Holden Commodore (VN)
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | August 17, 1988 |
| Defunct | September 1991 |
| Headquarters | Elizabeth , Australia |
| Products | Full-size car |
The Holden Commodore (VN) represents a full-size car manufactured by Holden between 1988 and 1991. This model was the initial release of the second generation, shifting from a mid-size car classification to full-size, and it introduced the first Commodore coupé utility. The range was broadened to incorporate luxury editions, namely the Holden Berlina (VN) and Holden Calais (VN), while the commercial Holden Utility (VG) was launched in 1990.
Overview
Debuting on 17 August 1988, the VN series was a redesigned fusion of the European Opel Omega and Opel Senator models along with their Vauxhall equivalents, the Carlton II and Senator II. This body design was combined with either a Buick V6 engine or a Holden V8 engine. The development incurred an estimated cost of .
Built upon the Opel Senator and Omega frameworks, the VN incorporated an expanded and lengthened floor pan derived from the previous VL Commodore, enabling it to rival the size of the Ford Falcon. Trim options comprised Executive, S, SS, Berlina, and Calais, with a basic SL variant primarily targeted at government and fleet customers. The VN Commodore earned the accolade of Wheels Car of the Year in 1988. Additionally, Holden revived the commercial coupe utility segment with the Commodore-based VG Utility in August 1990. The Statesman and Caprice (VQ) models, released in March 1990, shared the VN platform but featured an extended wheelbase.
Following currency exchange rate challenges impacting engine sourcing, Holden substituted the VL’s Nissan powerplant with a locally produced version of the Buick LN3 V6, originally imported from GM vehicles in the United States. The optional 5.0-litre V8 remained available and received a power boost to . Both engines utilized multi-point GM EFI; ignition on the V6 was managed through three coil-packs. While not particularly refined or quiet, the V6 was recognized for its strong performance. For export markets such as New Zealand and Singapore, a fuel-injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine was offered within the Holden Berlina, sharing its powertrain with the Opel Vectra A. The previous four-speed Jatco automatic transmission was replaced by a four-speed GM TH700, with a five-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual gearbox continuing as an option.
To meet Australian regulatory requirements, a centre high-mount stoplight (CHMSL) was introduced before 1 July 1989.
In September 1989, Holden launched the Series II VN Commodore featuring the EV6 engine which incorporated enhancements such as a new cast exhaust manifold, updated camshaft sprocket profile, timing chain improvements, better air/fuel mixing, recalibrated ignition and injector timing, broader conrod bearings, and adjusted throttle response. The automatic transmission was also recalibrated to complement these upgrades by lowering initial torque and improving noise and vibration characteristics.
Under the Hawke government’s Button car plan, designed to promote model sharing and reduce local model variety, Holden rebadged the VN Commodore as the Toyota Lexcen in September 1989. This vehicle took over from the Toyota Crown S120 in Australia and was named after yacht designer Ben Lexcen. Similarly, Toyota’s Corolla and Camry were rebranded as the Holden Nova and Apollo respectively.
Production of VN Commodores totaled 215,180 units across three years until manufacturing ceased in September 1991.
A derivative known as the Beijing BJ6490 was produced in China in 1997 by Beijing Travel Vehicle Works. This model utilized genuine body components shipped from Holden’s Elizabeth facility mounted on a BAW BJ212 chassis. It was powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine supplied by Sichuan Electric Motor Factory. A hybrid BJ6490D variant appeared at an auto show in 1998 with a price tag of 140,000 yuan (approximately US$20,180).
New Zealand
Between 1988 and 1990, the VN series was produced in New Zealand, initially alongside the preceding VL model. The VL was characterized by a smaller body and was equipped exclusively in New Zealand with Nissan-supplied RB20E 2.0 L or RB30E 3.0 L straight-six engines.
