Review: HSV VS Senator (1995-97)

HSV VS.I Senator (1995-96)

Overview

Released in May 1995, the HSV VS Series I (VS.I) Senator was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the Senator 185i and 215i were powered by 5.0- and 5.7-litre V8 petrol engines, respectively. While the Senator 185i was available with a four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission or a Borg-Warner T5 manual transmission, the Senator 215i was offered with either a six-speed Borg Warner T56 manual transmission or a four-speed Borg Warner automatic unit. The VS Senator was based on the Holden VS Commodore Berlina , but fitted with rear seats from the VS Statesman .

5.0- and 5.7-litre V8 engines

For the Senator 185i, the 5.0-litre V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 77.8 mm stroke, two valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 8.4:1, GM-Delco engine management system, Bosch electronic ignition and a cold air intake. The Senator 215i, however, had a stroked version of this engine – with a capacity of 5.7-litre – which had an 11 mm longer Harrop crankshaft, flat-top pistons and a unique flywheel, valves and valve springs. 

Dimensions and suspension

The VS Senator was 4861 mm long, 1794 mm wide, 1403 mm tall and had a 2731 mm long wheelbase. Compared to the VR Senator , the VS Senator could be identified by its triple-slat grille which extended over the front bumper.

The VS Senator had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the HSV VS.I Senator included a driver’s airbag and ABS.

Brakes

The standard braking package for the HSV VS Senator consisted of 289 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs and 279 mm by 10.7 mm solid rear discs. The 215i (‘Stroker’) variants, however, had 328 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 280 mm by 20 mm vented rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the HSV VS.I Senator included 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, Devenish front seats with Roebuck velour trim, 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.

HSV VS.II Senator (1996-97)

Overview

Released in July 1996, the VS Series II (VS.II) Senator was fitted with a ‘Level 2’ sound system head unit, Devenish/Kepple interior trim combination and a flocked glovebox. Standard features were extended to include steering wheel sound system controls and HSV’s Integrated Security System (ISS) which included an immobiliser.

Visually, the VS.II Senator could be identified by its new badges.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VS Senator
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VS Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VR/VS