|
The Holden Commodore is an automobile produced by the Holden division of General Motors (GM) in Australia. In the late 1970s, Holden established proposals to replace the long serving Kingswood nameplate with an all-new smaller model. Holden looked to Opel (another GM subsidiary) for inspiration, and based the Commodore on the Opel Rekord. The German marque continued to provide the basics for future generations; however the trend changed when Holden launched the fourth generation model in 2006. This came to be Holden's most expensive project yet, boasting an all-Australian design.[1] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (2068 × 1549 pixel, file size: 1. ...
Automakers, also known as carmakers, automobile manufacturers, motor manufacturers, or the automobile industry are companies that design and manufacture automobiles. ...
This article is about the Australian car manufacturer. ...
General Motors Corporation, also known as GM, is the worlds largest auto company by annual production volume as of 2006, and the second largest by sales volume as of the first half of 2007, behind Toyota Motor Corporation. ...
The Chevrolet Lumina is a full-size car produced by Holden in Australia and exported to the Middle East, South Africa and Thailand since 1997. ...
The Chevrolet Omega is a large automobile sold by General Motors do Brasil. ...
The Holden Kingswood is a large family car that was manufactured by General Motors–Holdens Ltd. ...
Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. ...
A notchback full-size luxury sedan. ...
Estate car body style (Saab 95) A station wagon (United States usage), wagon (Australian usage, though station wagon is widely used) or estate car (United Kingdom usage) is a car body style similar to a sedan car but with an extended rear cargo area. ...
Karl Benzs Velo model (1894) - entered into the first automobile race An automobile or motor car (usually shortened to just car) is a wheeled passenger vehicle that carries its own motor. ...
This article is about the Australian car manufacturer. ...
General Motors Corporation, also known as GM, is the worlds largest auto company by annual production volume as of 2006, and the second largest by sales volume as of the first half of 2007, behind Toyota Motor Corporation. ...
The Holden Kingswood is a large family car that was manufactured by General Motors–Holdens Ltd. ...
This article is about the European car manufacturer. ...
Opel Rekord is an executive car from the German automaker Opel. ...
Introduced with a single sedan body style, the range expanded in 1979 to include a station wagon.[2] The lineup expanded for a second time in 1990, when Holden reintroduced the utility and long-wheelbase Statesman and Caprice derivatives.[3] Then in 2001, the third-generation architecture provided the foundations for a revived Holden Monaro coupé.[4] A notchback full-size luxury sedan. ...
Estate car body style (Saab 95) A station wagon (United States usage), wagon (Australian usage, though station wagon is widely used) or estate car (United Kingdom usage) is a car body style similar to a sedan car but with an extended rear cargo area. ...
The Holden Ute is a a car-based small pickup truck built by the Holden division of General Motors in Australia. ...
This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
The Holden Statesman is a full-size luxury car produced by the Australian General Motors division Holden since 1971. ...
The Holden Caprice is the highest model luxury Holden that is available on the market. ...
The Monaro is a muscle car produced by Holden, the Australian branch of General Motors. ...
The Peugeot 406 Coupé, designed by Pininfarina 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC coupé, noted for its large, angular design 1980s Volvo 480 two-box coupé 1997 Rover Vitesse Coupe, club coupe Mercedes CLS, a modern four-door coupé Gala-Coupé of Leopold II, Brussels 1970s Sunbeam Alpine fastback coupé A coup...
To combat the increasing sales erosion by rivals and the limitations of Australia's small market, Holden broadened the Commodore's export plans. Rivalry has come predominantly from arch-rival Ford with the Falcon, however it was not until 1988 when the much larger second generation was launched that the Commodore became a true direct competitor to the Falcon.[5] Mitsubishi Motors and Toyota have also proven to be competitive with their mid-size cars.[6] Ford Motor Company is an American multinational corporation and the worlds third largest automaker after General Motors and Toyota, based on worldwide vehicle sales. ...
This article is about the Australian car model. ...
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation ) is the fifth largest automaker in Japan and the thirteenth largest in the world by unit sales. ...
This article is about the automaker. ...
A mid-size car, frequently referred to as an intermediate, is an automobile with a size between that of a compact and a full-size or standard-size car. ...
First generation (1978–1988)
 1978–1980 Holden VB Commodore Image File history File links Holden_VB_commodore_01. ...
Image File history File links Holden_VB_commodore_01. ...
VB -
Premiering in 1978, the Holden VB Commodore brought unprecedented levels of refinement, never seen before in an Australian designed car. With the effects of the 1973 oil crisis still being felt, Holden made a conscientious decision to downsize and replaced the successful full-size Holden Kingswood with a new smaller, more fuel-efficient model.[7] The Holden VB Commodore was the first ever model generation of the Holden Commodore, a large car produced by Australian automobile manufacturer Holden (however, up until the introduction of the Holden VN Commodore in 1988, the Commodore was classed as Mid-size as is the VB). ...
The 1973 oil crisis began in earnest on October 17, 1973, when the members of Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC, consisting of the Arab members of OPEC plus Egypt and Syria) announced, as a result of the ongoing Yom Kippur War, that they would no longer ship petroleum...
The Holden Kingswood is a large family car that was manufactured by General Motors–Holdens Ltd. ...
