A breakthrough Holden that puts advanced international engineering in the hands of Australian drivers. Commodore is completely new, and this has allowed GMH engineers to use the world's latest technology in its design.
Yet because it's a Holden, owners will also enjoy the assurance of service and parts from Australia's largest Dealer network - some 500 Holden Dealers coast-to-coast.
These are the design standards to which Commodore is built. Trim exterior. Spacious interior. Aerodynamic lines. Fuel efficiency, Full equipment. A high degree of finish. Value. Comfort. Quietness. Primary safety and handling. Strength and durability.
In short, function is the controlling idea in Commodore. Every element is engineered to perform its design function superbly, while contributing fully to the total standards of the car. And within these standards, Holden Commodore represents the state of the art in world automotive design.
Compact outside. Spacious inside. The most striking proof of Commodore's up-to-the-minute design is its size. Because people are used to cars that are large outside. Yet cramped inside. So when they step into Commodore, their first pleased reaction is, "Where did all the room come from?".
The answer is, Commodore started with a clean sheet of poper. And the result is a car with amazing statistics. It is shorter than any other popular full size car. Yet, as a result of intelligent design, you'll find just about the same interior roominess as many other full size cars. And Commodore has a smallar turming circle than any other Australian designed car. So manoeuverability in traffic is effortless, and parking is a breeze.
Wind tunnel aerodynamics: Aerodynamics study air flow. And Commodore was refined through years of testing for superior aerodynamic qualilies. Europeon wind tunnel testing revealed, for example, that air resistance in a conventional car could take the major part of engine power at highway speeds. And aerodynamics affect fuel consumption even in city driving. So its important to drive a car with modern, aerodynamic lines. Commodore was designed to cut air resistance considerably below that of a conventional car.
In addition, Commodore's body shape reduces the effect of side wind buffeting. And the body shape plus the front air dam beneath the bumper greatly reduce front end lift at highway speed.
Commodores aerodynamic styling has had a suprising side benefit. Visibility has been greatly increased in the rain (when you need it most) through careful shaping of the vehicle. For example, the slope of the bonnet and windscreen keep the wipers flat on the windscreen even in a high wind. The shape of the gutter on the front pillars directs air away from side windows. The exterior mirror is shaped to do the same. And the angle of the rear window helps keep dust and rain from collecting there, too.
Another benefit of Commodore a clean aerodynamic styling is greatly reduced wind noise inside the passenger compartment at highway speed. And aerodynamics have resulted in an exceptionally handsome body style as well.
The overall shape is cloan, smooth and modern precisely because it is aerodynamic. The sloping front end and short rear deck completely eliminate guesswork in parking and manoeuvering. And little touches like door handles that fit flush to the body and the recessed radio antenna complement the clean lines of the car, and contribute to pedestrian protection.
Air flow is improved, also by the extractor vents directly behind the rear side windows, which allow a constant flow of air through the passenger compartment wilhout the need to open windows. Other points worth noting are the hazard warning flashers and front and rear turn signals. Because they wrap around. they are visible from the side of the vehicle for lane changing. And to protect your Commodore when its parked, the body is completely surrounded by wide protective strips in the front and rear bumpers, and mouldings extending a full 21mm from the body sides.
Engine
Power Output (kW)
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Commodore's MarPherson wet strut suspension has been specially designed by Holden engineers to Australian conditions, It offers excellent ride comfort through the position of the shock absorber in the optimum location adjacent to the wheel to absorb bumps and kep the tyres in contact with the road for fine handling. The shock absorber inserts are of large diameter for strength and optimum effectiveness. And the outer strut tube is a fluid reservoir in direct contact with cooling air. This system underwent two years of development in all weather conditions on Australia's roughest roads and the GMH Proving Ground to provide an Australian MarPherson strut assembly with Holdon durability. In addition, the design ensures that the common problem of shock absorber fade through heat buildup is practically eliminated. Additionally, large compression burnpers and rubber mounts have been built in to isolate vibration and noise fromn the passenger compartment.
Specifically rated coil springs at all four wheels are designed for Australian conditions, to soak up bumps from the roughest roads year after year without fatigue.
