Holden VT Commodore
Encyclopedia
The Holden VT Commodore, Berlina, and Calais are the tenth iteration of the Holden Commodore
, a full-size car
built by Holden
, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors
. Released in 1997, the VT was updated as a part of the VT II revision in 1999, before being replaced by the VX
model in 2000.
The VT Commodore was named as the Wheels Car of the Year
for 1997, the VT being the fourth Commodore series to have won the annual award. It found ready acceptance in the market as many buyers steered away from the Ford AU Falcon
, becoming the best selling Commodore to date and cementing its place as number one in Australian sales.
_03.jpg)
The VT project was the outcome of an A$600 million development programme that spanned more than half a decade. The new model sported a rounded exterior body shell, improved dynamics
, and many firsts for an Australian-built car. A stronger body structure, 30 percent stiffer than the VS increased crash safety
.
As with previous Commodore models, Holden looked to Opel
in Germany for a donor platform
. The proposal was to take the Omega B
and broaden the vehicle’s width and mechanical setup for local conditions
. In the early days, Holden considered adopting the Omega as is, save for the engines and transmissions, and even investigated reskinning the existing second generation (VN—VS) architecture. Later on, the VT bodywork spawned a new generation of Statesman and Caprice limousines. Holden even went as far as resurrecting the iconic Monaro
coupé from the 1960s and 1970s. The revived Monaro attracted wide attention after being shown as a concept car at Australian auto show
s, and it drew a large waiting list after production began. The Monaro was released to the Australian market in 2001.
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, known internally as Project 127, was abandoned in early 1994, well before the VT's release but Holden made the most of the situation by exporting left-hand drive VTs to parts of Indochina
and the Middle East
badged as the Chevrolet Lumina. Thus began the Commodore's rapid expansion into a number of overseas markets including Brazil
, as the Chevrolet Omega
, and later on, with the Monaro to the United States, where it was sold by Pontiac
under the GTO
nameplate.
The Cadillac Catera
, sold in the United States from 1997 to 2001, was a rebadged Opel Omega MV6.
independent rear suspension
as standard across the range. However, when originally carried over, the European design was simplified with the removal of the toe
control link, standard equipment on the six-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. Holden's performance arm HSV
re-added the toe control link on the flagship GTS 300 model, based on the Series II update. The supercharged
V6 was uprated to 171 kW from the previous VS
model. For the Series I, the supercharged engine was optional on the S, SS, and Calais trims. The supercharged V6 availability was revised for the Series II. No longer available on the SS, it became optional on the Berlina and standard fitment of the Calais, although the naturally aspirated version could be specified as a "delete option". Safety wise, side airbag
s became an option for the Acclaim and higher models in 1998, a first for Holden.
The VT range was introduced with six trim levels and two body styles. The model lineup consisted of:
Special editions
Although considered to be part of the “VT Commodore” range, the Berlina and Calais models were not badged or marketed as Commodores.
The ECOTEC V6 remained the same however, it received an updated tune that made the Series II of the V6 slightly faster than the Series I. The VT had lost some of the performance of the VS due to the significant weight increase, and thus could match neither its predecessor, or, most importantly, its competitor: the AU Falcon.
This 1999 update replaced the venerable Holden 5.0 litre V8 engine
with a new 5.7 litre Gen III V8 sourced from the United States. The VT II in Gen III V8 guise was claimed by Wheels magazine
in 1999 to be the fastest Australian car ever. The V8 was detuned to 220 kW from the original version, but would receive incremental power upgrades to 250 kW throughout its time in the Commodore Cosmetically, the Series II VT replaced amber
indicator lenses with clear lenses for both the side and rear turn signals. This was previously only available on the pre-Series II Calais. The updated Calais also introduced a chrome strip on the boot
garnish.
. 100,000 units had been sold in the 22 months leading up to the release of the VT Series II on 1 June 1999. Production of all VTs totalled 303,895 prior to the replacement of the VT by the VX Commodore
range in August 2000.
-based Holden VS Ute was not replaced by a VT Ute. Instead, the VS Ute would remain on sale until the release of the VX Commodore
-based VU Ute
in December 2000.
