Holden Commodore (VS)

The Holden Commodore (VS) is a full-size car which was produced by Holden from 1995 to 1997 for sedans and wagons, 1995 to 1999 for the long-wheelbase Statesman/Caprice, and 1995 to 2000 for utility versions. It was the fourth and final iteration of the second generation of the Commodore. The range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VS) and Holden Calais (VS).

Launched in April 1995, the VS Commodore served as a mechanical update of the second generation architecture, destined to assist sales before the all-new VT model in August 1997. The extent of exterior changes veered not much further than a redesigned Holden logo and wheel trims. An updated Ecotec (Emissions and Consumption Optimisation through TEChnology) version of the Buick V6 engine coincided with the changes to the engine in the United States. The Ecotec engine packed 13 percent more power, an increase of 17 kilowatts (23 hp) over the VR, cut fuel consumption by 5 percent, and increased the compression ratio from 9.0:1 to 9.4:1. Holden mated the new engine with a modified version of the GM 4L60-E automatic transmission, bringing improved throttle response and smoother changes between gears. Safety features were also improved, with a passenger airbag becoming available.

The utility version of the VS was released in April 1995. The limited edition VS wagon with manual gearbox had a production run of just 300 vehicles.

The VS Commodore was the last of which to be sold as Toyota Lexcens, as Holden and Toyota ended their model-sharing scheme. The last Lexcens were built during 1997.

In June 1996 the Series II of the VS was launched, continuing with the new ECOTEC (Emissions and Consumption Optimisation TEChnology) 3800 V6. It was also offered with an optional passenger-side airbag, the Acclaim (Safety Pack) model being the first Australian built car to offer this feature as standard. Other changes included elliptical side turn signals, interior tweaks and the introduction of a L67 Supercharged V6 engine for Calais and Statesman trim levels only. The new supercharged engine slotted in between the existing engines in the lineup and was officially rated at 165 kW (221 hp), just 3 kW (4.0 hp) below the V8.

From 1 January 1997 Holden's new car warranty for the VS Series II and subsequent models increased to 3 years / 100,000 km. Production of the Series II continued until the end of June 1997, when the sedan and wagon were replaced by the new Commodore VT.

As the new VT did not feature a utility variant among its model range, the VS Series II Ute remained in production after the VS sedan and wagon were replaced by the new VT models in August 1997. In January 1998 an upgraded version of the Utility, the Series III, was released, which was unique in the Commodore's history as it was limited to just a single variant. The new model Ute was identified by Series III badges and clear side blinker repeater lights, and featured a number of interior upgrades.

The biggest change came in the way of the engine, as the Series II's 165kW V8 was replaced by the new 179kW version from the VT, which featured sequential fuel injection. Along with these changes saw the introduction of the SS V8, the first time this nameplate option was available in a Commodore utility. It was basically a test mule to see if it was a viable model to run with in the new VU model to be released. 2 Production runs of VS Series 3 SS utes were done, the first batch of 300 were fitted with the normal 5 litre engine but a second production run in 1999 saw the fitment of the upgraded VT Roller engine. Externally, the SS was identified by an integrated body kit comprising a new front bumper and side skirts, polished alloy rear sports bar, 16-inch versions of the VT SS 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and SS decals. The interior featured a leather wrapped sports steering wheel, hand brake and gearshift knob, and the seats had SS identification. Power windows and air-conditioning was standard, as were the Getrag 5-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, sports suspension and ABS brakes.