Trim specifications in New Zealand varied from those in Australia: the Executive trim corresponded to the Australian Berlina level, whereas the Berlina in New Zealand resembled the Australian Executive and employed a unique 2.0-litre Family II 20SE four-cylinder engine. This particular four-cylinder Berlina was tailored primarily for the New Zealand market and select exports, featuring an unemissionised fuel-injected 2.0 L engine derived from the Opel Vectra A, powering rear wheels in both sedan and wagon variants.
Calais trims were also available, predominantly fitted with V6 powertrains. Following the cancellation of a Singapore order, twenty fully equipped VN Calais units featuring the Berlina’s four-cylinder engine were sold within New Zealand, including some uncommon Calais wagons.
In 1990, a locally developed sports model named the Commodore GTS was introduced, based on the New Zealand Executive variant. It came with a 3.8 L V6 engine, options for manual or automatic gearboxes, a bodykit reminiscent of the VN Commodore SS, alloy wheels, and FE2 suspension tuning. Production was confined to White or Dark Blue exterior colours.
The VN series marked the final Commodore assembled domestically before General Motors ceased operations at the Trentham factory in late 1990. The last unit built locally was a 3.8-litre V6 Commodore completed on 21 November of that year. Thereafter, Holden vehicles sold in New Zealand were imported fully assembled from Australia without import duties under the Closer Economic Relations agreement.
Commodore Executive
Serving as the base model of the VN Commodore range, the Commodore Executive had a starting price of A$20,014. Standard equipment comprised:
- 3.8-litre V6 engine
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- Power steering and disc brakes on all four wheels
- 14-inch steel wheels
Available optional upgrades included:
- 5.0 L V8 engine
- Four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission
- Air conditioning and cruise control
- Holden Formula Bodykit
- 15-inch alloy wheels
Commodore S
The VN Commodore S represented the entry-level sports edition with pricing beginning at A$21,665. It introduced or substituted features from the Executive trim such as:
- Basic sports bodykit and interior trim enhancements
- Sports badges and exterior striping
- FE2 suspension setup
Optional extras offered:
- Air conditioning and cruise control
- Holden Formula Bodykit
- Power Pack including front and rear power windows, power antenna, and power mirrors
- Colour-matched 15-inch alloy wheels
- Metallic paint finishes
Commodore SS
Unveiled in March 1989 as the flagship sports variant, the VN Commodore SS started at A$25,375. Compared to the S model, it featured:
- A 5.0-litre V8 engine equipped with a Limited Slip Differential
- TH700 automatic or T5 manual transmission options
- Driving lights and FE2 sports suspension
- Enhanced body kit comprising front and rear bumper lips, side skirts, and boot lip spoiler
- SS decals, striping details, and distinct grey/red checker-patterned interior fabric
- Exclusive SS alloy wheels
Optional additions included:
- Air conditioning and Holden Formula Bodykit
- Power Pack with front/rear electric windows, power antenna and mirrors, plus cruise control (automatic transmission only)
Available paint colours:
- Atlas Grey
- Phoenix Red
- Alpine White (introduced later in production)
Berlina
The Berlina represented the entry-level luxury option within the VN Commodore lineup, with a starting price of A$24,781. Standard equipment included:
- Four-speed automatic gearbox
- Air conditioning
Available optional features comprised:
- 5.0-litre V8 engine
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Cruise control system
- Holden Formula Bodykit
- Power Pack, which consisted of:
- Power windows for front and rear
- Electrically operated antenna
- Power-adjustable mirrors
- 15-inch alloy wheels
Calais
Serving as the top-tier luxury model in the VN Commodore range, the Calais commenced at A$31,265. It enhanced or substituted Berlina components with:
- Cruise control functionality
- Power Pack including:
- Front and rear power windows
- Power antenna
- Electrically adjustable mirrors
- 15-inch alloy wheels
- Computer-assisted trip and odometer display
- Climate control system (introduced in 1990)
- Remote central locking paired with an alarm
Optional upgrades available were:
- 5.0-litre V8 engine equipped with limited slip differential (LSD)
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Country pack suspension setup
- Holden Formula Body kit
- Leather upholstery
- Limited slip differential (LSD)
- Sports-tuned suspension
Commodore Vacationer
Launched in 1990, the Commodore Vacationer was a limited edition model based on the Executive trim, distinguished by:
- Exclusive "Vacationer" badges
- Body-colored front and rear bumpers along with rocker panels (contrasting with grey on the Executive)
- Air conditioning system
- Electrically operated mirrors
- Tachometer gauge
- Distinctive 14-inch wheel covers
- Two available paint shades—Alpine White or Azure Blue
- Commodore S-style seat trim featuring red accents (without lumbar support for the driver)
- Optional four-speed automatic transmission
Commodore LE
This special edition consisted of 100 sedans fitted with the 3.8-litre V6 engine, sold exclusively through Holden dealerships in New South Wales. It was showcased at the Sydney Motor Show in October 1989, priced at $43,200, with production concluding in January 1990.