Front windscreen pillars are there for visibitity, however, however exceptionally strong for passenger protection. The moulding around the windscreen is aerodynamically shaped to cut out turbulence, and the guttering is shaped to direct rain and dust away from side windows for greater visibility.
Research, indiviually examined thousands of body structure elements, pinpointing areas for strengthening. As a result, Commodore's structure represents a single unit of strength from front to rear for durability. (It is a strong, tight body you can sense the moment you begin to drive the car.) Additionally, in the event of an accident, this structure is designed to progressively absorb impact forces for optimal passenger protection.
The crossflow radiator is designed and tested for Australian conditions, to maximise engine cooling. The radiator and fan are enclosed in a moulded shroud to draw cooling air through the entire radiator area while idling in city traffic, for maximum cooling. In addition, the sealed coolant recovery system retains coolant expelled under extreme temperatures and feeds it back into the radiator as the engine cools.
Rack and pinion steering is an important part of tday's most sophisticated cars. In Commodore, it offers the driver excellent steering precision and responsiveness, good "on centre" feel, and the smallest turning circle of any popular full size car. Manoeuverability and parking are superb.
Ground clearance is a full 121mm to cope with the kids of outback roads where Commodores will drive.
The drive shaft is a two-piece design with a constant velocity centre joint, for optimum isolation of noise and vibration from the passenger compartment.
Safety flanges on both sides of wheel rims help to keep the tyre on the rim in case of a blowout, for safer stopping and directional conrol.
Radial Tuned Suspension: Commodore represents the finest expression of Holden's Radial Tuned Suspension. Because Commodore is a completely new Holden, GMH ride and handling engineers were able to desin the entire suspension system to meet the objectives of a smooth, quiet ride with fine handling.
The GMH engineering team proved Commodore's suspension through thousands of hours of testing at the GMH Proving Ground and two years of driving in city tralfic and on highways and outback roads from coast to coast throughout Australia. The result is a ride which is comfortable, quiet and controlled over all types of road surfaces.
The smooth ride, however, does not in any way compromise handling. Commodore corners with a minimum of lean, is very responsive to manoeuvre and is tuned for neutral steer in emergency driving situations.
This kind of handling results in supeior primary safety — the car's ability to drive controllably round a sudden hazard.
The knowledge that the car can be relied on to handle predictably in an emergency contributes greatly to the driver's sense of relaxation.
So if you find yourself driving Commodore on the torturous dirt road from Coober Pedy to Alice Springs, or sitting in bumper-to-bumper city traffic on the hottest day of the summer, and if you feel a special confidence in your Commodore, thats because Commodore has been there already. It's designed and engineered for Australian conditions.
Commodore's Radial Tuned Suspension includes: Steel-belted radial tyres. Holden designed MacPherson wet-strut front suspension. Five-link rear suspension including Panhard rod. Wide offset 6.00jj wheel rims.
Front stabiliser bar (decoupled). Big coil springs at each wheel (front - linear rate, rear - progressive rate) Large diameter fluid cooled front shock absorbers optimally located adjacent to each wheel for maximum effectiveness. Tuned front and rear shock absorber mountings. Positive static castor - negative camber front wheel alignment. Multi directional tuned suspension pivot bushings (axially firm, radially soft). Large front and rear suspension compression bumpers to provide improved dynamic ground clearance and prevent metallic bump-through. Rack and pinion steering sedigned for "on-centre" feel and steering precision.
During manufacture and assembly Commodore's entire body is subjected to a series of extensive ant-corrosion processes to safeguard your Investment.
Dust sealing is specially developad for Australia, and is an important part of Commodore's high degree of finish. Good dust sealing also keeps out rain and blocks road noise from entering the passengor compartment.
Axle and suspension components are proven strong enough for Australia's worst roads. And that means exceptional durability on paved highways and in city streets where most people drive.
A steel guard protects the fuel tank filler neck from stone damage, while a rubber protection ring protects the filler recess from paint damage when re-fuelling.
Specially rated coil springs at all four wheels are designed for Australian conditions with the durability to soak up bumps from the roughest roads year after year.
Four side jacking points and a crank-type jack facilitate easier, safer tyre changes.
Five-link reur suspension provides opyimum rear axle location for predictable handling.
The fuel tank is isolated from the body for passenger protection in the event of an accident.
