The Holden Commodore (VX) is a full-size car that was produced by Holden from 2000 to 2002, and 2000 to 2003 for Statesman/Caprice (WHII) and Holden Ute (VU) models. It was the second iteration of the third generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VX) and Holden Calais (VX), and it formed the basis for a new generation Holden Ute (VU) coupé utility and Holden Monaro (V2) coupé.

The VX series was produced between October 2000 and September 2002, as a minor restyling update to the VT series from 1997. It introduced greater model differentiation along with gains in crash safety. An intermediate Series II was launched in August 2001, featuring a revised suspension system among other changes.

History of development

Design Visually, the exterior features a revised headlamp design over the preceding VT among other changes. These include the tail lamp panel now replaced by two separate individual light assemblies. The Berlina and Calais sedans however retain the full-width boot-lid panel incorporating the tail lamps and the registration plate.Lord (2000), p. 41. "Holden's taken a different tack with Berlina and Calais, separating these high line models from the pleb models with Magnaesque headlight and grille treatment. All VXs have new tail lights, but Berlina and Calais have a full width lens treatment while the rest have body coloured boots."

Safety Safety played a substantial role in the development of the VX model. Bosch version 5.3 anti-lock brakes were made standard on all variants, a first for an Australian manufactured car; and traction control was made available on vehicles equipped with manual transmission. Extensive research was undertaken to reduce the effects from a side-impact collision through modification of the B-pillars. The risk presented by a side-impact collision in a VX fitted without side airbags is reduced by 50 percent when compared to a similarly specified VT model.Lord (2000), p. 37. "The VXs biggest improvement is in passive safety, through minor but extremely effective changes based on extensive research into side impacts. Modifications to the B-pillar improve side impact protection across the board. If you have a side-on collision in a VX not fitted with side airbags, risk of injury is halved compared to a similarly equipped VT. The addition of anti-skid brakes to standard equipment lists of Executive and S models means the entire Commodore range now has Bosch version 5.3 ABS. As well, traction control is now available in combination with manual transmission for the first time."

Engine and mechanicals The VX series introduced further mechanical upgrades to the 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 engine, which received changes to the engine management computer to bring power up to . Fuel economy was also improved over the previous model by three to four percent. The optional Supercharged Ecotec V6 extended its service to the Executive and Acclaim variants, with the output figure remaining unchanged from the VT.McCarthy, McKay, Newton, Robinson (2006), p. 158. As well as the supercharged six-cylinder, an even more powerful 5.7-litre Chevrolet-sourced Gen III V8 engine was offered. The powerplant received power increases from .

A modified front suspension setup received lower control arm pivot points. The Series II update featured the addition of a new rear cross member, revised rear control arm assemblies with new style bushing and toe-control links to the semi-trailing arm rear suspension to better maintain the toe settings during suspension movements, resulting in more predictable car handling, noticeably over uneven surfaces, and improved tyre wear.

EnginePowerTorqueTransmission Ecotec V6 5-speed Getrag 260 manual 4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic Supercharged Ecotec V6 Gen III V8 6-speed Borg-Warner T-56 manual 4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic

Models Commodore Executive

The entry-level Executive was a popular choice amongst fleet buyers, and offered standard features such as anti-lock brakes, a driver's air bag, trip computer, and central locking. Along with all other variants, steering wheel audio controls, a CD player, and an electrically retracting power antenna were now standard. The naturally aspirated 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 came standard on the Executive, with the option of the Supercharged Ecotec V6 or Gen III V8 engine. V6 engines were coupled to a five-speed manual transmission, and V8s came with a six-speed manual. A four-speed automatic transmission was available as an optional extra, regardless of the engine choice.

Commodore Acclaim

The second tier Acclaim was marketed as a family-oriented variation of the VX range, with a strong emphasis on safety. Building on the equipment levels of the Executive, the Acclaim also featured four airbags, cruise control, traction control, Limited-slip differential, air conditioning and power windows. A four-speed automatic transmission was the only transmission available, although buyers did have the opportunity to opt for the Supercharged Ecotec V6 engine.

Commodore S

Offered as a sporty alternative to the Acclaim was the Commodore S. Based on the entry-level Executive, features came in the form of a sports body kit, electric windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control, and a leather steering wheel. However, leather upholstery,Davis, Kennedy, Kennedy (Part Three), p. 110–111. traction control, four airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels and the Supercharged Ecotec V6 were offered as options.

Commodore SS

The SS continued on with the sporting trend of the Commodore S, but incorporated bumper-integrated foglamps, and more aggressively styled alloy wheels. Instead of the six-cylinder engine standard on the "S pack", a Gen III V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission came as standard. A more advanced suspension setup, traction control and a passenger's airbag were also standard, but side impact airbags and leather upholstery remained optional.

