Holden Commodore
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Holden Commodore | |
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GM E2XX platform (2018–2020) | |
Related | |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Holden Kingswood |
The Holden Commodore is a series of
The first three generations of Holden produced Commodores (1978–2006) were based on the
The fourth generation Holden Commodore models VE and VF, manufactured by Holden from 2006 until 2017, were entirely designed in-house and based on the Holden-developed, rear-wheel drive
Between 2018 and 2020, a rebadged, front-wheel drive
History
The Commodore replaced the long-serving
Rivalry came predominantly from the
In December 2013, Holden announced that it would cease its local production by the end of October 2017 committing, however, to use the long-standing Commodore nameplate on its fifth-generation fully imported replacement, moving to a front-wheel drive (FWD)/all-wheel drive (AWD) platform.
On 10 December 2019, Holden announced that the Commodore nameplate would be discontinued in 2020, in what is, according to Holden's interim chairman and managing director Kristian Aquilina, "decisive action to ensure a sharp focus on the largest and most buoyant market segments", focusing on their SUV and Ute range, which had accounted for over 76% of their lineup during 2019. This marks the end of the Commodore nameplate's 41 years.[4] On 17 February 2020, General Motors announced that the Holden marque in its entirety would be retired from sale in Australia and New Zealand by 2021.[5]
First generation (1978–1988)
VB (1978–1980)
Introduced in October 1978,
During the VB's development, Holden realised that when driven at speed over harsh Australian roads, the Opel Rekord would effectively break apart at the firewall.[14] This forced Holden to re-engineer the entire car for the often harsh Australian road conditions, resulting in only 35 percent commonality with the Rekord. Among other changes, the Rekord's MacPherson strut front suspension was modified,[15] and the recirculating ball steering was replaced with a rack and pinion type.[16] These and other mechanical and structural modifications massively blew out development costs to a reported A$110 million[17]—a figure then close to the cost of developing an all-new model independently.[18] With such a large sum consumed by the VB development programme, Holden was left with insufficient finances for the development of a station wagon variant.[19] Added that the Commodore architecture was considered an unsuitable base for utility and long-wheelbase models,[20] Holden was left with only a sedan, albeit one in three levels of luxury: a base, SL, and SL/E.[21] Desperate measures forced Holden to shape the Commodore front-end to the rear of the Rekord wagon. As the wagon-specific sheet metal had to be imported from Germany, the wagon, introduced in July 1979, suffered from inevitable component differences from the sedan.[19][22] Although infrequently criticised in the early years, quality problems were evident, with poor trim and panel fit problematic for all first generation Commodores. This coupled with mechanical dilemmas such as water pump failure and steering rack rattle ensured warranty claims were high in the first year.[23] Despite these issues, the VB Commodore was widely praised for its value for money sophistication, especially in regards to its steering, handling, braking, and ride quality.[24] thus securing the Wheels Car of the Year award for 1978.[25]
The VB series retained 96 percent of the preceding HZ Kingswood's interior space but was only 86 percent the HZ's external size, although five percent larger than the
VC (1980–1981)
The most significant change to the VC Commodore of March 1980 was the engine upgrading to "XT5" specification. Now painted blue and thus known as the
Holden's emphasis on fuel economy extended beyond powertrains, with a fuel consumption
VH (1981–1984)
The VH series Commodore introduced in September 1981 brought moderately updated frontal bodywork, with a new
Mechanical specifications carried over, except for a new five-speed
By the time of the VH series, Commodore sales were beginning to decline.
VK (1984–1986)
Representing the first major change since the VB original, the VK model of 1984 introduced a six-window glasshouse, as opposed to the previous four-window design, to make the Commodore appear larger.
