VL Commodore Specifications

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2025-01-21.

Holden Commodore VL Sedan click here for info…

Holden Colour Codes A - L

Holden Colour Codes M -Z

• Years of Manufacture: 1986 - 1988

• Number Built: 151,801, inclusive of

  • 500 1986 HDT VL SS Group A
  • 750 1987 Group A
  • Other HDT and HSV models

• Price at Introduction:

  • Commodore SL Sedan: $13,830
  • Commodore SL Turbo Sedan: $18,381
  • Commodore Executive Sedan: $15,150
  • Holden Calais: $23,540
  • HSV Group A 1988: $42,250

• Models:

  • Commodore SL Sedan
  • Commodore SL Station Wagon
  • Commodore Executive Sedan
  • Commodore Executive Station Wagon
  • Commodore Berlina Sedan
  • Commodore Berlina Station Wagon
  • Commodore SS Sedan
  • Holden Calais Sedan
  • Holden Calais Wagon
  • (Note: The Calais was never referred to as a “Commodore”, hence the exclusion)

• Date(s) of Introduction:

  • February, 1986

• To Identify:

  • Extensive make-over of previous VK model, particularly with new lower front end treatment
  • Wide, slim line headlights
  • Less aggressive, sleeker design over previous models
  • Small louvered grille with Holden badge in centre front position, between bonnet and grille
  • Calais features transparent grille and semi-concealed headlights
  • All models feature integrated plastic fron bumter/spoiler and air-intake
  • Modified lines to boot lid integrate lip forming small spoiler

• Body:

  • Unitary construction (Monocoque)

• Exterior Dimensions:

  • Total Length: 4766mm
  • Total Width: 1722mm
  • Total Height at kerb weight: 1367.5mm (Berlina: 1363mm)
  • Wheelbase: 2668mm
  • Front Track: 1451mm
  • Rear Track: 1433mm

• Kerb Weight:

  • Commodore SL: 1250kg
  • Commodore Executive: 1280kg
  • Commodore Berlina: 1290kg
  • Holden Calais: 1350kg

• Turning Circle:

  • 10.2 metres (Power Assisted: 10.70 metres)

• Fuel Tank Capacity:

  • 63 litres

• Instruments:

  • All Models:
    • Speedometer with integrated odometer
    • Trip meter
    • Warning light cluster for
      • Brake failure
      • Alternator
      • Park brake
      • Oil pressure
    • Analogue quartz clock
  • Berlina and Calais
    • Tachometer
    • Temperature gauge
    • Oil gauge
    • Voltmeter gauge
    • Trip Computer

• 3.0 litre Nissan built 6 cylinder:

  • Capacity: 2.962 litre
  • Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 6 cylinders
  • Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline
  • Head: Belt driven overhead cam
  • Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection
  • Bore and Stroke: 86.0 x 85.0mm
  • Power: 114kw at 5200rpm
  • Torque: 247Nm at 3600rpm
  • Compression Ratio: 9.0:1

• 3.0 litre Turbo Nissan built 6 cylinder:

  • Capacity: 2.962 litre
  • Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 6 cylinders
  • Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, inline
  • Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv
  • Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection
  • Bore and Stroke: 86.0 x 85.0mm
  • Power: 150kw at 5600rpm
  • Torque: 296Nm at 3200rpm
  • Compression Ratio: 7.8:1

• 5.0 Litre V8 Engine:

  • Capacity: 4.987 litre
  • Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylinders
  • Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, Vee configuration
  • Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
  • Fuel System: Rochester Quadrajet 4 barrel downdraft type carburettor
  • Bore and Stroke: 101.6 x 77.8mm
  • Power: 122kw at 4400rpm
  • Torque: 323Nm at 3200rpm
  • Compression Ratio: 8.5:1

• 5.0 Litre SV88 Engine:

  • Capacity: 4.987 litre
  • Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 8 cylinders
  • Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, Vee configuration
  • Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
  • Fuel System: Rochester Quadrajet 4 barrel downdraft type carburettor
  • Bore and Stroke: 101.6 x 77.8mm
  • Power: 136kw at 4400rpm
  • Torque: 355Nm at 3200rpm (dual exhaust )
  • Compression Ratio: 8.5:1

• Ignition and Electrical:

  • 12 volt negative ground
  • Battery:
    • L6 75 min/235 amp
    • V8 90 min/450 amp

• Exhaust:

  • All models fitted with new exhaust system incorporating catalytic converter

• 5 speed Manual Transmission:

  • 1st: 3.321:1
  • 2nd: 1.902:1
  • 3rd: 1.308:1
  • 4th: 1.000:1
  • 5th: 0.759:1
  • Reverse: 3.382:1

• 5 speed Heavy Duty (fitted to Turbo) Manual Transmission:

  • 1st: 3.580:1
  • 2nd: 2.077:1
  • 3rd: 1.360:1
  • 4th: 1.000:1
  • 5th: 0.760:1
  • Reverse: 3.636:1

• 5 speed Borg Warner (BTR) BT5G (fitted to 1988 SS Group A) Manual Transmission:

  • 1st: 2.953:1
  • 2nd: 1.938:1
  • 3rd: 1.337:1
  • 4th: 1.000:1
  • 5th: 0.728:1
  • Reverse: 3.15:1

• 4 speed Automatic Transmission:

  • 1st: 2.45:1
  • 2nd: 1.45:1
  • 3rd: 1.00:1
  • 4th: 0.68:1
  • Reverse: 2.18:1

• 4 speed Heavy Duty (fitted to Turbo) Automatic Transmission:

  • 1st: 2.45:1
  • 2nd: 1.45:1
  • 3rd: 1.00:1
  • 4th: 0.68:1
  • Reverse: 2.182:1

• 3 speed TriMatic (fitted to V8) Automatic Transmission:

  • 1st: 2.31:1
  • 2nd: 1.46:1
  • 3rd: 1.00:1
  • Reverse: 1.85:1

• 3 speed M40 TriMatic (fitted to SV88) Automatic Transmission:

  • 1st: 2.31:1
  • 2nd: 1.46:1
  • 3rd: 1.00:1
  • Reverse: 1.85:1

• Clutch:

  • GMH Single dry plate beleville diaphram spring actuation type

• Rear Axle Ratio:

  • L6: 3.45:1
  • L6 Turbo: 3.45:1
  • V8: 3.08:1
  • 1988 SS Group A: 3.08:1
  • SV88: 3.08:1

• Top Speed in Gears:

  • Commodore Executive 3.0 litre four speed automatic transmission:
    • 1st: 81 km/h
    • 2nd: 136 km/h
    • 3rd: 171 km/h
    • 4th: 175 km/h
    • 0-100 km/h: 11.1 seconds
    • Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 17.8 seconds
  • Commodore Berlina 3.0 litre five speed manual transmission:
    • 1st: 62 km/h
    • 2nd: 107 km/h
    • 3rd: 157 km/h
    • 4th: 186 km/h
    • 5th: 187 km/h
    • 0-100 km/h: 9.2 seconds
    • Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 16.7 seconds
  • Commodore Berlina 3.0 litre Turbo five speed manual transmission:
    • 1st: 53 km/h
    • 2nd: 91 km/h
    • 3rd: 139 km/h
    • 4th: 190 km/h
    • 5th: 223 km/h
    • 0-100 km/h: 7.6 seconds
    • Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 15.6 seconds
  • Calais 3.0 litre Turbo five speed manual transmission:
    • 1st: 54 km/h
    • 2nd: 94 km/h
    • 3rd: 143 km/h
    • 4th: 195 km/h
    • 5th: 218 km/h
    • 0-100 km/h: 7.8 seconds
    • Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 15.5 seconds
  • Calais 5.0 V8 3 speed TriMatic automatic transmission:
    • 1st: 92 km/h
    • 2nd: 145 km/h
    • 3rd: 196 km/h
    • 0-100 km/h: 9.5 seconds
    • Standing Quarter Mile (400 metres): 16.9 seconds

• Suspension:

• Front: Independent MacPherson strut, progressive rate coil springs, wet sleeve shocks, stabiliser bar.

  • Sports Suspension (FE2): Linear rate front springs, revised spring and shock rates. Increased stabiliser bar diameter
  • Country Pack: Revised spring and shock rate, revised stabiliser bar diameter, increased ground clearance, engine sump guard

• Rear: Live axle. Hypoid differential on six cylinder, Salisbury on V8’s. Trailing arm with 5 link location, panhard rod, progressive rate coil springs, double acting telescopic shocks, stabiliser bar

  • Sports Suspension (FE2): Revised progressive rate rear springs, gas pressure shocks. Increased stabiliser bar diameter. Fuel tank guard
  • Country Pack: Revised spring rate, larger shock absorbers, revised stabiliser bar diameter, increased ground clearance

• Steering:

  • SL: Variable ratio Rack and Pinion
  • Executive, Berlina and Calais: Power hydraulically assisted Rack and Pinion

• Brakes:

  • Front: 271mm vented disc with single piston, sliding head and lightweight caliper
  • Rear:
    • SL, Executive: 230mm self-adjusting leading trailing shoe drum
    • Berlina, Calais, SS and SV88: 277mm solid disc, fitted with light weight caliper

• Wheels:

  • Commodore SL, Executive, Berlina Powertech 6 EI: 6.00JJ x 14 ventilated pressed steel wheels
  • Commodore SL, Executive, Berlina Powertech 6 EI Turbo: 6.00JJ x 15 ventilated pressed steel wheels
  • Holden Calais: Styled cast alloy 6.00JJ x 15

• Tyres:

  • Commodore SL, Executive, Berlina Powertech 6 EI: P185/75 HR-14 steel belted radials

  • Commodore SL, Executive, Berlina Powertech 6 EI Turbo and all Calais: P205/60H15 HR-15-SL low profile steel belted radials

    **[![

    ](/movies/holden_commodore/Holden_Commodore_VL.jpg)](/movies/holden_commodore/Holden_Commodore_VL.m4v)**

    VL Commodore
    Truly World Class
    (circa 1986)

    The time has come to re-shape the future of Australian motoring. With sleek styling and an all new alloy-head six with standard electronic fuel injection delivering 33% more power and even better fuel economy, a new four speed overdrive automatic or five speed manual transmission, this is the new Holden Commodore, and everything about it is truly “World Class”.

    In the spacious interior there’s new instrumentation and controls, new seating and an even higher level of refinement, and whisper quiet ride. The performance is smooth and effortless, with Radial Tuned Suspension providing road-holding and sheer drivability unmatched by any car in this class. The time has come for you to drive the new world class Holden Commodore, at your Holden dealer, now.