Front and rear towing rings eliminate the need to put undue strain on suspension or bumpers for towing.
For child security, rear doors can be "child-proof" locked, so that the doors connot be inadvertantly opened from inside.
The spare tyre is mounted vertically and to the side, providing a spacious luggage area.
Every Commodore is fully equipped, with a high degree of finish and appointments. The pictures below show the exceptional roominess in new Commodore, made possible by its advanced design. The unitised body and frame have been computer analysed for great strength and structural integrity without the excessively bulky exterior of older designs. Interior features to note. The parking brake is mounted in the centre console and is shaped for easy grip and operation. The gear selector handle is also shaped for comtort. Ahead of it is a handy storage tray for coins, keys, etc. The column-mounted central stalk operates windscreen washer and wipers, turn signals and headlight dimming and flashing. Also mounted on the steering column is the hazard warning control to flash all turn signals simultaneously if you must stop on the roadway.
The soft-grip steering wheel is designed for comfortable driving. And Commodore's small turning cirele plus high visibility means easy parking and maneouvrability. All doors feature armrests with built in handles for door closing. Front bucket seat cushions are moulded of full foam, and the seat backs are fully reclining. Front seat head restraints adjust for tall drivers and passengers. Front seat belts are of the inertia reel type and automatically retract out of the way into the centre pillars when released. They also feature an easy release latch.
Commodore SL/E shown, includes luxury crushed velour seat facings, automatic transmission, air conditioning and many other line appointments.
Cushioning in front and rear seats is formed of high resilience full foam, further supported by springs. Through computer analysis the seats are specially tuned to counterect any vibration from rough road surfaces, rather than increase the bounce as conventional seats do.
In addition, each front seat is contoured to hold driver and passenger comfertably in place in corners.
Standard on Commodore SL and SL/E, and optional on Commodore, is a driver's seat height adjustment which raises the seat without requiring and adjustment in rear-to-front travel.
Commodore features exceptional leg room. However, for very tall drivers, additional seat attachment points are thoughtfully built in to allow your GMH Dealer to move the seat travel back an additional 40mm.
Commodore's spacious interior is clearly shown in the pictures.
Commodore's full foam cushioned rear seat provides exceptional rear passenger headroom and comfort.
The front and rear passenger areas are designed for easy entry and exit, with high and wide door openings, narrow door sills and wide foot entrance room.
Previous to Commodore, vinyl upholstery tended to produce a tenacious mist on windows during hot weather. Commodore's vinyl trim was developed to reduce the production of vinyl fog on interior glass by some 80%.
Commodore's heating and ventilation system includes 10 outlets, 4 fan speeds and 2 rear extractor vents, for maximum fresh air and heating. Two outlets demist the windscreen, two demist the side windows, two direct air to the footwell, two send a curtain of air to the rear seat area and two adjustable face-level vents are positioned for driver and front seat passenger comfort as shown. Commodore SL/E features integrated air conditioning as standard equipment.
The instrument panel is glare reduced and is moulded to absorb impact in an accident.
The swing-down glove compartment is an example of Commodore's intellegent design. Rather than the usual recess in the instrument panel, the entire tray may be lowered so everything is visible at a glance.
If you wish to add a child restraint to the rear seat, you will find that Commodore has built in anchorage points for that purpose.
Commodore's energy-absorbing steering column is designed to compress in an accident for driver protection.
Commodore represents excelent value for money. It provides advanced engineering, style, comfort and great handling at a very reasonable price. In fact, every word you've read so far describes this model. And it is fully equipped as well. No other car on the market offers so much at such an alfordable price.
Commodore Standard Equipment: 2.85 litre six-cylinder engine. 4-speed manual transmission with console mounted gear selector. Power assisted brakes, front disc/rear drum. Precise rack and pinion steering. Radial Tuned Suspension. CR78S14 steel belted radial tyres. Pushbutton radio. Electrically heated rear window. Laminated windscreen with tinted upper band. Recessed lock-down aerial. Locking glove compartment. Illuminated glove compartment, ashtray, cigar lighter and luggage compartment. Quartz accurate electric clock.
