Holden Commodore (VR)
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Holden Commodore (second generation, previous version) |
| Founded | July 1993 |
| Defunct | April 1995 |
| Successor | Holden Commodore (ED) |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Full-size car |
The Holden Commodore (VR) represents a full-size car manufactured by Holden between 1993 and 1995. This model marked the third version within the second generation of the Holden Commodore, encompassing premium trims such as the Berlina (VR) and Calais (VR), along with the utility variant Ute (VR).
Overview
Introduced in July 1993 and available until April 1995, the VR series showcased a more streamlined exterior design paired with enhanced safety features, including standard anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Its release preceded the arrival of the Ford ED Falcon. Key styling revisions included a reshaped daylight opening near the C-pillar and a rounded rear wheel arch replacing the previously squared design.
In September 1994, the Series II update was launched. This update saw the VR Acclaim and Calais become the first Australian vehicles to offer a driver's side Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag as standard, alongside ABS and independent rear suspension (IRS). These safety advancements were also accessible across other variants equipped with both manual and automatic gearboxes. The rear styling incorporated elevated tail lamps set deeply into the boot lid to improve visibility and safety.
The VR introduced an electronically controlled variant of the Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission known as the GM 4L60-E. In 1993, this model earned the title of Wheels Car of the Year.
Commodore Executive
Serving as the entry point for the VR range, the Commodore Executive primarily targeted fleet buyers. Standard features included power steering, electrically adjustable side mirrors, and four-wheel disc brakes, with an optional automatic transmission.
Within the VR lineup, one limited edition was offered:
- Commodore Equipe: released in 1995 as a Series II sedan or wagon variant based on the Executive trim.
Commodore Acclaim
Positioned above the Executive, the Acclaim was built upon an automatic Executive platform enhanced with family-oriented safety equipment. It came standard with ABS, IRS, a driver's airbag, and cruise control.
Although equipped with automatic transmission by default, customers could effectively assemble a manual-transmission Acclaim by choosing an Executive manual model and adding ABS, IRS, and airbag options; however, cruise control was not available in this configuration.
Commodore S
The Commodore S offered a sportier alternative to the Executive while retaining the 3.8-litre engine.
Commodore SS
Similar in appearance to the S model, the SS was powered by Holden's 5.0-litre HEC 5000i V8 engine and featured exclusive alloy wheels unique to this trim. An optional engine upgrade was also offered.
Berlina
As the first luxury-focused variant in the range, the Berlina came standard with alloy wheels, power windows, and automatic transmission. It was available in both sedan and wagon formats.
Calais
Occupying the top tier of the VR series, the Calais included automatic transmission, driver's airbag, IRS, and ABS as standard equipment. It stood out with features such as climate control and premium interior options including velour upholstery or optional leather seating.
Holden Ute
The VR Commodore was also available in a coupe utility form, marketed as the Holden Ute and the Holden 'S' Ute models. Distinct from the standard Ute, which lacked external model identification, the 'S' Ute carried "Commodore" badges.
Holden Statesman and Caprice (VR)
Holden offered extended wheelbase versions of the VR Commodore under the names Statesman (VR) and Caprice (VR).
HSV range
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), Holden's performance division, released several models based on the VR platform under the HSV badge.
Clubsport
Launched in August 1993, the VR Clubsport was derived from the Commodore VR and equipped with a 185 kW 5.0-litre V8 engine. Production numbers included 1,117 sedans and 77 wagons.
GTS
The GTS model featured an enlarged 5.7-litre V8 delivering power outputs of and , available with a six-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Only 277 units were manufactured.
Maloo
Debuting in August 1993, the VR Maloo utility presented refreshed front-end styling and interior enhancements, powered by an upgraded 185 kW 5.0-litre V8 engine. A total of 156 units were produced.
Senator
The 1993 redesign of the VR Senator incorporated rear seats sourced from the Statesman and a bodykit designed by Ian Callum, resulting in a more streamlined and assertive appearance. It came standard with a 185 kW 5.0-litre V8 and introduced a touring suspension system to enhance handling and ride quality. Starting May 1994, an optional hand-assembled 215 kW 5.7-litre "215i" stroker V8 was offered at an additional cost of $10,000, paired with either a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox. Acceleration figures were 7.8 seconds for the base engine and 7.3 seconds for the stroker variant from 0 to 100 km/h. Combined production for both versions reached 855 units.
Toyota Lexcen (T3)
The United Australian Automobile Industries (UAAI) collaboration between Toyota Australia and Holden extended from the VN Commodore through to the VP and VR generations. The VR-based Lexcen, designated as the T3 series, launched concurrently with other VR models and featured minor styling revisions primarily focused on front-end panels. Although the VR Holden regularly secured top positions in monthly Australian sales charts, the Toyota Lexcen recorded substantially lower sales figures. This disparity was partly attributed to consumer views of the Lexcen as a derivative vehicle—merging the original Commodore’s body and interior with design elements borrowed from the "wide body" Toyota Camry (XV10). Furthermore, Holden restricted Toyota's supply of Lexcens, limiting their market presence. It is notable that technical service bulletins and recall actions related to Holden-supplied Lexcens exceeded those typical for Toyota vehicles by more than fivefold during this timeframe.