Holden Commodore VL

The Commodore VL line was launched in March 1986, following the success of the VH line. Though the Holden VL was followed by many other models in the Commodore series, many people still believed that the VL series contained the best model that Holden had ever produced. It incorporated robust technology and many design features like the 6-window system, and quickly became popular on the market. Holden paid more attention to creating a variety of looks on different models of the VL line, introducing a new, lower front-end appearance coupled with an integrated airfoil at the rear. The Calais model was even more refined, as it featured semi-concealed headlights and a dashing and eye-catching transparent grille.  The production of the Holden VL line  lasted until 1988.

Design features of the Holden VL

Holden ventured outside the country to incorporate better engines – such as the high-tech Nissan 3 L engine - and transmission into the Commodore VL—, though by 1986 drivers had begun to favour low-octane and unleaded fuel. However, these foreign-made engines and transmission systems gave the base model 33% more power and a 15% better fuel economy. Another optional feature of the Turbocharger, offered in July 1986, enhanced the power output of the Holden VL from 114 kW to 150 kW.

A very interesting feature that was also added to this model ushered in a new era of cars—Holden Special Vehicles, popularly known as HSVs. This new style was achieved by the installation of a fuel-injected V8 engine in the ‘Group A' sedan, which was designed to make the EFI V8 engine eligible for Touring Car racing. No wonder that Holden was again successful in its new launch—the HSV enjoyed great success.

The Holden VL also introduced two striking SS Group A race-eligible versions: the Brock HDT Group A deep red SS featuring a bonnet air intake scoop was introduced in 1986, , while the fuel-injected 'Darth Vader' Group A silver blue Supercar appeared in 1988, , marking the era of the HSV.

The Holden VL would be the last of the small-body Commodores and the only one to feature a modern OHC engine, which is, in fact, an alloy-headed unit designed and manufactured by Nissan. The power and fuel economy provided by these engines assured their immediate success with the public, so they easily earned the distinction of being the best Commodore that Holden had ever produced  up to that point.

 

VL Fault Codes

Engines

3.0 L EFI 6cyl. – 114 kW

3.0 L EFI 6cyl Turbo. – 150 kW

4.9 L V8 – 122 kW

4.9 L SS Grp A V8 –137 kW

4.9 L SS Grp A V8 (XV2) – 180 kW

Transmissions

MF5 five-speed Nissan manual (3.0 L)

MX7 five-speed Nissan manual (3.0 L Turbo)

M39 five-speed Borg Warner T5 manual (all V8's)

ML4 four-speed Jatco automatic (3.0 L)

MS1 four-speed Jatco automatic (3.0 L Turbo)

M40 three-speed Trimatic automatic (V8)

Model Range

Commodore SL sedan

Commodore Executive sedan

Commodore Vacationer sedan

Commodore Berlina sedan

Calais sedan

Commodore Berlina wagon

Commodore Executive wagon

Commodore Vacationer wagon

Commodore SL wagon

Calais wagon

Commodore SS Group A sedan.

Sedan Dimensions (mm)
	SL	Berlina	Calais
Length	4766	4766 4766
Width	1722	1722	1722
Height	1367	1363	1366
Wheelbase	2668	2668	2668
Ground clearance	155.5	152.5 161.5

Wagon Dimensions (mm)
	SL	Berlina
Length	4763	4763
Width	1722	1722
Height	1389	1385
Wheelbase	2668	2668
Ground clearance	151.5	151.0

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