Holden Commodore
The Holden Commodore is an automobile manufactured since 1978 by the Holden subsidiary of General Motors in Australia, and, formerly, in New Zealand. In the mid-1970s, Holden established proposals to replace the long-serving Kingswood nameplate with a smaller, Opel-based model...
, a full-size car
Full-size car
A full-size car is a marketing term used in North America for an automobile larger than a mid-size car. In the United States, the EPA uses "large car" to denote full-size cars....
built by Holden
Holden
GM Holden Ltd is an automaker that operates in Australia, based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The company was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer. In 1908 it moved into the automotive field, before becoming a subsidiary of the U.S.-based General Motors in 1931...
, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
. Released in 1997, the VT was updated as a part of the VT II revision in 1999, before being replaced by the VX
Holden VX Commodore
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...
model in 2000.
The VT Commodore was named as the Wheels Car of the Year
Wheels Car of the Year
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 . It is considered Australia's most prestigious automotive award...
for 1997, the VT being the fourth Commodore series to have won the annual award. It found ready acceptance in the market as many buyers steered away from the Ford AU Falcon
Ford AU Falcon
The Ford AU Falcon and Fairmont are the first of the sixth generation series of the Ford Falcon, a full-size car produced by Ford Australia...
, becoming the best selling Commodore to date and cementing its place as number one in Australian sales.
History of development
Car handling
Automobile handling and vehicle handling are descriptions of the way wheeled vehicles perform transverse to their direction of motion, particularly during cornering and swerving. It also includes their stability when moving at rest. Handling and braking are the major components of a vehicle's...
, and many firsts for an Australian-built car. A stronger body structure, 30 percent stiffer than the VS increased crash safety
Automobile safety
Automobile safety is the study and practice of vehicle design, construction, and equipment to minimize the occurrence and consequences of automobile accidents. Automobile safety is the study and practice of vehicle design, construction, and equipment to minimize the occurrence and consequences of...
.
As with previous Commodore models, Holden looked to Opel
Opel
Adam Opel AG, generally shortened to Opel, is a German automobile company founded by Adam Opel in 1862. Opel has been building automobiles since 1899, and became an Aktiengesellschaft in 1929...
in Germany for a donor platform
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
. The proposal was to take the Omega B
Opel Omega
The Opel Omega was an executive car marketed by the German automaker Opel between 1986 and 2003 in two generations, both manufactured at Opel's Rüsselsheim, Germany plant. The first generation, the Omega A , superseded the Opel Rekord, was voted European Car of the Year for 1987, and was available...
and broaden the vehicle’s width and mechanical setup for local conditions
Environment of Australia
The Australian environment ranges from virtually pristine Antarctic territory and rainforests to degraded industrial areas of major cities.- Issues :...
. In the early days, Holden considered adopting the Omega as is, save for the engines and transmissions, and even investigated reskinning the existing second generation (VN—VS) architecture. Later on, the VT bodywork spawned a new generation of Statesman and Caprice limousines. Holden even went as far as resurrecting the iconic Monaro
Holden Monaro
The Holden Monaro is an automobile that was produced by GM Holden Ltd, an Australian subsidiary of General Motors, between 1968 and 1977 and between 2001 and 2005...
coupé from the 1960s and 1970s. The revived Monaro attracted wide attention after being shown as a concept car at Australian auto show
Auto show
An auto show, or motor show, is a public exhibition of current automobile models, debuts, concept cars, or out-of-production classics. It is commonly attended by automobile manufacturers. Most auto shows occur once or twice a year...
s, and it drew a large waiting list after production began. The Monaro was released to the Australian market in 2001.
Development input from the United States
GM's AmericanUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
counterparts were interested in incorporating a left-hand drive Commodore into the Buick
Buick
Buick is a premium brand of General Motors . Buick models are sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Taiwan, and Israel, with China being its largest market. Buick holds the distinction as the oldest active American make...
