The VX, while looking very similar to the VT, has some significant improvements.
The V6 has been upgraded, and now puts out 152 kW @ 5200 rpm and has improved fuel efficiency. This is due to upgraded engine management system which now allows individual spark control on each cylinder, and a new inlet manifold. The V8 has also been upgraded and now boasts 225 kW @ 5200 rpm. These changes are courtesy of new inlet manifold, injectors and upgraded engine management system. The auto transmission has also been recalibrated. The Supercharged V6 is now an option on Executive and Acclaim models.
The VX now has a dual damper drive shaft, with rubber couplings on each end to help fuel economy and minimise vibration.
The front suspension has been modified slightly, with lower control arm pivot points raised by 4mm and a ball joint has replaced a rubber bushing on the stabiliser to strut link.
ABS brakes (Bosch 5.3) are now standard on all models, as is a CD player and steering wheel audio system controls. Traction control is now available with the manual transmission.
Holden has undertaken extensive research with Monash University Accident Research Centre into side-impact collisions, and as a result has modified the B pillar (centre pillar). The result is that the risk of injury in a side-impact collision with no side airbags, is half of that in the VT.
The main body changes are to the headlights and front grills, and to the tail lights.
Some changes introduced with the Series II include: The new rear suspension on Series II - known as Control-Link independent rear suspension (IRS) - which has been designed by Holden engineers to combine all the traction qualities of a supple independent rear suspension system with even greater stability, handling precision and control. Control-Link IRS features extra link arms which assist in keeping the car precisely on track over bumps and during strong acceleration, deceleration or braking. Its benefits are particularly noticeable in challenging cornering situations. By improving rear grip and keeping the vehicle on a tighter line, Control-Link IRS assists drivers to negotiate corners and bends more confidently. The suspension packages across the Series II Statesman and Caprice model range have been totally re-tuned to complement the rear suspension changes, further enhancing stability and ride comfort. Revised steel belt tyre construction also contributes to a sharper and more accurate steering feel.
All Series II models are equipped with new stalk controls for indicator, wiper and cruise control functions. The cruise control is operated using a more intuitive twist switch mechanism instead of the previous button system. The Commodore SS introduces the option of striking coloured leather interior trim, specifically designed to complement exteriors finished in Red Hot and the brilliant new Hyper yellow. The Commodore SS customised colour theme extends to instrument clusters, metallised console fascias and seat trims. Calais buyers may also choose new colour-keyed leather trim - in Cobalt, Light Shale and Dark Red - to harmonise with and complement exterior colours. The Calais centre console and instrument fascia are finished in metallic silver. Stylish black leather trim also joins the option list for Commodore S, SS and Calais. Commodore Executive and Acclaim feature new micro-check patterned trim on the head restraints and seat bolsters. With the introduction of the Series II model range, grey-toned interiors are now finished in the darker shade of Anthracite. Berlina and Calais feature distinctive new grille inserts with diagonal crosshatching and new rear badges; Calais headlamps are outlined with sporty black bezels; Commodore Executive and Acclaim have revised grille treatments and new wheel covers.
For added security, Commodore Executive, Acclaim, S and SS models are now fitted with an alarm system, operated via remote control Power Key, which sounds the vehicle's horn when triggered. Berlina sedans and wagons now offer the convenience of twilight sentinel which automatically turns headlamp controls on and off.
Holden underlines its commitment to technological leadership and to satisfying customer needs with the introduction of the Holden Assist in-car communications system as an option offered to Calais buyers. Combining mobile phone and global positioning system technology, the system puts drivers in direct phone contact with the Holden Assist Centre, which is manned 24 hours a day and offers a range of support services. The Holden Assist system can also remotely unlock doors on command, diagnose low battery voltage, detect unauthorised entry, track and immobilise the vehicle if stolen and automatically notify authorities of an airbag deployment.
The VX 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, ABS brakes, CD player, steering wheel audio controls, power antenna.
Passenger's Airbag, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), 4 speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, V8, Supercharged V6, 17 inch alloy wheels, traction control, cigarette lighter and ashtrays, LSD.
