Holden VX Commodore

For a complete overview of all Commodore models, see Holden Commodore.

Holden VX Commodore

Manufacturer	Holden (General Motors)
Also called	Chevrolet Lumina Chevrolet Omega Holden VX Berlina Holden VX Calais
Production	2000–2002
Assembly	Australia: Elizabeth, South Australia
Predecessor	Holden VT Commodore
Successor	Holden VY Commodore
Class	Full-size car
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Platform	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 260 manual 6-speed Borg-Warner T-56 manual
Wheelbase	2,788–2,938 mm (109.8–115.7 in)
Length	4,891–5,046 mm (192.6–198.7 in)
Width	1,842–1,847 mm (72.5–72.7 in)
Height	1,445–1,450 mm (56.9–57 in)
Curb weight	1,519–1,648 kg (3,350–3,630 lb)
Related	Cadillac Catera Holden V2 Monaro Holden VU Ute Holden WH Statesman/Caprice HSV VX Opel Omega B

The Holden VX Commodore, Berlina and Calais range of full-size cars were the eleventh instalment of Holden Commodore, a model manufactured by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors (GM). Produced between October 2000 and September 2002, the VX served as minor update to the VT series from 1997 and premiered revised styling, greater model differentiation, along with gains in crash safety. An intermediate Series II was launched in August 2001, featuring a revised suspension system among other changes.

History of development

The unique frontal styling of the Berlina and Calais (pictured) feature a headlamp and grille conglomerate, as opposed to the separate assemblages on lower luxury levels.

The full-width tail lamp panel featured on the Berlina and Calais (pictured) variants.

Design

Visually, the exterior features a revised headlamp design over the preceding VT among other changes. 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.

Safety

Safety played a substantial role in the development of the VX model. Bosch version 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.

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 172 kilowatts (231 hp). Fuel economy was also improved over the previous model by three to four percent. The optional Supercharged Ecotec V6 extended its service to the Executive and Acclaim variants, with the 171-kilowatt (229 hp) output figure remaining unchanged from the VT. 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 to 225 kilowatts (300 to 302 hp).

A modified front suspension setup received lower control arm pivot points. The Series II update featured the addition of 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.

Colour range (expands)
Heron White (white)
Quicksilver (silver)
Grey Storm (gunmetal grey with blue highlights)
Tungsten (light grey with beige highlights)
Dark Chestnut (medium brown – Series I)
Phantom Black (black with silver highlights)
Redhot (red)
Shanghai (light burgundy)
Cinnabar (dark red/burnt orange – Series I)
Tiger (bright orange – Series I)
Hyper (metallic yellow-gold – Series II)
Capricorn (dark green – Series I)
Laurel (dark green with gold highlights – Series II)
Botticelli (metallic aqua – Series II)
Delft (medium blue – Series II)
Genesis (dark royal blue – Series I)
Vespers (dark royal blue – Series II)

Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission
3.791 L (3,791 cc) Ecotec V6	152 kW (204 hp)	305 N·m (225 lb·ft)	5-speed Getrag 260 manual 4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic
3.791 L (3,791 cc) Supercharged Ecotec V6	171 kW (229 hp)	375 N·m (277 lb·ft)
5.665 L (5,665 cc) Gen III V8	225 kW (302 hp)	460 N·m (340 lb·ft)	6-speed Borg-Warner T-56 manual 4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic

Specification levels

2000–2001 Holden VX Commodore Executive sedan.

2001–2002 Holden VX II Commodore Executive sedan.

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. 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.

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.

2000–2001 Holden VX Commodore S sedan

VX II Commodore SS interior with the satin dashboard veneer, sports-style upholstery and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

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, traction control, four airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels and the Supercharged Ecotec V6 were offered as options.

VX II Berlina interior displaying steering wheel command controls and a wood grain-faced transmission selection lever.

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.

• 

  Holden VX Calais Sedan

• 

  Holden VX Commodore SS

HSV VX Series

HSV VX Clubsport

Holden's performance car partner Holden Special Vehicles produced a number of models based on the Holden VX Commodore, including the HSV VX Clubsport.

References

• Lord, Philip (October 2000). "New Edge". Wheels magazine (ACP Action). 

• McCarthy, Mike; McKay, Peter; Newton, Bruce; Robinson, Peter (October 2006). "2006 Collector's Edition VE Commodore: The Full Story". Wheels magazine (ACP Magazines). 

• Davis, Tony; Kennedy, Alistair; Kennedy, Ewan (February 2007). "The Holden Heritage - 13th Edition (Part Three)" (PDF). GM Holden. pp. 110–112. Archived from the original on 15 September 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5sm20Zuv8. 

External links

• VX Commodore information site