Review: Holden VY Commodore (2002-04)

Holden VY.I Commodore (2002-03)

Overview

Released in October 2002, the Holden VY Series I (VY.I) Commodore was available as a large sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VY Commodore was powered by 3.8-litre V6, supercharged 3.9-litre V6 and and 5.7-litre V8 engines. As per the table below, the VY.I Commodore range initially consisted Executive, Acclaim, S, SV8 and SS variants.

Engines: V6, V6 Supercharged and V8

Of the engines,

• The 3.8-litre L36 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 9.4:1. For the VY range, service intervals for the V6 engines were extended to 15,000 kilometres;
• The 3.8-litre L67 supercharged V6 engine was based on the L36 engine but distinguished by its Eaton M90 supercharger (which provided boost pressure of 6 psi or 0.41 bar), fuel injectors, cylinder heads and lower intake manifold; the compression ratio was also lowered to 8.5:1; and,
• The 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, sequential multi-port fuel injection, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder, twin knock control sensors and a compression ratio of 10.1:1. For the VY range, peak power increased to 235 kW due to the introduction of a twin exhaust system.

Transmissions: 4L60E, M35 and T56

All engines were available with four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions which had recalibrated gearshift mapping and, for V8 versions, greater durability. Models with V6 engines were available with M35 Getrag (‘Getrag 260’) manual transmissions which had a revised vehicle mounting that included a new transmission cross-member and rear extension housing casting to reduce gear noise; models with V8 engines were available with six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmissions.

Development and dimensions

Developed at a cost of $250 million, the VY Commodore had greater off-centre steering response (through increased torsion bar stiffness and valve revisions), a stiffer body structure (through the use of finite element analysis) and greater refinement with new dashboard insulation, aerodynamic door mirrors and a plenum ramp which deflected air over the windscreen wipers.

The VY Commodore sedan was 4891 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm high and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase. Compared to the sedan, the VY Commodore wagon was 155 mm longer (at 5046 mm), 5 mm wider (1847 mm), 95 mm taller (1545 mm) and had a 150 mm longer wheelbase (2938 mm).

Visually, the VY Commodore could be identified by its trapezoidal grille and more angular styling. Inside, there were new Blaupunkt audio systems, a new instrument panel, centre console, steering wheel, transmission lever and park brake.

Suspension

Like the VX.II Commodore , the VY Commodore had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms and toe control links. For the VY range, the front suspension damping was revised for improved ride comfort and feel.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VY Commodore included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Beyond this, the S variant added traction control, while the Acclaim and SS were further equipped with front seat-mounted side airbags.

Brakes

The VY Commodore had 296 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs with twin-piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear brake discs with single piston calipers.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2003 VY Commodore Executive – equipped with dual front airbags but not side airbags – achieved a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.74. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a marginal risk of serious chest injury for the front occupants. In the side impact test, protection from serious chest injury was weak for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the Commodore Executive included 15-inch steel wheels, a six speaker Blaupunkt sound system with CD player, a power adjustable driver’s seat, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, ‘twilight sentinel’ headlights (automatic shut-down after 60 minutes of inactivity), a 12 volt power outlet under the centre console, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power mirrors, a trip computer and an immobiliser; air conditioning was optional.

The Acclaim added air conditioning, cruise control and power windows; the S was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels with ‘FE2’ sports suspension and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Compared to the Executive, the Commodore SV8 added 17-inch alloy wheels with ‘FE2’ sports suspension, a limited slip differential and air conditioning. Beyond this, the Commodore SS added 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and alloy pedals.

2002 VY Commodore Lumina

In December 2002, a limited-run Lumina variant was released. Based on the Executive, the Lumina added 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, body coloured side mouldings, rear spoiler; wagon models were also fitted with roof racks.

2003 VY Commodore Equipe

In May 2003, a limited-run Equipe variant was released. Also based on the Executive, it added 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, body coloured side mouldings and chrome exhaust tip; wagon models were also fitted with roof racks.

2003 VY Commodore SS wagons

In May 2003, a limited run of 500 SS wagons was released. The SS wagons were similarly equipped to the SS sedan, but featured 17-inch alloy wheels and were available in two colours: ‘Red Hot’ with black leather interior trim, or ‘Phantom Black’ with red leather trim.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: 2003 Limited Edition VY Commodore Equipe (May 2003)
• Holden Media Archive: Holden’s First-Ever SS Commodore Wagon (May 2003)

Holden VY.II Commodore (2003-04)

Overview

Released in August 2003, the VY Series II (VY.II) Commodore range introduced additional safety equipment and features. For models fitted with the 5.7-litre V8 engine, a higher-output tune increased peak power by 10 kW and a front strut brace was fitted for greater front-end rigidity. All engines were recalibrated to satisfy emissions requirements, with the V6 and supercharged V6 engines were fitted with revised exhaust systems.

Visually, the Executive and Acclaim could be identified by their new seven- and ten-spoke wheel covers. The S and SV8 received body-coloured grilles, licence plate surrounds and spoiler-mounted clear lens brake lights; the SV8 was further distinguished by its body coloured door mirrors and amber indicator lenses. The S and SV8 also received new specification tyres for improved handling and a quieter ride.

Safety equipment

Compared to its VY.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the VY.II Commodore was extended to include audible and visual driver’s seatbelt warnings, while the steering column was also modified for improved occupant protection. Acclaim variants also received active front seat head restraints.

Features

Standard features for the VY.II Commodore were extended to included cruise control, adjustable front seat lumbar support and power-operated front windows. Wagons were fitted with cargo rails in the load compartment for extra tie-down points, while load covering retracting roller blinds were fitted as standard

2003 Commodore 25th Anniversary

In October 2003, a limited-run 25th Anniversary variant was released. Based on the Executive, it added 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, air conditioning, unique velour knit fabric, power-operated rear windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, floor mats, satin chrome door handles, body coloured mirrors and grille, chrome exhaust tip and bodykit (side mouldings, rockers and lower fascia). Sedans were also fitted with a rear spoiler, while the wagon had roof racks and body-coloured roof rails and rear dust deflector.

2004 Commodore SS wagon

In May 2004, a limited run of 350 SS wagons were released. Features were similar to the SS sedan, but the wagon was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning and body-coloured roof rails and dust deflector. Buyers had a choice of two exterior colours: ‘Phantom Black’ with red leather interior trim or ‘Quicksilver’ with Anthracite black leather trim.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: Holden Adds Refinement Across The Range (August 2003)
• Holden Media Archive: Special Edition Silver Anniversary Commodore (October 2003)
• Holden Media Archive: Holden’s Sporty SS Wagon Set For An Encore (April 2004)
• Holden Media Archive: Limited Edition VY Series II Commodore Equipe (April 2004)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VY Commodore