Holden Commodore (VN)

{{Short description|Australian full-size car}} {{For|a complete overview of all Commodore models|Holden Commodore}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}} {{Use Australian English|date=August 2014}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Holden Commodore (VN) | image = 1989 Holden Commodore (VN) Executive sedan (2015-07-03) 01.jpg | caption = 1989 Holden Commodore (VN) Executive sedan | aka = [[Toyota Lexcen]] (T1) Beijing BJ6490/6490D (China) | manufacturer = [[Holden]] ([[General Motors]]) | production = August 1988 – September 1991 1997 (China) | assembly = Australia: [[Adelaide, South Australia]] ([[Holden Elizabeth Plant|Elizabeth]]) New Zealand: [[Wellington]] ([[General Motors New Zealand#Trentham|Trentham]]: 1988–1990) | class = [[Full-size car]] | body_style = 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] 5-door [[station wagon]] 2-door [[coupé utility]] (VG) | layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]] | platform = [[GM V platform (RWD)|GM V platform]] | related = [[Holden Caprice (VQ)|Holden Statesman/Caprice (VQ)]] [[Holden Utility (VG)]] [[Opel Omega#Omega|Opel Omega]] [[Opel Senator#Senator B (1987–1993)|Opel Senator]] [[Vauxhall Carlton#Mark II (1986–1994)|Vauxhall Carlton]] Vauxhall Senator | engine = {{ubl | '''[[Petrol engine|gasoline]]:''' | 2.0 L ''[[GM Family II engine#C20NE|C20NE]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]] | 2.2 L I4 (China) | 2.6 L ''[[Opel cam-in-head engine#2.6 litre I6|C26NE Dual-Ram]]'' [[Straight-six engine|I6]] (Thailand) | 3.8 L ''[[Buick V6 engine#LN3 Naturally Aspirated|3800]]'' [[V6 engine|V6]] | 5.0 L ''[[Holden V8 engine|HEC 5000i]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]] }} | transmission = 5-speed ''[[Borg-Warner T-5 transmission|Borg-Warner T-5]]'' [[manual transmission|manual]] 4-speed ''[[Turbo-Hydramatic#700R4 / 4L60 / 4L60E / 4L65E|GM HydraMatic 700]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]] | wheelbase = {{convert|2731|mm|in||abbr=on}}–{{convert|2822|mm|in||abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|4850|mm|in||abbr=on}}–{{convert|4896|mm|in||abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|1794|mm|in||abbr=on}}–{{convert|1802|mm|in||abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|1400|mm|in||abbr=on}}–{{convert|1474|mm|in||abbr=on}} | weight = {{convert|1311|kg|lb||abbr=on}}–{{convert|1492|kg|lb||abbr=on}} | predecessor = [[Holden Commodore (VL)]] [[Toyota Crown#Seventh generation (S120; 1983)|Toyota Crown (S120)]] (Lexcen) | successor = [[Holden Commodore (VP)]] | designer = Phillip Zmood }}

The '''Holden Commodore (VN)''' is a [[full-size car]] that was produced by [[Holden]] from 1988 to 1991. It was the first iteration of the second generation of this [[Holden Commodore|Australian made model]], which was previously a [[mid-size car]], as well as the first Commodore available as a [[coupé utility]]. The new range included the luxury variants, '''Holden Berlina (VN)''' and '''Holden Calais (VN)''' and, from 1990, introduced the commercial [[Holden Utility (VG)]].

== Overview == The VN series was released on 17 August 1988 and it was a re-engineered hybrid of the European [[Opel Omega]] and [[Opel Senator#Senator B (1987–1993)|Opel Senator]] - and their corresponding [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]] sister models the [[Vauxhall Carlton|Carlton II]] and Senator II. This donor body was paired to a [[Buick V6 engine]] or the [[Holden V8 engine]]. The project cost some {{AUD|200 million}}.<ref name="Wheels">{{Cite magazine |last=MacKenzie |first=Angus |date=October 1997 |title=The VT Holden Commodore |magazine=[[Wheels (magazine)|Wheels]] |page=64}}</ref>

As well as being highly based on the Opel Senator, the VN also was similarly based on the [[Opel Omega#Omega|Opel Omega]], but this time, the previous [[Holden Commodore (VL)|VL Commodore]] floor pan was widened and stretched. The Commodore could now match the rival [[Ford Falcon (Australia)|Ford Falcon]] for size. The VN Commodore was available in Executive, S, SS, Berlina and Calais specification levels. The VN Commodore was also awarded ''[[Wheels Car of the Year]]'' for a second time in 1988. For the first time since [[Holden WB|1984]], Holden again offered a commercial [[coupe utility]] with the first-Commodore based [[Holden Utility (VG)|VG Utility]] sold from August 1990.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/holden_commodore_VN_technical_specifications.htm |title=Holden Commodore VN Technical Specifications |access-date=2020-06-15}}</ref> The [[Holden Caprice (VQ)|Holden Statesman and Caprice (VQ)]] models, which were introduced in March 1990, were also VN Commodore based, but shared a longer wheelbase with the VN Commodore wagon and VG Utility.