New names for the trim levels were also introduced, such as Commodore Executive (an SL with
VL (1986–1988)
Marking a high point in terms of sales, the last-of-the-series VL Commodore sold in record numbers, finally managing to outsell the
By this stage, Holden's 24‑year‑old six-cylinder was thoroughly outmoded and would have been difficult to re-engineer to comply with pending emission standards and the introduction of unleaded fuel. This led Holden to sign a deal with
The VL suffered from some common build quality problems, such as poor
Second generation (1988–1997)
VN (1988–1991)
The VN Commodore of 1988 and subsequent second generation models took their bodywork from the larger
Changes in the relative values of the Australian dollar and
Under an unsuccessful
VP (1991–1993)
The VP update of 1991 featured cosmetic and mechanical changes, while carrying over the 3.8-litre V6 and 5.0-litre
A new wider front track was introduced to address issues with the previous carried-over VL chassis components.[86] 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.[85]
Toyota's pattern of updating their Lexcen model tended to follow Commodore's model cycle. The T2 (VP) Lexcen from 1991 pioneered new specification designations: CSi, VXi and Newport. All future updates (T3 (VR), T4 (VS) and T5[
VR (1993–1995)
The 1993 VR Commodore represented a major facelift of the second generation architecture leaving only the doors and roof untouched.[88] Approximately 80 percent 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 and remains a permanent staple on the HSV variants to this day.[89]
The rear-end treatment saw raised
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 and increased compression ratios.[92] These changes combined to deliver an increase in power to 130 kW (174 hp) and further improvement in noise, vibration, and harshness levels.[89] Wheels magazine awarded the VR Commodore Car of the Year in 1993.[93]
VS (1995–1997)
The 1995 VS Commodore served as a mechanical update of the VR, destined to maintain sales momentum before the arrival of an all-new VT model. The extent of exterior changes amounted to little more than a redesigned Holden logo and wheel trims.[94] An overhauled Ecotec (Emissions and Consumption Optimisation through TEChnology) version of the Buick V6 engine coincided with changes to the engine in the United States. The Ecotec engine packed 13 percent more power for a total of 147 kW (197 hp), cut fuel consumption by 5 percent, increased the compression ratio from 9.0:1 to 9.4:1 and improved on the engine's previous rough characteristics. Holden mated the new engine with a modified version of the GM 4L60-E automatic transmission, improving throttle response and smoothing gear changes.[94] The Series II update of June 1996 included elliptical side turn signals, interior tweaks and the introduction of a supercharged V6 engine for selected trim levels, and the introduction of a new Getrag manual transmission.[94] The new supercharged engine slotted between the existing V6 and V8 engines in the lineup and was officially rated at 165 kW (221 hp), just 3 kW (4.0 hp) below the V8.[95]
The VS Commodore was the last to be sold as a Toyota Lexcen, as Holden and Toyota ended their model-sharing scheme.
Third generation (1997–2007)
VT (1997–2000)
With the 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.[100] Later on, the VT bodywork spawned a new generation of Statesman and Caprice (again based on the long-wheelbase wagons),[60] and even went as far as resurrecting the iconic Monaro coupé of the 1960s and 1970s[101] via a prototype presented at the 1998 Sydney Motor Show.
The VT heralded the fitment of
Notably, Holden's performance arm
From the onset, parent company General Motors was interested in incorporating a
The sedan and wagon range comprised: Commodore Executive (base and fleet package); Commodore Acclaim (family and safety package); Berlina (luxury package) and Calais (sedan-only sport luxury package). Limited editions included a "Sydney 2000" Olympic version and Holden 50th Anniversary based on better equipped Executive models (e.g. Berlina alloy wheels on the former but no climate control).
VX (2000–2002)
The VX update from 2000 featured a revised
The VX series also formed the basis for a new Holden Ute, designated the VU-series. Earlier utility models were instead entitled "Commodore utility".
VY (2002–2004)
The A$250 million VY mid-cycle update of 2002 represented the first major styling shift since the 1997 VT. Designers discarded the rounded front and rear styling of the VT and VX models, adopting more aggressive, angular lines.[116] The same approach was applied to the interior, whereby the 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.[117] Leaving Eurovox behind, Holden turned towards German electronics manufacturer Blaupunkt to source audio systems, an arrangement that remained in place until the end of the Holden brand.[118]
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. Further improvements were made to the
In 2003, Holden launched an AWD system that it developed for the VY platform dubbed Cross Trac, at a cost of A$125 million.
VZ (2004–2007)
The final chapter of the third generation series was the VZ Commodore. Debuting in 2004 with a new series of
Along with the new
Fourth generation (2006–2017)
VE (2006–2013)
Launched in 2006 after GM's 2003 abandonment of their last European rear-drive sedan, the
Variants by Holden's performance arm,
In late 2008 Holden made changes to the VE Commodore, including the addition of a passenger seatbelt-reminder system. The rollout of such modifications allowed the VE range to be upgraded in stages (dependent on model) to the five-star ANCAP safety rating during 2008 and 2009.
The September 2009 MY10 update to the VE Commodore platform introduces a new standard engine–a 3.0-litre
In mid-2010 Holden released the VE Series 2 (VEII). The major difference saw the introduction of the Holden iQ system, a centre-mounted LCD display that provides navigation, Bluetooth, and controls to the stereo. There were also small alterations to the styling and a number of other changes.