Holden looked towards Opel for providing the foundations of the VB; basing it loosely on the Rekord E bodyshell but with the front grafted on from the Opel Senator to accommodate the larger Holden six-cylinder and V8 engines. Using GM’s rear-wheel drive V-body platform, the VB retained 96% of the preceding HZ Kingswood's interior space, despite being 14% smaller in overall dimensions.[8] When driven at speed over Australian roads, Holden quickly realised that the Rekord would effectively break in half. This forced Holden had to rework the entire car for local conditions. Such a task blew development costs beyond expectations, thus leaving no money to develop utility, station wagon, and long-wheelbase variants. Desperate measures forced Holden to shape the Commodore front-end to the rear of the Rekord wagon, such a measure plagued the variant with inevitable component differences to the sedan.[9] Despite these issues, the car was praised for its value for money and sophistication, and went on to win the prestigious Wheels Car of the Year award for 1978.[10] This article is about the European car manufacturer. ...
Opel Rekord is an executive car from the German automaker Opel. ...
The Opel Senator was a large saloon (and derivative coupé) motor vehicle sold in Europe from 1978 until 1994. ...
The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration, although modern automotive versions use a 90 degree block angle. ...
Rear-wheel drive (or RWD for short) is an engine/transmission layout used in automobiles. ...
The V platform, or V-body, automobile platform name was used twice by General Motors. ...
The Australian environment ranges from virtually pristine Antarctic territory, rainforests to degraded industrial areas of major cities. ...
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Pickup. ...
Estate car body style (Saab 95) A station wagon (United States usage), wagon (Australian usage, though station wagon is widely used) or estate car (United Kingdom usage) is a car body style similar to a sedan car but with an extended rear cargo area. ...
This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
Wheels magazine has announced its Car of the Year every year since 1963, with the exception of 1972, 1979 and 1986 when no cars were considered worthy of the honour. ...
The "downsizing" was first seen as a major disadvantage for Holden, as they had effectively relinquished the potential of selling Commodores to the fleet and taxi industries. These sales losses were thought to be unrecoverable; however the 1979 energy crisis saw Australian oil prices rise by 140%, putting substantial strain on the automotive industry to downsize. To Holden the situation could not have come at a better time, and sales gained substantially.[11] Fleet vehicles are groups of automobiles with a single owner, typically a company or corporation, rather than an individual or family. ...
Taxicab, short forms taxi or cab, is a type of public transport for a single passenger, or small group of passengers, typically for a non-shared ride. ...
Line at a gas station, June 15, 1979. ...
 1980 Holden VC Commodore L Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 522 pixelsFull resolution (824 × 538 pixel, file size: 149 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...
Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 522 pixelsFull resolution (824 × 538 pixel, file size: 149 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...
VC -
The most significant change in the Holden VC Commodore was to upgrade the "Red motor" for better efficiency. Now painted blue and known as the "Blue motor", the changes included a twelve-port cylinder head among other tweaks on the sixes, and electronic ignition for the V8s. In response to high oil prices, a four-cylinder variant was spawned. The 1.9 litre "Starfire" engine was effectively Holden's existing straight-6 with two cylinders removed. This variant was short lived due to poor performance and the need to push the engine hard led to fuel consumption similar to the straight-6s.[12] Dynamics were improved by using an upgraded suspension setup.[10] The Holden VC Commodore was released in 1980 and succeeded the Holden VH Commodore. ...
The cylinder head from a GMC van. ...
The straight-6 (also inline 6, I-6, or I6) is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders aligned in a single row. ...
This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration, although modern automotive versions use a 90 degree block angle. ...
Fuel economy in automobiles is the amount of fuel required to move the automobile over a given distance. ...
Visual changes were limited, with only minor changes such as the relocation of the corporate crest to the centre of the redesigned grille.[12] Dual-tone exterior paintwork made a welcome return after a 20 year absence,[10] and the specification level name was now recessed amongst the front door protectors.[12] The entry level "Commodore" variation was now dubbed "Commodore L", but the SL and SL/E nameplates continued.[12] This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
BMWs distinctive kidney-shaped grille on an E34 M5 Audis single frame grille, here on a second generation TT Grille is also the name of a German self-propelled artillery vehicle. ...
 1981–1984 Holden VH Commodore Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 449 pixelsFull resolution (1046 × 587 pixel, file size: 137 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) (All user names refer to en. ...
Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 449 pixelsFull resolution (1046 × 587 pixel, file size: 137 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) (All user names refer to en. ...
VH -
It was the Holden VH Commodore that for the first time, ended the Commodore's position as Australia's best selling car, despite it being an evolution of the previous model. With the effects of the 1979 energy crisis ending, buyers gravitated towards the larger Ford Falcon rival, rather than the mid-size Commodore. The six-cylinder engine, which was carried over from the Kingswood and could trace its roots back to 1963, was no longer competitive. Continual improvements made to the Ford Falcon meant the Commodore was not significantly more fuel efficient nor better performing despite the smaller size. Holden also had to deal with the influx of their own Camira, which presented comparable interior room, fuel savings, and befitted the Commodore pricing point.[9] The Holden VH Commodore was an evolution of the previous VC model, released in October 1981. ...
Line at a gas station, June 15, 1979. ...
This article is about the Australian car model. ...
A mid-size car, frequently referred to as an intermediate, is an automobile with a size between that of a compact and a full-size or standard-size car. ...
The Holden Camira was a medium-sized family car produced by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. ...
