Holden Commodore (VR)

Commodore Executive opened up the VR lineup, although it was primarily projected at fleet customers. Power steering, electric side mirrors and four-wheel disc brakes were standard, with automatic transmission optional.

Only one limited edition model was offered in the VR range:

• Commodore Equipe: introduced in 1995, a Series II model in either sedan or wagon bodies was based on the Executive.

Holden VR Commodore Engine Bay with the 3.8 L 3800

With the introduction of the VR Commodore, Holden added the Acclaim model to the Commodore range. Sitting one notch above the Executive, the Acclaim was based on an automatic transmission Executive with a safety pack that was aimed at families and featured ABS brakes, IRS, driver's side airbag and cruise control as standard.

Although the Acclaim came standard with automatic transmission, a buyer could, by taking an Executive with manual transmission, and adding the ABS brakes, IRS, and airbag options, have a Commodore that was almost a manual transmission Acclaim. Only cruise control was not available as an option.

The Commodore S was a sports option based on the Executive, retaining its 3.8-litre engine.

Interior of an SS

SS models were similar to the S, except that they were fitted with Holden's 5.0-litre HEC 5000i V8. A unique-to-SS alloy wheel design was also featured. A 185 kW (252 PS; 248 hp) engine was offered as an option.

The Commodore Berlina [5] was the first of the luxury-oriented variants. Alloy wheels, electric windows and automatic transmission were standard fitment. Sedan and wagon variants were offered.[5]

The Calais topped the VR lineup with an automatic transmission, driver's airbag, IRS, and ABS as standard, as well as features, such as climate control and velour trim or optional leather, to differentiate it from the lesser Commodore models.

• 
  Commodore Executive wagon (Series II)
• 
  Commodore Equipe sedan (Series II, limited edition)
• 
  Commodore SS
• 
  Holden Commodore Berlina sedan (VR)
• 
  Holden Calais

The VR series Clubsport, which was based on the Holden Commodore (VR), was released in August 1993.[6] It was powered by a 185 kW 5.0-litre V8 engine.[6] 1,117 sedans and 77 wagons were produced.[6]

• 
  HSV Clubsport sedan
• 
  HSV Clubsport sedan

The GTS came with a six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Its V8 engine produced 215 kW (288 hp) and 475 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft). 277 were produced.

The VR series Maloo utility was introduced in August 1993 with new front sheetmetal and a reworked interior appearance. The 5.0-litre V8 engine was upgraded slightly to 185 kW (248 hp). 156 examples were produced.[7]

In 1993, the significantly redesigned VR Senator was released. The rear seating was from the Holden Statesman. Along with the rest of the HSV range, the Senator bodykit was penned by designer Ian Callum to produce a sleeker, more aggressive stance along with a 185 kW (248 hp) version of the 5.0-litre V8. A new suspension setup was developed, known as the touring package which aimed to provide capable handling and a smooth ride. Additionally from May 1994 onwards, the Senator could be optioned with HSV's new 215 kW (288 hp) 5.7-litre "stroker" V8 known as the "215i". The $10,000 "stroker" engine option was handbuilt as an upgrade over the standard V8. This engine could be coupled to either the four-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.[8] 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) takes 7.8 sec for the 185i and takes 7.3 sec for the 215i. Total number built for both versions was 855.[9]