The VR Series was more than a simple facelift of
the VP, the only body panels being carried over being
the roof and door skins.
The shape was now softer and
more aerodynamic, and with additions such as the first
Australian built car to offer a driver's airbag, the
VR was unquestionably superior in every department
over previous iterations.
While the newly introduced Acclaim (and Calais) had the air-bag fitted as standard
equipment, it was made available across the range at
a (for the time) extremely affordable $990.
To further improve safety, webbing clamps were fitted
to the front seats, while a lap/sash seat belt was
provided for the centre rear passenger. The Acclaim
also boasted ABS and IRS as standard.
There was also a new electronic automatic transmission,
and a new engine/auto computer module (IPCM 6) which,
boasting a larger capacity memory module which proved
considerably faster than the previous model.
Now standard on all models were the body computer, power mirrors,
tachometer and gas bonnet struts.
There was a new security system, and some minor improvements
to the V6, making the engine both smoother and marginally
more powerful, while reducing fuel consumption.
The
interior benefited from a softer looking dash and instrument
panel, a smaller diameter steering wheel, while the
VR was now fitted with a tilt/telescopic steering column
adjustment.
The VR Series II was introduced in September 1994,
and boasted a plethora of improvements such as
- Convex passenger side rear mirror
- Speed Alert
- Warning chime for handbrake on
- Fuel low warning light and chimes
- Superior cloth trim
- Red trim on the boot rather than grey (Executive
only)
- Black grill inserts (Executive)
- Series II badges under the front side indicators
- V8 optioned cars were fitted with a different starter
motor
- New exhaust manifold for V6 models (in an attempt
to make it quiet
Most revered (apart from HSV models) was the SS, naturally
enough fitted with the 5.0 litre V8, although you could
option it with a HSV enhanced unit good for 185kW.
The SS featured an integrated brake light within the
rear wing, along with an aerodynamically designed rear
bumper. The grille was blacked out, and featured red
highlights, while fog-lamps were integrated into the
front bumper.
For the upmarket Holden’s the VR Statesman’s
received new front and rear end treatments, now clearly
differentiating them from the rest of the Commodore
range. While the V6 was made available to the Statesman
with the VQ series, with the VR series Holden now made
it also available to the Caprice.