This was a limited edition run from May 2001, based on V6 Executive Sedan or Wagon. It was advertised as having $3,500 worth of additional features. 5,000 were manufactured. It features air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, 15-inch alloy wheels, body coloured side mouldings, chrome exhaust extension, unique interior trim, roof rack (wagon) and Equipe badging. It was available in a choice of five colours: Genesis (dark navy blue metallic), Heron (solid white), Shanghai Red (brilliant, highly chromatic solid red), Grey Storm (smoky grey with blue highlights) and Tungsten (olive grey metallic). The recommended retail price was $31,590 for the sedan and $33,420 for the wagon. There was one option of a passenger airbag and side impact airbags for $990.
There was also a limited edition run of Holden By Design (HBD) Commodore Equipe sedans. 200 were manufactured. It featured as above plus 17-inch alloy wheels, front spoiler, side and rear skirts and a Type 2 sports rear wing. The recommended retail price was $31,590.
Series II Equipe was a limited edition run from March 2002, based on V6 Executive Sedan or Wagon. 4,000 were manufactured. It features air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, sporty 16-inch alloy wheels, body coloured side mouldings, chrome exhaust extension, unique interior trim, roof rack (wagon) and Equipe badging. It was available in a choice of six colours: Heron (solid white), Quicksilver (silver metallic), Tungsten (olive grey metallic), Shanghai (chromatic mid-toned solid red), Delft (cobalt blue metallic), and Botticelli (translucent aqua blue metallic). The recommended retail price was $32,750 for the sedan and $34,640 for the wagon. There was one option of a passenger airbag and side impact airbags for $1000.
There was also a limited edition run of Holden By Design (HBD) Commodore Equipe sedans. 200 were manufactured. It featured as above plus FE2 suspension and lower body kit, chrome exhaust extension, 17 x 8 inch alloy wheels, and HBD Sports Type 2 rear wing. The recommended retail price was $36,605.
This was a limited edition run from November 2000. 5,000 were manufactured. It was advertised as having $3,500 worth of additional features. Based on an automatic V6 Executive, it features air conditioning, power windows, sporty 16-inch alloy wheels, body coloured side mouldings, chrome exhaust extension, unique interior trim, rear spoiler (sedan), roof rack (wagon) and Lumina badging. It was available in a choice of five colours: Genesis (dark navy blue metallic), Quicksilver (silver metallic), Red Hot (brilliant, solid red), Capricorn (dark green metallic) and Heron (solid white). The recommended retail price was $31,300 for the sedan and $33,090 for the wagon. There was one option of a passenger airbag and side impact airbag for $970.
Not to be confused with the Chevrolet Lumina that Holden exports to the Middle East and South America.
Series II Lumina available October 2001, with $4,000 worth of extras, including sedans that are set apart by a sporty rear decklid spoiler with stop lamp; wagons have an integrated roof rack. Both feature 16-inch, double nine-spoke alloy wheels and wide 225/55 V-rated tyres; body-coloured exterior mirrors and grille highlights; bodyside mouldings, lower bumper fascia and rocker moldings; a chrome exhaust extension and specific Lumina badging. Passenger compartments are finished in a unique, soft-feel door and trim fabric - a geometric design in subtle grey tonings. Cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning and four power windows are included. Commodore Lumina sedans and wagons are available in a range of six colours: Heron (solid white); Laurel (forest green metallic); DeIft (cobalt blue metallic); Quicksilver (silver metallic); Shanghai (chromatic mid-toned red); Phantom (black metallic). Production of the Commodore Lumina is limited to 4,000. Recommended Retail Pricing V6 Sedan $32,490; V6 Wagon $34,360; Optional Safety Pack Passenger airbag and side impact airbag $990.
As for Executive, plus: Passenger's Airbag, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), 4 speed automatic transmission, cruise control, traction control, air conditioning, power windows.
Supercharged V6, 17 inch alloy wheels.
As for Exec, plus: 16 inch alloy wheels, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, leather steering wheel.
Passenger's Airbag, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), Supercharged V6, 17 inch alloy wheels, traction control.
As for Executive, plus: V8, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control, 17 inch alloy wheels, Passenger's Airbag, power windows, traction control, leather steering wheel.
Side Impact Airbags (SIAB).
Alternative Image.
Series II Image.
