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Holden Commodore

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Holden Commodore
2007 Holden VE Calais V-Series
Manufacturer Holden
Parent company General Motors
Also called Chevrolet Lumina
Chevrolet Omega
Holden Berlina
Holden Calais
Toyota Lexcen
Production 1978–present
Assembly Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Predecessor Holden Kingswood
Class Mid-size (1978–1988)
Full-size (1988–present)
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Platform FR GM V (1978–2006)
FR GM Zeta (2006–present)

The Holden Commodore is an automobile produced by the Holden division of General Motors (GM) in Australia, and formerly in New Zealand. 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 basis for future generations until the launch of the fourth generation model in 2006, which came to be Holden's most expensive project yet and boasted an all-Australian design.[1] 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 introduced the utility and the long-wheelbase Statesman and Caprice derivatives.[3] Then in 2001, the third generation architecture provided the foundations for a revived Monaro coupé.[4] Since its beginnings, the Commodore has always been offered in more than one specification. However in 1984, Holden decided to brand the flagship model the Holden Calais, dropping the Commodore identity all together. The same was done to the Holden Berlina in 2000, known previously as the Commodore Berlina.[5] 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 competitor to the Falcon.[6] Mitsubishi Motors and Toyota also compete with their mid-size cars.[7]

Contents

First generation (1978–1988)

Holden VB Commodore
Holden VB Commodore

VB

Main article: Holden VB Commodore

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 Kingswood with a new smaller, more fuel-efficient model.[8] At the urging of GM headquarters, Holden looked towards Opel for providing the foundations of the VB; basing it loosely on the four-cylinder 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.[9] When driven at speed over harsh Australian roads, Holden quickly realised that the Rekord would effectively break in half. This forced Holden to rework the entire car for local conditions. Such a task blew development costs beyond expectations to AU$110 million,[10] 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, plaguing the wagon with inevitable component differences from the sedan.[11] 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.[5] 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 collectively downsize. To Holden the situation could not have come at a better time,[12] and sales reached 95,906 units after just two years.[10]

VC

Holden VC Commodore L
Holden VC Commodore L
Main article: Holden VC Commodore

The most significant change to the 1980 Holden VC Commodore was the upgraded Red motor bringing improved efficiency. Now painted blue and known as the Blue motor, the changes included a new 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. This 1.9 litre powerplant, known as the Starfire engine was effectively Holden's existing straight-six 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-sixes.[13] Visual changes were limited, such as the relocation of the corporate crest to the centre of the redesigned grille. This coincided with a new entry level variant, given the trim designation L.[13] In addition to this, dual-tone exterior paintwork made a return after a 20 year absence.[5]

Holden VH Commodore
Holden VH Commodore

VH

Main article: Holden VH Commodore

The 1981 Holden VH Commodore ended the Commodore's position as Australia's bestselling car for the first time, 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. The six-cylinder engine, which was carried over from the Kingswood, could trace its roots back to 1963 and was no longer competitive. Continual improvements made to the 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.[11] 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.[14] 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.[14] In a desperate attempt 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.[5] 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 as before, SL/E was top-of-the-line variant, while wagons were restricted to the SL and SL/X variants.[5] In 1982 the SS sports model was released, being a Commodore mainstay ever since.[15] The SS was fitted with Holden's 4.2 litre V8. Racing driver Peter Brock's Holden Dealer Team factory produced three up-spec versions, known as Stage 1, 2 and 3, featuring a 5.0 litre V8.[16] To this day, Brock modified VH SS Commodores are highly sought after, attracting high prices at auctions.[17]

VK

Holden VK Commodore
Holden VK Commodore
Main article: Holden VK Commodore

Representing the first major change since the VB original, the Holden VK Commodore of 1984 introduced a six-window glasshouse (featured on the Opel Senator) as opposed to the previous four-window design to make the Commodore appear larger.[18] The revised design assisted sales, 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,[11] and the WB series Utility and Statesman were starting to show their age, since their 1971 origins compared unfavourably with Ford’s newly released Fairlane.[19] New names for the trim levels were also introduced, such as Executive (an SL with air conditioning and automatic transmission), Berlina (replacing SL/X) and Holden Calais (replacing SL/E).[20] The 3.3 litre Blue straight-6 engine was replaced by the Black specification, gaining computer-controlled ignition system on the carburettor versions and optional electronic fuel injection, boosting power output to 106 kilowatts (142 hp).[5] The 5.0 litre V8 engine continued to power high specification variants, but was shrunk to 4.9 litres in 1985 due to new Group A racing homologation rules. The new unit cut its predecessor's weight by 75 kilograms (165 lb) and models were fitted with an upgraded braking system. As high oil prices being a thing of the past, Holden decided to drop the 2.85 litre six and 4.2 litre V8,[18] while the 1.9 litre four-cylinder was limited to New Zealand.[21]

