Holden Commodore (VP)

Holden Commodore (VP)
Company type	Car model
Industry	Automotive
Predecessor	Holden Commodore (VN)
Founded	September 1991; 35 years ago
Defunct	July 1993
Successor	Holden Commodore (VR)
Area served	Australia, New Zealand, Thailand
Products	Full-size car

The Holden Commodore (VP) is a full-size car manufactured by Holden between 1991 and 1993, representing the second version within the second generation of the Commodore lineup. This series also encompassed upscale models such as the Holden Berlina (VP) and Holden Calais (VP).

Overview

Introduced in September 1991, the VP series primarily featured aesthetic and equipment enhancements compared to the previous VN Series. Its release closely followed that of the Ford EB Falcon. The existing 3.8-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 engine units were retained, with the V6 undergoing modifications that improved smoothness, lowered noise levels, and boosted output by two kilowatts. The 2.0-litre straight-4 engine previously available in some export VN variants was discontinued.

Semi-trailing arm IRS was standard on Calais and Commodore SS versions, while offered as an option on lower trims, resulting in notable improvements in ride comfort and handling over the former live rear axle setup. ABS brakes were introduced as an optional feature on Series 1 Calais and SS models, becoming more broadly accessible on IRS-equipped variants with the Series II update released in January 1993. Security upgrades included an ignition immobiliser and a deadlock mechanism on the driver’s door, while central locking and power-adjustable mirrors became standard equipment throughout the range. The VP series was replaced by the VR Series in July 1993.

In Thailand, the VP Calais was sold featuring a 3.8 V6 engine, which was later substituted by an Opel 2.6-litre C26NE inline-six Dual Ram powerplant.

Commodore Executive

Serving as the entry-level model, the Commodore Executive formed the foundation of the series.

Commodore S

The Commodore S represented the sport-oriented base trim, sharing similarities with the Executive but equipped with sporty styling elements comparable to those found on the SS variant.

Commodore SS

The top-tier sports model within the range, the Commodore SS was powered by a V8 engine.

Commodore Berlina

Positioned as the most economical luxury option, the Berlina provided an elevated level of comfort.

Commodore Berlina LX

Exclusively available in the VP lineup, the Berlina LX offered a semi-premium specification slot between the Berlina and Calais trims.

Calais

The Calais occupied the luxury segment but was marketed independently without bearing the Commodore badge.

Commodore SS V6

Released as a limited edition in 1992, this variant combined SS features with a 3.8L V6 engine replacing the usual 5.0L V8. It was developed primarily for homologation purposes in Group 3E Series Production Cars racing, competing mainly against Ford’s EB2 Falcon XR6.

Commodore BT1

Referred to as the Police Pack, the BT1 was specifically designed for Australian and New Zealand police departments. Built upon the Executive model, it incorporated equipment upgrades tailored to law enforcement requirements. Contrary to common misconceptions, it did not feature enhanced engine power compared to standard VP Commodores. BT1 vehicles fitted with IRS came equipped with a standard fuel tank rather than an extended-range version.

Typical BT1 specifications comprised:

FE2 sports suspension
Oil sump guard
Illuminated speedometer with continuous top lighting displaying increments of 2 km/h (similar to Berlina/Calais models)
Interior dome and map lights
15 × 6-inch steel wheels
Transmission cooling system
Country pack suspension (V5W) offered in certain rural locations instead of FE2
Vinyl floor coverings
Limited slip differential
Modified shift gate enabling gear changes from overdrive directly to second gear without passing through drive (standard models require sequential shifting through drive)

Commodore Vacationer

Introduced in October 1992, the Commodore Vacationer was a special edition derived from the Commodore Executive, produced in limited numbers.