A new horizontally-slatted grille dominated the front-end of the VH, producing a lower, yet wider look that was in the interest of aerodynamics. Sedans featured redesigned tail light clusters, the design of which was influenced by Mercedes-Benz models of the day, using a louvered design that prevented the build-up of dirt. The range-topping SL/E featured tail lamps that extended to meet up with the license plate alcove.[13] BMWs distinctive kidney-shaped grille on an E34 M5 Audis single frame grille, here on a second generation TT Grille is also the name of a German self-propelled artillery vehicle. ...
This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
This page is about the Mercedes-Benz brand of automobiles and trucks from the DaimlerChrysler automobile manufacturer. ...
// Introduction A license plate, number plate or registration plate (often referred to simply as a plate, or colloquially tag) is a small metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle for official identification purposes. ...
Mechanical specifications carried over, except for a new five-speed manual transmission, optional on the 1.9 litre four-cylinder and 2.85 litre six-cylinder versions.[13] In a desperate cry to improve the dwindling sales of the straight-four engine, Holden spent considerable time improving its performance and efficiency. Substantial effort was also poured into the 2.85 litre six, and the powerplants managed to reduce fuel consumption by 12.5% and 14% correspondingly.[10] A manual transmission (also known as a stick shift, straight drive, or standard transmission) is a type of transmission used in automotive applications. ...
Fuel economy in automobiles is the amount of fuel required to move the automobile over a given distance. ...
At the same time, the nomenclature of the range was rationalised. The SL was now the base model, the SL/X was the mid-range and SL/E was top-of-the-line variant, as before.[13] Wagons were available in SL and SL/X variants,[10] and in 1982 the SS sports model was released, being a Commodore mainstay ever since.[14] Coming with Holden's 4.2 litre V8 as standard, three up-spec versions of SS, known as "Stage 1", "2" and "3" were made available, featuring a 5.0 litre V8. These were produced by racing driver Peter Brock's HDT factory.[15] To this day, Brock modified VH SS Commodores are highly sought after.[16] Nomenclature refers to a method of assigning (unique) names. ...
Peter Geoffrey Brock OAM (26 February 1945 – 8 September 2006) otherwise known as Peter Perfect, The King of the Mountain or simply as Brocky was one of Australias best-known and most successful motor racing drivers. ...
Peter Geoffrey Brock (born February 26, 1945) is an Australian automobile racing driver. ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2080x1368, 601 KB) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2080x1368, 601 KB) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ...
VK -
Representing the first major change since the VB original, the Holden VK Commodore introduced a six-window glasshouse (featured on the Opel Senator) as opposed to the previous four-window design to make the Commodore appear larger.[17] The revised design assisted sales further, with the VK commissioning 135,000 sales in two years. But by no means did this put an end to Holden’s monetary woes. Sales of the initially popular Camira slumped due to unforeseen quality issues,[9] and the WB series pickups and limousines were starting to show their age, since their 1971 origins had to compete with Ford’s newly released Fairlane.[18] The Holden VK Commodore was introduced in 1984 and replaced the VH. It was the first Commodore to have plastic (polypropylene) bumpers and introduced rear quarter windows for a six-window design (styled similarly to the Opel Senator, by Holden themselves) as opposed to the four-window design on previous...
The Opel Senator was a large saloon (and derivative coupé) motor vehicle sold in Europe from 1978 until 1994. ...
The Holden Camira was a medium-sized family car produced by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. ...
Mazda B-Series compact pickup truck with extended cabin and home-made wooden rack. ...
Look up limousine in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational corporation and the worlds third largest automaker after General Motors and Toyota, based on worldwide vehicle sales. ...
1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria 1957 Ford Fairlane 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA 1997 Ford Fairlane Ghia The Ford Fairlane was an automobile model sold between 1955 and 1971 by the Ford Motor Company in North America. ...
The VK also introduced new names for the trim levels, such as Executive (an SL with air conditioning and automatic transmission), Berlina (replacing SL/X) and Calais (replacing SL/E).[19] The refined "Blue" 3.3 litre straight-6 engine was replaced by the "Black" specification, gaining computer-controlled ignition system (carburettor versions only) and optional electronic fuel injection. The EFI system boosted power output to 106 kilowatts.[10] The 5.0 litre V8 engine continued to power high specification variants, but was replaced by a 4.9 litre variant in 1985 due to new Group A racing homologation rules. The new unit cut its predecessors weight by 75 kilograms and was fitted with an upgraded braking system. With high oil prices being a thing of the past, Holden decided to drop the 1.9 litre four-cylinder, 2.85 litre six and 4.2 litre V8.[17] A new Australian-made 2.0 litre straight-4 GM Family II engine went on to power VKs in New Zealand. Note: in the broadest sense, air conditioning can refer to any form of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. ...
The automatic gear selector in a Ford Five Hundred vehicle An automatic transmission is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually (similar but larger devices are also used for railroad locomotives). ...
The straight-6 (also inline 6, I-6, or I6) is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders aligned in a single row. ...
// Fuel injection is a means of metering fuel into an internal combustion engine. ...
The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration, although modern automotive versions use a 90 degree block angle. ...
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A referred to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition. ...
Homologation is a technical term, derived from the Greek homologos (ομόλογος) for agree, which is generally used in English to signify the granting of approval by an official authority. ...
The U.S. National Prototype Kilogram, which currently serves as the primary standard for measuring mass in the U.S. It was assigned to the United States in 1889 and is periodically recertified and traceable to the primary international standard, The Kilogram, held at the Bureau International des Poids et...
