Holden Commodore VR

The Holden VR model was launched with a number of features designed to beat the competition within the Australian car market. It included the introduction of a driver’s side airbag, making the VR the first model to offer this feature. Australians chose the Holden VR for its excellent value and its capability for handling tough Australian road conditions. Holden launched the Commodore VR Series in July 1993, and it immediately established its success by becoming the safest Holden model up to that point. The production of the Holden VR range lasted until April 1995.

Design features of the Holden VR

The design aspect of the VR range got a considerable boost with the introduction of new electronic automatic transmission, a new, faster auto computer module with greater memory, electronic multi-point fuel injection, power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, a tiltable, telescopic steering wheel, power-operated exterior mirrors, a remote fuel flap, and automatic turn-off headlights. The list seemed to be endless - no wonder Australians were bowled over by the versatility and the credibility of this car.

Other features included a self-diagnostic body computer for the electrical system coordination , a four-speaker AM/FM electronically-tuned cassette radio, driver's seat height and lumbar adjustments , and a driver's footrest. Holden also continued its foreign style inspiration by imparting a European look to the bodies of the VR line models.

The Holden VR’s steering wheel was sized down to provide greater comfort. The engines in the VR line were able to produce a greater compression ratio than had engines in the previous lines. They incorporated rigid connecting rods and reduced bearing clearances, which were oriented to achieve operational smoothness and quietness rather than produce extra power.

Holden’s launch of the VR Series II in April 1995 was the icing on the cake. The features added in this series were a speed alert, a handbrake-on warning chime, a low-fuel warning light and chimes, cloth trim that differed from previous models, red - rather than grey - trim on the boot, black grille inserts, and Series II badges under the front side indicator.

 

Engines

3.8 L V6 – 130 kW

5.0 L V8 – 165 kW

5.0 L HSV V8 – 185 kW

5.7 L HSV V8 – 215 kW

Transmissions

M39 five-speed Borg Warner T5 manual

M30 four-speed 4L60-E automatic

MM6 six-speed Borg Warner T56 manual

Model Range

Commodore Executive sedan

Commodore Acclaim sedan

Commodore Equipe sedan

Commodore S sedan

Commodore SS sedan

Berlina sedan

Calais sedan

VR utility

VR S utility

Commodore Executive wagon

Commodore Acclaim wagon

Commodore Equipe wagon

Berlina wagon

Steering

Type

Variable ratio rack and pinion

Power assisted with variable assist

Turns lock to lock: 2.8

Turning circle (m): Sedan: 11.0 Wagon: 11.1

Dimensions (mm)
	Sedan	Wagon	Utility
Wheelbase	2731	2822	2822
Front Track	1491	1491	1491
Rear Track	1491	1478	1478
Length	4861	4903	4896
Width	1794	1794	1794
Height	1448	1478	1510
Ground Clearance	143	143	138

Tank

V6 Sedan:    63L

V6 Wagon: 68L

V8 Sedan:    80L

V8 Wagon: 68L