10 facts you may not have known about the VP Commodore
The VP Commodore is a minor face lift of the VN Commodore, featuring a number of cosmetic changes. A number of refinements to the engine as well as the ride and handling could also be found.
The VQ Statesman and Caprice continued throughout the VP range.
The VP is quite similar to the VN, but with a number of subtle changes. Most of the changes were to fix
The VP was in production for 22 months (September 1991 – July 1993) with the VP Series 2 released in January 1993.
Cosmetically, the VP had side indicators, a clear grille on the base models and a coloured solid grille on the Berlina and Calais variants. It had new badges and it had a new back panel running in between the tail lights.
Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) debuted the VP as an optional extra. Power windows became standard fitment, although the Executive and Berlina would still have winders for the rear windows.
The VP was the first Commodore to only be assembled at one location (Elizabeth, South Australia).
VP Commodore production totaled 92 860 VP cars. Production spanned 22 months.
The transmission choices in the VP were the same as the VN with the option of either a 4 speed automatic or a 5 speed manual transmission.
The engines were slightly tweaked to produced more power and an HSV enhanced V8 was available in HSV Models:
V6 3.8L 127kW (170hp)
V8 5.0L 165kW (221hp)
V8 5.0L 180kW (241hp) HSV Enhanced HEC
A VP Ute was also available. The VP is one of the first Commodores to really utilise electronics throughout the car. Examples include power windows, power mirrors, central locking and trip computers. All were introduced in earlier models but were usually reserved as optional equipment or as high spec only.
With the introduction of the VP, it served mainly as a minor upgrade to the VN, which was a huge investment for General Motors Holden. As well as introduced Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), it increased equipment levels across the range.