Changes in the relative values of the Australian dollar, the Japanese yen, alongside the US dollar made it impractical to continue with the well-regarded{{Citation needed|reason=Given that this engine experienced overheating problems when fitted to the VL Commodore, and was criticised for its lack of torque compared to the previous Holden 'Black' motor, a source should be cited to confirmed this statement else it appears to be a personal opinion|date=October 2020}} Nissan engine of the VL. Instead, Holden adopted and domestically manufactured their own variant of the [[Buick V6 engine#LN3 Naturally Aspirated|Buick LN3 V6]] which was adopted from US market GM vehicles, although initially it was imported. The 5.0-litre V8 remained optional and received a power boost to {{Convert|165|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}}. Both these engines used multi point GM [[Fuel injection|EFI]] and the V6 using 3 coil-packs for ignition. Although not known for its smoothness or quietness, the V6 was nevertheless praised for its performance at the time. A fuel-injected, 2.0-litre four-cylinder VN Commodore model was offered for some export markets including New Zealand and Singapore, which were sold as the Holden Berlina sharing an engine with the [[Opel Vectra#Vectra A / Cavalier|Opel Vectra A]]. Accompanying the changes to engines, the four-speed Jatco automatic transmission was replaced by the [[Turbo-Hydramatic#700R4 / 4L60 / 4L60E / 4L65E|GM TH700]] (also with four speeds) and the [[Borg-Warner T-5]] five-speed manual gearbox.

A centre high-mount stoplight (CHMSL) was introduced prior to 1 July 1989 due to regulations in Australia requiring them to be fitted to all passenger cars manufactured from this date.

In September 1989 the Series II of the VN Commodore was released with the EV6 engine. Some of the changes included a new cast exhaust manifold, new camshaft sprocket profile and timing chain, improved air and fuel distribution to combustion chamber, recalibrated ignition and injector firing within the engine management computer, wider conrod bearings and revised throttle uptake. The automatic transmission was also recalibrated to match the new engines torque characteristics. These revisions helped reduce initial torque levels whilst also improving the noise and vibration levels of the V6 engine.

A total of 215,180 VN Commodores were manufactured during the model's 3-year lifespan, before production ended in September 1991.

A clone of the Commodore called the Beijing BJ6490 was produced in China under the brand Beijing Travel Vehicle Works for 1997 only, built on a [[BAW BJ212]] chassis on a with authentic body parts shipped in from the Holden Elizabeth plant.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Carey |first1=Dave |title=The crazy history of VN Commodore exports to China |url=https://www.streetmachine.com.au/features/chinese-vn-commodore-export |website=Street Machine |date=September 2023 |publisher=Wheels Media |access-date=16 May 2025}}</ref> The car was powered by a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder engine and a hybrid version, the BJ6490D was shown at an Auto Show in 1998 and was priced at 140,000 yuan (US$20,180). The engine was supplied from the Sichuan Electric Motor Factory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BAIC BJ6490, a Holden Commodore clone |date=21 December 2017|url=http://chinacarhistory.com/2017/12/21/the-bj6490-a-chinese-made-holden-commodore/}}</ref>

===Toyota Lexcen (T1)=== [[File:1989 Toyota Lexcen (T1) GL station wagon (2010-07-25) 01.jpg|thumb|right|1989 Toyota Lexcen (T1) GL wagon]] Under the [[Hawke Government]]'s [[Button car plan]], which saw a reduction in the number of models manufactured locally, and the introduction of model sharing, the VN Commodore was [[badge engineering|rebadged]] as the [[Toyota Lexcen]], launched in September 1989, named after the late [[1983 America's Cup]] yacht designer, [[Ben Lexcen]] and replaced the previous similar-sized [[Toyota Crown#Seventh generation (S120; 1983)|Toyota Crown S120]] offered in Australia. Subsequently, the [[Toyota Corolla]] and [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] were, similarly, badged as the [[Holden Nova]] and [[Holden Apollo]].