Holden VL Commodore Executive
Holden VL Commodore Executive

VL

Main article: Holden VL Commodore

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.[5] The 1986 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 smoothing the lines of the outer body and redesigning the rear tail light 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, while the Calais specification employed unique partially concealed headlamps.[18] 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.[22] This seemed a good idea in 1983 when the Australian dollar was strong; however by 1986 the once viable prospect became rather expensive.[23] 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 later, and lifted power output to 150 kilowatts (201 hp). In October 1986, an unleaded edition of Holden’s carburettored V8 engine was publicised.[5] Holden had originally planned to discontinue the V8 to spare the engineering expense of converting to unleaded. However, public outcry persuaded them to relent. VLs in New Zealand were also available with the 2.0 litre six-cylinder RB20E engine.[24] The VL suffered from some common build quality problems, such as poor windshield sealing, that can lead to water leakages and corrosion. Awkward packaging under the low bonnet meant the six-cylinder engine was especially susceptible to cracked cylinder heads (a problem not displayed on the Nissan Skyline with which it shares the RB30 engine).[25] An assessment undertaken by the Monash University Accident Research Centre, found that first generation Commodores (VB–VL) provide a worse than average level of occupant safety protection in the event of an accident.[26]

Second generation (1988–1997)

Holden VN Calais
Holden VN Calais

VN

Main article: Holden VN Commodore

The Holden VN Commodore of 1988 and subsequent second generation models, took their bodywork from the larger Opel Senator B and new Opel Omega A. However this time, the floor plan was widened and stretched, and could now match the rival Ford Falcon for size.[27] The range expanded in 1990 to include a utility variant, known as the Ute and 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.[5] 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.[28] Changes in the relative values of the Australian dollar and 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 a Buick design, adapted from front- to rear-wheel drive.[11] The 5.0 litre V8 remained optional and received a power boost to 165 kilowatts (221 hp) courtesy of multi-point fuel injection.[29] Although not known for its refinement, the V6 was nevertheless praised for its performance and fuel efficiency at the time.[30] 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.[11] Accompanying the changes to engines, the VL's four-speed automatic transmission was replaced by the TH700 and a Borg-Warner five-speed manual.[31] A Series II update of the VN appeared in September 1989, featuring a revised V6 engine known internally as the EV6.[29] With the update came a power hike of two kilowatts (3 hp), rising to 127 kilowatts (170 hp).[29] Under an unsuccessful model sharing arrangement as part of the Hawke Labor government reforms in 1989, Toyota began badge engineering versions of the VN Commodore.[32] These disguised Commodores were sold as the Toyota Lexcen, named after Ben Lexcen, the designer of Australia II yacht which won the 1983 America's Cup.[33] The original VN Lexcen was offered in three models: the base, GL and GXL.[34] Continuing financial woes at Holden meant the wider VN body was underpinned by narrow, carry-over VL chassis components in a bid to save development costs. But despite the cost-cutting measures, ongoing quality issues with the rival Ford EA Falcon propelled buyers towards the Commodore, resulting in a total sales figure of 215,180 and returning Holden to profitability.

Holden VP Commodore Executive
Holden VP Commodore Executive

VP

Main article: Holden VP Commodore

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. The 2.0 litre straight-4 previously available in New Zealand was discontinued.[35] Exterior cosmetic changes included a translucent acrylic grille, replacing the VN's conventional type on the base level Executive.[36] 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.[35] A new wider front track was introduced to address issues with the previous carried-over VL chassis components. 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. This January 1993 update also included a colour-coded grille for the Executive and alloy wheels for the Commodore S.[36] Toyota's pattern of updating their Lexcen model tended to follow Commodore’s model cycle. The VP Lexcen from 1991 pioneered new specification designations: CSi, VXi and Newport. All future updates (VR, T4 (VS) and T5 (VS II) Lexcens) made use of the new naming system until 1997 when production ceased.[37]

VR

Holden VR Commodore Executive
Holden VR Commodore Executive
Main article: Holden VR Commodore

