Review: HSV VP Senator (1992-93)

HSV VP.I Senator (1992-93)

Overview

Released in April 1992, the HSV VP Series I (VP.I) Senator was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Notting Hill, Victoria, the Senator was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Effectively replacing the VN SV5000 , the Senator 5000i was released in June 1992.

V8 engines

Shared with the Holden VP Commodore , the cast-iron 5.0-litre V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 77.8 mm stroke, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. For the VP Senator, however, the engine was fitted with an HSV-specific cold air intake (adapted from the SV5000), dual exhaust system (including an additional intermediate muffler and fabricated heat shielding) and electronic control unit.

For the Senator 5000i, the 5.0-litre V8 engine was modified with flat-top pistons, bigger valves, a revised camshaft, special throttle body, knock sensor, modified induction system, special extractors, increased compression ratio (9.0:1) and a recalibrated engine management system. 

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the Holden VP Commodore Berlina , the VP Senator was 4865 mm long, 1812 mm wide, 1403 mm tall and had a 2731 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Senator had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.

Safety equipment

The standard Senator was not fitted with any safety equipment such as airbags or ABS; the Senator 5000i, however, was fitted with ABS as standard.

Brakes

The VP Senator had 328 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 280 mm by 20 mm vented rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the VP.I Senator included 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 ZR17 tyres, a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, Langton front sports seats with Hardwicke trim, a three-spoke Nardi steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors, a trip computer and an alarm. For models with automatic transmissions, cruise control was also fitted as standard.

As satndard, the Senator was fitted with a limited slip differential.

The Senator 5000i was distinguished by its combination leather/suede interior trim and front fog lights.

HSV VP.II Senator (1993)

Overview

Released in February 1993, the VP Series II (VP.II) was a minor update for the Senator, though features were largely unchanged. In June 1993, limited-run 5th Anniversary Senator and Senator 5000i models were released.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VP Senator
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VP Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VP