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Holden Commodore / Calais

VY Series

September 2002 - August 2004

(Series II: August 2003 - August 2004)



The VY represents another large investment by Holden, with refinements to body structure, powertrain and chassis dynamics delivering appreciable improvements in performance, ride, handling, safety and build quality.

A new model has been introduced, the SV8, which slots in below the SS. The SV8 and SS are powered by a High Output 235kW version of the Generation III V8, with a twin exhaust system. The SV8 features 17 inch alloy wheels, and the SS now has 18 inch alloy wheels.

The steering system has been revised and features a precise feel and better driver feedback.

Interior upgrade includes a new instrument panel, centre console and steering wheel, and new design transmission shifter and handbrake. There is also a new mobile phone power outlet under the centre console. The new instrument cluster features a large multi-function digital display (single or triple-window, depending on model), which displays information such as radio station display, PRNDL gear selected indicator, trip computer with stopwatch function, service reminders and a help facility.

Standard features now include "twilight sentinel" automatic headlamp control, headlamps off programmable time delay, high feature Blaupunkt audio systems, road-speed sensitive intermittent wipers and passenger airbags.

The front and rear of the body have been restyled, with new front grill and headlamps, and distinctive jewelled tail lamps.

Recalibrations and shift revisions improve the performance of automatic transmissions, and V8 transmissions have been upgraded for greater durability. Service intervals for V6 engines have been extended to 15,000 km.


Major changes introduced with the Series II include: A new high-output GEN III 5.7 litre V8 engine, producing peak power of 245kW @ 5,600rpm, is now specified on Commodore SS sedan, SS Ute, and SV8. Holden Calais and Berlina models benefit from a GEN III V8 power boost to 235kW @ 5,200rpm. ECOTEC V6, Supercharged V6 and GEN III V8 powerplants are engineered to meet strict new emission level requirements. 245kW V8s gain additional frontal rigidity from a strut brace mounted to the strut towers and spanning the engine bay.

All models feature fresh, individual interior trim treatments. Convenience and comfort features such as cruise control, front power windows and adjustable front seat lumbar support are now standard across the range, and a sunglasses holder and rear reading lamps are now standard fitment on all sedans and wagons.

Calais and Acclaim models receive the added safety benefit of active head restraints, all models are equipped with audible and visual driver's seatbelt warning, and steering column modifications across the new range assist in reducing the risk of occupant injury in a frontal crash.

Also available for the first time, a tailored, factory fitted sunroof is optional on all sedans. All wagons are fitted with aircraft-style cargo rails in the rear compartment for extra tie-down security and flexibility, and load-covering retracting roller blinds are standard fitment. Wagons have new jewelled tail lamps with a circular design theme.

The Calais now takes on a more European-accented sports persona. Stand-out styling accents include a bolder front facia with sports bar grille and hexagonal mesh inserts, black bezel headlamps, lower ride height, SS-style side skirts, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, rear facia skirts and unique tail lamps. Interiors are highlighted by all-black headliner and pillar trim, sports profile steering wheel, unique facia and colour-keyed console surround and suede-finish soft fabric trim. Extra luxury touches include Caprice-style driver's seat memory settings and heated 'memory' exterior mirrors. When reverse gear is selected, the passenger-side mirror dips to show low level hazards.

Berlina models are distinguished by twin fog lamps, black lower facia mouldings and nine-spoke alloy wheels. More luxurious interior finishes include new monotone seat trim in soft velour, leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and auto shifter and satin chrome highlights.

The S and SV8 now have body-coloured grille and rear licence plate surrounds and spoiler-mounted stop lamps with clear lens. Both feature new alloy wheels - five-spoke on the S, which receives larger 17-inch wheels, and dual five-spoke on the SV8 - are matched to new-specification tyres, tuned for improved handling and firmer, quieter ride characteristics. Body coloured exterior mirrors and amber indicator lenses also set the SV8 apart.


Models:



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



Commodore Executive

VY Executive
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Series II Image.
Series II Image.