Identified by the code "8VK19 V6M" and based on the Commodore S variant, this edition featured decals inspired by the Sydney Opera House on the front fenders alongside HSV enhancements such as an SV3800 body kit and a Momo steering wheel. The only available color was Alpine White.
A separate LE variant was introduced nationwide in April 1991, produced in limited quantities.
Commodore LS
Introduced in July 1991, this limited edition comprised 300 sedans for the Australian market priced at $28,990, alongside 130 sedans and 20 wagons exported to New Zealand. All units were equipped with the standard 3.8-litre V6 engine.
As the final and most cost-effective version of the VN Commodore, its release coincided with the debut of the Ford Falcon (EB). There is at least one known Australian sedan fitted with a 5.0-litre V8 engine. While no LS wagons were sold within Australia, an optional upgrade package was offered for any Commodore wagon.
The interior featured a Calais steering wheel and seats upholstered by HSV with Statesman striped velour inserts as part of an optional "Power Pack" (which was standard on the Calais). Exterior enhancements included a choice between Atlas Grey or Imperial Blue two-tone paint over Asteroid Silver, an SV3800 body kit, boot garnish painted to match the body, smoked tail lenses, LS badges on the front wheel arches, an HSV emblem on the driver’s rear spoiler, and Commodore LS decals on the passenger side spoiler. The wheels were HSV Sports Equipment alloys featuring seven pairs of silver spokes and recessed HSV logos.
Commodore Challenger
This exclusive limited run of 50 sedans was available solely through Holden dealerships in Canberra from June 1990 to June 1991.
Identified internally as "8VK19 A9W", it was derived from a Commodore Executive model upgraded to S pack standards. Distinctive features included wheel covers, bumpers, and bonnet garnish all painted to match the body, an HSV 8 Plus grille, SV3800 red and silver pinstriping, as well as Challenger decals positioned on the bootlid and rear door trailing edges. Offered only in Alpine White, its cabin incorporated a black Calais steering wheel, rear headrests, and a Challenger badge mounted on the dash pad.
Commodore GTS
The 1990 Commodore GTS was produced in a limited quantity of 510 units specifically for the New Zealand market. Built on the Executive trim and powered by the 3.8-litre V6 engine, it came equipped with a body kit, five-spoke alloy wheels, and FE2 sports suspension featuring upgraded springs, stabilizer bar, and gas-charged rear shock absorbers. The front brake discs and master cylinder were enlarged, while suspension geometry adjustments lowered the ride height by 35 mm to enhance handling performance. Interior amenities included power windows, central locking, an electric antenna, and a four-speaker radio cassette system. The suggested retail price was $35,995 for manual transmission models and $37,295 for automatics. Color options were Vivid White or metallic GTS Blue (compared to Alpine White or Imperial Blue in Australia).