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
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
. The project, known internally as Project 127, was abandoned in early 1994, well before the VT's release but Holden made the most of the situation by exporting left-hand drive VTs to parts of Indochina
Indochina
The Indochinese peninsula, is a region in Southeast Asia. It lies roughly southwest of China, and east of India. The name has its origins in the French, Indochine, as a combination of the names of "China" and "India", and was adopted when French colonizers in Vietnam began expanding their territory...
and the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
badged as the Chevrolet Lumina. Thus began the Commodore's rapid expansion into a number of overseas markets including Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, as the Chevrolet Omega
Chevrolet Omega
Based on the Opel Omega A, the Chevrolet Omega A debuted in Brazil in 1992 with a choice of two engines — a 2.0 L four-cylinder and 3.0 L six-cylinder . From 1995, the engines were upgraded to a 2.2 L four and a 4.1 L six respectively...
, and later on, with the Monaro to the United States, where it was sold by Pontiac
Pontiac
Pontiac was an automobile brand that was established in 1926 as a companion make for General Motors' Oakland. Quickly overtaking its parent in popularity, it supplanted the Oakland brand entirely by 1933 and, for most of its life, became a companion make for Chevrolet. Pontiac was sold in the...
under the GTO
Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is an automobile built by Pontiac Division of General Motors in the United States from 1964 to 1974, and by GM subsidiary Holden in Australia from 2004 to 2006. It is considered an innovative, and now classic muscle car of the 1960s and 1970s...
nameplate.
The Cadillac Catera
Cadillac Catera
The Cadillac Catera is a mid-sized automobile manufactured in Rüsselsheim, Germany, as a rebadged variant of the Opel Omega—and marketed by Cadillac in North America as an entry-level model, with approximately 95,000 examples manufactured from 1997–2001.A Sport model was offered beginning in...
, sold in the United States from 1997 to 2001, was a rebadged Opel Omega MV6.
Engineering
The VT heralded the fitment of semi-trailing armTrailing arm
thumb|220px|Trailing arm rear suspension of [[Front-engine, front-wheel drive layout|FF]] carsA trailing-arm suspension is an automobile suspension design in which one or more arms are connected between the axle and the chassis. It is usually used on rear axles...
independent rear suspension
Independent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
as standard across the range. However, when originally carried over, the European design was simplified with the removal of the toe
Toe (automotive)
In automotive engineering, toe, also known as tracking, 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. This can be contrasted with steer, which is the antisymmetric angle, i.e. both...
control link, standard equipment on the six-cylinder Omega since 1987. This allowed distortions to the suspension camber angle
Camber angle
thumb|100px|From the front of the car, a right wheel with a negative camber angleCamber angle is the angle made by the wheels of a vehicle; specifically, it is the angle between the vertical axis of the wheels used for steering and the vertical axis of the vehicle when viewed from the front or...
and toe under heavy load, commonly occurring during heavy towing or when travelling over undulated surfaces, leading to excessive rear tyre wear. Holden's performance arm HSV
Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
re-added the toe control link on the flagship GTS 300 model, based on the Series II update. The supercharged
Supercharger
A supercharger is an air compressor used for forced induction of an internal combustion engine.The greater mass flow-rate provides more oxygen to support combustion than would be available in a naturally aspirated engine, which allows more fuel to be burned and more work to be done per cycle,...
V6 was uprated to 171 kW from the previous VS
Holden VS Commodore
The Holden VS Commodore, released in 1995, was the ninth model of the Holden Commodore, a large car built by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. The VS Commodore served as a mechanical update of the second generation architecture, destined to assist sales before the all-new VT model...
model. For the Series I, the supercharged engine was optional on the S, SS, and Calais trims. The supercharged V6 availability was revised for the Series II. No longer available on the SS, it became optional on the Berlina and standard fitment of the Calais, although the naturally aspirated version could be specified as a "delete option". Safety wise, side airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
s became an option for the Acclaim and higher models in 1998, a first for Holden.