VF (2013–2017)
The VF Commodore, a major overhaul of the VE, was officially revealed on 10 February 2013 in Melbourne.
The body shell, suspension and electrics of the
Standard features across the Commodore range includes front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera and auto park assist, whereas high specifications models such as the Calais-V and SS-V redline models also feature, as standard, forward and reverse collision alert system and a colour heads-up display - all possible thanks to the VF's electronics now being compatible with those of more developed GM cars, resulting in the new Commodore being cheaper to manufacture. Indeed, the recommended retail pricing was substantially reduced across the range, from A$5,000 for the base model and up to A$10,000 for the Calais V V8 and SS V Redline.[147]
A day after the Australian range reveal and in the lead up to the
A Series II update (VF II) was launched in late 2015, introducing minor styling revisions at the front, while the biggest change was the arrival of a 304 kW (408 hp)
Fifth generation (2018–2020)
ZB (2018–2020)
In 2017, Holden announced that the Commodore would end production in Australia and confirmed that the Commodore badge would be inherited by its replacement - now fully imported. This decision was made on the basis of a survey revealing that a majority of customers were in favour of retaining the long-standing Australian badge introduced in 1978.
In October 2016, Holden provided selected journalists an opportunity to test drive early prototypes of the 2018 Commodore.
The ZB Commodore was revealed on the 6 December 2016 as a rebadged version of the
There has been significant controversy regarding Holden's decision to retain the Commodore name for the 2018 model, despite it being dimensionally smaller than its predecessor, lacking a V8 engine option and switching from a RWD to a FWD drivetrain. Whilst the decision has been considered to be a safe choice in order to preserve sales, the retention of the Commodore name has been critiqued for Holden missing the opportunity to rebrand its sedan range and push its offering into the more lucrative semi-premium end of the market.
As of April 2018[update], the ZB Commodore has the lowest resale value as a proportion of new price of any car on the Australian market.[150]
Due to slow sales and Holden's interest in other vehicle segments, it was announced on 10 December 2019 that the ZB Commodore would be discontinued in early 2020, shortly before GM's decision to retire the Holden brand entirely.[151][152]
Australian export models
Since the late 1990s, Commodores have been sent abroad as the
-
Chevrolet Omega (VX)
-
Chevrolet Lumina (VZ)
-
Vauxhall VXR8 (VE)
-
Pontiac G8 (VE)
-
Chevrolet SS (VF)
Chevrolet Lumina
The Commodore was sold as the Chevrolet Lumina in the Middle East and South Africa, and previously in South East Asia.
A coupe version based on the
Lumina models sold in South Africa dropped the V6 engine in favour of 6.0 litre V8 engine mated to a six-speed manual or automatic. Fuel injection and a 10.4:1 compression ratio help contribute to a max power output of 270 kW (362 hp) at 5,700 rpm, and a max torque of 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm for vehicles equipped with the manual. Automatic cars make 260 kW (349 hp) at 5,800 rpm and 517 N⋅m (381 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm. All cars were equipped with Brembo brake calipers and a ZF limited-slip differentials. The car received updates for the 2011 model year. These changes were introduced to coincide with the release of the VE Series II Commodore. Changes included revised bumpers, there is a chrome moulding above the number plate on the boot lid, refreshed alloy wheel designs and the Holden IQ system. Also the SSV model was introduced.[154] The Holden Ute was sold as the Lumina Ute in South Africa and has the same equipment as the sedan.
Australian production
Australian production of the first Commodore launched in 1978 was initially spread between Holden's Pagewood (New South Wales) and Dandenong (Victoria) plants. In August 1978, Holden announced a $6.7 million program to enable assembly of the Commodore range at the Elizabeth (South Australia) plant, which resulted in the closure of the Pagewood plant a year later.[155] The Australian production of the Commodore was consolidated at Elizabeth in 1988, coinciding with the launch of the then new VN Commodore.