The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ...
The Family II is a straight-4 piston engine that was originally developed by Opel in late 1970s for use in the Opel Ascona B and Opel Kadett D. Over time, the engine block has evolved to include many modern features such as DOHC and fuel injection. ...
 1986–1988 Holden VL Commodore Image File history File links VL_Commodore. ...
Image File history File links VL_Commodore. ...
VL -
Marking a high point in terms of sales, the last-of-the-series Holden VL Commodore sold in record numbers, finally managing to outsell the Ford Falcon in the private sector.[10] VL represented a substantial makeover of the VK, and would be the last of the mid-size Commodores. Designers distanced the Commodore further away from its Opel origins, by calming down the lines of the outer body and redesigning the rear taillight assemblies, which rested beneath a minute tail spoiler. A thorough redesign of the nose saw the Commodore gain sleek, narrow headlamps, and a shallower grille. The Calais specification employed a unique design trait of partially concealed headlamps.[17] Many Holden fans still consider the 1986 VL Commodore the best Commodore ever built while some complain that its styling too similar to Japanese cars of the same period. ...
This article is about the Australian car model. ...
A mid-size car, frequently referred to as an intermediate, is an automobile with a size between that of a compact and a full-size or standard-size car. ...
This article is about the European car manufacturer. ...
This Ford F-150 pickup truck has two spoilers one on the roof and another on the tailgate. ...
By this stage, Holden’s 30 year old six-cylinder was thoroughly outmoded and would have been difficult to modify to comply with pending emission standards and unleaded fuel. This led Holden to sign a deal with Nissan to import their RB30E engine.[20] This seemed a good idea in 1983 when the Australian dollar was strong, however by 1986 the once viable prospect became rather expensive.[21] The public quickly accepted what was at first a controversial move, as reports emerged of the improvements in refinement, 33% gain in power and 15% better economy. An optional turbocharger appeared six months after launch, and lifted power output to 150 kilowatts. In October 1986, an unleaded edition of Holden’s carburettored V8 engine was publicised.[10] Holden had originally planned to discontinue the V8 and spare the expense of converting to unleaded. However, public outcry persuaded them to relent. Nissan Motor Co. ...
The RB engine is a 2. ...
ISO 4217 Code AUD User(s) Australia, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Norfolk Island Inflation 3. ...
Air foil bearing-supported turbocharger cutaway made by Mohawk Innovative Technology Inc. ...
Bendix-Technico (Stromberg) 1-barrel downdraft carburetor model BXUV-3, with nomenclature The carburetor, carburettor, or carburetter (see spelling differences), also called carb (in North America) or carbie (chiefly in Australia) for short, is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. ...
The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration, although modern automotive versions use a 90 degree block angle. ...
The VL suffered from some common build quality problems, such as poor windshield sealing, that can lead to water leakages and corrosion. The six-cylinder engine was known to easily crack cylinder heads (a problem not displayed on the Nissan Skyline with which it shares the RB30 engine), due to the radiator being lower than the coolant level in the head in the Commodore installation.[22] An assessment undertaken by the Monash University Accident Research Centre, found that first generation Commodores (VB–VL) provided a worse than average level of occupant safety protection in the event of an accident.[23] Automobile windshield. ...
See corrosive for the hazard. ...
A 302/5. ...
The Nissan Skyline is a mid-size car produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 1957. ...
Robert Menzies Building at the Clayton Campus Monash University is Australias largest university with about 55,000 students. ...
Automobile are not safe is the avoidance of automobile accidents or the minimization of harmful effects of accidents, in particular as pertaining to human life and health. ...
This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
Second generation (1988–1997)
 1988–1991 Holden VN Calais Image File history File links Holden_VN_calais_01. ...
Image File history File links Holden_VN_calais_01. ...
VN -
The Holden VN Commodore of 1988 and subsequent second generation models, took their bodywork from the somewhat larger Opel Senator B and the new Opel Omega A. However this time, the floor plan was widened and stretched, and could now match the rival Ford Falcon for size.[24] The range expanded in 1990 to include a utility variant, known as the Ute, and was given the model designation VG. The Ute was built on a longer-wheelbase platform that it shared with the station wagon and luxury VQ Statesman/Caprice limousines released earlier in the year.[10] The team at Wheels magazine awarded the VN their Car of the Year award in 1988, being the second Commodore model to receive this award.[25] The Holden VN Commodore was the sixth model of the Holden Commodore, a full-size car produced by the Australian automotive marque, Holden. ...
The Opel Senator was a large saloon (and derivative coupé) motor vehicle sold in Europe from 1978 until 1994. ...
There was also an Oldsmobile Omega, an unrelated vehicle in the 1970s/80s The Opel Omega was an executive car produced by the German automaker Opel between 1986 and 2003. ...
This article is about the Australian car model. ...
Mazda B-Series compact pickup truck with extended cabin and home-made wooden rack. ...
The Holden Ute is a a car-based small pickup truck built by the Holden division of General Motors in Australia. ...
This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ...
The Holden VQ Statesman and Caprice were Holdens top of the line luxury sedans produced between 1990-1994. ...
Look up limousine in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...
Wheels Magazine is an Australian automotive magazine. ...
Wheels magazine has announced its Car of the Year every year since 1963, with the exception of 1972, 1979 and 1986 when no cars were considered worthy of the honour. ...
