Holden VX Commodore

Infobox Automobile


name = Holden VX Commodore
manufacturer = Holden
parent_company = General Motors
aka = Chevrolet Lumina
Chevrolet Omega
Holden VX Berlina
Holden VX Calais
production = 2000–2002
predecessor = Holden VT Commodore
successor = Holden VY Commodore
class = Full-size car
body_style = 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
platform = FR GM V platform
engine = 3.8 L "Ecotec" V6
3.8 L "Supercharged Ecotec" V6
5.7 L "Gen III" V8
transmission = 4-speed "GM 4L60-E" automatic
5-speed "Getrag" manual
6-speed "T-56" manual
wheelbase = Auto mm|2788–Auto mm|2938
length = Auto mm|4891–Auto mm|5046
width = Auto mm|1842–Auto mm|1847
height = Auto mm|1445–Auto mm|1450
weight = Auto kg|1519–Auto kg|1648
related = Cadillac Catera
Holden Monaro (V2)
Holden WH Statesman
Opel Omega

The Holden VX Commodore is the eleventh instalment of the Holden Commodore, a full-size car produced by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. Manufactured between October 2000 and September 2002, the VX served as minor update to the VT series from 1997. The VX premiered revised styling and greater model differentiation along with gains in crash safety. An intermediate Series II was launched in August 2001, featuring a thoroughly revised suspension system. [cite web | last = Edgar | first = Julian | date = 2002-04-02 | url = http://autoweb.com.au/cms/article.html?&A=1341 | title = New Car Test - Holden Commodore VX Series II Wagon | work = AutoWeb | publisher = Web Publications | accessdate = 2007-07-02]

History of development

Design

Visually, the exterior features a revised headlamp design over the preceding VT among other changes. [cite web | last = Doak | first = Alastair | date = 2001-03-15 | url = http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?articleID=2262 | title = Styling edge tipped for new Commodore; Diesel on Holden's agenda | publisher = Fairfax Media | accessdate = 2007-05-25] These include the tail lamp panel now replaced by two separate individual light assemblies. The Berlina and Calais sedans however retain the full-width boot-lid panel incorporating the tail lamps and the registration plate. [Lord (2000), p. 41. "Holden's taken a different tack with Berlina and Calais, separating these high line models from the pleb models with Magnaesque headlight and grille treatment. All VXs have new tail lights, but Berlina and Calais have a full width lense treatment while the rest have body coloured boots."]

Safety

Safety played a substantial role in the development of the VX model. Bosch 5.3 anti-lock brakes were made standard on all variants, a first for an Australian manufactured car; and traction control was made available on vehicles equipped with manual transmission. Extensive research was undertaken to reduce the effects from a side-impact collision through modification of the B-pillars. The risk presented by a side-impact collision in a VX fitted without side airbags is reduced by 50 percent when compared to a similarly specified VT model. [Lord (2000), p. 37. "The VXs biggest improvement is in passive safety, through minor but extremely effective changes based on extensive research into side impacts. Modifications to the B-pillar improve side impact protection across the board. If you have a side-on collision in a VX not fitted with side airbags, risk of injury is halved compared to a similarly equipped VT. The addition of anti-skid brakes to standard equipment lists of Executive and S models means the entire Commodore range now has Bosch version 5.3 ABS. As well, traction control is now available in combination with manual transmission for the first time."]

Engine and mechanicals

The VX series introduced further mechanical upgrades to the 3.8 litre "Ecotec" V6 engine, which received changes to the engine management computer to bring power up to 152 kilowatts (204 hp). Fuel economy was also improved over the previous model by three-to-four percent.cite web | last = Gable | first = Chris | date = 2000-08-30 | url = http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=1749&vf=1 | title = Holden opens its VX files | publisher = Fairfax Media | accessdate = 2007-05-24] The optional Supercharged Ecotec V6 extended it's service to the Executive and Acclaim variants, with the 171 kilowatt (229 hp) output figures remaining unchanged from the VT. [McCarthy, McKay, Newton, Robinson (2006), p. 158] As well as the supercharged six-cylinder, an even more powerful 5.7 litre Chevrolet-sourced "Gen III" V8 engine was offered. The powerplant received power increases from 220 kilowatts (295 hp) to 225 kilowatts (302 hp).cite web | url = http://www.autotrader.co.nz/ArticleDetails.aspx?sid=1180A2A9F962&Ntt=holden+vx+commodore&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&No=20&item=1328&N=0&Ntk=All | title = Holden VX Commodore | work = AutoTrader New Zealand | publisher = ACP Media | accessdate = 2007-05-25]

