 such wagons were produced for Series I and 350 for Series II.[1]

The VY was the last Commodore to use the 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6 engines.

Sales of the VY Commodore failed to match those of the earlier VT model.

Design

The front and rear of the body had minor restyling, with new front grille, headlights and taillights. The interior has been significantly upgraded. Interior upgrade includes a new instrument panel, centre console and steering wheel and new design transmission lever and handbrake.[2] There is also a new mobile phone power outlet under the centre console. The new instrument cluster features a large multi-function digital display (single or triple-window, depending on model), which displays information such as radio station display, PRND321 gear selected indicator, trip computer with stopwatch function, service reminders and a help facility.

Standard features (on some models) now include "twilight sentinel" - automatic headlamp control, programmable headlamps off time delay, high feature Blaupunkt audio systems, road-speed sensitive intermittent wipers and passenger airbags.

The VY Series II update added cruise control, front power windows variable front seat lumbar support, and revised interior trims. A 245 kW (329 hp) V8 was introduced to sports variants and a sportier repositioning of the Calais model. This repositioning included a subtle body kit, the option of a 235 kW V8 in place of the previous 225 kW (302 hp) and a firmer suspension tune (known as FE 1.5) that was not as stiff as the FE2 suspension on sports variants.

Exports

Exports of the VY were made to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina from 2002 as per the previous VX series. Trim levels were the Lumina LS sedan and wagon (based on Commodore Executive), Lumina S (Commodore S), Lumina LTZ (Berlina), and Lumina SS (Commodore SS).[3]

General Motors do Brasil imported the VY as the Chevrolet Omega from 2003 to replace the VX-based Omega. This update was announced 28 April 2003.[4] The Brazilian model sold as a single-specification CD model, based on the Holden Calais.[5] VY Omega sales ended in 2005 when replaced by the VZ-based model, as announced on 9 March 2005.[6]

In September 2003, Chevrolet Lumina exports started in Malaysia in LTZ trim (based on the Holden Berlina),[7] followed by Thailand in October with LTZ (Berlina) and S trims.[8] Singapore was added as an export market by 2004 with the Lumina LTZ.[5] Exports to Singapore ended during 2004; Malaysia and Thiland sales continued in VZ form from 2004.[9][10]

Powertrains

Engine displacement; configuration Engine Power[11] Torque Transmission Fuel type Fuel consumption (sedan)[12]
3.8 L (3791 cc); V6 ECOTEC (L36) 152 kW (204 hp) 305 N·m (225 lb·ft) 5-speed Getrag 260 (M35) manual Petrol 11.0 L/100 km (21.4 mpg-US)
4-speed GM 4L60-E (M30) automatic 12.0 L/100 km (19.6 mpg-US)
Supercharged ECOTEC (L67) 171 kW (229 hp) 375 N·m (277 lb·ft) PULP 13.5 L/100 km (17.4 mpg-US)
5.7 L (5665 cc); V8 Generation III Alloy (LS1) 225 kW (302 hp) 460 N·m (340 lb·ft) 6-speed Tremec T-56 manual[13] Petrol 13.0 L/100 km (18.1 mpg-US)
4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic 13.5 L/100 km (17.4 mpg-US)
235 kW (315 hp) 465 N·m (343 lb·ft) 6-speed Tremec T-56 manual 13.0 L/100 km (18.1 mpg-US)
4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic 13.5 L/100 km (17.4 mpg-US)
5.7 L (5667 cc); V8 245 kW (329 hp) 465 N·m (343 lb·ft) 6-speed Tremec T-56 manual 13.0 L/100 km (18.1 mpg-US)
4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic 13.5 L/100 km (17.4 mpg-US)

Models

Commodore Executive

2002–2003 Holden Commodore (VY) Executive station wagon.

The Executive is the baseline model of the VY Commodore range. Pricing for the Executive started from A$31,650.

The Executive features included:

Commodore Acclaim

The Acclaim is one model up from the base model of the VY Commodore range. Pricing for the Acclaim started from A$37,510.