Driver's Airbag, Passenger's Airbag, IRS, ABS, cruise control, climate control air conditioning, power windows, 15 inch alloy wheels, 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, traction control, adjustable seat belt anchorages.
17 inch alloy wheels, FE2 Sports Suspension, V8, LSD.
Driver's and Passenger's Airbags, ABS, IRS, cruise control, 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, 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, tyres increase in size from 215/60 R16 to the 225/55 R16, luggage net.
V8, FE2 Sports Suspension, LSD, 17 inch alloy wheels.
This was a limited edition run from May 2001. 350 were manufactured. It is distinguished by a unique Delft Blue metallic paint finish, sporty 17-inch, six spoke alloy wheels with 235/45 low profile tyres and International Series badging. Its custom-finished interior features Howe leather trim in Shale, teamed with Pewter highlights and a set of custom embroidered mats to create a luxurious feel. The emphasis is on high quality contemporary touches, such as a two-texture leather-covered steering wheel and a Delft Blue instrument cluster with sports style surrounds in satin silver and contrasting white indicator needles. The cockpit facia and console feature a finely textured "Greystone" metallic finish. Power comes courtesy of Holden's advanced Generation III 5.7 litre alloy V8. The recommended retail price was $52,990.
All 9C1 pack Commodores have the following above what is on standard Commodores:
ABS, FE2 Sports Suspension, LSD,
15" x 7" rims, 225 x 60 R15 tyres, Passenger's Airbag, Sump protector plate,
additional Wiring Loom (supplying power for lights siren etc.),
modified Transmission Gate (can manually select 2nd gear in auto box without depressing top of gear stick),
Interior Dome Light with Incorporated Map Reading lights (as per Calais),
Interior Lights Isolation Switch (isolates glovebox light, boot and interior dome and map reading lights),
Front brake pads are Bendix Ultimate, Rear Brake Pads are standard "Akibono" made by PBR.
A larger higher capacity battery with 450 CCA and 115 min RC.
The Speedo has 2 km/h increments marked. Any VT/VX/VY Commodore can have the "Police Mode" digital speed
indication feature enabled under the Speedo dial with Tech 2 at a dealership. Takes about 3 minutes. In doing this,
the vehicle looses the Speed Alert feature.
9C1 gets 2 horns, the standard 400hz horn plus a more powerful 450hz horn.
The following features are service and state specific variations fitted on request only:
Fuel tank protector plate,
Electric Windows (ordered on some V6 Qld Police Sedans),
Side Airbags (NSW Police now include these as mandatory).
Cruise Control
**Holden strongly recommends against the 9C1 Executive V8 due to the mismatch of engine power and 15 x 7 rims with
225 x 60 R15 tyres.
Victoria, SA and NSW Police only use 9C1 V8 option on Commodore SS Sedan. (Victoria Police also use 9C1 V8 option on Commodore SS Ute). Queensland Police use 9C1 V8 Option with Commodore SS and persist on demanding availability in Executive V8. SA use 9C1 pack on Executives, sometimes optioning the Country Pack Suspension (which is FE2 with higher ground clearance.) On SA Acclaims FE2 is not used. Vic occasionally order Acclaims with FE2. Vic also orders Berlinas in small numbers both V8 & V6.
In addition to the above, the basic 9C1 V6 Sedan & Wagon is also used by Non Police Govt Departments:
CFA (Country Fire Authority) Vic. - Not all are 9C1
MFB (Metropolitan Fire Brigade) Vic. - All are 9C1
MAS (Metropolitan Ambulance Service) Vic. All MICA (Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance) and CSO (Clinical Support Officer) cars are 9C1. General Transport cars are not 9C1.
NSWFB (New South Wales Rural Brigades) NSW
RAV (Rural Ambulance Service) Vic.
SES (State Emergency Service) Vic.
Australian Protective Service (APS) and Federal Police (AFP) order both V6 9C1 and V8 9C1 SS Sedans. Curiously, AFP SS Sedans have the bootlid spoiler removed, but are otherwise the same as a Vic Police 9C1 SS.
Info from: RGG
The VX Commodore / Calais Specifications page, with details on engines, suspension, gearboxes, etc.
Return to Unofficial Holden Commodore Main Page.
Last modified: 26 October 2003.