The 1993 Holden VR Commodore represented a major facelift of the second generation architecture leaving only the doors and roof untouched.[38] Approximately 80% of car was new in comparison to the preceding model. Exterior changes brought an overall smoother body, semicircular wheel arches and the "twin-kidney" grille—a Commodore styling trait which remained until the VY model of 2002.[39] The rear-end treatment saw raised tail lights, implemented for safety reasons,[40] and a driver's side airbag was introduced as an option: a first for an Australian-built car.[38] Other safety features such as anti-lock brakes and independent rear suspension were only available with the new electronic GM 4L60-E automatic transmission.[38] These, along with a driver's airbag and cruise control, were standard on the newly appointed Acclaim specification level: a family-oriented package above the entry-level Executive.[41] Holden's strong focus on safety can be seen in the Used Car Safety Ratings. The findings show that in an accident, VN/VP Commodores provide a worse than average level of occupant protection. However, the updated VR/VS models were found to provide a better than average level of safety protection.[26] The latest revision of the Buick 3.8 litre V6 engine was fitted to the VR Commodore, featuring rolling-element bearings in the valve rocker arms, increasing compression ratios from the VN/VP series engines.[42] These changes combined to deliver an increase in power to 130 kilowatts (174 hp) and further improvement in Noise, Vibration, and Harshness levels.[39] Wheels magazine awarded the VR Commodore Car of the Year in 1993.[18]

Holden VS Commodore Berlina
Holden VS Commodore Berlina

VS

Main article: Holden VS Commodore

The 1995 Holden VS Commodore served as a mechanical update of the VR, destined to maintain sales momentum before the all-new VT model. The extent of exterior changes veered not much further than a redesigned Holden logo and wheel trims.[43] An updated Ecotec (Emissions and Consumption Optimisation through TEChnology) version of the Buick V6 engine coincided with the changes to the engine in the United States. The Ecotec engine packed 13% more power, an increase of 17 kilowatts (23 hp) over the VR, cut fuel consumption by 5%, and increased the compression ratio from 9.0:1 to 9.4:1. Holden mated the new engine with a modified version of the GM 4L60-E automatic transmission, bringing improved throttle response and smoother changes between gears.[43] The Series II update of June 1996 brought elliptical side turn signals, interior tweaks and the introduction of a L67 Supercharged V6 engine for selected trim levels.[43] The new supercharged engine slotted in between the existing V6 and V8 engines in the lineup and was officially rated at 165 kilowatts (221 hp), just 3 kilowatts (4 hp) below the V8.[44]

Third generation (1997–2006)

Holden VTII Commodore Executive
Holden VTII Commodore Executive

VT

Main article: Holden VT Commodore

With the Holden VT Commodore of 1997, Holden looked again to Opel in Germany for a donor platform. The proposal was to take the Opel 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 VR/VS architecture.[45] Later on, the VT bodywork spawned a new generation of Statesman and Caprice limousines,[11] and Holden even went as far as resurrecting the iconic Monaro coupé from the 1960s and 1970s.[46] The VT heralded the fitment of semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension as standard across the range.[47] However, when originally carried over, the European design was simplified with the removal of the toe control link,[11] standard equipment on the six-cylinder Omega since 1987.[48] This allowed distortions to the suspension camber angle and toe under heavy load, such as 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.[48] This 1999 update replaced the venerable Holden 5.0 litre V8 engine with a new 5.7 litre LS1 V8 sourced from the United States.[48] The V8 was detuned to 220 kilowatts (295 hp) from the original US version, but would receive incremental power upgrades to 250 kilowatts (335 hp) throughout its time in the Commodore, before finally being replaced by the L76 in the VZ Commodore.[40] The supercharged V6 was uprated to 171 kilowatts (229 hp) from the VS.[49] Safety wise, side airbags became an option for the Acclaim and higher models, a first for Holden.[50] From the onset, parent company General Motors was interested in incorporating a left-hand drive Commodore in its Buick lineup, culminating in the unveiling of the Buick XP2000 concept car in 1996. Although this idea was ultimately abandoned, the GM-funded project allowed Holden to enter into a range of export markets.[51] Thus began the Commodore's rapid expansion into a number of overseas markets including parts of Indochina, the Middle East and South Africa badged as Chevrolet Luminas, to 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.[52] In its home market, the VT Commodore was awarded its fourth Wheels Car of the Year for 1997.[40] It found ready acceptance in the market as many buyers steered away from the disappointing Ford AU Falcon, becoming the best selling Commodore to date and cementing its place as number one in Australian sales.[11]