Changes in the relative values of the Australian dollar and the Japanese yen, made it financially impractical to continue with the well-regarded Nissan engine of the VL. Instead, Holden manufactured their own 3.8 litre V6 engine based on an old Buick design, adapted from front-wheel to rear-wheel drive.[9] The 5.0 litre V8 remained optional and received a power boost to 165 kilowatts (221 hp). Both engines took advantage of a multi-point fuel injection system.[26] Although not known for its refinement, the V6 was nevertheless praised for its performance and fuel efficiency at the time.[27] A 2.0 litre Family II engine was also offered for some export markets including New Zealand and Singapore, where it was sold as the Holden Berlina, sharing the engine with the Opel Vectra A.[9] Accompanying the changes to engines, the VL's four-speed automatic transmission was replaced by the GM TH700 and the Borg-Warner five-speed manual gearbox.[28] ISO 4217 Code AUD User(s) Australia, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Norfolk Island Inflation 3. ...
ISO 4217 Code JPY User(s) Japan Inflation -0. ...
The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ...
The Buick V6 engine family, sometimes called the Fireball, is a large V6 engine used by General Motors. ...
Front-wheel drive is the most common form of engine/transmission layout used in modern passenger cars, where the engine drives the front wheels. ...
Rear-wheel drive (or RWD for short) is an engine/transmission layout used in automobiles. ...
The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration, although modern automotive versions use a 90 degree block angle. ...
// Fuel injection is a means of metering fuel into an internal combustion engine. ...
Fuel economy in automobiles is the amount of fuel required to move the automobile over a given distance. ...
The Family II is a straight-4 piston engine that was originally developed by Opel in late 1970s for use in the Opel Ascona B and Opel Kadett D. Over time, the engine block has evolved to include many modern features such as DOHC and fuel injection. ...
The Opel Vectra is a large family car produced by Opel, the main European subsidiary of General Motors. ...
The automatic gear selector in a Ford Five Hundred vehicle An automatic transmission is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually (similar but larger devices are also used for railroad locomotives). ...
Turbo-Hydramatic is the registered tradename of an automatic transmission developed and produced by General Motors. ...
The TREMEC T-5 is a 5-speed manual transmission for longitudinal engine automobiles. ...
A manual transmission (also known as a stick shift, straight drive, or standard transmission) is a type of transmission used in automotive applications. ...
A Series II update of the VN appeared in September 1989, featuring a revised V6 engine, known internally, as the EV6.[26] Of the changes made, the most significant was a reduction in engine harshness and high torque characteristics at low revs, often leading to a loss of traction under full throttle.[citation needed] These changes were accompanied by a hike in power output, which rose upwards by two kilowatts (3 hp), to 127 kilowatts (170 hp).[26] Torque applied via an adjustable end wrench Relationship between force, torque, and momentum vectors in a rotating system In physics, torque (or often called a moment) can informally be thought of as rotational force or angular force which causes a change in rotational motion. ...
For other uses, see Revolutions per minute (disambiguation). ...
Under an unsuccessful model sharing arrangement initiated by the Hawke Labor government in 1989, Toyota began badge engineering versions of the VN Commodore.[29] These disguised Commodores were sold as the Toyota Lexcen, named named after Ben Lexcen, the designer of Australia II which won the 1983 America's Cup, wresting the trophy from the United States for the first time in the competition's history.[30] The Button Car Plan (also known as the Button Plan) was the informal name given to the Motor Industry Development Plan, initiatives to rationalise the motor vehicle industry made by the Australian Federal Government in the 1980s. ...
Robert James Lee (Bob) Hawke, AC (born 9 December 1929) is a former Australian trade union leader turned politician who became the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia. ...
This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...
This article is about the automaker. ...
Badge engineering is a term that describes the rebadging of one model of car as another. ...
Ben Lexcen (born as Bob Miller, 1936–1988) was an Australian boat designer. ...
U ALL SUK COCK ...
The Americas Cup trophy The Americas Cup is the most famous and most prestigious regatta in the sport of sailing, and the oldest active trophy in international sport, predating the FA Cup by two decades and the Modern Olympics by 45 years. ...
 1991–1993 Holden VP Commodore Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (818x614, 93 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Holden Commodore Holden VP Commodore ...
Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (818x614, 93 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Holden Commodore Holden VP Commodore ...
VP -
The Holden VP Commodore update of 1991 featured mainly cosmetic changes; the same revised 3.8 litre V6 and 5.0 litre V8 engines from the VN were carried over, but the 2.0 litre straight-4 previously available in New Zealand was discontinued.[31] From the outside, designers kept cosmetic changes to a minimum. A translucent acrylic grille replaced the VN's conventional type on the base level Executive.[32] Semi-trailing arm IRS became standard on high-end Calais and SS, but was made an option on lower-end models in lieu of the live rear axle, which brought improvements to ride and handling.[31] In August 1992, anti-lock brakes were introduced as an option on the Calais and SS trim levels, later becoming optional on all Series II variants. Other changes made to the Series II update which appeared in January 1993, included a colour-coded grille for the Executive, alloy wheels for the Commodore S and equipment level upgrades for all trim variants.[32] The Statesman and Caprice did not receive a fresh model designation for the VP range; but instead adopted the VQ Series II name. VQII models introduced an advanced anti-lock braking system, and were launched one month after the smaller VP Commodore update.[32] The Holden VP Commodore was the seventh model of the Holden Commodore, a large car produced by Australian automaker Holden. ...