Calais International

The Calais International, launched in September 1992, represented a restricted edition based on the VP Calais. A total of 300 units were manufactured, evenly divided between Alaskan White and Anthracite Grey colors. Each vehicle came equipped with a V8 engine, automatic transmission, a Commodore SS lower body kit featuring fog lamps, a bootlip from the Holden VQ Caprice, and distinctive International badges. Unlike the typical two-tone Calais, this edition sported a single-color paint finish. It rode on 15-inch alloy wheels sourced from the VQ Statesman, adorned with Holden insignia, and featured a black-over-tan interior outfitted with partially leather and suede seats alongside an SS-style leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Toyota Lexcen (T2)

The T2 iteration of the Toyota Lexcen was essentially a rebadged version of the Holden VP, available in CSi, VXi, and Newport trims across sedan and wagon variants. This model was exclusively powered by the 3.8-litre V6 engine coupled with a four-speed automatic gearbox; no V8 option was offered.

Ute

Released in January 1992, the utility version of the VP Commodore was marketed under the Holden Ute nameplate and notably did not carry Commodore badging. There was no comparable Toyota model produced.

HSV range

The Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) performance-enhanced VP lineup encompassed these models (also including those from VQ II):

LS Utility (VG and VP) — 54 units built between Sept 1991 and June 1993
Club Sport — 387 units produced from Oct 1991 to June 1993
5th Anniversary Club Sport — 65 units made
Sport Wagon — 43 units built from Oct 1991 to June 1993
5th Anniversary Sport Wagon — 5 units produced
SV91 — 103 units manufactured between Oct 1991 and June 1992
+ Six 1992 — 82 units built from Feb to June 1992
+ Six 1993 — 58 units made in March 1993
Maloo — 34 units produced between March 1992 and April 1993
5th Anniversary Maloo — 15 units built
Senator — 201 units manufactured from April 1992 to Aug 1993
5th Anniversary Senator — 15 units produced between March and May 1993
Senator 5000i —136 units built between June 1992 and Sept 1993
5th Anniversary Senator 5000i —30 units made from June to Aug 1993
Nitron —50 units produced between July and Aug 1992
GTS —130 units manufactured from Sept to Dec 1992
SV93 Statesman —46 units built between Sept 1992 and March 1993
Formula —67 units created from May to June 1993 (distinct from Holden's own "Formula" body kit)
Club Sport 5000i —50 units made between May and June 1993
Statesman (VQ II) —84 units produced from April 1992 to April 1993
5th Anniversary Statesman (VQ II) —8 units built between June and Sept 1993

Clubsport

The HSV Clubsport for the VP series debuted in 1991 featuring the same V8 engine delivering 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) as found in the VN Clubsport. Both Senator and Clubsport models received a special edition known as the 5000i.

GTS

To rival the Ford EB GT, HSV swiftly introduced the VP GTS in September 1992. This model incorporated components from the VN GRP A variant, such as its engine, braking system, and spoiler assembly. Its success ensured that HSV retained the GTS as its flagship performance offering, with approximately 130 examples built. Similar to the VN lineup, a V6 variant was made available exclusively within New Zealand.

Maloo

Launched in March 1992, the VP Maloo utility experienced a limited production run of just 49 units over a span of thirteen months. This total includes 15 exclusive HSV Fifth Anniversary Edition variants and eight All-Black special editions. Due to these minimal quantities, the VP Maloo stands as the rarest model within its generation.

Senator

Debuting in June 1992, the VP Senator 5000i succeeded the VP SV 91 as HSV’s premier luxury offering, serving as a counterpart to the VN SV 5000. It was available in unique Senator Quartz hues, including a subtle purple and a dark metallic grey. Enhancements comprised leather-trimmed Group A front seats, a Caprice rear bench featuring a suede-trimmed console, high-performance race-spec brakes, Variotronic power steering, level ride suspension, ABS, fog lamps, and distinctive engine covers signifying its 200 kW output. Engineered to combine refinement and performance alongside long-wheelbase Statesman models, it incorporated independent rear suspension and automatic climate control—features uncommon in Commodores at that time. Additional amenities included leather upholstery, cruise control, limited-slip differential, and a three-spoke steering wheel. The standard variant was powered by a 180 kW 5.0-litre V8 paired with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox; the 5000i model offered an upgraded 200 kW engine with a maximum speed of 238 km/h but was only available with an automatic transmission. Overall production for both versions reached 337 units.