The Commodore and its derivatives have been the basis of modified variants by companies separate to Holden. Officially, Holden's performance partner is HSV, although other prominent high performance brands include
In December 2013, Holden announced that it would cease production of the Commodore in Australia in 2017.[156] This was followed, in December 2015, by "Project Erich" involving Belgian entrepreneur Guido Dumarey. His plans involve buying the Holden production facilities, with a view to continue producing in Australia a rebadged range of RWD and AWD premium vehicles based on the GM Zeta platform, for local and export sales. Dumarey's company, Punch Powerglide, already supplies automatic transmissions for Holden's V6-powered models made in Australia.[157] The last Commodore - the last Holden vehicle to be manufactured in Australia - rolled off the line at the Elizabeth plant on 20 October 2017.[2]
Sales
|
Holden Commodore
(sedan and wagon) Ford Falcon
(sedan and wagon) Toyota Camry/
Avalon/Aurion (V6) Other
Total large car
segment |
1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983[158] | 1984 | 1985[159] | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
78,429 | 35,355 | 62,436 | |||||||
1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994[160] | 1995[161] | 1996[161] | 1997[161] | 1998[161] | 1999[161] |
50,820 | 57,641 | 62,663 | 75,330 | 80,452 | 83,001 | 76,849 | 94,642 | 85,648 | |
2000[161] | 2001[161] | 2002[161] | 2003[161] | 2004[161] | 2005[162] | 2006[163] | 2007[164] | 2008[165] | 2009[166] |
83,610 | 85,422 | 88,478 | 86,553 | 79,170 | 66,794 | 56,531 | 57,307 | 51,093 | 44,387 |
2010[167] | 2011[168] | 2012[169] | 2013[170] | 2014[171] | 2015[172] | 2016[173] | 2017[174] | 2018[175] | 2019[176] |
45,956 | 40,617 | 30,532 | 27,766 | 30,203 | 27,770 | 25,860 | 23,676 | 9,040 | 5,915 |
References
- ^ "Goodbye Commodore: A legend dies as Holden goes exclusive on SUVs and utes". Archived from the original on 11 December 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
- ^ a b Humphreys, Bernard (20 October 2017). "No tears as Holden has its last hurrah at Elizabeth plant". news.com.au. Australia. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
- ^ Padeanu, Adrian. "Holden Commodore, Astra To Be Discontinued In 2020". Motor1.com. Archived from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
- ^ Chesterton, Andrew (10 December 2019). "CONFIRMED: Holden Commodore axed! Iconic nameplate to disappear as brand focuses on SUVs and utes". Cars Guide. Australia. Archived from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
- ^ "Holden car brand, maker of Commodore and Barina, axed across Australia and New Zealand". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). 17 February 2020. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
- ^ Bebbington (2009), p. 77.
- ^ a b Robinson (2006), p. 24. "Australia, protected from the ravages of the first 1973 energy crisis, felt the full force of OPEC's decision to raise oil prices by 140 per cent [...] Petrol shortages, rationing and dramatic fuel price increases, forced the global car industry into what was quickly dubbed 'downsizing' [...] Holden had already downsized, now the rest of the automotive world shuddered and began what seemed an inexorable move towards smaller cars."
- ^ Whelan (1978), p. 22. "It had to be a family car, which meant it needed similar interior dimensions to the Holden Kingswood, but it had to be fuel- and space efficient, which meant it had to be smaller and sleeker overall."
- ^ Robinson (2006), p. 21. "Holden planned to replace the HQ with the WA but management indecision meant the project was discarded."
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 59. "The Commodore was [...] based on the Opel V-car using components from the German GM subsidiary's Rekord, Commodore and Senator models."
- ^ Robinson (2006), p. 22. "It accepted Opel's Rekord, knowing the four-cylinder required re-engineering to [...] accommodate the local in-line six-cylinder and V8 engines. [...] The VB mixed the nose of the longer six-cylinder Opel Senator, [...] to the cabin and rearward of the cheaper Rekord."
- ^ "Opel History" (DOC). General Motors. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2009.
- ^ Tuckey (1999), p. 33. "The Rekord with the Senator nose job [...] was so well proportioned that Opel later picked up the bastard child to fit between its Rekord and Senator on the European market and named it – guess what? – Commodore."
- ^ Tuckey (1999), p. 41. "They ran the cars [...] somewhere where the roads weren't made, and [...] the first of the three real VB prototypes built in Germany by Opel and flown to Australia at the end of 1977 actually broke in two at the firewall."
- ^ Segal (1978), p. 34. "And in final analysis 65% of the new Commodore is wholly Australian Holden in origin [... with the Rekord's] traditional double wishbone front suspension [giving] way at last to McPherson [sic] struts. The same system is used on the Holden [VB], but a completely different design."
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 59. "...rack-and-pinion steering system (Australian TRW) replaced the Opel's old fashioned recirculating-ball steering box and linkage."
- ^ Tuckey (1999), p. 48. "In the end, it would have spent around $110 million on tools, facilities, development and start-up expenses for the VB."
