Review: Holden VY One Tonner (2003-04)

Holden VY.I One Tonner (2003)

Overview

Released in June 2003, the Holden VY Series I (VY.I) One Tonner was a two-door cab chassis. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VY One Tonner was available with 3.8-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 petrol engines. Furthermore, the range consisted of One Tonner and One Tonner S models.

V6 and V8 Engines

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; 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 and a compression ratio of 10.1:1.

Transmissions: 4L60E and T56

Both engines were available with four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions, while the V8 engine was also available with six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmissions.

Development and dimensions

Since the VY Ute had independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms, its load carrying capacity was limited relative vehicles with a live rear axle and leaf springs (such as the BA Falcon Ute ). The One Tonner was therefore developed with a live rear axle and leaf springs to overcome this deficiency. Furthermore, the One Tonner was constructed using a part-monocoque and part chassis frame construction with a ‘torque arm’ system which consisted of two vertical uprights at the front of the chassis frame which bolted to the back of the cab.

The VY One Tonner was 5230 mm long, 2047 mm wide, 1507 mm tall and had a 3200 mm long wheelbase. 

Suspension and load capacity

The VY One Tonner had MacPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs, a reinforced prop shaft and rear axle housing, heavy duty wheels and specially developed tyres. As a result, the One Tonner had maximum front and rear axle loads of 1180 kg and 1800 kg, respectively. Gross Vehicle Mass was 2826 kg and, allowing for fuel, passengers, a rear tray and other accessories, payload was greater than 1000 kg for typical work situations.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VY One Tonner included a driver’s airbag and front seatbelt pretensioners; the S variant was further equipped with ABS.

Brakes

The VY One Tonner 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.

Features

Standard features for the One Tonner included 15-inch steel wheels, four speaker 40 watt stereo with CD player, automatic headlights, remote central locking, power mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet in the centre console, trip computer and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the One Tonner S added 16-inch alloy wheels, limited slip differential, air conditioning, contoured sports seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, power windows and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: Holden’s Reborn One Tonner Comes on Strong (May 2003)
• Holden Media Archive: Holden VY Cab Chassis Light Commerical Product Information (May 2003)

Holden VY.II One Tonner (2003-04)

Overview

Released in August 2003, the VY Series II (VY.II) One Tonner was a minor update for the One Tonner. Visually, the VY.II One Tonner could be identified by its circular-design themed jewelled tail lights, while the S variant was fitted with ‘technical’ spoke alloy wheels. Furthermore, peak power and torque for the 5.7-litre V8 increased by 10 kW and 5 Nm due to the fitment of a twin exhaust system.

Safety equipment

Compared to its VY.I predecessor, driver protection was improved due to modifications of the steering column.

Features

Standard features for the VY.II One Tonner were substantially unchanged.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: Holden Adds Refinement Across The Range (August 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VY Ute, Crewman and One Tonner