The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration, although modern automotive versions use a 90 degree block angle. ...
The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ...
Transparent glass ball In optics, transparency is the property of allowing light to pass. ...
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or poly (methyl 2-methylpropenoate) is the synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate. ...
BMWs distinctive kidney-shaped grille on an E34 M5 Audis single frame grille, here on a second generation TT Grille is also the name of a German self-propelled artillery vehicle. ...
A trailing-arm suspension is an automobile suspension design in which one or more arms (or links) are connected between (and perpendicular to) the axle and the chassis. ...
Independent suspension is broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically (i. ...
A live axle is a type of beam axle suspension system that uses the driveshafts that transmit power to the wheels to connect the wheels laterally so that they move together as a unit. ...
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a system on motor vehicles which prevents the wheels from locking while braking. ...
This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...
 1993–1995 Holden VR Commodore Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 451 pixelsFull resolution (1834 × 1034 pixel, file size: 546 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Holden Commodore Metadata This file contains...
Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 451 pixelsFull resolution (1834 × 1034 pixel, file size: 546 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Holden Commodore Metadata This file contains...
VR -
The Holden VR Commodore of July 1993 represented a major facelift of the second generation architecture leaving only the doors and roof untouched.[33] Approximately 80% of car was new in comparison to the preceding model. Exterior changes brought an overall smoother body, semicircular wheel arches and introduced the "twin-kidney" grille—a Commodore styling trait which remained until the VY model of 2002.[34] The rear-end treatment saw raised tail lights, which were implemented for safety reasons.[35] This additional emphasis on safety led Holden to introduce a driver's side airbag as an option, a first for an Australian-built car.[33] Other safety features such as anti-lock brakes and independent rear suspension were only available with the new electronic GM 4L60-E automatic transmission.[33] However, these features were standard on the newly appointed Acclaim specification level, which sat one notch above the introductory Executive. The Acclaim, like the top-of-the-range Calais received a driver's airbag as standard, along with cruise control.[36] The Holden VR Commodore of July 1993 came with an updated, sleeker and more modern design, as well as safety enhancements such as ABS brakes. ...
BMWs distinctive kidney-shaped grille on an E34 M5 Audis single frame grille, here on a second generation TT Grille is also the name of a German self-propelled artillery vehicle. ...
The lighting system of a motor vehicle consists of lighting and signalling devices mounted or integrated to the front, sides and rear of the vehicle. ...
For the Mozilla crash reporting software previously called Airbag, see Breakpad. ...
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a system on motor vehicles which prevents the wheels from locking while braking. ...
Independent suspension is broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically (i. ...
The 4L60-E (and similar 4L65-E) is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. ...
The automatic gear selector in a Ford Five Hundred vehicle An automatic transmission is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually (similar but larger devices are also used for railroad locomotives). ...
Cruise control (sometimes known as speed control or Autocruise) is a system to automatically control the speed of an automobile. ...
The latest revision of the Buick 3.8 litre V6 engine was fitted to the VR Commodore, and featured rolling-element bearings in the valve rocker arms, increasing compression ratios from the VN/VP series engines.[37] These changes combined to deliver an increase in power to 130 kilowatts (174 hp) and further improvement in Noise, Vibration, and Harshness levels.[34] Wheels magazine awarded the VR Commodore the Wheels Car of the Year award in 1993, making it the third Commodore model to receive the award.[17] The Buick V6 engine family, sometimes called the Fireball, is a large V6 engine used by General Motors. ...
Four-point-contact radial bearings A rolling-element bearing is a bearing which carries a load by placing round elements between the two pieces. ...
rocker arm This page meets Wikipedias criteria for speedy deletion. ...
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, also known as Noise and Vibration, abbreviated to NVH and N&V respectively, is the name given to the field of measuring, and modifying, the noise and vibration characteristics of vehicles, particularly cars and trucks. ...
Wheels Magazine is an Australian automotive magazine. ...
Wheels magazine has announced its Car of the Year every year since 1963, with the exception of 1972, 1979 and 1986 when no cars were considered worthy of the honour. ...
Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 488 pixelsFull resolution (2479 × 1513 pixel, file size: 634 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Please see the file description page for further information. ...
Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 488 pixelsFull resolution (2479 × 1513 pixel, file size: 634 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Please see the file description page for further information. ...
VS -
The Holden VS Commodore, released in 1995, was an evolution of the VR. Whilst externally identical to the VR, barring badging (the first Commodore to bear the new Holden corporate logo, which is still in use today) and oval side indicators in the Series II update, the VS introduced the new ECOTEC ("Emissions and Consumption Optimisation through TEChnology") V6 engine in line with changes in the US. The 5.0 litre V8 versions of the VS retained the VR's engine setup. The ECOTEC had 13% more power over the VR and 5% better fuel economy. The compression ratio was further increased from 9.0:1 on the VR to 9.4:1. Radical changes to the design resulted in an engine that produced 147 kilowatts, a 17 kilowatt improvement on the VR, however the 0-100 km time of the VS was only better than the VR's by 0.2 seconds. The Holden VS commodore, released in 1995, was the next commodore model following the VR. Whilst externally identical to the VR, barring badging and oval side indicators in the series 2 (clear oval indicators series III Vs ute), the VS included the new ECOTEC, Emissions and Consumption Optimisation through TEChnology...