===New Zealand=== [[File:1990 Holden Commodore (VN) Executive (14757725808).jpg|thumb|right|New Zealand specification Commodore Berlina, badged as Executive (1990–1991)]]

The VN series was assembled in New Zealand between 1988 and 1990. For the first few months of production it was actually assembled alongside its predecessor, the VL. This was due to the VL Commodore being slightly smaller, and offering a 2.0 L inline-six Nissan [[Nissan RB engine#RB20|RB20E]] (for New Zealand only) or 3.0 L [[Nissan RB engine#RB30|RB30E]] straight-six engine, also by Nissan.

[[File:Holden Commodore Executive (1988-1990 VN series, New Zealand) 01.jpg|left|thumb|New Zealand specification Commodore Berlina, badged as Executive (1988–1990)]]

A unique situation of the New Zealand VN Commodore was its trim levels. Where in Australia, Berlina was of higher spec than Executive; in New Zealand the roles were actually reversed. Commodore Executive was the Australian Berlina spec, while Berlina – had a similar spec to the Australian Executive models – and utilised a 2.0-litre ''[[Family II engine#20SE|Family II 20SE]]'' four-cylinder engine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Driving the Red Lion's finest |url=http://www.autotrader.co.nz/ArticleDetails.aspx?N=0&item=57&sid=118DD179A7D0 |access-date=23 March 2008 |website=Auto Trader New Zealand}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bebbington |first=Terry |title=60 Years of Holden |date=2009 |publisher=[[Haynes Manual]]s |isbn=978-1-876953-58-4 |location=[[Padstow, New South Wales]] |ref=Bebbington (2009)}}</ref>

The Berlina four-cylinder model was a unique car for New Zealand (as well as a few other export markets) and was unavailable to Australia. The four-cylinder Berlina was developed in Australia primarily for the New Zealand market, it was equipped with an unemissionised fuel-injected 2.0 L motor (tuned to run on 96 octane fuel), essentially that of the [[Opel Vectra#Vectra A|Opel Vectra A]] mounted north–south, driving the rear wheels. The Berlina was available in both sedan and wagon body styles.

The Calais models were also offered to New Zealand, primarily in V6 form. In fact, due to a cancelled Singapore order, twenty fully equipped VN Calais models were sold in New Zealand – utilizing the Berlina's four-cylinder motor. Additionally, it is believed that there are a few VN Calais wagons in existence in New Zealand.

An indigenous sports model, the Commodore GTS, was also offered to the New Zealand market during 1990. Based on the New Zealand Executive models, the GTS featured a 3.8 L V6 engine, manual or automatic transmission, bodykit (similar to that of the VN Commodore SS), alloys and FE2 suspension. It was a limited build, available in either White or Dark Blue.

The VN was the last Commodore to be assembled in New Zealand, after [[Holden New Zealand|General Motors New Zealand]] closed its plant in [[Trentham, New Zealand|Trentham]] in late 1990.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-11-17 |title=Upper Hutt's former car assembly plant sold to Weta film group |language=en |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/74014558/upper-hutts-former-car-assembly-plant-sold-to-weta-film-group |access-date=2020-06-15}} {{cite news | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/74014558/upper-hutts-former-car-assembly-plant-sold-to-weta-film-group | title=Upper Hutt's former car assembly plant sold to Weta film group | newspaper=[[The Dominion Post (Wellington)|Dominion Post]] | date=18 November 2015}}</ref> The last locally assembled model was a 3.8-litre Commodore V6, which came off the assembly lines on 21 November of that year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2001-08-31 |title=Survivor from the Australian Outback |language=en-NZ |work=[[New Zealand Herald]] |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=212994 |access-date=2020-06-15 |issn=1170-0777}}[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=212994 Survivor from the Australian Outback], ''[[New Zealand Herald]]'', 31 Aug 2001</ref> Thereafter, Holden cars sold in New Zealand came fully built up from Australia, from where they could be imported duty-free under the [[Closer Economic Relations]] agreement.<ref>[https://www.teara.govt.nz/en/cars-and-the-motor-industry/page-4 Cars and the motor industry – Demise of the car-assembly and component industries], Eric Pawson, [[Te Ara]] – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, 11 March 2010</ref>

== Models ==

=== Commodore Executive === [[File:1991 Holden Commodore (VN) Executive sedan (2015-06-18) 02.jpg|thumb|1990–1991 Holden Commodore Executive sedan]] [[File:1989 Holden Commodore (VN) Executive station wagon (2016-01-04) 02.jpg|thumb|1988–1990 Holden Commodore Executive wagon]]

