The VT is a completely new model, like the VB in 1978 and the VN in 1988. Holden has taken the 1995 Opel Omega GM2800 platform and completely redesigned it to suit. They have made it wider and longer, and stronger.
The VT is longer, wider and lower than the VS. There is more front and rear leg room, and more shoulder room. Boot capacity is up by 26%.
Driver's side airbag is standard across all models. IRS is also standard across the range, on sedans and wagons. There is also an option for Traction Control, which is a first for Australian cars. The fuel tank is made from plastic.
The brake system is completely new, featuring twin piston calipers on the front, and greatly improving the brake pedal's feel in reducing brake pedal travel, and also reducing brake fade.
In 1998, Side Impact Airbags were introduced, again a first for an Australian car.
Running changes introduced during VT production has resulted in later builds being lighter and more fuel efficient than the early VT models.
The big news with the VT Series II is the introduction of the Chevrolet Generation III LS1 5.7L V8, producing 220kW and 446Nm. This replaces the Holden 5.0L V8. A six-speed manual gearbox replaces the five-speed with the V8. The VT II Calais has a new instrument panel, and now features the Supercharged V6 engine as standard. All models now offer the added security of remote central deadlocking (formerly required the key to be turned in the door lock) now easily activated by pressing the Priority Key twice. Turn signal indicators illuminate for 3 seconds to indicate that the car is in a deadlocked state. An electric boot release disable function is now standard, when the Priority Key is used to lock or deadlock, the in-car boot release button is automatically disabled. A battery saver function is a further upgrade to the Series II Commodore's body control module, when the ignition is off, any interior lights left on, including the boot light, will automatically shut down after 60 minutes of inactivity to prevent battery drain. Traction control can now be specified with the V8 as well as the V6 auto powertrain combinations. Cruise control is now available as an option on all models equipped with manual transmission. Exterior styling cues that differentiate the Series II Commodore and identify particular models include revised grille treatments in matt silver and chrome; all-new wheel covers and alloy wheels; clear side and rear indicator lenses; chrome window surrounds; bodyside mouldings and Series II badging. The Calais is further identified by a slim chrome bar on the rear decor panel.
In October 1998 at the Sydney Motor Show Holden unveiled a production ready VT Commodore Coupe. For more info check out the VT Commodore Coupe Page.
The VT Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.
V6, 5 speed manual transmission, security system, IRS, Driver's airbag, 15 inch steel wheels, basic trip computer.
Passenger's Airbag, ABS, 4 speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, V8, HSV V8, 17 inch alloy wheels, traction control (auto V6 only), cigarette lighter and ashtrays, LSD.
Series II: adds Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), traction control on auto V8
The 50th Anniversary Commodore is a limited edition to celebrate 50 years since the release of the first Holden designed and manufactured vehicle, the 48 series (sometimes known as FX). It was released in June 1998.
As for Executive, plus: 4 speed automatic transmission, single CD player, power antenna, cruise control, power windows, air conditioning, 50th anniversary badging, chrome body side mouldings, chrome exhaust and alloy wheels. The wagon is also fitted with a roof rack.
This was a limited edition run in March, April 1999. It was advertised as having $3500 worth of added value. Based on an Executive, it came standard with air conditioning, 16" alloy wheels, cruise control, CD player, power windows, and power antenna.
This was a limited edition run from September 1999 - August 2000. It was advertised as having $4,500 worth of additional features for just $490 more than an automatic Commodore Executive. Based on an Executive, it features automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows, sporty 15-inch alloy wheels, bumper inserts, body side mouldings with chrome inserts, chrome exhaust extension, single CD, power antenna, cruise control, unique interior trim, roof rack (wagon), exterior olympic edition badging and an olympic key ring. It was available in a choice of five colours: Heron, Orion, Granada, Bermuda and Cinnabar. The recommended retail price was $30,990 for the sedan and $32,830 for the wagon. There was one option of a passenger airbag and anti-lock braking for $1,500.
As for Executive, plus: Passenger's Airbag, ABS, 4 speed automatic transmission, cruise control (auto only), traction control.
1998 and onwards: adds Side Impact Airbags (SIAB).
Series II: adds Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning (standard on Series II), Power windows, 17 inch alloy wheels.
As for Exec, plus: 16 inch alloy wheels, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control (auto only).
Series II: adds four power windows, cruise control on manual also.
Passenger's Airbag, ABS, Supercharged V6, 17 inch alloy wheels.
Series II: adds Side Impact Airbags (SIAB)
V8, ABS, IRS, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control (auto only on Series I), Driver's airbag, 17 inch alloy wheels, Passenger's Airbag.
Series II: adds four power windows, and four channel traction control on automatic (with auto 'on' and manual switch off).
HSV V8, Supercharged V6.
Series II: adds Side Impact Airbags (SIAB)
Driver's Airbag, Passenger's Airbag, IRS, ABS, cruise control (auto only), climate control air conditioning, power windows, 15 inch alloy wheels.
Series II: adds Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), Remote Approach Lighting (progressively turns on lights when 'unlock' is pressed on the Priority Key, turning off again after 30 seconds), and a transmission indicator display (PRND123) in the centre of the instrument panel, which shows the driver the gear that is currently selected.
17 inch alloy wheels, FE2 Sports Suspension, V8, LSD, traction control (auto only).
Series II: adds traction control on auto V8
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, 16 inch alloy wheels, traction control.
Series II: adds Supercharged V6, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), cruise control on manual gearbox also, Remote Approach Lighting (progressively turns on lights when 'unlock' is pressed on the Priority Key, turning off again after 30 seconds), and a transmission indicator display (PRND123) in the centre of the instrument panel, which shows the driver the gear that is currently selected, and tyres increase in size from 215/60 R16 to the 225/55 R16.
Supercharged V6 (standard on Series II), V8, FE2 Sports Suspension, LSD, 17 inch alloy wheels.
The 50th Anniversary Calais is a limited edition to celebrate 50 years since the release of the first Holden designed and manufactured vehicle, the 48 series (sometimes known as FX). It was released in June 1998. Only 375 will be produced.
As for Calais, plus: Satin Gold paint, special alloy wheels, leather interior, Side Impact Airbags and 50th Anniversary badging.
Supercharged V6.
The 9C1 pack contains some of the following: ABS, FE2 Sports Suspension, IRS, LSD, Driver's Airbag and Passenger's Airbag (SRS), 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 9C1 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 VT Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.
The 1997 Cadillac Catera is built on the GM2800 platform, and is similar to the VT Commodore. Here is a small pic of the Catera.
Catera pic courtesy of Aardwolf.
Return to Unofficial Holden Commodore Main Page.
Last modified: 4 October 2003.