Commodore DMG 90
Limited to just 50 units sold exclusively through Queensland Holden dealers during the April 1990 Brisbane Motor Show, this edition was commissioned by the Dealer Marketing Group (DMG) and constructed by HSV. Although bearing HSV identification, these vehicles were retailed via Holden outlets. Essentially a parts-bin special resembling a V6 Clubsport but based on the Commodore S pack configuration, it featured Alpine White paint; SV3800 bodykit; VL Calais 15-inch alloy wheels; brakes from the Commodore SS; FE2 suspension enhanced with a reinforced Panhard rod and wider front track; strengthened boot structure; power windows and mirrors front and rear; air conditioning; power steering with a Momo steering wheel; and a 3.8-litre V6 engine fitted with extractors and a large-bore exhaust system.
Commodore BT1 (police edition)
The BT1 represented a specialized VN Commodore variant tailored for law enforcement agencies in Australia and New Zealand. It was derived from the Executive model and offered with either a 3.8-litre V6 or a 5.0-litre V8 powerplant. Key upgrades included stage 5 engine tuning, exhaust extractors, an enlarged fuel tank for the V8, steel wheels sized 15x6 with center caps, a four-speed automatic gearbox, FE2 sports suspension, an oil sump guard, a unique instrument panel featuring a 200 km/h speedometer, distinctive interior illumination, an SS exhaust system, transmission cooling, and an automatic gear selector that permitted selecting "2" without needing the shift lock button. The wheel nuts were upgraded to 22mm diameter and came with a matching tire iron.
HSV lineup
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) offered a high-performance VN series lineup that also extended to the VQ and VG platforms. The models included:
- SV3800 – introduced in 1988
- SV89 – limited to 200 units (March to July 1989)
- SV90 Statesman – 135 units produced (July 1990 to September 1991)
- SV91 – single unit made (April 1991)
- SV100 – production quantity unknown
- SV6 – total of 64 units (April 1989 to May 1991)
- SV LE – comprised of 110 sedans (August to September 1989) and 80 wagons (August 1989 to January 1990)
- SV5000 – produced 359 units (September 1989 to August 1991)
- LE – 100 units manufactured (October 1989 to January 1990)
- Plus 8 – limited run of 80 units (March to April 1990)
- DMG 90 – only 50 units built (April 1990)
- T30 – initial batch of 30 units (June 1990) plus an extra 10 units (May to July 1991)
- Challenger – capped at 50 units (June 1990)
- Club Sport – total of 410 units (June 1990 to August 1991)
- Holden Commodore SS Group A SV – limited edition of 302 units (November 1990 to March 1991)
- + Six – produced in a batch of 100 units (March to August 1991)
- Statesman 5000i – only eight units made (May 1991)
- LS – totaled 450 units (July to September 1991)
- LS Utility (VG and VP series) – built in quantities of 54 units (September 1991 to June 1993)
- Maloo – production reached 132 units (October 1990 to April 1993)
Commodore SS Group A SV
The SS Group A SV was developed as a homologation special intended for racing purposes, based on the VN Commodore SS platform. Manufactured at Holden’s Elizabeth plant in South Australia and extensively modified by HSV’s facility in Clayton, Victoria, it was equipped with a potent 4.9 L HEC 5000i V8 engine mated to a six-speed ZF S6-40 manual gearbox.
To comply with Group A touring car regulations set by FISA internationally, at least 500 road-legal examples were required. Although HSV only completed production of 302 vehicles, the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) granted an exemption that allowed the car’s continued participation in competition, aiding the diminishing car counts during the Australian Touring Car Championship season of 1991.
Clubsport
Launched in June of 1990, the VN Series HSV Clubsport was based on the VN Commodore sedan chassis and powered by a robust Holden-sourced five-litre V8 engine.
Maloo
Refer to VG Maloo for comprehensive information.
Special editions
Beyond the standard offerings, HSV released several special editions and prototypes:
- SV LE
A limited-run V8 edition introduced in August of 1989. Production included 110 sedans until September that year and an additional batch of eighty wagons through January of the following year.