The Commodore Executive was the base model of the VN Commodore range and was priced from [[Australian dollar|A$]]20,014 when new. Its standard features included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden VN Commodore Executive standard features |url=http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html#Executive |access-date=27 February 2007 |publisher=Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive}}</ref> * 3.8-litre {{Convert|125|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} V6 engine * 5-speed manual transmission * [[Power steering]] * Power assisted disc brakes on all four wheels * 14 inch steel wheels Optionals included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden VN Commodore Executive optional features |url=http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html#Executive |access-date=27 February 2007 |publisher=Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive}}</ref> * 5.0 L {{Convert|165|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} V8 engine * 4-speed automatic transmission or * 5-speed manual transmission * [[Air conditioning]] * [[Cruise control]] * Holden Formula Bodykit * 15 inch alloy wheels

=== Commodore S === [[File:1990 Holden Commodore (VN) S sedan (2016-01-04) 01.jpg|thumb|right|Holden Commodore S sedan]] The VN Commodore S was the entry sports variant of the VN Commodore range and was priced from A$21,665 when new. Its features (in addition to or replacing those of the Executive) included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden VN Commodore S standard features |url=http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html#s |access-date=27 February 2007 |publisher=Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive}}</ref> * Basic bodykit * Sports trim interior * Sports badging & exterior striping * FE2 Suspension Optionals included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden VN Commodore S optional features |url=http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html#s |access-date=27 February 2007 |publisher=Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive}}</ref> * Air conditioning * Cruise control * Holden Formula Bodykit * Optional Power Pack which incorporated: ** Front and rear [[power window]]s ** Power [[Antenna (radio)|antenna]] ** Power mirrors * 15 inch alloy wheels (usually colour-coded) * Metallic Paint

=== Commodore SS === [[File:1988-91 VN Commodore SS Atlas Grey==.JPG|thumb|Holden Commodore SS sedan]]

The VN Commodore SS was released in March 1989 and was the top of the range sports model of the VN Commodore range and was priced from A$25,375 when new. Its features (in addition to or replacing those of the S model) included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden VN Commodore SS standard features |url=http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html#SS |access-date=21 October 2006 |publisher=Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive}}</ref> * 5.0-litre {{Convert|165|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} V8 engine * Limited Slip Differential * TH700 Automatic or T5 manual transmission * Driving lights * FE2 sports suspension * Body kit including front & rear bumper lip, side skirts, boot lip spoiler * SS decals and striping * SS interior fabrics incorporating a grey/red checker design * Unique SS alloy wheels Optionals included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden VN Commodore SS optional features |url=http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html#SS |access-date=27 February 2007 |publisher=Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive}}</ref> * Air conditioning * Holden Formula Bodykit * Power Pack which incorporated: ** Front and rear power windows ** Power antenna ** Power mirrors ** Cruise control (Automatic only)

Colours available: * ''Atlas Grey'' * ''Phoenix Red'' * ''Alpine White'' (available later in the VN lifespan).

=== Berlina === [[File:1990 VN Berlina.jpg|thumb|1990 VN Berlina 3.8 Auto (Front)]] [[File:1990 Holden Commodore VN in Uraidla 2024.jpg|thumb|1990 VN Berlina 3.8 Auto (Rear)]]

The Berlina was the entry luxury version of the VN Commodore range and was priced from A$24,781 when new. Its features (in addition to or replacing those of the Executive) included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden VN Commodore Berlina standard features |url=http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html#berlina |access-date=27 February 2007 |publisher=Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive}}</ref> * 4-speed automatic transmission * Air conditioning Optionals included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden VN Commodore Berlina optional features |url=http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html#berlina |access-date=27 February 2007 |publisher=Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive}}</ref> * 5.0-litre {{Convert|165|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} V8 engine * 5-speed manual transmission * Cruise control * Holden Formula Bodykit * Power Pack which incorporated: ** Front and rear power windows ** Power antenna ** Power mirrors * 15 inch alloy wheels

The Calais was the top of the range luxury version of the VN Commodore range and was priced from A$31,265 when new. Its features (in addition to or replacing those of the Berlina) included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden VN Calais standard features |url=http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html#Calais |access-date=27 February 2007 |publisher=Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive}}</ref> * Cruise control * Power Pack which incorporated: ** Front and rear power windows ** Power antenna ** Power mirrors * 15 inch alloy wheels * Computer assisted trip/[[odometer]] * Climate control (introduced in 1990) * Remote central locking * Alarm Optionals included:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden VN Calais optional features |url=http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html#Calais |access-date=27 February 2007 |publisher=Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive}}</ref> * 5.0-litre {{Convert|165|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} V8 engine, incorporating LSD * 5-speed manual transmission * Country pack suspension * Holden Formula Body kit * Leather [[upholstery]] * [[Limited slip differential]] (LSD) * Sports suspension

<gallery widths="200px" Heights="150px"> File:Holden Calais, with Formula body kit (1988-1990 VN series) 01.jpg|Holden Calais, with Formula body kit File:Holden Calais, with Formula body kit (1988-1990 VN series) 02.jpg|Holden Calais, with Formula body kit </gallery>

