Holden’s most popular Commodore ever to be replaced this year.

The popular VE Holden Commodore will say goodbye late in 2010

Holden will roll out its new “VF” Commodore later this year (2010), as the company makes plans to cut production of the VE Commodore earlier than first thought. Holden will reportedly shut down its Adelaide assembly plant for 13 days in July and August as it begins to phase out the current model VE Commodore. “Ahead of updating our locally produced Commodore range later this year, we need to prepare for a smooth run out of the current model within the plant,” a Holden spokesperson said. “To do this, we have been working with the union to balance short-term manufacturing plans that will allow us to taper production of the current range, before ramping up with the new model.”

The new VF Holden Commodore due to launch late in 2010

The new VF Holden Commodore model is unlikely to present any spectacular changes, though a freshened interior and minor exterior tweaks are expected. Engines are likely to be tweaked for better economy and emissions, but there’s no word as yet on whether the long-rumoured diesel variant will also feature. One of the big changes for the new model is Holden’s introduction of its E85 models which are capable of running on a mixture ranging from 100 per cent petrol to a shandy of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol. The E85-capable engine is believed to be mechanically very similar to the dual-fuel 3.6-litre V6 Holden currently fits to production cars that customers want to run on either petrol or LPG.

The car maker has already developed E85-compatible engines as part of its failed US export program that was cancelled in response to the global economic crisis and General Motors’ flirt with bankruptcy, which halted exports of the Commodore to one of its largest markets. Sales of the current Commodore range are still strong, and the car was the highest-selling model in Australia for March with a total of 4209 sold. “The company has enjoyed a strong start to 2010 and anticipates a great response to the updated Commodore range later in the year as we seek to extend its reign as Australia’s best-selling car,” the spokesperson said. So far this year the Commodore is also the top-ranking vehicle, with 11,364 cars sold.

Todays 2010 VE Holden Commodore Omega leads the race to be Australia’s top selling family sedan.

2010 VE Holden Commodore Omega

Specifications

3.0L 60-degree Double Overhead Cam V6 with 4 valves per cylinder. Twin knock control sensors with individual cylinder adaptive control. On-board diagnostics. Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI)

Power
190kW @ 6700rpm (ECE, kW)

Torque
290Nm @ 2900rpm (ECE, Nm)

Transmission
6-speed auto with Active Select

Fuel economy 9.3 (L/100km)

Recommended fuel
E10, ULP or PULP for slightly higher performance

Fuel tank capacity 73 Litres

Brakes
Four wheel disc. Ventilated discs – front and rear. Twin piston alloy front caliper, single piston alloy rear caliper

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Incorporating: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS)

Suspension (front)
Direct acting stabiliser bar. Coil spring

Suspension (rear)
Multi-Link Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Coil spring. Stabiliser bar

Steering
Variable ratio rack and pinion

Wheelbase: 2915 mm…Track front: 1602 mm…Rear: 1618 mm
Length: 4894 mm…Width: 1899 mm…Height: 1476 mm

1993 VR Commodore
Holds the title of the most-awarded Australian car. It featured significant styling changes, highlighted by a distinctive twin port grille and a large central air intake, improved ride and handling, extra comfort and convenience features. Increased primary and secondary safety levels included the first driver’s airbag fitment.

1993 VR Holden Commodore

The new, safety-orientated Acclaim model offered IRS, ABS and seat belt webbing clamps. Further changes included a soft-form, wrap-around instrument panel, adjustable steering column, CFC-free air conditioning and clever electronic security.

The VR Series was more than a simple facelift of the VP Commodore, the only body panels being carried over were the roof and the 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.

There was also a new electronic automatic transmission, and a new engine/auto computer module (IPCM 6)  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 heaps of improvements including

• 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.

VR COMMODORE

1993 – 1995

Engine: 6 cyl. & V8

Capacity: 3.8 litre EFI V6; 5.0 V8 EFI

Power:130kW (V6) & 165kW (V8)

Transmission: 5 spd. man & 4 spd. Turbohydramatic

Base price when new: $25,302.