Standard Equipment:

V6, 5 speed manual transmission (on sedan), 4 speed automatic transmission (on wagon), security system, IRS, driver's and passenger's airbags, 15 inch steel wheels, basic trip computer, ABS brakes, CD player, steering wheel audio controls, power antenna, power socket in centre console, 4 cupholders.


Optional Equipment:

Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), 4 speed automatic transmission (on sedan), air conditioning, cruise control, 17 inch alloy wheels, traction control, FE2 Sports Suspension, Holden Assist security and support system, Rear Park Assist (on sedan).



Commodore Lumina

VY Commodore Lumina
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This was a limited edition run from December 2002. 3,500 were manufactured. It was advertised as having $3,700 worth of additional features. Based on an automatic V6 Executive, it features air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, leather steering wheel, sporty 16-inch alloy wheels, body coloured side mouldings, unique interior trim, rear spoiler (sedan), roof rack (wagon) and Lumina badging. It was available in a choice of six colours: Heron (solid white), Delft (cobalt blue metallic), Shanghai (chromatic mid-toned solid red), Turbine (deep gunmetal metallic), Phantom (metallic black with silver highlights), and Quicksilver (silver metallic). The recommended retail price was $34,190 for the sedan and $35,790 for the wagon. There was one option of side impact airbags for $520.

Not to be confused with the Chevrolet Lumina that Holden exports to the Middle East and South America.

There was also a limited edition run of Holden By Design (HBD) Commodore Luminas from January 2003. 300 were manufactured. There was three packages: Sedan Package One, Sedan Package Two and Wagon Package. All featured FE2 suspension and lower body kit, chrome exhaust extension, and leather-wrap, satin chrome gear knob and handbrake handle. Sedan Package One and Wagon Package feature 17 x 8 Y Series alloy wheels, while Sedan Package Two features 18 x 8 J Series alloy wheels. The recommended retail price was $38,040 for Sedan Package One, $38,710 for Sedan Package Two and $39,730 for the Wagon Package.



Commodore Equipe

Commodore Equipe

This was a limited edition run from May 2003. 3,500 were manufactured. It was advertised as having $3,500 worth of additional features. Based on an automatic V6 Executive sedan or wagon, it features air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, stylish 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 four colours: Heron (solid white), Vespers Blue (dark blue metallic), Martini Grey (pale olive green metallic), and Quicksilver (silver metallic). The recommended retail price was $33,990 for the sedan and $36,100 for the wagon. There was one option of side impact airbags.


25th Anniversary Commodore

25th Anniversary Commodore
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Alternative Image.

This was a limited edition run from October 2003 to celebrate 25 years of Holden Commodore. 4,700 were manufactured. It was advertised as having $5,000 worth of additional features. Based on an automatic V6 Executive sedan or wagon, it features air conditioning, front and rear power windows, 6 disc in-dash CD player, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic transmission selector and handbrake, unique velour knit fabric trim, unique floor mats, door handles finished in satin chrome, nine-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust extension, body coloured mirrors, grille surround, side mouldings, rockers and lower facia. The sedan sports a rear spoiler, while the wagon is equipped with roof racks and has body coloured roof rails and rear dust deflector. Both wear special 25th Anniversary badges. It was available in a choice of six colours: Heron White; Barbados; Redhot; Turbine; Phantom; Quicksilver. The recommended retail price was $33,490 for the sedan and $35,490 for the wagon. Smartpak Options for sedan: Side airbags and rear park assist for $1,015. For wagon: Side airbags for $520.


Commodore Acclaim

VY Acclaim
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Series II Image.


Standard Equipment:

As for Executive, plus: Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), 4 speed automatic transmission, cruise control, traction control, air conditioning, power windows.


Optional Equipment:

17 inch alloy wheels, FE2 Sports Suspension, Holden Assist satellite security and support system, Rear Park Assist (on sedan).



Commodore S

VY S
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Series II Image.
Series II Image.


Standard Equipment:

As for Exec, plus: 16 inch alloy wheels, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, leather steering wheel, traction control. With Series II, 17 inch alloy wheels are now standard.


Optional Equipment:

Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), Supercharged V6, LSD, Holden Assist satellite security and support system, Rear Park Assist.



Commodore SV8

VY SV8
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Alternative Image 2.
Series II Image.
Series II Image.


