Monday the 13th November 1978
was a watershed for the General, that day launcing
the Opel re-engineered Commodore. GMH engineers
had naturally made changes to ensure the durability
of the car in Australian conditions, but the
real gamble was whether Australian's would be
accepting of the all-new body style as a suitable
replacement for the traditional large family
sedan.
Under the Opel skin lay the ever reliable
assortment of all-Aussie red engines, from the
2850cc 6 cylinder to the 308 5 litre. But so
well sorted was the chassis that it soon demonstrated
just how tired and harsh the red engines had
become, particularly the 6 cylinder variety.
We may have lamented the passing of the Premier
model, but the SL/E was every bit its match
in quality and appointments, indeed fighting
well above its station and giving serious challenge
to some of the more stuffy European marques.
There was one side effect however that few anticipated,
with Holden's decision not to proceed with the
WB Kingswood many taxi fleets turned to the larger
sized Falcon's when it came time to make a replacement.
1978 - 1980
The VB Commodore of 1978 was to replace the aging HZ
model, an update of the model line first introduced with
the HQ Holden in 1971. The base level Commodore came
with the 2.8 ltr. 6 cylinder motor coupled to a 4-speed
manual transmission. Engine options available at the
time of introduction included the 3.3 ltr. 6 cyl. and
4.2 ltr. V8 engines. You could also upgrade to a Tri-Matic
auto, corded cloth interior, power steering and air conditioning. More>>
1980 - 1981
A model update from the VB, the VC's main improvement
was the introduction of the "Blue" engines
(the
"Red" motors being carried over to the previous
model VB from the Kingswood). The VB's slat grill was
replaced with a "crate"
style grill on the VC, and unlike the VB it was attached
to the front structure of the vehicle instead of the
bonnet. More>>
1981 - 1984
The VH was the third Commodore series in four years,
with five engines and, for the first time, a five-speed
gearbox. The transition from VB to VC and then VH was
one of evolution rather than revolution, and so many
knew the bugs had well and truly been ironed out by the
time the VH arrived. Naturally any model change required
some form of cosmetic change, Holden opting for a subtle
reworking at the front giving the VH Commodore a longer
and lower appearance. More>>
1984 - 1986
The VK Commodore represented the first major change to
the Commodore since the release of the VB in 1978. Sporting
an all new and more agressive look than the previous
models, the additional side windows helped make the VK
look longer, and by reworking the rubber seals the GMH
engineers were able to give the VK a squarer, more prominent
look. The inside was to come in for a substantial makeover
too, although the newly squared-off design of the instruments
was not to everyones liking. More>>
1986 - 1988
The VL Commodore represented a substantial makeover of
the VK, and would be the last of the "compact" Commodores.
The engineers sought to soften the lines of the VL, rounding
off the panels and introducing a small tail spoiler built
into the boot lid. To all
that saw it, the VL looked vastly more modern than the
previous models, but there was one major concern
for the Holden faithful, the 6 cylinder red engine that
had received such a comprehensive makeover for the VK
was completely dropped in favour of an imported Nissan
3 litre straight six unit. More>>
1988 - 1991
Launching the VN Commodore, Holden said the totally new
car had been designed to achieve the dramatic market
impact reserved only for the most historic and significant
Holden models. And so it proved. There were a few VL
Commodore components still under the skin, but the new
VN had been stretched - in every important dimension. More>>
1991 - 1993
The VP was always going to be a face-lifted VN, however
there were considerable and detailed improvements made
over the latter model. Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
was introduced, fitted as standard equipment on the Calais
and Commodore SS and optional across the range, the system
being adapted from the long wheelbase VQ. More>>
1993 - 1995
The VR Series was the first Australian built car to offer
a driver's airbag. The introduction of the airbag, plus
webbing clamps on the front seats and a lap/sash belt
for the centre rear passenger, made the VR the safest
Holden ever. More>>
1995 - 1997
The major improvements with the VS are the introduction
of the ECOTEC 3800 V6, and a passenger airbag. The ECOTEC
(Emissions and Consumption Optimisation TEChnology) V6
is more powerful, more economic, produces less emissions,
quieter and smoother than the previous 3800 V6. More>>
1997 - 2000
The VT is a completely new model, like the VB in 1978
and the VN in 1988. Taking the 1995 Opel Omega GM2800
platform and redesigning it to suit, the Commodore was
now both wider and longer - and subsequently stronger.
There is more front and rear leg room, and more shoulder
room. Boot capacity is up by 26%. More>>
2000 - 2002
The VX, while looking very similar to the VT, has some
significant improvements. The V6 has been upgraded, and
now puts out 152 kW @ 5200 rpm and has improved fuel efficiency.
This is due to upgraded engine management system which
now allows individual spark control on each cylinder,
and a new inlet manifold. The V8 has also been upgraded
and now boasts 225 kW @ 5200 rpm. More>>
2002 - 2004
The VY represents another large investment by Holden,
with refinements to body structure, powertrain and chassis
dynamics delivering appreciable improvements in performance,
ride, handling, safety and build quality. A new model
has been introduced, the SV8, which slots in below the
SS. More>>
