Holden Commodore (VP)
The Holden Commodore is a full-size car that was produced by Holden from 1991 to 1993. It was the second iteration of the second generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina and Holden Calais .
Overview
The VP series was released in September 1991 with mainly cosmetic and feature changes to the outgoing VN Series Commodore. It launched shortly after the Ford EB Falcon. 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 which launched in January 1993. Additional security features were introduced across the range, including an ignition-disabling device and a driver's door deadlock. Central locking and power mirrors were also a standard feature across the model range. The VP series was replaced in July 1993 by the VR Series Commodore.The VP Calais was also sold in Thailand, with 3.8 V6 version, later it used an Opel 2.6-litre C26NE inline-six Dual Ram engine.
Models
Commodore Executive
The Commodore Executive was the base model of the range.Commodore S
The Commodore S was the cheapest sports variant of the range. It was essentially similar to the Executive, but with sports trim similar to the SS model.Commodore SS
The Commodore SS was the top-of-the-line sports model of the range with a V8 engine.Commodore Berlina
The Commodore Berlina was the cheapest luxury variant of the range.Commodore Berlina LX
The Commodore Berlina LX was the semi-luxury version of the range. This model was essentially a stepping stone between the Berlina and Calais. The VP was the only version to offer this trim level.Calais
The Calais was the luxury version of the range. It was however not badged or marketed as a Commodore.Limited edition and other specification levels
Commodore SS V6
The SS V6 was a 1992 limited production model which had all the features of the regular Commodore SS but utilized the 3.8L V6 engine in place of the 5.0L V8. It 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's main rival was the Ford EB2 Falcon XR6.Commodore BT1
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 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. BT1 with IRS had a standard size fuel tank, not a long range tank as found on other models.Although the pack varied in each state, they were commonly fitted with:
- FE2 sports suspension
- Oil sump protector
- Always-on top lighted speedo with 2 km increments
- Dome light and map light interior lighting
- 15 × 6-inch steel wheels
- Transmission Cooler
- Country pack suspension in lieu of FE2 in some rural areas
- Vinyl floor mats
- Limited slip differential
- Modified shift gate to allow gear change from overdrive to second gear without engaging lever..
Commodore Vacationer
The Commodore Vacationer was a limited edition model based on the Commodore Executive. It was released in October 1992.Calais International
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 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 but with Holden logos in the centre cap and the interior was black over tan, with tan partial leather/suede seats, and special leather SS style steering wheel.Toyota Lexcen (T2)
A badge engineered variant of the Holden VP was marketed as the Toyota Lexcen. The T2 series Lexcen was available in CSi, VXi, and Newport trim levels, with a choice of sedan and wagon body styles. It was offered only with the 3.8 litre V6 engine and the four speed automatic transmission.Ute
A utility variant of the VP Commodore was launched in February 1992. It was marketed as the Holden Utility and was not badged as a Commodore. No Toyota equivalent was ever produced.HSV range
The enhanced performance VP range sold by Holden Special Vehicles comprised the variants listed below :- LS Utility — 54 built, September 1991 – June 1993
- Club Sport — 387 built, October 1991 – June 1993
- 5th Anniversary Club Sport — 65 built
- Sport Wagon — 43 built, October 1991 – June 1993
- 5th Anniversary Sport Wagon — 5 built
- SV91 — 103 built, October 1991 – June 1992
- + Six 1992 — 82 built, February 1992 – June 1992
- + Six 1993 — 58 built, March 1993
- Maloo — 34 built, March 1992 – April 1993
- 5th Anniversary Maloo — 15 built
- Senator — 201 built, April 1992 – August 1993
- 5th Anniversary Senator — 15 built, March 1993 – May 1993
- Senator 5000i — 136 built, June 1992 – September 1993
- 5th Anniversary Senator 5000i — 30 built, June 1993 – August 1993
- Nitron — 50 built, July 1992 – August 1992
- GTS — 130 built, September 1992 – December 1992
- SV93 Statesman — 46 built, September 1992 – March 1993
- Formula — 67 built, May 1993 – June 1993
- Club Sport 5000i — 50 built, May 1993 – June 1993
- Statesman — 84 built, April 1992 – April 1993
- 5th Anniversary Statesman — 8 built, June 1993 – September 1993