== Limited edition and other specification levels ==

=== Commodore Vacationer === [[File:1990 Holden Commodore (VN) Vacationer station wagon (2010-07-25).jpg|thumb|Commodore Vacationer]]

The 1990 Commodore Vacationer was a limited edition whose features complemented those of the donor Executive model and included: * Special "Vacationer" badging * Body coloured front and rear bumper and rocker panel (grey on Executive) * Air conditioning * Electric mirrors * Tachometer * Unique 14-inch wheel covers * Two paint colours only—''Alpine White'' or ''Azure Blue'' * Commodore S seat trim (with red detail) minus driver's side lumbar support * Optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

=== Commodore LE === This limited edition of 100 sedans with the 3.8-litre V6 engine was exclusively made available to the Holden dealer group of New South Wales, for sale at the Sydney Motor Show in October 1989 at a price of $43,200. Its production ended in January 1990. Production totalled 100 units.

Codenamed "8VK19 V6M", it was based on a Commodore S and was featured [[Sydney Opera House]]-inspired decals on the front guards as well as HSV add-ons that included a SV3800 body kit and Momo steering wheel. It was available only painted in ''Alpine White''.

It was part of the long-running Sydney-only Opera House models.<ref>{{Cite web|title=streetcommodores.com|url=http://forum.streetcommodores.com/showthread.php?t=8530130|access-date=2021-10-02|website=forum.streetcommodores.com|language=en}}</ref>

An unrelated version, known only as LE, was released in April 1991 with a limited number of cars available nationwide.

<gallery widths="200px" heights="120px"> File:1991 Holden Commodore (VN) LE sedan (2016-01-04) 01.jpg | Holden Commodore LE sedan File:1991 Holden Commodore (VN) LE sedan (2016-01-04) 02.jpg | Holden Commodore LE sedan </gallery>

=== Commodore LS === This limited edition was released in July 1991 and totalled 300 sedans for Australia (sold for $28,990) plus 130 sedans and 20 wagons for export to New Zealand, powered by the base 3.8-litre V6 engine.

It was the last released and cheapest VN Commodore, coinciding with the then imminent launch of the [[Ford Falcon (EB)]]. Reportedly, at least one Australian sedan was fitted with a 5.0-Litre V8 engine and although no LS wagons were released in Australia, an enhancement pack was made available as an optional on any Commodore wagon.

Its interior features a Calais steering wheel, HSV retrimmed seats with matching Statesman striped velour inserts in seats and diagonal pattern door trims as part of the optional "Power Pack" (fitted as standard on the Calais). Externally, the car was available painted either ''Atlas Grey'' or ''Imperial Blue'' over ''Asteroid Silver'' two tone paint scheme, SV3800 body kit, body coloured boot garnish, smoked tail light lenses, LS decals on rear of front wheel arches, HSV logo moulded into driver side rear spoiler and Commodore LS decals on passenger side rear spoiler. The wheels consisted of HSV Sports Equipment alloy rims with 7 pairs of silver spokes forming a star pattern with recessed center HSV badge and wheel nuts.

=== Commodore Challenger === This limited edition of 50 sedans was available between June 1990 and June 1991 exclusively for the Holden dealer group in Canberra.

Codenamed "8VK19 A9W", it was based on a Commodore Executive but upgraded to the S pack. In addition to body-coloured wheel covers, bumper bars and bonnet garnish the car also featured the HSV 8 Plus grille, SV3800 red and silver pin stripes and Challenger decal pack on driver's side of the bootlid and trailing edges of rear doors below the body mouldings. It was only available in ''Alpine White'' and the interior featured a black Calais steering wheel, rear headrests and Challenger badge in dash pad.

=== Commodore GTS === [[File:Holden Commodore GTS (1988-1991 VN series) 05.jpg|thumb|right|Holden Commodore GTS]] The GTS of early 1990 was a limited run of 510 units for the New Zealand market. Powered by the base 3.8-Litre V6 engine it was based on the Executive model but featured upgrades including a body kit, 5-spoke alloy wheels and FE2 sports suspension (with upgraded springs and stabiliser bar for the front end and gas filled shocks absorbers at the back), larger front brake discs and master brake cylinder. The front suspension geometry was also modified to lower ride height by 35 mm for improved road handling. Inside, the car had power windows, central locking, electric antenna and four speaker radio cassette sound system. Suggested retail was $35,995 GTS and $37,295 GTS for the manual and automatic versions, respectively. It was available painted ''Vivid White'' or ''GTS Blue'' metallic (in Australia, ''Alpine White'' or ''Imperial Blue'').<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vn gts|url=https://forums.justcommodores.com.au/threads/vn-gts.81863/|access-date=2021-10-02|website=Just Commodores|date=29 September 2008 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Commodore DMG 90 === This limited edition of 50 units was exclusively made available to the Holden dealer group of Queensland, for sale at the Brisbane Motor Show in April 1990. DMG stands for "Dealer Marketing Group" who commissioned the model, but they were built by HSV and then sold through Holden (not HSV) dealerships. They are a standalone HSV model, recognised as such, and wear HSV ID. However, they basically a parts-bin special.