The Acclaim features included:

Commodore S

2002–2003 Holden Commodore (VY) S sedan

The S is the cheapest sports variant. Pricing for the S started from A$37,820.

The S features included:

Commodore SV8

The VY Commodore was the first to not offer a V8 option on the Executive model. Buyers now had to choose the new SV8 as the cheapest V8 variant. The SV8 was essentially an Executive with a V8 engine, rear spoiler and unique 17 inch alloy wheels. Pricing for the SV8 started from A$40,490.

The SV8 features included:

Commodore SS

Holden VY Commodore SS Sedan

The SS was the flagship sports model of the VY range. Pricing for the SS started from A$49,490.

The SS features included:

Berlina

Holden Berlina (VY II)

The Berlina is the semi-luxury version of the VY range; it sits above the Acclaim and below the Calais. Pricing for the Berlina starts from A$40,850.

The Berlina features included:

Calais

Holden Calais (VY) sedan

The Calais is the top of the line luxury model in the VY range; it sits above the Berlina and combines luxury with performance. Pricing for the Calais starts form A$48,250.

The Calais features included:

Adventra

Holden Adventra (VY Series II) CX8

The Holden Adventra (VY) is a crossover SUV manufactured between 2003 to 2004/2005, acting as a partial replacement for the Holden Frontera. The Adventra is based on the VY II Commodore station wagon, but features an all-wheel drive configuration as opposed to a rear-wheel drive running gear. Available in two equipment levels—CX8 and LX8—with a standardised driveline consisting of a single powertrain combination. That being, a 5.7 litre Generation III V8 engine rated at 235 kilowatts (315 hp) and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Over the standard Commodore wagon, the Adventra adds a 60/40 split rear tailgate, additional gauges (above the central ventilation outlets. Black plastic accents on the front and rear bumpers along with the wheel guards visually distinguished the Adventra from the Commodore.

Extra-cost options available included third row seating, cargo hold down nets, and an off road recovery kit.

Holden replaced the VY II with the VZ Adventra in 2004/2005. An interim VZ Adventra appeared in August 2004 at the time of the release of the VZ Commodore range, but this was in essence the familiar VY body with VZ engine,running gear,ECU and a VZ compliance plate. A true VZ series facelift was introduced in February 2005 and with it, the introduction of a V6 engine as the principal power unit.

Ute, Crewman and One Tonner

2003–2004 Holden Crewman (VY II)
2003–2004 Holden Ute (VY II) S
2003–2004 Holden Crewman (VY II) Cross 8
2002–2003 Holden Ute (VY II) S

The VU Ute range was facelifted in 2002 to create the VY ute range. VY Utes received the same upgrades as the sedan/wagon range, which involved a new, sharper-designed nose, and more European-styled interior. The same three specification models were carried over for the VY, and picked up the same upgraded equipment lists as the VY sedans. The VY ute models were not badged as "Commodores".

The VY range marked major change for Holden's Ute range, with the 2003 addition of two new models: the return of the One Tonner cab-chassis utility after an 18-year hiatus; and the introduction of Holden's first-ever 4-door utility, arriving in the form of the Crewman. The Crewman brought a longer wheelbase – 3,206 mm (126.2 in) compared to the 2,939 mm (115.7 in) of the Ute; and a shorter tray – 1,463 mm (57.6 in) compared to the 2,193 mm (86.3 in) of the Ute[14] In December 2003, Holden released an all-wheel drive variant of the Crewman known as the Crewman Cross 8. Powered by a 225 kW (302 hp) V8 engine, the Cross 8 featured a modified appearance, more suited to an off-road vehicle.

Both the Crewman and One Tonner models added instant sales to the Holden range, sparking rapid expansion of the Holden Ute range, its first major growth spurt since its 1990 re-introduction. Once again the same three specifications were carried over for the VY, with the Ute range available in base Ute, S & SS forms. The same did not apply for the One-Tonner cab-chassis range though – it was available in just two model forms, base and S.

