The VR Series was the first Australian built car to offer a driver's airbag. The introduction of the airbag, plus webbing clamps on the front seats and a lap/sash belt for the centre rear passenger, made the VR the safest Holden ever. The new Commodore Acclaim was introduced, and it featured all these safety features, plus ABS and IRS as standard.
There was also a new electronic automatic transmission, and a new engine/auto computer module (IPCM 6) which had more memory and was faster than the previous model. Now standard on all models were a body computer, power mirrors, tachometer and gas bonnet struts. There was a new security system, and some minor improvements to the V6.
Changes with the VR Series II were: Speed Alert, Warning chime for handbrake on, Fuel low warning light and chimes, Different cloth trim, Red trim on the boot rather than grey (exec only), Black grill inserts (exec), Series II badges under the front side indicators, V8 has a different starter motor, new exhaust manifold in an attempt to quieten the V6.
The VR Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.
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3.8L V6, 5 speed manual, 5 link live rear axle, steel wheels, body computer, height and reach adjustable steering column, 4 speaker radio/cassette, front seatbelt webbing clamps, rear centre lap/sash seatbelt (sedan only).
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As Executive plus: Driver's Airbag, IRS (sedan only), ABS, 4 speed electronic automatic, Cruise control.
As for Exec, plus: alloy wheels, FE2 sports suspension, cruise control (auto only).
Driver's Airbag, ABS, IRS.
V8, ABS, IRS, FE2 sports suspension, cruise control (auto only).
Driver's Airbag, HSV V8.
Same as Acclaim, plus: Alloy wheels, Trip computer, Velour seat trim, Climate control air conditioning, Electric windows, Computer controlled alarm system.
But minus: Driver's airbag, IRS, ABS.
As Berlina, plus: Driver's airbag, IRS, ABS, Variatronic road speed sensitive power steering, Two-tone paint, Steering wheel radio controls, Eight speaker radio / cassette, Velour and leather seat trim.
This is a New Zealand Police Force BT1. Light bar is a Federal Signal Corporation (U.S.) "Jetsonic" unit.
This is a Victorian Police Force BT1.
The BT1 pack contains the following: ABS, FE2 Sports Suspension, IRS, LSD, Driver's Airbag (SRS), 80L fuel tank, Sump protector plate and fuel tank protector plate, Door interior light switches disabled, map reading light/interior light, special brake pads (front and rear), certified police speedometer, with light in instrument binnacle over speedo (to read speedo no lights on), and can be V6, V8 or HSV V8. With the V8, the seats have SS embroided on them. The BT1 pack is added to an Executive, but (in Queensland at least) can also be added on to SS with HSV V8 for pursuit vehicles.
The VR Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.
Thanks to Aardwolf for some of these pics.
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Last modified: 9 August 2003.