Holden VX Commodore
Holden VX Commodore

VX

Main article: Holden VX Commodore

The 2000 Holden VX Commodore update built upon Holden's winning formula, featuring a revised headlamp design.[53] The VT's rear taillight panel was replaced by two separate light assemblies. Conversely, the luxury-oriented Berlina and Calais sedans continued using a full-width boot-lid panel incorporating the license plate and tail lamps.[54] An updated Series II was launched in early 2002, featuring a thoroughly revised suspension system equipped with toe control links to address the VT's issues.[55] Passive safety played a substantial role in the development of the VX model.[56] 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.[56] 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% when compared to a similarly specified VT model.[56]

VY

Holden VY Berlina
Holden VY Berlina
Main article: Holden VY Commodore

The AU$250 million Holden VY Commodore mid-cycle update of 2002 represented the first major styling shift since the 1997 VT.[57] Designers discarded the rounded front and rear styling of the VT and VX models, and adopted more aggressive, angular lines.[58] The same approach was applied to the interior, whereby the rapidly-aging, curvaceous dashboard design was orphaned in favour of an angular, symmetrical design. Satin chrome plastic now dominated the façade of the centre console stack, and high-end models received fold-out cup holders borrowed from fellow GM subsidiary Saab.[59] Engineering wise, Holden kept the changes low key. A revised steering system and tweaked suspension tuning were among some of the changes to sharpen handling precision.[58] Holden turned towards German electronics manufacturer Blaupunkt to source audio systems—an arrangement that remains in place today.[40] Further improvements were made to the LS1 Generation III V8 engine, with a higher peak power output figure of 235 kilowatts (315 hp).[60] In a bid to recapture the market for low-cost, high-performance cars, Holden created a new SV8 specification level. Based on the entry-level Executive, the SV8 inherited the V8 mechanical package from the SS but made do without the luxury appointments and was sold at a correspondingly lower price.[61] Holden also experimented by releasing a limited edition wagon version of its high-performance SS variant, of which only 850 were built.[62] The Series II update added a front strut bar as standard to the SS, which was claimed to increase rigidity and hence handling, as well as a further 10 kilowatt (13 hp) increase for the V8.[61]

Holden VZ Commodore SV6
Holden VZ Commodore SV6

VZ

Main article: Holden VZ Commodore

The final chapter of the third generation series was the Holden VZ Commodore. The VZ debuted in 2004 with a new series of V6 engines known as the Alloytec V6. Both 175 (235 hp) and 190 kilowatt (255 hp) versions of the 3.6 litre engine were offered,[63] which were later upgraded to 180 (241 hp) and 195 kilowatts (261 hp) respectively in the VE model.[64] When compared to the previous Ecotec engines, the Alloytec benefits from increased power output, responsiveness and fuel efficiency.[63] The new engines were mated to a new five-speed 5L40E automatic transmission on the luxury V6 variants, and a new six-speed Aisin AY6 manual transmission on the six-cylinder SV6 sports variant.[63] However, the aging four-speed automatic carried on in other variants, albeit with further tweaks to address complaints about refinement. A new 6.0 litre L76 V8 engine was added to the range in January 2006 to comply with Euro IV emission standards. Compared to the American version of the L76, both Displacement on Demand and variable valve timing were removed.[65] The Alloytec V6 was also affected by the new standards, which saw the peak output reduced to 172 kilowatts (231 hp).[66] Along with the new powertrain, Holden also introduced new safety features such as Electronic Stability Control and brake assist.[63] The Used Car Safety Ratings evaluation found that VT–VZ Commodores provide a significantly better than average level of occupant protection in the event of an accident.[26] Interestingly, ANCAP crash test results rate the fourth generation VE lower in the offset frontal impact test than the third generation VY/VZ Commodore. The overall crash score was marginally higher than the outgoing model due to improved side impact protection.[67][68]

Fourth generation (2006–present)

Holden VE Commodore Omega
Holden VE Commodore Omega

VE

Main article: Holden VE Commodore

The 2006 Holden VE Commodore is the first Commodore model designed entirely in Australia instead of being based on adapted Opel-sourced platforms.[69] Given this and strong public demands for quality, the budget in building the car reportedly exceeded AU$1 billion.[70] Underpinned by the new GM Zeta platform, the VE features substantially improved independent suspension all round and near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, leading to superior handling.[71] Engines and transmissions are largely carried over from the previous VZ model.[72] However, a new six-speed GM 6L80-E automatic transmission was introduced for V8 variants, replacing the old four-speed automatic now relegated to base models.[73] Since its release, the VE has garnered critical acclaim, including being awarded the prestigious Wheels Car of the Year, the fifth Commodore model to receive this.[74] The VE utility was subsequently released on August 22 2007,[75] followed shortly by the unveiling of a Sportwagon concept.[76] The design of this new model included innovative features to help minimise export costs, such as a symmetrical centre console that houses a flush-fitting handbrake lever to facilitate its conversion to left-hand drive.[77] The mainstream VE also forms the basis of the long-wheelbase WM Statesman and Caprice.[78]