- ^ Wright (1998), p. 232. "Initially, it looked as if it would be cheaper to modify the German car to take the Australian engines but it transpired that a major re-engineering job was necessary if the German car was to meet Holden standards. [...] It cost almost as much to rework the Commodore as it would have done to introduce a new locally developed Holden."
- ^ a b c d e Kenwright, Joe (29 July 2006). "Crossing the Lion". CarPoint. Archived from the original on 28 October 2009. Retrieved 16 June 2007.
- ^ Tuckey (1999), p. 85. "The Commodore [VB] wasn't considered a suitable base for a ute or a LWB vehicle."
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 59. "Initially produced in one body style only, a four-door sedan, it was available in three trim levels: the Commodore, the Commodore SL and the top-of-the-range Commodore SL/E."
- ^ Bebbington (2009), p. 77. "[W]agon models joined the line-up in July 1979 [...] The sheetmetal unique to the wagon body style was imported from Germany".
- ^ Wright (1998), p. 256–257. "Although little criticised at the time, the [VB's] finish was poor and did not match that of other Holdens. Ill-fitting trim [...] accompanied various mechanical maladies including water pump failure and steering rack rattle to mar the ownership experience for many. Warranty claims were high in the first year or so. [...] Poor panel fit remained a problem throughout the life of the first generation of Commodores."
- ^ Tuckey (1999), p. 54. "The first press reactions [to the VB] were euphoric. [...] There was huge praise for the steering, ride, handling and brakes."
- ^ Jeeves (2008), p. 62.
- ^ Robinson (2006), p. 23. "The footprint of the Commodore was five per cent bigger than the Torana, but 14 percent smaller than the Kingswood. Yet, [...] the cabin enclosed 96 per cent of the older model's interior space."
- XD Falconwas the aged Kingswood."
- ^ Wright (1998), p. 250. "Because the Commodore was significantly lighter than the Kingswood, any given engine delivered superior fuel economy..."
- ^ Wright (1998), p. 265. "The taxi industry put interior space at a premium and so, in many cases, did government and private industry fleet buyers. Every Commodore not sold into a fleet—because the car was perceived as too small, too expensive, or both—generally meant the sale of a Ford instead."
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 61. "In March 1980, the VC Commodore was released. [...] The big news for the VC was the upgrading of all engines to XT5 specifications. Blue sixes and V8s replaced the Red units in the VB and earlier Holdens".
- ^ Gribble (1980), p. 23. "The L6 has a new cylinder head with separate ports (six inlet and six exhaust), larger valves and revised combustion chambers. Also new is a two-barrel Varajet carburettor and re-designed inlet and dual exhaust manifolds. [...] A Bosch high energy breakerless ignition system has been incorporated..."
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 61. "The V8s received new heads, inlet manifold and electronic ignition (and four-barrel carburettor for the 4.2-litre). Major improvements were made to power output, driveability and economy."
- ^ Tuckey (1999), p. 89–90. "In June 1980, after the second oil shock, came the four-cylinder Commodore."
- ^ Norton (2008), p. 80. "An interesting introduction was the fitting of Holden's 1.9 litre "Starfire" four cylinder in L and SL. [...] the Starfire was GMH's six cylinder engine literally with two cylinder lopped off. [...] The engine was not a fast nor high revver nor particularly impressive economy wise [...] The Starfire was regarded as lacking power and performance."
- ^ Robinson (1980), p. 28.
- ^ "Holden Commodore VC". Unique Cars and Parts. Archived from the original on 16 June 2007. Retrieved 15 June 2007.
- ^ Gribble (1980), p. 22. "Another indication of the fuel saving image is the fact that the vacuum gauge fuel meter becomes standard throughout the range, with a tachometer available only with the optional sports instrumentation package."
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 61. "The model lineup was basically as before with the base Commodore now badged as the Commodore L. Externally, the VC could be identified by its egg-grate-style grille, with the lion and HOLDEN badge in the centre, black trim added to the sedan tail-lights and model badging now set into the leading edge of the rubbing strip on the front doors."
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 62. "A9K fleet package (with many items deleted) available on L sedan and station wagon."
- ^ Jeeves (2008), p. 70. "The VC SL/E offered a Shadowtone dark over light paint finish..."
- ^ Lake (1980), p. 22. "The General decided that the Commodore should have softer ride and, at the same time, improved handling while fully laden with passengers and luggage. [...] All who drove the VC found it heavier in the steering, [... and] the VC was more inclined to understeer".
