Holden Commodore VP     

The Holden VP model in the Commodore series surprising - there was hardly any change in its appearance from the previous model. However, its engineering refinements and equipment upgrades were substantial. October 1991 saw the launch of a new Holden VP model, which incorporated an Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) system—introduced earlier by Holden in its Statesman and Caprice lines in 1990. IRS became standard on the Calais and SS, and was provided as an option on the Holden VP Executive and Berlina models. Production of the Holden VP range lasted until 1993.

Design features of the VP Commodore

The design features of the VP model were enhanced considerably and advanced technology was introduced to ensure the safety of the vehicles. All VP Commodore cars, ranging from sedans to wagons, were equipped with remote central locking mechanisms. A sophisticated anti-theft system was also introduced, which included an engine management system disabling device, an ignition cut-out, and a key-operated driver door deadlock. In the Calais model of the VP line, a new Variotronic vehicle speed-sensitive power steering system was also introduced, along with a body computer.

Building on the success of the Commodore VP line, Holden introduced the HSV range in early 1992, improving the power output from 165 kW to 180 kW. This output was also made optional on all models in the VP line. In later 1992, Holden launched the new Calais International which had an Antilock Braking System (ABS) and other features as standard. ABS was also provided as an option on cars with V8 engines and IRS, but for the Series II, it became an option on all models. The 2.0 L engine was discontinued from the Commodore VP line.

Limited editions of the VP Commodore

The Commodore Vacationer was offered as a limited edition and came equipped with air conditioning and power front windows as standard. The VP Vacationer also offered cruise control and a power antenna among other features like special wheel covers, ID decals, 15” wheels and tyres, padded headrests, and chrome exhaust tailpipes.

Another limited edition of only 150-300 cars - the VP Calais International Series - was introduced in September 1992. These vehicles came in white, black or anthracite grey. They employed a V8 engine, an ABS, leather and suede interiors, a full electrical system, a leather steering wheel, and a sports kit modelled after those in the SS and Caprice models.

 

Engines

3.8 L EFI V6 – 127 kW

5.0 L EFI V8 – 165 kW

5.0 L EFI (HSV & opt.) V8 – 180 kW

5.0 L EFI (GTS) V8 – 200 kW

Transmissions

M78 five-speed Borg Warner manual (V6 and V8)

MD8 four-speed TH 700 automatic (V6 and V8)

Model Range

Holden Ute

Holden S Ute

Commodore Executive sedan

Commodore Vacationer sedan

Commodore S sedan

Commodore SS V6 sedan

Commodore SS V8 sedan

Berlina sedan

Berlina LX sedan

Calais sedan

Calais International Series sedan

Commodore Executive wagon

Commodore Vacationer wagon

Commodore S wagon

Berlina wagon

Berlina LX wagon

Dimensions (mm)
	Sedan	Wagon
Wheelbase	2731	2822
Track - front for 5-link	1451	1451
Rear for 5-link	1478	1478
Front for IRS	1485
Rear for IRS	1487
Length	4890	4910
Width	1812	1812
Height	1403	1422
Ground Clearance	143	143