- Powerful 5.0- and stroked 5.7-litre V8 engines
- Capable dynamics
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Four-speed automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
- Poor standard of interior fit and finish
Overview
Released in August 1993, the HSV VR Senator was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Notting Hill, Victoria, the Senator was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The VR Senator was based on the Holden VR Commodore Berlina , but was fitted with rear seats from the VR Statesman . In May 1994, the Senator 215i was released.
In December 1994, HSV relocated its operations from Notting Hill to Clayton, Victoria.
Senator 185i and 215i engines
Shared with the VR Commodore , the cast-iron 5.0-litre V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 77.8 mm stroke, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. For the VR ClubSport, however, the engine had a recalibrated GM-Delco engine management system, Bosch electronic ignition, a new cold air intake and revised exhaust headers (for reduced back pressure).
The Senator 215i and the VR GTS were the first vehicles to be fitted with a stroked version of Holden’s 5.0-litre V8 engine – with a capacity of 5.7-litres – which included an 11 mm longer Harrop crankshaft, new flat-top pistons to lower the compression ratio (for compatibility with regular unleaded petrol), new valves, valve springs and a new flywheel. The Senator 215i was initially available with a six-speed Borg Warner T56 manual unit; from October 1994, however, the Senator 215i was available with a Borg Warner automatic transmission (as used on the LT1 Corvette).
Dimensions and suspension
The VR Senator was 4865 mm long, 1812 mm wide, 1403 mm tall and had a 2731 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the VR Senator had HSV’s ‘Touring’ suspension tune with MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185i | 1993-95 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
185 kW at 4800 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| 215i | 1994-95 | 5.7-litre petrol V8 | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
215 kW at 4800 rpm | 475 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the VR Senator included a driver’s airbag and ABS.
Brakes
The VR Senator had 328 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 280 mm by 20 mm vented rear discs.
Features
Standard features for the VR Senator included 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, ‘Group A’ front sports seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, cruise control, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer and an alarm system.
Both the Senator 185i and 215i were fitted with limited slip differentials, though the latter had a viscous Hydratrak differential that was developed between HSV and BTR.
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VR Senator
- Wikipedia.org: Holden VR Commodore – HSV
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – VR/VS
