Holden VX.I Berlina (2000-01)

Overview

Released in October 2000, the Holden VX Series I (VX.I) Berlina was available as a large sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VX Berlina was available with 3.8-litre V6, supercharged 3.8-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 petrol engines. The VX Berlina was the first generation in which the Berlina was released as its own model, having previously been a variant within the Commodore range.

Engines: V6, Supercharged V6 and V8

Of the engines,

The 3.8-litre L36 pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. For the VX range, changes included a new design propshaft with dual rubber couplings, a more powerful Powertrain Control Module (PCM), larger idle air control valve, improved idle quality and improved distribution of crankcase ventilation gases between cylinders (for more balanced performance and better spark control);
The 3.8-litre L67 supercharged V6 engine was based on the L36 engine but distinguished by its Eaton M90 supercharger (which provided boost pressure of 6 psi or 0.41 bar), fuel injectors, cylinder heads and lower intake manifold; the compression ratio was also lowered to 8.5:1; and,
The 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, sequential multi-port fuel injection, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder, twin knock control sensors and a compression ratio of 10.1:1. For the VX range, changes included a higher-flow inlet manifold, higher dynamic range fuel injectors, new PCM software and improved idle quality.

All engines were mated to four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions.

Dimensions and relationship to Commodore

The VX Berlina sedan was 4964 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase. Relative to the sedan, however, the VX Berlina wagon was 120 mm longer (at 5084 mm), 5 mm wider (1847 mm), 95 mm taller (1545 mm) and had a 150 mm longer wheelbase (2938 mm).

Although based on the VX Commodore , the Berlina could be identified by its full-width grille, angled headlights, full-width tail-lights and extended bumpers. Inside, the VX.I Berlina had a black or beige finish for the centre console.

Suspension

Both the VX Berlina sedan and wagon had MacPherson strut front suspension (revised for the VX range) and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms. For the VX range, changes were made to the front suspension lower control arm pivot and stabiliser strut link for more progressive steering response.

Holden VX.I Berlina specifications
Body	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Sedan	3.8-litre L36 petrol V6	4sp auto	152 kW at 5200 rpm	305 Nm at 3600 rpm
	3.8-litre L67 s/charged petrol V6	4sp auto	171 kW at 5200 rpm	375 Nm at 3000 rpm
	5.7-litre LS1 petrol V8	4sp auto	225 kW at 5200 rpm	460 Nm at 4400 rpm
Wagon	3.8-litre L36 petrol V6	4sp auto	152 kW at 5200 rpm	305 Nm at 3600 rpm
Wagon	5.7-litre LS1 petrol V8	4sp auto	225 kW at 5200 rpm	460 Nm at 4400 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VX Berlina included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control, front seatbelt pretensioners and anti-submarining seat ramps.

Brakes

The VX Berlina had 296 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs with twin-piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear brake discs with single piston calipers.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the VX.I Commodore Executive – fitted with a single driver’ s airbag – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 17.14. In the offset crash test, there was a moderate risk of serious head injury for the driver as the driver’ s head struck the steering wheel and, on rebound, hit the centre pillar; lower leg protection for the driver was also poor. Occupant protection was better in the side impact test, though the centre pillar and doors were pushed inwards substantially.

Features

Standard features for the VX Berlina included nine-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, power adjustable driver’ s seat, remote central locking with approach lighting, power windows and mirrors, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, alarm and immobiliser.