DMG 90 was akin to a V6 Clubsport but was based on the Commodore S pack and featured: ''Alpine White'' paint; SV 3800 bodykit; [[Holden Commodore (VL)|VL Calais]] 15-inch alloys; Commodore SS brakes; FE2 suspension with strengthened Panhard rod and wider front track; strengthened boot; front and rear power windows and power mirrors; air conditioning; power steering with Momo wheel; 3.8-litre V6 engine with extractors and big bore exhaust system.

=== Commodore BT1 (police pack) === [[File:SA Police highway patrol 80s car - 2008 Norwood Christmas Pagent (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Holden Commodore BT1, police pack]]

The Commodore BT1 was a special pack for the VN Commodore that was available to the Australian and New Zealand police forces. They were based on the Executive and were fitted with either the 3.8 V6 or 5.0-litre V8.

The features of this model superseded and added to those of the donor Executive model. Although the pack varied by police force, they were commonly fitted with: * 3.8-litre V6 or 5.0-litre {{convert|165|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} V8 engines * Engine tuning stage 5 * Extractors * Larger capacity V8 fuel tank * 15x6 steel wheels with centre caps * 4-speed automatic transmission * FE2 sports suspension * Oil sump protector * Unique instrument cluster with 200 km/h speedometer * Unique interior lighting * SS exhaust pack * Transmission cooler * Automatic gear selector allows selection of "2" without use of shift lock button * larger 22mm wheel nuts (larger tyre iron supplied with vehicle).

== HSV range == {{see also|Holden Special Vehicles}}

[[File:1988-91 VN SS Group A 302 made==.JPG|thumb|Holden Commodore SS Group A SV]] [[File:1988-91 VN Clubsport==.JPG|thumb|HSV Clubsport]]

The enhanced performance VN range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) comprised the following models (including VQ and VG): * SV3800 – 1988 onwards * SV89 – 200 built March 1989 – July 1989 * SV90 Statesman – 135 built July 1990 – September 1991 * SV91 – 1 built April 1991 * SV100 – unknown * SV6 – 64 built April 1989 – May 1991 * SV LE – 110 sedans August 1989 – September 1989; 80 wagons August 1989 – January 1990 * SV5000 – 359 built September 1989 – August 1991 * LE – 100 built October 1989 – January 1990 * Plus 8 – 80 built March 1990 – April 1990 * DMG 90 – 50 built April 1990 * T30 – 30 built June 1990; 10 built May 1991 – July 1991 * Challenger – 50 built June 1990 * Club Sport – 410 built June 1990 – August 1991 * Holden Commodore SS Group A SV – 302 Built November 1990 – March 1991 * + Six – 1991 100 built March 1991 – August 1991 * Statesman 5000i – 8 Built May 1991 * LS – 450 built July 1991 – September 1991 * LS Utility – (VG and VP) 54 built September 1991 – June 1993 * Maloo – 132 built October 1990 – April 1993

===Commodore SS Group A SV=== The SS Group A SV was a [[Homologation (motorsport)|racing homologation special]] based on the VN Commodore SS. Built at the [[Holden Elizabeth Plant]], it was extensively modified at [[Clayton, Victoria]] by [[Holden Special Vehicles]]. It was powered by a {{convert|215|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} 4.9 litre [[Holden V8 engine]], which was mated to a six-speed [[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] S6-40 [[manual transmission]]. All were painted maroon.

The SS Group A SV was built specifically so a racing optimised version of the Commodore to be raced in [[Group A]] touring car motor racing. The regulations set down by [[Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile|FISA]] required a minimum of 500 road-going versions. Only 302 were produced after Holden indicated it would struggle to sell 500, with the [[Motorsport Australia|Confederation of Australian Motor Sport]] giving Holden dispensation to race the car.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20000823225316/http://www.hsv.com.au/cars/classics/hsv12pp.pdf The HSV Classic Programme] [[Holden Special Vehicles]]</ref><ref>Group A killed ''[[Auto Action]]'' issue 527 21 June 1991 page 3</ref>

=== Clubsport === {{main article|Holden Special Vehicles ClubSport}} The VN Series HSV Clubsport was released in June 1990<ref>Norm Darwin, 100 Years of GM in Australia, 2002, page 337</ref> and was based on the VN Commodore. It was offered as a four-door sedan with a {{convert|180|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} 5.0-litre Holden V8 engine.