Berlina

This model and the top-of-the-range Calais attributed a notably restyled exterior, when compared to other trim levels. Both featured a full-width rectangular grille, which merged off together with the angled-off headlamps. The rear-end of the sedan is characterised by a boot panel housing the a full-width taillight bar with transparent lenses. Alloy wheels for the Berlina were a nine-spoke, 15-inch, machine finished type.

Building on the features the Acclaim featured the Berlina added climate control air conditioning, and adjustable seatbelt anchors. Optional extras comprised: 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension (the same type found on the SS), limited-slip differential and the V8 engine.

Calais

The flagship Calais shares its exterior styling with the Berlina, but is distinguishable by its 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome outlined foglamps. Standard features above Berlina included an eight-speaker audio system, ten stack CD player, dual zone automatic climate control, electric front seats and leather steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake. The Calais presented the same optional features as the Berlina, but allowed for the inclusion of leather upholstery. With the Berlina, the centre console was finished with either the black or beige plastic panel depending on the interior colour scheme, however the Calais upped the ante with a wood grain-faced console, or a satin-finished façade for Series II variants. The Calais was the only model in the lineup that could be had with all three engines, with the Ecotec V6 standard and the supercharged V6 and V8 as options. Manual transmissions were not available.

Ute (VU)

Before the VU, Holden had marketed their Commodore-based utility models under the Holden Utility (VG) and Holden Commodore utility (VP, VR, VS) names,Holden Commodore VN Technical specifications Retrieved from www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au on 17 December 2008Holden VG Utility Retrieved from www.catalog.slsa.sa.gov.au on 17 December 2008 although the term "Holden Ute" was also used in their official marketing literature."HOLDEN V6/V8 UTILITY" sales brochure AD10433, August 1990The Holden Ute Series III sales brochure AD10682 of May 1998 The VU Ute's successor was assigned the same model code as the sedan it is based on (VY).

Models The VU replaced the VS Utility. The VU's arrival was 36 months after the VT Commodore sedan, meaning it arrived in time for the launch of the VX Commodore. The VU utilises the same wheelbase as the VT Commodore station wagon and WH Statesman/Caprice, meaning a wheelbase increase of . The Ute employs the same interior as the Commodore, while also picking up the VX's upgraded equipment lists and restyled exterior design. Base : Built up from the Commodore Executive's specification. Available with 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 – 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual or 5.7-litre Generation III V8 – 6-speed manual or 4-speed auto S : Based on Commodore S specifications. Available with 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 – 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual. SS : Based on Commodore SS specifications, minus side-impact airbags. Available with a 5.7-litre Generation III V8 – 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The range received a minor refresh with the VU series II, releasing alongside the VX Series II.

The VU was superseded by the VY ute in May 2003.

Special editions SS Fifty: In October 2001, a special edition 'SS Fifty' model was released to mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the first "Holden Ute", the Holden 50-2106 coupe utility. Only 500 SS Fifty's were built and were identical in terms of colour scheme, all 500 units were released with a black exterior and a partial leather interior that contained plenty of "hyper yellow" accents. Other items that made the SS 50 different were the chrome sports bar on the back, unique black-and-yellow engine cover, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake cover and gear knob as well as a colour-coded instrument cluster to match the leather bolsters on the sports seats.

HSV range

The enhanced performance VX and VX Series II range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) comprised the variants listed below.

Clubsport

The VX Clubsport was launched in October 2000 and featured the same V8 engine as the Clubsport VT Series II, but with an increased power output, up by to . During the development of the VX Clubsport, HSV responded to many customers' complaints regarding how Clubsports were difficult to distinguish from standard Holden Commodores. The changes due to this included a more flamboyant, unique bodykit and exclusive HSV interior features.

GTS

Series 1 VX GTS – 112 produced Series 2 VX SV300 (rebadged GTS)

Maloo

In September 2000, the long-lived VS series Maloo utility was finally retired and replaced, from March 2001, by an all-new VU series that mirrored the existing VX series HSV sedans. The VU Maloo featured the same LS1 5.7 litre V8 engine as in the VX ClubSport with . Mirroring the sedan range, the HSV VU ute was now also available as Maloo R8, which featured standard 'Performance' brakes and a hard tonneau cover with raised rear wing. Overall, 301 examples were produced of the first series VU Maloo.

HSV's VU Series 2 Maloo was introduced in October 2001 in concert with the VX Series II sedans, with minor cosmetic upgrades that included 'blackout' style headlights and additional Maloo range paint colours of Delft blue and HSV Racing green. This upgrade also introduced new security measures in the form of "HSV DNA", which was a micro 'DataDot' component identification system. Overall, 483 examples of VU Series II were produced, including a "15th Anniversary" limited edition launched in June 2002 (with 25 units for Australia and another 5 for New Zealand).

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