Crewman models were on the other hand available with the same three specifications as the Ute range, and were launched conjointly with the rest of Holden's VY Series 2 range, the major update this time being the addition of 10 kW (13 hp) to the Gen.3 V8. By December 2003 the Crewman range had expanded to include Holden's very first AWD utility in the form of the Crewman Cross 8. The Cross 8 received bolstered wheelarches, raised ride height as well as additional equipment, with the sole drivetrain being the recently upgraded Gen.3 V8 connected to a 4-speed automatic. V6-powered versions of the One Tonner & Crewman were only available with automatic transmission. The VY's were superseded by the arrival of the VZ range in August 2004

HSV Y Series

Holden’s performance partner Holden Special Vehicles developed a range of models based on the VY Commodore sedan. These were marketed as the HSV Clubsport, HSV GTS and HSV Senator.

Avalanche

The HSV Avalanche is an all-wheel drive crossover SUV that was manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) between 2003 and 2005. Based on the Holden Adventra LX8 crossover wagon, the Avalanche range also incorporated a dual-cab utility model known as the HSV Avalanche XUV. The XUV derived from the Holden Crewman Cross8.

Both HSV vehicles were built in two series, the 2003 "Y Series II" (the wagon was actually available as of October/November 2003) and an updated version of the "Y Series II", which included some of the upgrades found in the newer "Z Series" HSV models. These later models are quite rare, with a build life of nine months from April 2005 to December 2005.

As with the related Holden VY all-wheel drive vehicles, the HSV Y Series AWD vehicles as built from September 2004 to March 2005 confusingly have Z Series compliance and Vehicle Identification Numbers; this correlates to the building of new specification Holden VZ and Z Series HSV non-AWD cars during this period.

The updated Avalanches with some of the Z Series upgrades can be externally visually differentiated from the Y Series versions by their re-profiled front bumper unit that looks less aggressive and which features a more integrated appearance to the auxiliary driving lights.

The Avalanche vehicles were fitted exclusively with the 5.7 litre LS1 V8 engine rated at 270 kilowatts (360 hp) of power and 475 newton metres (350 lb·ft) of torque, mated to a four-speed 4L65-E automatic gearbox. Permanent all-wheel drive was calibrated to deliver 62 percent of the power to the rear wheels, thereby maintaining a rear wheel drive feel to the handling of these vehicles.

Along with Holden's V8 Commodore-based AWD vehicles, the HSV Avalanche series was discontinued in late 2005 due to phasing out of the 5.7 litre LS1 engines because of the Euro III emissions regulations.

Clubsport

VY Clubsport was based on the VY Holden Commodore frame. The V8 5.7litre GEN3 Chevrolet engine was revised to produce 260KW this model was available in 4 Speed auto or 6 Speed Manual.

GTS

VY GTS was a special order only vehicle with very limited build numbers, making it one of the most sought after HSV's of the future. Less than 100 Produced

Maloo

HSV's facelifted Y Series (as opposed to VY series in Holden terminology) was released in October 2002. The original Y Series Maloo utility retained the 5.7 litre LS1 engine from the VU, but power was increased to 260 kW (349 hp). Enhancements such as Climate Control air conditioning and the 'Performance' Brake System were made standard equipment on Maloo, with the 'Premium' Brake system now standard equipment on Maloo R8. New paint colours included Hothouse Green and Turbine Grey. 167 standard Maloo versions and 132 R8 models were produced in the original Y Series.[15]

Y Series 2 was released in October 2003 in concert with HSV's Coupe Series 3 range, with the LS1 5.7 litre V8's engine power now increased to 285 kW (382 hp). New paint colours for the Maloo range were Syracuse (gold) and HSV Ultra Violet. 312 standard Maloo versions and 361 R8 models were produced in Y Series 2.[15]

Senator Signature

Following a slight change to the HSV series naming method, the Y Series Senators, based on the VY Commodore debuted in 2003. The Y-series naming method caused confusion with most people still calling it the VY. Featuring even more angular and aggressive styling, the Y series offered both an entry-level grand tourer Senator and high luxury Senator Signature models. Both came standard with a revised Luxury suspension tune, rear parking sensors and 260 kW (349 hp) LS1 engine. In addition to the features found on the Senator, the Senator Signature came with larger 19 in (482.6 mm)ch alloy wheels (the Senator came equipped with 18 in (457.2 mm)ch wheels), different seats and larger front brakes. The Y Series II update upgraded power to 285 kW (382 hp).