Standard Equipment:

As for Exec, plus: High Output V8, 6 speed manual transmission, 17 inch alloy wheels, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning, LSD, traction control, red instrument cluster.


Optional Equipment:

Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), cruise control, power windows, Holden Assist satellite security and support system, Rear Park Assist, 4 speed automatic transmission.



Commodore SS

SS
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Series II Image.
Series II Image.


Standard Equipment:

As for Executive, plus: High Output V8, 6 speed manual transmission, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control, 18 inch alloy wheels, power windows, traction control, leather steering wheel, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), LSD, 6 disc in-dash CD player, colour coded instrument cluster, alloy pedals.


Optional Equipment:

4 speed automatic transmission, Holden Assist satellite security and support system, Rear Park Assist.



Commodore SS Wagon

SS Wagon
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This was a limited edition run from May 2003. 500 were manufactured. It is available with either six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission and there is a choice of two exterior colours: Red Hot, teamed with black leather interior trim and Phantom Black, with red leather trim. It features 17-inch, five spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tyres, a sports front facia with slimmer grille, twin circular foglamps, headlamps with black bezel backgrounds, front sculptured rocker mouldings, SS badging, roof racks, FE2 sports suspension, limited slip differential and traction control. Interior features include the colour-keyed leather trim on the front sports and rear SS seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals and a red instrument cluster. Further standard equipment highlights include driver, passenger and side impact airbags, a six disc in-dash CD player, power windows front and rear, cruise control, air conditioning and a cargo blind.


Series II SS Wagon

The Series II SS wagon was a limited edition run of 350 released May 2004. It is available with either six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission and there is a choice of two exterior colours: Phantom Black, teamed with red leather interior trim, or Quicksilver, complemented by Anthracite black leather interior trim. It features 17-inch, five spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tyres, sports front facia with slim grille, circular foglamps, black bezel headlamps, front sculptured rocker mouldings, rear facia skirt, signature SS badging, body-coloured roof rails and dust deflector, FE2 sports suspension, limited slip differential, traction control and a full-length twin performance exhaust system. Interior features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals and a red instrument cluster. Further equipment highlights include driver, passenger and side impact airbags, a six disc in-dash CD player, power windows front and rear, cruise control, electronic climate control, programmable trip computer and a cargo blind. Recommended Retail Pricing : $52,490.


Berlina

VY Berlina Wagon
Alternative Image.
Series II Image.
Series II Image.


Standard Equipment:

As for Executive, plus: 4 speed automatic transmission, cruise control, climate control air conditioning, power windows, 16 inch alloy wheels, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), traction control, adjustable seat belt anchorages, 6 disc in-dash CD player.


Optional Equipment:

17 inch alloy wheels, FE2 Sports Suspension, V8, LSD, Holden Assist satellite security and support system, Rear Park Assist (on sedan).



Berlina International Wagon

VY Berlina International Wagon
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This was a limited edition run from December 2002. 325 were manufactured. Based on the Berlina wagon, it features 17x8-inch machine faced six spoke alloy wheels, roof rails and rear wing, calais front facia with black bezel headlamp treatment, twin foglamps with black surrounds, unique International badging, and interior enhancements. It was available in with either the V6 or V8 engines, and comes in one colour Turbine (deep gunmetal metallic). The recommended retail price was $45,240 for the V6 and $49,830 for the V8.



Calais

VY Calais
Alternative Image.
Series II Image.
Series II Image.
Series II Image.
Series II Interior.


Standard Equipment:

Driver's and Passenger's Airbags, Side Impact Airbags (SIAB), ABS, IRS, cruise control, climate control air conditioning, power windows, 6 disc in-dash CD player, 16 inch alloy wheels, traction control, Supercharged V6, cruise control, 4 speed automatic transmission, Rear Park Assist, luggage net, "twilight sentinel" headlamps.


Optional Equipment:

V6, V8, FE2 Sports Suspension, LSD, 17 inch alloy wheels, Holden Assist satellite security and support system.



Commodore 9C1 Pack (Police Pack)

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


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Last modified: 8 March 2005.

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