The Buick V6 engine family, sometimes called the Fireball, is a large V6 engine used by General Motors. ...
This model was also sold as the Opel Calais in Singapore and Malaysia: a Holden Calais body with a Statesman front end and a 2.6 litre inline-6.[38]
The Used Car Safety Ratings programme, found that in an accident, VR/VS Commodores provided a better than average level of occupant safety protection. This can be compared to the worse than average protection levels provided by earlier second generation VN/VP models.[23] This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
Automobile are not safe is the avoidance of automobile accidents or the minimization of harmful effects of accidents, in particular as pertaining to human life and health. ...
Third generation (1997–2006)
 1997–2000 Holden VT Berlina Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2120x971, 1535 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Holden Commodore Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to...
Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2120x971, 1535 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Holden Commodore Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to...
VT -
The Holden VT Commodore, released in 1997, was based on the Opel Omega B and saw a coupé version, the Monaro, which resurrected a famous Holden brand name from the 1960s and 1970s. The VT heralded the fitment of the semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension as standard across the range. However, when carried over, the European design was simplified with the removal of the toe control link, standard equipment on the four-cylinder Omega since 1987. This allowed distortions to the suspension camber angle and toe under heavy load, commonly occurring during heavy towing or when travelling over undulated surfaces, leading to excessive rear tyre wear. Various aftermarket camber kits became available to correct the problem with camber however toe control has yet to be corrected. Holden's performance arm HSV re-added the toe control link on the flagship GTS model. The Holden VT Commodore, released in 1997, was loosely based on the Opel Omega, and saw a coupe version, the Monaro, which resurrected a famous Holden brand name from the 1960s and 1970s. ...
There was also an Oldsmobile Omega, an unrelated vehicle in the 1970s/80s The Opel Omega was an executive car produced by the German automaker Opel between 1986 and 2003. ...
A wheel with a negative camber angle Camber angle is the angle made by the wheel of an automobile; specifically, it is the angle between the vertical axis of the wheel and the vertical axis of the vehicle when viewed from the front or rear. ...
Holden Special Vehicles (usually abbreviated to HSV) is the officially designated performance vehicle division of Australian motor car manufacturer Holden. ...
The 1999 VT Series II update replaced the venerable Holden 5.0 litre V8 with a new 5.7 litre LS1 V8 sourced from the US. Throughout its time in the Commodore, the LS1 would receive incremental power upgrades from 220 kilowatt to 250 kilowatt, before finally being replaced by the L76. Side airbags became an option for the Acclaim and higher models, a first for Holden. The LS is Generation III and Generation IV, the latest evolution of General Motors line of small-block V8 engines. ...
Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic - President George Walker Bush (R) - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from...
The LS is Generation III and Generation IV, the latest evolution of General Motors line of small-block V8 engines. ...
The VT was also the first Commodore to be manufactured in both left and right-hand drive versions. GM's US counterparts were interested in incorporating a left-hand drive Commodore into the Buick lineup and became involved in the VT development cycle early on. Holden was provided funds for the necessary engineering changes and a prototype was unveiled to the American public in 1996 as the Buick XP2000 concept car. The project was abandoned just before the VT's release but Holden made the most of the situation by exporting left-hand drive VTs to the Middle East badged as Chevrolet Luminas. Thus began the Commodore's rapid expansion into a number of overseas markets including Brazil, South Africa and the US. This article is 150 kilobytes or more in size. ...
Buick is a brand of automobile built in the United States, Canada, and China by General Motors Corporation. ...
A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ...
The Chevrolet Lumina is a full-size car produced by Holden in Australia and exported to the Middle East, South Africa and Thailand since 1997. ...
Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic - President George Walker Bush (R) - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from...
The VT Commodore was awarded, for the fourth time, the prestigious Wheels Car of the Year for 1997. It found ready acceptance in the market as buyers flocked from the disastrous Ford AU Falcon, becoming the best selling Commodore to date and cementing its place as number one in Australian sales. The Ford Falcon AU is an Australian family sedan, replacing the older EL Falcon, which had a significantly different design. ...
 2000–2002 Holden VX Commodore Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ...
Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ...
VX -
The Holden VX Commodore which was released in October 2000, introduced further mechanical upgrades with the V6 such as changes to the engine management computer to bring power up to 152 kW, while the VX Series II added a new rear cross member, revised semi-trailing arm rear suspension with new style bushing and toe-control links to better maintain the toe settings during suspension movements and improve baseline camber, resulting in more predictable handling, noticeably over uneven surfaces, but more importantly improved tire wear. The front suspension was also modified slightly: the lower control arm pivot points raised by 4 mm and a ball joint replaced a rubber bushing on the stabiliser to strut link.[39] The Holden VX Commodore which was released in October 2000 and ceased production in September 2002 introduced further mechanical upgrades with the V6 receiving changes to the engine management computer to bring power up to 152 kW, while VX Series II added toe-control links to the semi-trailing arm...
A trailing-arm suspension is an automobile suspension design in which one or more arms (or links) are connected between (and perpendicular to) the axle and the chassis. ...
In automotive technology toe is the symmetric angle that each wheel makes with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as a function of static geometry, and kinematic and compliant effects. ...
Visually the VX was changed slightly, the interior remained much the same, the exterior gained slightly different headlights (nicknamed 'teardrop' headlights by motoring magazines) and the VT rear light bar was replaced with separate left-right body mounted light assemblies on the base models and full mounted light assemblies on the Berlina and Calais.