Notes

  1. ^ Robinson, p. 13
  2. ^ Holden Commodore VB Technical Specifications. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-07-20.
  3. ^ Robinson, p. 26
  4. ^ Morley, David (2005-03-31). Holden Monaro 2001-2004. The Age. Retrieved on 2007-07-20.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Davis, Tony; Kennedy, Alistair; Kennedy, Ewan (February 2007). The Holden Heritage - 13th Edition (Part Two) (PDF). GM Holden Ltd. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
  6. ^ Robinson, p. 23
  7. ^ Toyota Launches Aurion V6 Large Car. WebWombat (2006-10-18). Retrieved on 2007-07-20.
  8. ^ Robinson, p. 24
  9. ^ Robinson, p. 22–23
  10. ^ a b History of Holden - VB. History of Holden. Retrieved on 2007-07-31.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h Kenwright, Joe. Crossing the Lion (July 2006). Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  12. ^ Robinson, p. 24
  13. ^ a b Holden Commodore VC. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-06-15.
  14. ^ a b Holden Commodore VH. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-06-15.
  15. ^ Holden Commodore VH Technical Specifications. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-06-15.
  16. ^ Butler, Glenn (2006-07-16). History of Brock Commodores. Fairfax Media. Retrieved on 2007-06-15.
  17. ^ Stahl, Michael (June 2007), "Aussie Gold", Wheels magazine (Australian Consolidated Press): 61
  18. ^ a b c d "VB to VE – 28 Years of Australia's favourite family car", Wheels magazine (Australian Consolidated Press): 152– 159, August 2006
  19. ^ ZJ Fairlane / FC LTD. Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  20. ^ Holden Commodore VK. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  21. ^ 1984 Holden Commodore. Red Book. Retrieved on 2007-08-09.
  22. ^ Holden Commodore VL. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  23. ^ Robinson, p. 25
  24. ^ 1987 Holden Commodore. Red Book. Retrieved on 2007-08-09.
  25. ^ Holden VL Commodore (1986-88) (November 2004). carsales.com.au. Retrieved on 2007-06-16.
  26. ^ a b c Used Car Safety Ratings 2007. Monash University. Retrieved on 2007-08-09.
  27. ^ Robinson, p. 23, 26–27
  28. ^ Holden Commodore Executive sedan. John Mellor. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  29. ^ a b c Holden Commodore VN Technical Specifications. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-07-21.
  30. ^ Holden VN Commodore. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved on 2007-07-21.
  31. ^ Holden Commodore VN. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-07-21.
  32. ^ Earl (2002), p. 28
  33. ^ America's Cup Hall of Fame - Lexcen and Van Dyck are 2006 Inductees. America's Cup Hall of Fame. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  34. ^ Toyota Lexcen 1989 Sep. Red Book. Retrieved on 2007-11-05.
  35. ^ a b Holden Commodore VP. MyHolden.com.au. Retrieved on 2007-07-25.
  36. ^ a b Holden Commodore VP. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-07-25.
  37. ^ Toyota Lexcen. Red Book. Retrieved on 2007-11-05.
  38. ^ a b c Holden Commodore VR. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  39. ^ a b 1993 Holden VR Commodore. Herald Sun (2002-08-06). Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  40. ^ a b c d Davis, Tony; Kennedy, Alistair; Kennedy, Ewan (February 2007). The Holden Heritage - 13th Edition (Part Three) (PDF). GM Holden Ltd. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
  41. ^ Holden Commodore / Calais VR Series July 1993 - April 1995. Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  42. ^ Holden Commodore VR. MyHolden.com.au. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.
  43. ^ a b c Holden Commodore VS. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
  44. ^ Holden Commodore VS. MyHolden.com.au. Retrieved on 2007-08-07.
