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Holden Commodore / Calais

VS Series

April 1995 - August 1997

(VS Series II: June 1996 - August 1997)


The major improvements with the VS are the introduction of the ECOTEC 3800 V6, and a passenger airbag. The ECOTEC (Emissions and Consumption Optimisation TEChnology) V6 is more powerful, more economic, produces less emissions, quieter and smoother than the previous 3800 V6. The VS Series was the first Australian built car to offer a passenger's airbag, which has a capacity of 120L. Also the Bosch ABS was upgraded to the latest version, and the new Holden badge was introduced.

A change to the security system allows only the driver's door to be opened, or all four doors instead of just opening all four doors straight away as in previous models. Also a rolling security code system has been incorporated to improve security.

Not much visual differences to VR, except for new Holden badge, ECOTEC badge under indicator lights on side front panels, and slightly different wheel covers. The VS also has a silver insert around the edge of the front grill opening. Also the top edge of the boot is slightly different.

Not much change with VS Series II, except that Calais now gets 16 inch alloy wheels and foglamps, with its two-tone paint job slightly different. Manual gearbox on ECOTECs is now Getrag. The V8's power is up slightly to 168kW. The Calais also gets the option of the Supercharged V6. The indicator lights on the side front panels are now oval in shape. The interior has also been slightly revamped.

From 1 January 1997 Holden's new car warranty becomes 3 years / 100,000 km.


Models:



The VS Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.


Commodore Executive

Executive pic
Alternative Image.

Standard Equipment:

V6, 5 speed manual transmission and security system.


Optional Equipment:

Driver's and/or Passenger's Airbag, ABS, IRS (not on wagon), 4 speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, limited slip differential (LSD).


Commodore Equipe

Equipe
Alternative Image.

This was a limited edition run in March, April 1996.It was advertised as having $3000 worth of added value. Based on an Executive, it came standard with air conditioning, four power windows, cruise control, and upgraded sound system. Outside styling included alloy wheels, aqua bumper insert trims and Equipe badge. The wagon came with a roof rack standard. The Equipe was available in two colours only: Silver Ice and Botanica. The only major option was ABS and Driver's Airbag, for $1500.

The Series II version was available in October 1996.


Commodore Vacationer

This was a limited edition.


Commodore Esteem

This was a limited edition available in March 1997. Similar to the Equipe, it was advertised as having power windows, air conditioning and excellent alloy wheels at no extra cost. ($3000 worth of free extras)


Commodore Acclaim

Acclaim
Alternative Image.

Standard Equipment:

As for Executive, plus: Both Driver's and Passenger's Airbag, ABS, IRS (not on wagon), 4 speed automatic transmission, cruise control (auto only).


Optional Equipment:

Air conditioning, power windows.


Commodore S

S


Standard Equipment:

As for Exec, plus: alloy wheels, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control (auto only).


Optional Equipment:

Driver's and Passenger's Airbags together, ABS, IRS, limited slip differential (LSD).


Commodore SS

SS

More SS Info and Pics available here.


Standard Equipment:

V8, ABS, IRS, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control (auto only), limited slip differential (LSD).


Optional Equipment:

Driver's and Passenger's Airbags together, HSV V8.


Berlina

Berlina

More Berlina Info and Pics available here.

Standard Equipment:

Driver's Airbag, ABS, cruise control (auto only), climate control air conditioning, power windows, trip computer.


Optional Equipment:

Passenger's Airbag, IRS, limited slip differential (LSD).


Calais

Calais

This is the Series II Calais.

More Calais Info and Pics available here.

Standard Equipment:

Driver's and Passenger's Airbags, ABS, IRS, cruise control (auto only), climate control air conditioning, power windows, and an 8 speaker sound system with 10 stack CD player in boot, trip computer.


Optional Equipment:


Commodore BT1 (Police Pack)

BT1

This one is from N.S.W.

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 VS Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.


Thanks to Aardwolf for the pics of the Executive, Berlina and BT1. Thanks to Gary for scanning in the Equipes and the Calais. Thanks to Gordon and Peter for the SS pics.

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Last modified: 5 August 2003.

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