- Convertible prototype
Constructed in 1989 as a feasibility project showcasing what would become the front-end design for the VP series. This prototype never reached mass production and is currently exhibited at the National Holden Motor Museum located in Echuca, Victoria.
Group A
Group A specifications regulated touring car competitions throughout Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Japan, Italy, Germany, and various European countries during the 1980s and 1990s. This included prominent races such as the Bathurst 1000 and Spa 24 Hours.
The Commodore SS Group A SV signified the comeback of ex-Holden driver Peter Brock following their separation in 1987. Brock collaborated with three-time Bathurst co-winner Larry Perkins and his squad to campaign two vehicles under Brock’s Mobil sponsorship banner. This effort supplemented the Holden Racing Team, which was managed by British racer Win Percy, creating a dual Holden presence.
This race car generated roughly , achieving top speeds near when appropriately geared. It incorporated a homologated Holinger six-speed gearbox and had a weight of , reduced from the VL SV’s .
Although competing against formidable opponents like the Ford Sierra RS500 and BMW M3 Evolution, the SS Group A SV was overshadowed in the 1991 ATCC by the Gibson Motor Sport-prepared Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R, driven by champion Jim Richards alongside teammate Mark Skaife. Holden drivers criticized the VN SS Group A SV for its inferior downforce relative to the VL series SV, attributing this to design choices that favored styling over aerodynamic efficiency. While it was quicker on straight sections (Brock recorded in qualifying and during races), it lagged in cornering speed, resulting in lap times at Bathurst approximately two seconds slower than the more refined VL.
Brock claimed the VN’s only Group A victory at the first round of the 1992 Australian Touring Car Championship held at Amaroo Park. Nevertheless, both Brock and HRT struggled competitively throughout that season, with privateer Larry Perkins in a VL model emerging as Holden’s leading contender. In September 1992, the VN was succeeded by its VP series variant for key endurance events such as Sandown and Bathurst. Brock’s Advantage Racing was unique among top teams in continuing to campaign the VN Group A during these races, entering a second car driven by Andrew Miedecke and Troy Dunston. The VN remained a choice for privateers through 1993 and 1994, with Sydney-based privateer Terry Finnigan making its final Australian Touring Car Championship appearance in 1994.
AUSCAR
The VN model made its debut in Bob Jane's Australian Stock Car Auto Racing (AUSCAR) competition during the 1990/91 season. AUSCAR drew inspiration from American NASCAR but utilized vehicles based on road-going Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons rather than pure space frame chassis. These cars were powered by smaller 5.0 L V8 engines with reduced output and raced clockwise on oval circuits, contrasting NASCAR’s anticlockwise direction with left-hand drive cars. Additionally, AUSCAR mandated control tires featuring tread patterns similar to road tires instead of slick racing tires.
The VN rapidly gained popularity within AUSCAR, supplanting earlier VK and VL models. Albury-based touring car competitor Brad Jones achieved three consecutive Australian championships from 1990/91 through 1992/93 behind the wheel of his CooperTools Racing VN Commodore.
NASCAR
A left-hand drive version of the VN Commodore was engineered specifically for Australian NASCAR competition to represent Holden alongside Ford’s American Thunderbird entry. The vehicle was constructed under the guidance of Roadways Racing chief mechanic Les Small, with driver Allan Grice securing multiple victories in 1990 at Calder Thunderdome and Adelaide events. The VN utilized a 358-cubic-inch (6.0 L) Chevrolet small-block engine commonly found in NASCAR Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Lumina, and Pontiac Grand Prix models.
Bob Jane aspired to have Grice and the VN NASCAR compete in the U.S.-based Winston Cup series; however, disagreements between Australian and American sanctioning authorities prevented this expansion. Ultimately, Jane’s ambition materialized in 2013 when General Motors introduced the Holden VF Commodore—marketed as the Chevrolet SS in the United States—into NASCAR’s premier division.