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3791 cc Ecotec V6 V6 engine A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft... |
147 kW | 304 newton metres (224.2 ft·lbf) |
|
| 3791 cc Supercharged Ecotec V6 | 171 kW | 375 newton metres (276.6 ft·lbf) | |
| 4987 cc V8 V8 engine A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
179 kW | 400 newton metres (295 ft·lbf) |
|
| 4987 cc HSV Holden Special Vehicles Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-... V8 V8 engine A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
195 kW | 430 newton metres (317.2 ft·lbf) | |
| 5665 cc Generation III V8 V8 engine A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
220 kW | 446 newton metres (329 ft·lbf) |
Model lineup
| Colour range (expands) |
|---|
| Heron White (white) |
| Orion (silver with blue effect) |
| Tungsten (light grey with beige effect) |
| Morocco Sand (gold – 1997–1998) |
| Raven (black with blue pearl – Series I) |
| Phantom Black (black with silver metallic flecks – Series II) |
| Redhot (red – special order) |
| Valencia Red (light burgundy with a hint of orange – Series I) |
| Granada (burgundy) |
| Rubens (dark burgundy/purple) |
| Cinnabar (orange-red – Series II) |
| Tiger (bright orange – Series II) |
| Capricorn (dark green) |
| Botanica (dark blue-green – 1997–1998) |
| Amazon (dark blue-green – 1998–2000) |
| Bermuda (light royal blue) |
The VT range was introduced with six trim levels and two body styles. The model lineup consisted of:
- Commodore Executive sedan and wagon
- Commodore Acclaim sedan and wagon
- Commodore S sedan
- Commodore SS sedan
- Berlina sedan and wagon
- Calais sedan
Special editions
- Commodore 50th Anniversary (1998) sedan and wagon
- Calais 50th Anniversary (1998) sedan
- Commodore Equipe (1999) sedan
- Commodore Olympic Edition (1999, 2000) sedan and wagon
- Calais International (2000) sedan
Although considered to be part of the “VT Commodore” range, the Berlina and Calais models were not badged or marketed as Commodores.
Series II
This 1999 update replaced the venerable Holden 5.0 litre V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
with a new 5.7 litre Gen III V8 sourced from the United States. The VT II in Gen III V8 guise was claimed by Wheels magazine
Wheels magazine
Wheels is an Australian automotive magazine published monthly by ACP Magazines. The publication is well-renowned by Australian car enthusiasts...
in 1999 to be the fastest Australian car ever. The V8 was detuned to 220 kW from the original version, but would receive incremental power upgrades to 250 kW throughout its time in the Commodore Cosmetically, the Series II VT replaced amber
Amber
Amber is fossilized tree resin , which has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since Neolithic times. Amber is used as an ingredient in perfumes, as a healing agent in folk medicine, and as jewelry. There are five classes of amber, defined on the basis of their chemical constituents...
indicator lenses with clear lenses for both the side and rear turn signals. This was previously only available on the pre-Series II Calais. The updated Calais also introduced a chrome strip on the boot
Trunk (automobile)
The trunk or boot of an automobile or car is the vehicle's main storage, luggage, or cargo compartment. Trunk is used in North American English and Jamaican English; boot is used elsewhere in the English speaking world. Trunk is also primarily used in many non-English speaking regions, such as...
garnish.
Production
The VT Commodore range was released on 26 August 1997 and went on sale on 5 September replacing the VS CommodoreHolden VS Commodore
The Holden VS Commodore, released in 1995, was the ninth model of the Holden Commodore, a large car built by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. The VS Commodore served as a mechanical update of the second generation architecture, destined to assist sales before the all-new VT model...
. 100,000 units had been sold in the 22 months leading up to the release of the VT Series II on 1 June 1999. Production of all VTs totalled 303,895 prior to the replacement of the VT by the VX Commodore
Holden VX Commodore
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...
range in August 2000.
Holden Ute
Contrary to usual Holden policy, the VS CommodoreHolden VS Commodore
The Holden VS Commodore, released in 1995, was the ninth model of the Holden Commodore, a large car built by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. The VS Commodore served as a mechanical update of the second generation architecture, destined to assist sales before the all-new VT model...
-based Holden VS Ute was not replaced by a VT Ute. Instead, the VS Ute would remain on sale until the release of the VX Commodore
Holden VX Commodore
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...
-based VU Ute
Holden Ute
The Holden Ute is a coupe utility built by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors, since 2000. Before then, Holden had marketed their Commodore-based utility models under the Holden Utility and Holden Commodore utility names, although the term “Holden Ute” was also used in their...
in December 2000.