Some of the features that were introduced on the Y-series Senator include oil and battery gauges on the centre stack, shale leather trim interior trim as well as white backing for the instruments. A leather steering wheel was added to improve grip and feel when turning and more memory options for the front electric seats to cater to different users. HSV redesigned the front seats because of complaints from the customers they were too uncomfortable.

Standard features include a CD stacker, power mirrors and windows, cruise control, climate control, engine immobilizer and remote central locking. A rear DVD player and head phones were added. Front and side airbags were standard across the whole range. Two extra safety features were added: an electric tyre pressure monitoring system and High Intensity Discharge (HID) driving lights. Once again the fully independent multi-link rear suspension is standard on the Senator. GPS or Satellite navigation and the sunroof are not standard with this model but are available at extra cost.

The engine is a 5.7 litre LS1 V8 pushing out 260 kW (349 hp) at 5600 rpm and 475 N·m (350 lb·ft) of torque. New badging featured on the Senator read "260" reflecting the increased power output. The brake and some of the engine cooling vents located on the front bumper are slightly hidden to keep its luxury well present while viewing the vehicle. Mesh cloth is located at the front air dams. Some of the side skirts front and rear air dams and the lower parts of the exterior mirrors are coloured in a satin finish grey. The rest is finished in the body colour. The famous "Senator" name plates are featured on the side skirts, rear and at the bottom of the rear doors.

Some of the interior changes include alloy pedals, new colours, a re-designed four-spoke steering wheel with remote audio controls, white finish instrument dials and minor gauges now in their own dedicated binnacle in the centre of the dash. The multi-function read-out has been re-programmed to show the HSV logo and the vehicle build number and identification during start-up. Automatic climate control and a Blaupunkt 6-disc CD stacker are standard and 8 speakers. Carbon-fibre trim is found throughout the cabin as well as light shale leather trim. The starting price for the Senator at the time was $74000.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Holden Commodore (VY).
  1. ↑ "Holden VY Commodore limited edition Commodore SS station wagon". www.webwomabt.com.au. Retrieved 2006-10-21.
  2. ↑ "Holden Commodore VY". Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
  3. ↑ "Holden Reaches Golden Milestone With 50 Years Of Exports" (Press release). Melbourne: Holden. 2004-11-09. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  4. ↑ "Chevrolet Omega CD" (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. 2003-04-28. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Holden Reaches Golden Milestone With 50 Years Of Exports" (Press release). Melbourne: Holden. 2004-11-09. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  6. ↑ "Chevrolet Omega 2005 muito mais potência e luxo" [Chevrolet Omega 2005 more power and luxury] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. 2005-03-09. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  7. ↑ "Fresh Boost For Holden Exports" (Press release). Melbourne: Holden. 2003-09-26. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  8. ↑ "Thailand Added To Holden Export Destinations" (Press release). Melbourne: Holden. 2003-10-16. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  9. ↑ "Holden Sets All-Time Vehicle Export Record". Next Car. 2005-01-21. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  10. ↑ "Flagships star in GM Holden's export record". Next Car. 2006-02-01. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  11. ↑ Power figures are measured in accordance with the ECE standard.
  12. ↑ Fuel consumption figures are measured in accordance with the ADR 81/01 standard. Fuel economy figures also vary between body styles and specification levels.
  13. ↑ The 5.7 litre V8 and manual transmission combination was only available on the One Tonner and Crewman V8 versions.
  14. ↑ Holden Ute range features Retrieved 20 October 2007
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "20th Anniversary Maloo R8 Brochure". HSV.com.au. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
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