Total built: 165,262

1991 VP Commodore

Subtle styling changes, including headlamps and turn lenses that wrapped into the front guards, engineering refinements and equipment upgrades characterised the VP range.

1991 Holden Commodore VP

This model saw the introduction of independent rear suspension (IRS) and anti-lock brakes (ABS). All models featured remote central locking and a sophisticated anti-theft system. Calais had a body computer which controlled a range of functions, including speed-sensitive power steering and automatic lights out.

The VP Holden Commodore 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.

On the exterior the Holden engineers kept changes to a minimum, the futuristic looking clear acrylic cover running across the length and at the top of the grille of the Executive model always being contentious (others models used a colour coded version).

Holden Commodore VP

1991 – 1993

Engine: 6 cyl. & V8

Capacity: 3.8 litre EFI V6 and 5.0 litre V8 EFI

Power: 127kW (V6) & 165kW (V8)

Transmission: 5 spd. man / 4 speed Turbohydramatic 700

Number Built:   92,860

Base price when new: $23,992.

Total built: 111,770

EJ Holden

In 1962 Holden launched a completely new, lower-profile streamlined body with more interior space, new foam-padded seating and better all-round visibility.

EJ Holden the 1 millionth classic holden car comes off the production line

The “Premier” model was introduced and the name “Premier”, was to be identified with luxury Classic Holden Cars for 16 years. The EJ Premier, first with standard metallic paint and auto transmission, offered leather trim bucket seats, heater, carpet, floor console and whitewalls. The EJ had Duo Servo brakes, strengthened front suspension, safety belt anchorages.

Base price when new:

£1051 ($2,102).

Total built: 154,811

Holden EJ Specifications

Model: EJ  Year: 1962/1963

Car Engine: 2262 ccm (137,34 cubic inches)

Car Engine type: in-line, 6-cyl

Car Max power: 65.00 PS (47,76 kW or 63,68 HP) at 4200 Rev. per min.

Car Max torque: 163.00 Nm (16,52 kgf-m or 119,60 ft.lbs) at 1400 Rev. per min.

Car Fuel: Gasoline Car Power per weight: 0.0575 PS/kg

Car Drive: Rear Car Passenger space: 4610 litres (1211,91 gallons)

Car Country of origin: Australia Car Weight: 1134 kg (2487,50 pounds)

Car total length: 4500 mm (176,31 inches) Car total width: 1740 mm (68,16 inches)

Car total height: 1480 mm (58,01 inches) Car Wheelbase: 2680 mm (104,97 inches)

Car Front brakes type: Drums Car Rear brakes type: Drums

Holden Cars have become iconic motor vehicles in Australia since 1948. The Holden family history since 1854 and the development of  todays General Motors Holden are featured. Classic Holden Cars, looks at the company development and growth in Australia along with information and pics of every Holden from the first Holden manufactured in Australia, the 48-215 FX (1948) to the 2006 VE Commodore. You will find production numbers, the base price on introduction to the marketplace and as many pics we could find.

Holden 48-215 Launch, November 1948

Holden 48-215 Emblem

Holden has a special place in Australia’s history as the manufacturer of the first all-Australian car, the 48-215 (FX). Since 1948, when the famous 48-215 took to the road, a succession of landmark models have driven themselves so deeply into the Australian way of life that they have become an integral part of it.

Along the way, the Holden name has acquired a significance and status all of its own, symbolised by a spirit of strength, ingenuity and adaptability.

Today Holden employs more than 6300 people Australia wide and has produced more than seven million vehicles. As part of General Motors, the world’s largest automotive company since 1931, Holden is evolving from a domestic manufacturer into an internationally competitive exporter of vehicles, engines and automotive expertise to diverse markets.

Holden’s major operating facilities are located at Fishermans Bend (technical centre, administration and engine manufacturing plants), Dandenong (spare parts operation) and Lang Lang (automotive proving ground)  in Victoria; as well as Elizabeth (vehicle manufacturing plant) in South Australia.

Although Holden Cars of the future will change in profile, be  powered by different engines and introduce ever more innovative features, the process of change generated through such initiatives will be forever linked to the company’s heritage by the Holden Car “Lion Emblem” displayed proudly on its products.