ABS brakes (Bosch 5.3) are now standard on all models, as was a CD player and steering wheel audio system controls. Traction control now became available with the manual transmission.[40]
 2002–2004 Holden VY Berlina Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (2250 × 1686 pixel, file size: 902 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Holden Commodore Metadata...
Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 599 pixel Image in higher resolution (2250 × 1686 pixel, file size: 902 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Holden Commodore Metadata...
VY -
The Holden VY Commodore was produced between September 2002 and August 2004, aimed at continuing the Commodore's status as Australia's best selling car into its 8th consecutive year. In August 2003 a Series II of the VY series was released. The Holden VY Commodore was produced between September 2002 and August 2004. ...
The VY Commodore was a major update to the third generation of Commodores. Attention was paid to optimising the body structure and suspension setup. The interior was completely redesigned as it was fast becoming dated. High end models even received fold-out cup holders borrowed from fellow GM subsidiary Saab. Similar attempts were made to modernise the exterior with new angular front and rear designs, replacing the previous rounded styling. A cup holder, as the name implies, is a device to hold a cup or other drinking container including an aluminum can. ...
For other uses, see Saab (disambiguation). ...
Holden experimented by releasing a limited edition wagon version of its high-performance SS variant, of which only 850 were built.[41] The Series II update added a front strut bar as standard to the SS, which Holden claims increases rigidity and hence handling, but its benefits on the Commodore were questionable. Front Strut Bar mounted strut bar A strut bar or strut brace is a mostly aftermarket car suspension accessory used in conjunction with MacPherson struts on monocoque or unibody chassis to provide extra strength between the strut towers. ...
Standard features now include "twilight sentinel" automatic headlamp control (on some models), road-speed sensitive intermittent wipers and passenger airbags. Holden also turned towards German electronics manufacturer Blaupunkt to source audio systems—an arrangement that remains in place today. Blaupunkt (German for blue dot) is a German electronic equipment manufacturer, noted for their home and car audio equipment, that is part of Robert Bosch GmbH. Founded in 1923 in Berlin as Ideal, the company changed its name to Blaupunkt in 1938, named after the unique blue dot painted onto...
 2004–2006 Holden VZ Commodore Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 505 pixelsFull resolution (2237 × 1412 pixel, file size: 1. ...
Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 505 pixelsFull resolution (2237 × 1412 pixel, file size: 1. ...
VZ -
The Holden VZ Commodore, released in August 2004, debuted a new generation of 175 and 190 kW 3.6 litre 'Alloytec' V6 engines (derived from the GM HFV6). The Alloytec engines are more powerful, responsive and fuel-efficient than the outgoing pushrod ECOTEC V6. Critics praised the new V6 for its refinement but were disappointed with the uninspiring exhaust note for sounding very similar to the old ECOTEC V6. The Holden VZ Commodore was the thirteenth model generation of the Holden Commodore, a full-size car produced by the Australian automotive marque, Holden. ...
The 3600 LY7 (and derivative LP1) are members of General Motors new High Feature (or HFV6) engine family of modern DOHC V6s. ...
A cylinder head containing two overhead camshafts, one above each of the two valves In automotive engineering, an overhead valve internal combustion engine is one in which the intake and exhaust valves and ports are contained in the cylinder head. ...
A new 5L40E 5-speed automatic transmission sourced from GM was introduced on sports and luxury V6 variants. The sports SV6 variant is also available with a new Aisin AY6 6-speed manual transmission. In January 2006, Holden introduced the new L76 6.0 L V8 to its range. The V8 has been slightly detuned, with both Displacement on Demand and variable valve timing removed compared to the US version. From August 2006 Holden discontinued the VZ Holden Commodore sedan range to make way for the new VE Holden Commodore sedan. The same is to happen to the station wagon variant of the VZ Holden Commodore sometime during 2007.[42] The AY-6 is a 6-speed manual transmission manufactured by Aisin. ...
Active Fuel Management (formerly known as Displacement on Demand) is a trademarked name for the automobile variable displacement technology from General Motors. ...
Variable valve timing, or VVT, is a generic term for an automobile piston engine technology. ...
Along with the new drivetrain, Holden also introduced Electronic Stability Control and Brake assist for the first time on the Commodore: the first Australian produced car to do so. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is the generic term for systems designed to improve a vehicles handling, particularly at the limits where the driver might lose control of the vehicle. ...
Brake Assist (BA) is a technology developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/Lucas-Verity. ...
Representing a final update to the ageing third generation bodyshell and the 37 year old GM V platform, no Series II iteration of the VZ was released as Holden concentrated efforts on the next generation VE.
VT–VZ Commodores were included the Used Car Safety Ratings evaluation, which found that occupant protection levels in an accident were significantly better than average.[23] Interestingly, ANCAP crash test results rate the fourth generation VE lower in the offset frontal impact test than the previous generation VY/VZ Commodore. The overall crash score was marginally higher than the outgoing model, due to improved side impact protection provided by the new model giving a rating of four stars out of a possible five.[43][44] This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is an automobile organisation operated to give consumers coherent results on the protection given by vehicles in front and side impact collisions. ...
Fourth generation (2006–present)
 2006–present Holden VE Commodore Omega Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 798 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2192 × 1648 pixel, file size: 1. ...
Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 798 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2192 × 1648 pixel, file size: 1. ...
VE -
The Holden VE Commodore of 2 |