  45. ^ Robinson, p. 27
  46. ^ Robinson, p. 29
  47. ^ 1997-99 Holden VT Commodore. Herald Sun (2003-01-10). Retrieved on 2007-08-05.
  48. ^ a b c Kenwright, Joe. Holden VT/VX Commodore (1997-2002) AND Ford Falcon AU (1998-2002). ninemsn. Retrieved on 2007-08-05.
  49. ^ Holden Commodore VT. MyHolden.com.au. Retrieved on 2007-08-07.
  50. ^ Holden Commodore VT. Unique Cars and Parts. Retrieved on 2007-08-05.
  51. ^ Robinson, p. 38
  52. ^ Holden Sets All-Time Vehicle Export Record. Next Car (2005-01-21). Retrieved on 2007-08-03.
  53. ^ Doak, Alastair (2001-03-15). Styling edge tipped for new Commodore; Diesel on Holden's agenda. Fairfax Media. Retrieved on 2007-05-25.
  54. ^ Holden VX Commodore. Australian Consolidated Press. Retrieved on 2007-05-25.
  55. ^ Edgar, Julian (2002-04-02). New Car Test - Holden Commodore VX Series II Wagon. Web Publications. Retrieved on 2007-07-02.
  56. ^ a b c Holden VX Commodore. ninemsn. Retrieved on 2007-05-26.
  57. ^ Bulmer, Ged; Carey, John & McCarthy, Mike (October 2002), "VY Commodore reinventing Australia's top seller", Wheels magazine (Australian Consolidated Press): 74
  58. ^ a b Butler, Glenn. Holden VY Commodore. ninemsn. Retrieved on 2007-08-09.
  59. ^ 2003 Holden VY Calais. Herald Sun (2003-01-24). Retrieved on 2007-08-09.
  60. ^ Holden Commodore VY. MyHolden.com.au. Retrieved on 2007-08-09.
  61. ^ a b Holden Commodore / Calais VY Series September 2002 - August 2004. Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive. Retrieved on 2007-08-07.
  62. ^ Holden's wild wagon breaks cover. WebWombat. Retrieved on 2006-10-21.
  63. ^ a b c d Torr, Feann. VZ Holden Commodore: First Look. WebWombat. Retrieved on 2007-08-07.
  64. ^ All-new Holden Commodore unveiled to the world. Holden New Zealand (2006-07-16). Retrieved on 2007-08-07.
  65. ^ Holden Commodore SS sedan. John Mellor. Retrieved on 2007-08-07.
  66. ^ Kennedy, Ewan (2006-04-10). Thundering along in Holden Utes. Marque Publishing Company. Retrieved on 2007-08-07.
  67. ^ 2003 Holden Commodore VY. Transport Accident Commission. Retrieved on 2007-07-25.
  68. ^ 2007 Holden Commodore VE. Transport Accident Commission. Retrieved on 2007-07-25.
  69. ^ Robinson, p. 12
  70. ^ Robinson, p. 13
  71. ^ Sophisticated new suspension system for Commodore. Holden New Zealand (2006-07-24). Retrieved on 2006-10-31.
  72. ^ Heasley, Andrew (2006-07-17). New Commodore $1bn in the making. The Age. Retrieved on 2007-04-03.
  73. ^ 2006 VE Holden Commdore: First Look. WebWombar (2006-07-17). Retrieved on 2007-10-17.
  74. ^ 2006 Wheels Car of the Year. Wheels magazine (2007-02-01). Retrieved on 2007-03-10.
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  76. ^ Neff, John (2007-10-10). Holden debuts VE Commodore Sportwagon. Autoblog. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
  77. ^ VE Commodore eMag (PDF). Fairfax Media. Retrieved on 2006-10-31.
  78. ^ Robinson, p. 205

References

External links

Official sites:

Unofficial sites:


 This box:     edit Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors, automobile timeline, 1980s–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Subcompact Barina Barina Barina Barina Barina
Gemini Gemini
Compact Viva Viva
Astra Astra Nova Nova Astra Astra Astra Astra
Mid-size Camira Apollo Apollo Vectra Vectra Epica
Commodore
Calais
Full-size Commodore Commodore Commodore
Berlina Berlina
Calais Calais Calais
Statesman Statesman Statesman
Caprice Caprice Caprice
Sports Piazza Calibra Tigra
Monaro
Utility Rodeo Rodeo Rodeo
Ute Ute Ute Ute
1 Tonne One Tonner
Crewman
Van Scurry Combo Combo
Shuttle
Compact MPV Zafira
Mini SUV Drover Cruze
Mid-size SUV Frontera Frontera Adventra Captiva
Jackaroo Jackaroo Jackaroo
Full-size SUV Suburban

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