Holden VX Commodore

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Holden VX Commodore
Manufacturer	Holden
Parent company	General Motors
Also called	Chevrolet Lumina Chevrolet Omega
Production	2000–2002
Predecessor	Holden VT Commodore
Successor	Holden VY Commodore
Class	Full-size car
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Platform	FR GM V platform
Engine(s)	3.8 L Ecotec V6 3.8 L Supercharged Ecotec V6 5.7 L Gen III V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic 5-speed Getrag manual 6-speed T-56 manual
Wheelbase	2788 mm (109.8 in)–2938 mm (115.7 in)
Length	4891 mm (192.6 in)–5046 mm (198.7 in)
Width	1842 mm (72.5 in)–1847 mm (72.7 in)
Height	1445 mm (56.9 in)–1450 mm (57.1 in)
Curb weight	1519 kg (3349 lb)–1648 kg (3633 lb)
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. The car was manufactured between October 2000 and September 2002 at Holden's production plant in Elizabeth, South Australia, and rivaled vehicles such as the Ford AU Falcon and Mitsubishi Magna.^[1]

Visually the VX interior differs little from the previous VT series, but the exterior features a revised headlamp design.^[2] The rear taillight bar was replaced by two separate individual light assemblies, with the Berlina and Calais sedans continuing with a full-width boot-lid panel. This incorporates the tail lamps, which are now transparent.^[3] An updated Series II VX was launched in early 2002, predominantly featuring a thoroughly revised suspension system.^[4]

Active and passive safety played a substantial role in the development of the VX model.^[5] Anti-lock brakes (Bosch 5.3) 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 modifications 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 comparably specified VT model.^[5]

Contents 1 Engine and mechanicals 2 Specification levels 2.1 Commodore Executive 2.2 Commodore Acclaim 2.3 Commodore S 2.4 Commodore SS 2.5 Berlina 2.6 Calais 3 Notes 4 References

[edit] 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.^[6] 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.^[7] 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).^[3]

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.^[6]

Powertrain:

Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission
3791 cc Ecotec V6	152 kW (204 hp)	305 N·m (225 ft·lbf)	5-speed Getrag manual 4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic
3791 cc Supercharged Ecotec V6	171 kW (229 hp)	375 N·m (277 ft·lbf)
5665 cc Gen III V8	225 kW (302 hp)	460 N·m (339 ft·lbf)	6-speed T-56 manual 4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic

[edit] Specification levels

[edit] Commodore Executive

The entry-level Executive was a popular choice amongst fleet buyers, and offered standard features such as ABS brakes, a driver's airbag, trip computer, and central locking.^[8] Along with all other variants, steering wheel audio controls, a CD player, and an electrically retracting power antenna were now standard.^[6] 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.^[9]

[edit] Commodore Acclaim

The second tier Acclaim was marketed as a family-oriented variation of the VX range, with a strong emphasis on safety.^[8] 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.^[9]

[edit] 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,^[10] traction control, four airbags, 17 inch alloy wheels and the Supercharged Ecotec V6 were offered as options.^[9]

[edit] 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.^[3] 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.^[9][10]

[edit] 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.^[3]

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.^[9]

[edit] 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.^[3] 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.^[10] With the Berlina, the centre console was finished with either the black/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.^[9]

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

• McCarthy, Mike; McKay, Peter; Newton, Bruce; Robinson, Peter (October 2006). "2006 Collector's Edition VE Commodore: The Full Story". Wheels magazine: 164. ACP Magazines. 
• Davis, Tony; Kennedy, Alistair; Kennedy, Ewan (February 2007). The Holden Heritage - 13th Edition (Part Three) (PDF). GM Holden. Retrieved on 2008-02-20.

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