- ^ Bebbington (2009), p. 84. "VH Commodore introduced in September 1981 [...] received Australian designed front guards, bonnet, grille, headlights and new louvre style sedan tail-lights".
- ^ "Holden Commodore VH Technical Specifications". Unique Cars and Parts. Archived from the original on 29 June 2007. Retrieved 15 June 2007.
- ^ a b c "Holden Commodore VH". Unique Cars and Parts. Archived from the original on 16 June 2007. Retrieved 15 June 2007.
- ^ Bebbington (2009), p. 84. "The L model became SL, the middle trim level (previously SL), became SL/X. The SL/E nameplate remained unaltered."
- ^ Jeeves (2008), p. 73.
- ^ Bebbington (2009), p. 84. "New pentagonal patterned alloy wheels for SL/E."
- ^ Davis, Wright (1994), p. 10. "...on the VH SL/E [...] new alloy wheels replaced the original design that had been used since 1978".
- ^ Image comparison of VH Commodore: SL/X sedan and SL/E sedan.
- ^ McKay (1981), p. 27. "The engineering standouts are the availability of a five-speed manual transmission as an option with the 1.9-litre four-cylinder and 2.8-litre six-cylinder models".
- ^ McKay (1981), p. 27–28. "Because the 3.3 was upgraded during the VC development programme, it was decided to concentrate on lifting the efficiency of the smaller 2.8 six. Likewise, the four-cylinder 1.9 Starfire, criticised for its thirst and lack of throttle response, was the other major project. The engineering refinements have resulted in heartening gains in fuel economy, while maintaining performance."
- ^ a b Bebbington (2009), p. 84. "Another limited-edition model was the Commodore SS [...] released in September 1982. [...] SS models were powered by the 4.2-litre V8 engine, matted to [a] 4-speed gearbox. The 5.0-litre V8 was optional."
- ^ Bebbington (2009), p. 51.
- ^ Butler, Glenn; Short, Mark (16 July 2006). "History of Brock Commodores". Drive. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2007.
- ^ Wright (1998), p. 269. "[T]he smaller Commodore could not dramatically outperform the Falcon in the fuel economy stakes."
- ^ Robinson (2006), p. 24. "Sales of the Commodore faltered. The third 1981 VH model looked far too similar to the VB [...] and introduced no significant new engine technologies".
- ^ Robinson (2006), p. 24. "In 1982, the year of its launch and in the wake of the second oil shock, there were those inside [Holden] who believed the Camira [...] could become the national bestseller. Sales flared initially at the expense of the Commodore. [...] Just as Australians were slowly coming to the renationalisation that a big country deserved big cars, [...] fuel prices had stabilised and supply was no longer an issue."
- XE, giving the Falcon leadership over its rival for 1982".
- ^ a b Butler, Dowling, Hagon, Newton, p. 155
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- ^ a b c Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 94
- ^ Butler, Dowling, Hagon, Newton, p. 156
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- ^ Robinson (2006), p. 25
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 50. "Midway through 1986 saw the introduction of the lively 150kW turbocharged version of the same six-cylinder engine."
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 51. "Release dates: Turbo 6: August 1986."
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 51. "Release dates: V8: October 1986."
- ^ "1987 Holden Commodore". Red Book. Automotive Data Services. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 9 August 2007.
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- ^ a b c d "Used Car Safety Ratings 2008" (PDF). Monash University. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 September 2008. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ Robinson (2006), p. 23, 26–27
- ^ Bebbington (1998), p. 73. "Note that [VN] Berlina was not badged Commodore."
- ^ a b Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Two), p. 97–98
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- ^ Earl (2002), p. 28
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Bibliography
Books
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- Robinson, Peter (2006). AutoBiography: The inside story of Holden's all-new VE Commodore. ISBN 1-921156-10-4.
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Magazines
- Bulmer, Ged; Carey, John; McCarthy, Mike (October 2002). "VY Commodore: Reinventing Australia's top seller". Wheels. Sydney, New South Wales.
- Butler, Glenn; Dowling, Joshua; Hagon, Toby; Newton, Bruce (12 September 2006). "VE Commodore eMag". Drive. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 31 October 2006.
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External links
- Official website
- Road-testing the 1980 Holden Commodore | Retrofocus
- Holden Model History – Holden Commodore
- Holden Commodore at Unique Cars and Parts
- 3D view of Holden Commodore 1980
- The Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive
- Huge website around the Opels of the time including the Holden Commodore VB