=== Maloo === {{main article|Holden Utility (VG)#Maloo}}

=== Special editions === In addition to the above mainstream models, HSV also built the following special editions and prototype, respectively:

;SV LE Limited edition V8 model from August 1989. 110 sedans were built until September 1989, and 80 wagons until January 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HSV |url=http://www.dangerfieldonline.com/hsn/HSV.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107163347/http://www.dangerfieldonline.com/hsn/HSV.asp |archive-date=7 January 2016 |access-date=10 August 2016 |publisher=National Holden Production Number Register}}</ref>

;Convertible prototype Built in 1989 as a feasibility study—and bearing the eventual front styling of the [[Holden Commodore (VP)|VP series]]—this car never made it into production and is now displayed at the National Holden Motor Museum in Echuca, Victoria.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holden: The collector's museum |url=https://www.mynrma.com.au/living-well-navigator/getting-around/holden-the-collectors-museum.htm |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518124524/https://www.mynrma.com.au/living-well-navigator/getting-around/holden-the-collectors-museum.htm |archive-date=18 May 2015 |publisher=[[NRMA]] |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

== Motorsport ==

=== Group A === [[File:Holden Commodore VN Grice Promotional Car (16153846837).jpg|thumb|right|Holden VN Commodore SS Group A SV]] Group A regulations governed many touring car series between the 1980s and 1990s including in [[Australian Touring Car Championship|Australia]], [[New Zealand Touring Car Championship|New Zealand]], [[British Touring Car Championship|Great Britain]], [[Japanese Touring Car Championship|Japan]], [[Italian Touring Car Championship|Italy]], [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft|Germany]] and the [[European Touring Car Championship]] as well as the one-off [[1987 World Touring Car Championship]] as well as significant races like the [[Bathurst 1000]], [[Spa 24 Hours]] and the [[RAC Tourist Trophy]].

The arrival of the Commodore SS Group A SV, coincided with the return of former Holden racing driver, [[Peter Brock]], for the first time since their acrimonious split in 1987. Brock teamed with former three time Bathurst co-winner and [[Holden Dealer Team|HDT]] driver, [[Larry Perkins]] and [[Perkins Engineering|his team]] for the first time since 1985 to run two cars under Brock's [[Mobil]] sponsorship. The team formed a two-pronged attack by Holden, which also comprised [[Holden Racing Team]] led by British driver [[Win Percy]].

Engine outputs of this race car produced approximately {{convert|388|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}}, enabling it to reach {{Convert|300|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} with suitable gearing. It was also equipped with a specially homologated Holinger six-speed transmission, and their homologated racing weight was {{convert|1250|kg|lb||abbr=on}}, down from the VL SV's {{convert|1325|kg|lb||abbr=on}}.

The SS Group A SV — as was the rest of the field that included [[Ford Sierra RS500]] and the [[E30 M3|BMW M3 Evolution]] teams — was outclassed in the 1991 ATCC by the [[Gibson Motorsport]] built [[Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R]]' of reigning champion [[Jim Richards (racing driver)|Jim Richards]] and his teammate, [[Mark Skaife]]. Major complaints by Holden drivers included that the VN SS Group A SV lacked [[downforce]] compared to the VL series SV. Reportedly, this was a consequence of Holden demanding that the car be more eye pleasing to its predecessor, which was given various nicknames including the "[[Holden Commodore (VL)#Commodore SS Group A SV|plastic pig]]". While the car had a better [[aerodynamic drag]] and was significantly faster in a straight line than the VL (at Bathurst that year, Brock recorded {{Convert|278|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} in the Tooheys Top 10 runoff, and aided by a tow from the Sierra of [[Dick Johnson (racing driver)|Dick Johnson]] was recorded at {{Convert|282|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} in the race compared to around {{Convert|270|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} for the VL the year before), it was slower through the corners due to the lack of downforce. This meant that while lap times at most of the shorter ATCC tracks stayed almost the same as with the VL, the VN's were actually slower at Bathurst by around two seconds, though in fairness the VL series had 3 years development compared to less than 1 year for the VN.

