Review: Holden VR Commodore (1993-95)

Holden VR.I Commodore (1993-94)

Overview

Released in July 1993, the Holden VR Series I (VR.I) Commodore was available as large sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VR Commodore was available with 3.8-litre V6 engine and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines. As per the table below, the VR Commodore range consisted of Executive, Berlina, Vacation, Acclaim, S and SS variants.

V6 and V8 Engines

Of the engines,

• The 3.8-litre L27 pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. For the VR Commodore, this engine had new pistons, a higher compression ratio (previously 8.5:1), more rigid connecting rods, reduced bearing clearances and roller valve rocker pivots – these changes were introduced for smoother running and improved fuel economy. While peak torque output for L27-powered Commodores with live rear axles was 295 Nm, those with independent rear suspension produced 302 Nm due to their different exhaust systems; and,
• Carried over from the VP Commodore, the 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder, multi-point fuel injection and a compression ratio of 8.4:1.

Transmissions: 4L60E and M39 T5

Both the V6 and V8 engines were available with electronically-controlled four-speed 4L60E automatic and five-speed Borg Warner M39 T5 manual transmissions.

Dimensions and VP comparison

Compared to the VP Commodore , the VR Commodore sedan was 11 mm longer (at 4861 mm), though width (1794 mm), height (1403 mm) and wheelbase length (2731 mm) were unchanged. Compared to the sedan, the VR Commodore wagon was 42 mm longer (at 4903 mm), 19 mm taller (1422 mm) and had a 91 mm longer wheelbase (2822 mm).

Visually, the VR Commodore could be identified by its revised front mask, round rear wheel arches and high mounted tail-lights. Inside, there was a new dashboard and a smaller steering wheel.

Suspension

The Holden VR Commodore had MacPherson strut front suspension with wet sleeve shock absorbers, a direct-acting stabiliser bar and progressive rate coil springs. The rear suspension differed according to variant –

• The Commodore Executive, Berlina and Acclaim wagon had a five-link rear axle with a Panhard rod, double acting shock absorbers, a stabiliser bar and progressive rate coil springs; and,
• The Acclaim and SS sedans had independent rear suspension with a semi-trailing arm, double acting shock absorbers, a stabiliser bar and progressive rate mini-block coil springs.

Relative to the VP, the VR Commodore had a wider front track and retuned suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden VR Commodore SS included ABS, while the Acclaim variant was further equipped with a driver’s airbag.

The standard braking package for the VR Commodore consisted of 289 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs and 279 mm by 10.5 mm solid rear discs. Models with independent rear suspension, however, had 279 mm by 10.7 mm rear discs.

Features: VR Commodore Executive, Acclaim and Berlina

Standard features for the Commodore Executive included 15-inch steel wheels with 205/65 R15 95H tyres, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, power mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tachometer and an immobiliser.

The Acclaim was further equipped with cruise control, while the Berlina added 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, velour seat trim, power windows, a trip computer and an alarm.

Features: VR Commodore S and SS

Compared to the Executive, the Commodore S was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, FE2 sports suspension and a rear spoiler; models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with cruise control. In addition to its V8 engine, the Commodore SS was further equipped with front fog lights.

Holden VR.II Commodore (1994-95)

Overview

Released in September 1994, the VR Series II (VR.II) was a minor update for the Commodore range. As part of the update, the V6 engines were fitted with a new exhaust manifold (for quieter running); the V8 engines were also fitted with a different starter motor. Other changes included a convex passenger side door mirror and a ‘low fuel’ warning light and chime. Visually, all models were fitted with ‘Series II’ badges and the Executive variants could be identified by their black grille inserts. Inside, there were new seat fabrics.

Features

Compared to their VR.I predecessors, standard features were extended to include a speed alert which sounded a tone when a preset speed was exceeded.

1995 Commodore Equipe

Released in February 1995, the VR Commodore Equipe was based on the Executive but added 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and power windows.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VR Commodore