A modified front suspension setup received lower control arm pivot points. The Series II update featured the addition of a a new rear cross member, revised rear control arm assemblies with new style bushing and toe-control links to the semi-trailing arm rear suspension to better maintain the toe settings during suspension movements, resulting in more predictable car handling, noticeably over uneven surfaces, and improved tyre wear.

Specification levels

Commodore Executive

The entry-level Executive was a popular choice amongst fleet buyers, and offered standard features such as anti-lock brakes, a driver's air bag, trip computer, and central locking.cite web | last = Morely | first = David | date = 2005-05-25 | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/Reviews/Holden-Commodore-VX/2005/05/24/1116950726333.html | title = Holden Commodore VX | work = The Age | publisher = Fairfax Media | accessdate = 2007-05-25] Along with all other variants, steering wheel audio controls, a CD player, and an electrically retracting power antenna were now standard. The naturally-aspirated 3.8 litre "Ecotec" V6 came standard on the Executive, with the option of the "Supercharged Ecotec" V6 or "Gen III" V8 engine. V6 engines were coupled to a five-speed manual transmission, and V8s came with a six-speed manual. A four-speed automatic transmission was available as an optional extra, regardless of the engine choice.cite web | date = 2003-10-26 | url = http://www.users.on.net/~nweber/commodore/vx/index.html | title = Holden Commodore / Calais VX Series | publisher = Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive | accessdate = 2007-05-25]

Commodore Acclaim

The second tier Acclaim was marketed as a family-oriented variation of the VX range, with a strong emphasis on safety. Building on the equipment levels of the Executive, the Acclaim also featured four airbags, cruise control, traction control, air conditioning and power windows. A four-speed automatic transmission was the only transmission available, although buyers did have the opportunity to opt for the "Supercharged Ecotec" V6 engine.

Commodore S

Offered as a sporty alternative to the Acclaim was the Commodore S. Based on the entry-level Executive, features came in the form of a sports body kit, electric windows, 16 inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control, and a leather steering wheel. However, leather upholstery,Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Three), p. 110–111] traction control, four airbags, 17 inch alloy wheels and the "Supercharged Ecotec" V6 were offered as options.

Commodore SS

The SS continued on with the sporting trend of the Commodore S, but incorporated bumper-integrated foglamps, and more aggressively styled alloy wheels. Instead of the six-cylinder engine standard on the "S pack", a "Gen III" V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission came as standard. A more advanced suspension setup, traction control and a passenger's airbag were also standard, but side impact airbags and leather upholstery remained optional.

Berlina

This model and the top-of-the-range Calais attributed a notably re-styled exterior, when compared to other trim levels. Both featured a full-width rectangular grille, which merged off together with the angled-off headlamps. The rear-end of the sedan is characterised by a boot panel housing the transparent taillights. Nine-spoke, 15 inch machine finished alloy wheels accentuated the prestige image.

Building on the features the Acclaim featured the Berlina added climate control air conditioning, and adjustable seatbelt anchors. 17 inch alloy wheels, sports suspension (the same type found on the SS), limited slip differential and an eight-cylinder engine were all made available as optional extras.

Calais

The flagship Calais shares the prestige style exterior with the Berlina, but is distinguishable by its 16 inch alloy wheels and chrome outlined foglamps. An eight-speaker audio system, with a ten stack CD player and supercharged V6 engine were also standard. The Calais presented the same optional features as the Berlina, but allowed for the inclusion of leather upholstery. With the Berlina, the centre console was finished with either the black or beige plastic panel depending on the interior colour scheme, however the Calais upped the ante with a wood grain-faced console, or a satin-finished façade for Series II variants.

Notes

References

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