Brock gave the VN its only win in Group A racing when he won the opening heat of the first round of the [[1992 Australian Touring Car Championship]] at Amaroo Park in Sydney, though both he and HRT were again uncompetitive during the season to the point that the leading Holden runner became Larry Perkins running a privately entered VL model. In September 1992 the VN was replaced as Holden's front line touring car for [[Sandown 500|Sandown]] and [[1992 Tooheys 1000|Bathurst]] by its [[Holden VP Commodore|VP series]] successor. Brock's [[Advantage Racing|team]] was the only top team to run the VN Group A in the endurance races as the team's second car driven by [[Andrew Miedecke]] and Troy Dunston. The VN continued to be used by various privateers in [[1993 Australian Touring Car season|1993]] and [[1994 Australian Touring Car season|1994]] and last raced in the [[1994 Australian Touring Car Championship]] by long time Holden running Sydney-based privateer, Terry Finnigan.

=== AUSCAR === The VN model was introduced to [[Bob Jane]]'s [[Australian Stock Car Auto Racing|AUSCAR]] category in the 1990/91 season. AUSCAR was based on America's [[NASCAR]] [[stock car racing]], with the major differences being that the cars were based on the Holden Commodore and [[Ford Falcon (Australia)|Ford Falcon]] road cars and were not pure [[space frame]] chassis like NASCAR. AUSCAR's also ran smaller V8 engines (5.0 L compared to 6.0 L) which developed less power, and as the cars are right hand drive, raced [[clockwise]] on the ovals tracks (the Jane owned [[Calder Park Thunderdome]] and the ½ mile Speedway Super Bowl at the [[Adelaide International Raceway]]) whereas the NASCAR's being left hand drive raced [[anticlockwise]]. The theory being that the driver was positioned on the side of the car that was furthest from the outside wall. Also unlike NASCAR, AUSCAR's used a control tyre with tread that was more like a road tyre than a pure [[Slick tyre|racing slick]].

The VN was instantly successful in AUSCAR racing and was soon a popular choice as a replacement for the older [[Holden VK Commodore|VK]] and [[Holden VL Commodore|VL]] models. [[Albury]] based touring car driver [[Brad Jones (racing driver)|Brad Jones]] won three straight Australian championships driving his [[Brad Jones Racing|CooperTools Racing]] VN Commodore in 1990/91, 1991/92 and 1992/93.

=== NASCAR === A VN model Commodore was also developed for [[NASCAR in Australia|NASCAR]] racing in Australia. Bob Jane, wanting local involvement from Holden ([[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] was already represented with the American [[Ford Thunderbird (tenth generation)|Thunderbird]] model), pushed development of a left hand drive VN. Highly respected [[Roadways Racing]] chief mechanic Les Small developed the car which [[Allan Grice]] drove to a number of race wins in 1990 at both the Calder Thunderdome and Adelaide. The VN used a 358-cubic-inch (6.0 L) [[Chevrolet small-block engine (first- and second-generation)|Chevrolet]] engine such as used in the [[Chevrolet Monte Carlo]], [[Chevrolet Lumina]] and [[Pontiac Grand Prix]] NASCAR's.

Bob Jane had hoped to take the VN NASCAR for Grice to the [[United States]] to race in the [[NASCAR]]'s [[Winston Cup]] series, but a fallout between himself as the sanctioning body in Australia, and NASCAR in the USA saw the VN remain in Australia. However, Bob Jane's dream of bringing a Commodore to race in NASCAR in the United States would come into fruition in 2013 with NASCAR's premiership, as General Motors made the decision to use a [[Holden Commodore (VF)|VF Commodore]] for the series in the United States, as the VF is sold in the United States as a niche market performance sedan known to Americans as the Chevrolet SS.

== Notes and references == {{reflist|30em}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20061102074154/http://hh.hansenits.com/model/v/vn_commodore.html Holden Model History – Holden Commodore / Calais – VN Series 17 August 1988 – October 1991] * [http://home.iprimus.com.au/jshiong/thecars.htm#vn The Commodore Info Page – Holden Commodore / Calais – VN Series 17 August 1988 – October 1991] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813151844/http://home.iprimus.com.au/jshiong/thecars.htm#vn |date=13 August 2022 }} * [http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/index.html The Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive – VN Commodore / Calais] * [http://www.users.on.net/~%20nweber/commodore/vn/vn-specs.html The Unofficial Holden Commodore Archive – VN Commodore / Calais Specifications] * [http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_holden_commodore_vn.htm Unique Cars and Parts: Holden Commodore VN]

[[Category:Cars introduced in 1988]] [[Category:Cars discontinued in 1991]] [[Category:Cars of Australia]] [[Category:Cars of China]] [[Category:Holden Commodore|VN]] [[Category:Full-size vehicles]] [[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]] [[Category:Coupé utilities]] [[Category:Sedans]] [[Category:Station wagons]]  [[Category:1990s cars]] [[Category:Cars of New Zealand]]