Holden VY.I Berlina (2002-03)

Overview

Released in October 2002, the Holden VY Series I (VY.I) Berlina was available as a large sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VY Berlina was powered by 3.8-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 petrol engines.

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 VY range, service intervals for the V6 engines were extended to 15,000 kilometres;
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.

Transmissions

All engines were available with four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions which had recalibrated gearshift mapping and, for V8 versions, greater durability.

Development and dimensions

Developed in conjunction with the VY Commodore , the VY Berlina had greater off-centre steering response (through increased torsion bar stiffness and valve revisions), a stiffer body structure (through the use of finite element analysis) and greater refinement with new dashboard insulation, aerodynamic door mirrors and a plenum ramp which deflected air over the windscreen wipers.

Visually, the VY Berlina could be identified by its trapezoidal grille and more angular styling. Inside, there were new Blaupunkt audio systems, a new instrument panel, centre console, steering wheel, transmission lever and park brake.

The VY Berlina sedan was 4964 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm high and the wheelbase was 2788 mm long. Compared to the sedan, the VY Berlina wagon was 84 mm longer (at 5048 mm), 5 mm wider (1847 mm), 95 mm taller (1545 mm) and had a 150 mm longer wheelbase (2938 mm).

Suspension

Like the VX.II Berlina , the VY Berlina had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms and toe control links.

Holden VY.I Berlina specifications
Body	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Sedan, wagon	3.8-litre L36 petrol V6	4sp auto	152 kW at 5200 rpm	305 Nm at 3600 rpm
Sedan, 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 VY Berlina included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The VY 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 , a 2003 VY Commodore Executive – equipped with dual front airbags but not side airbags as per the Berlina – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.74. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a marginal risk of serious chest injury for the front occupants. In the side impact test, protection from serious chest injury was weak for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the Berlina included 16-inch alloy wheels (with 215/60 Bridgestone Turanza tyres), a six speaker Blaupunkt sound system with six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, a power adjustable driver’s seat, steering wheel audio controls, automatic projector headlights, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer, an alarm and immobilliser.

2002 VX Berlina International

In December 2002, a limited-run Berlina International wagon was released. Compared to the standard Berlina wagon, the International was distinguished by its 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, dual zone climate control air conditioning, eight-way power adjustable front seats, Pistachio woven fabric seat trim with leather bolsters, custom floor mats, roof rails, a rear spoiler, Calais fascia (black bezel headlamps, twin fog lamps with black surrounds) and satin chrome interior highlights.