Trip meter in speedometer. "Fuel economy" guage. Remote control exterior mirror. 4-speed heater/ventilation. Fully reclining front bucket seats. Concealed retracting front seat belts. Armrests on all four doors. Centre console with parking brake. Quartz halogen headlights. Column mounted control stalk for turn signals, windecreen washer and wipers, headlight dimming and flashing. Glare-reduced interior rear vision mirror. Loop pile carpeting. Child security rear door locks. Side visible turn signals. Hazard warning flashers. 14 x 6.00 JJ steel wheels with dual safety rims. Full body side mouldings. Bumper rub strips front and reat. Extensive corrosion protection troatment during manufacture.
Tha control centre surrounds the driver with clear instrumentation and full equipment. Soft-grip steering wheel gives precise directional response through rack and pinion steering, and Radial Tuned Suspension. Intake manifold vacuum guage gives the driver instant metering of fuel usage for more economical driving.
Commodore SL. A new standard in comfortable, confident driving, combining fine handling, efficient performance and a high degree of luxury equipment features and appointments.
Standard Equipment: 3.3 litre six-cylinder engine. Automatic/Tri-matic transmission with console-mounted T-bar control. Power assisted brakes, front disc/rear drum. Precise rack and pinion steering. Radial Tuned Suspension. CR78S14 steel belted radial tyres. Pushbutton radio. Quartz halogen headlights. Laminated windscreen with tinted upper band. Tinted glass all around. Electrically heated rear window. 4-speed heater/ventilation. Cord cloth upholstery. Height-adjustable drivers seat. Fully reclining front bucket seats. Concealed retracting front and rear outer seat belts. Armrests on all four doors. Rear seat centre fold-down armrest.
Assist handles above front and rear passenger doors. Centre console with parking brake. Column mounted controll stalk for turn signals, windscreen washer and wipers, headlight dimming and flashing. Variably intermittent windscreen wiper control. Locking glove compartment. Illuminated glove compartment, ashtray, cigar lighter and luggage compartment. Instrument panel, featuring the rich look of rosewood. Quartz-accurate electric clock. Trip meter in speedometer. Fuel economy gauge. Volt meter. Oil pressure gauge. Dual remote control exterior mirrors. Day/night interior rear vision mirror. Loop pile carpeting throughout passenger and luggage compartments. Vinyl spare tyre cover. Child security rear door locks, Side visible turn signals. Hazard warning flashers. 14 x 6.00 JJ steel wheels with dual safety rims. Chrome wheel trim rings. Full body side mouldings. Bumper rub strips front and rear. Extensive sound deadening materiais. Extensive corrosion protection treatment during manufacture.
Operating controls and full comfort features surround the driver of Commodore SL, while the luxury of cord cloth upholstery, quietness and precise responsiveness add even more to his driving enjoyment.
The ultimate Commodore. From its European design to its high level of appointments and equipment, it is equal or superor to imported cars costing thousands of dollars more. 4.2 litre V8 engine. Automatic Tri-matic transmission with console mounted T-bar control. 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes. Power-asoisted rack and pinion steering. Radial Tuned Suspension. Wide profile BR50H15 steel belted radial tyres Quartz halogen headlights. Headlight washers and wipers. Integrated air conditioning. AM/FM stereo radio with stereo cassette player, Dual speakers, Power antenna - automatic retracting. Laminated windscreen with tinted upper band. Tinted glass all around. Electrically heated rear window. Crushed velour upholstery. Height adjustable driver's seat. Fully reclining front seats.
Concealed retracting front and rear outer seat belts. Armrests on all four doors. Map pockets on bucket seat backs. Front door panel storage areas. Rear seat centre fold-down armrest. Assist handles above front and rear passenger doors. Centre console with parking brake. Column mounted control stalk for turn signals, windscreen washer and wipers, headlight dimming and flashing. Variably intermittent windscreen wiper control. Remote control luggage compartment release. Locking glove compartment. Illuminated glove compartment, ashtray, cigar lighter, engine and luggage compartments, Front spot reading lights. Instrument panel, featuring the rich look of burl walnut and complete instrumentation. Quartz accurate electric clock. Dual remote control exterior mirrors. Day/night interior rear vision mittor. Cut pile carpetting throughout passenger and luggage compartments. Child security rear door locks. Side visible turn signals.Hazard warning flashers. 15 x 6.00 JJ styled cast alloy wheels. Full body side mouldings. Bumper overriders. Bumper rub strips front and rear. Extensive sound deadening materials. Extensive corrosion protection treatment during manufacture.
Detail photographs of Commodore SL/E full equipment: Speedometer with trip meter. Tachometer. Centre parking brake and quick release seat belts. Wide and deep luggage compartment. T-bar auto, 6 position air conditioner control. Wiper and washer keep halogen headlights bright.
| Commodore | Commodore SL | Commodore SL/E | |
| Engine | 2.85 litre six-cylinder | 3.3 litre six-cylinder | 4.2 litre V8 |
| Bore | 88.9mm. x | 92.075mm.x | 92.075mm. x |
| Stroke | 76.2mm | 82.55mm | 77.775mm |
| Cubic Capacity | 2838cm3 | 3298cm3 | 4142cm3 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Power Output | 64kW @ 4000 гpm | 71kW @ 3800 гpm | 87kW @ 4000 гpm |
| Torque | 198Nm @ 2200 rpm | 213Nm @ 2000 rpm | 271Nm @ 2000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual, floor console gearshift | Tri-matic automatic with T-bar floorshift console | |
| Rear Axle | Salisbury type differential. Rigid axle | ||
| Ratio | 3.36:1 | 3.08:1 | 2.78:1 |
| Radial Tuned Suspension | Front - MacPherson strut with specially rated coil springs and wet sleeve shock absorbers. Rear - 5 links including Panhard rod, specially rated coil springs and shock absorbers. | ||
| Standard Tyres | CR78S14 4P/R steel-belted radials | BR60H15 6P/R steel-belted radials | |
| Steering | Rack and pinion | Power-assisted | |
| Brakes | Power Assisted front disc/rear drum | Power-assisted 4-wheel disc | |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | ||
| Wheelbase | 2668mm | ||
| Track Front/Rear | 1451mm/1416mm | 1449mm/1422mm | |
| Overall Length | 4705mm | 4729mm | |
| Overall Width | 1722mm | ||
| Overall Height | 1371mm | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.2m | 10.8m | |
| Ground Clearance | 121mm | 123mm | 121.5mm |
| Estimated Kerb Weight | 1219Kgs | 1224Kgs | 1365Kgs |
| Commodore | Commodore SL | Commodore SL/E | |
| 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes | O | O | S |
| 3.3 litre 6-cylinder engine | O | S | O |
| 3.3 litre low comp. 6-cyl. engine | O | O | - |
| 4.2 litre V8 engine | O | O | S |
| 5.0 litre V8 engine | O | O | O |
| Dual exhaust (V8 only) | O | O | O |
| Locking fuel tank cap | O | O | S |
| Power steering (standard with V8) | O | O | S |
| 15 x 6.00 Jj styled cast alloy wheels | O | O | S |
| Vinyl trim (to replace cloth trim) | O | O | - |
| Cloth seat trim | O | S | S |
| Driver's seat height adjuster | O | S | S |
| Rear seat centre armrest | O | S | S |
| Retractable rear outer seat belts | O | S | S |
| Tinted side and rear class | O | S | S |
| Power operated side windows | - | O | O |
| Central power door locking system | O | O | O |
| Remote control boot lid release | O | O | S |
| Air conditioning | O | O | S |
| Variable windscreen wiper control | O | S | S |
| AM/FM stereo radio/cassette | O | O | S |
| AM/FM stereo radio | O | O | - |
| Power antenna, automatic retracting | O | O | S |
| Full instrumentation | O | O | S |
| Tachometer | - | O | S |
| Remote control ext. mirror - LH side | O | S | S |
| Headlight washers and wipers | - | O | S |
| Bumper overriders | - | O | S |
| Vinyl roof covering | O | O | O |
| Superlift rear shock absorbers | O | O | O |
| Limited slip differential | O | O | O |
Radial Tuned Suspension. Energy-absorbing steering column. Tandem brake master cylinder with split hydraulic circuits. Energy-absorbing sun visors. Electric windscreen washers with 2-speed wipers. Fan boosted heater/demister. Brake failure warning lamp. Parking brake warning lamp. Front seat head restraints. Seat belts for five occupants. Underslung, isolated fuel tank and external fuel lines. Cargo-guard luggage compartment barrier.
