Review: HSV VX Senator (2000-02)

HSV VX.I Senator (2000-01)

Overview

Released in September 2000, the HSV VX Series I (VX.I) Senator was a rear-wheel drive, performance sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the VX Senator was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed T56 manual or four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission. In April 2000, the limited-run Senator 300 was released

Compared to the VT Senator , the VX ClubSport was more refined due to the introduction of a dual-damper drive shaft with rubber couplings and foam-filled B pillars.

LS1 and C4B engines

For the Senator Signature, the all-aluminium 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. For the VX Senator, the engine was fitted with a redesigned inlet manifold, fuel injectors and reprogrammed engine management software for a flatter torque curve. Although calibrated to run on 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (PULP), the LS1 engine could also run on 91 RON unleaded petrol with a small loss in power.

For the Senator 300, the aluminium 5.7-litre C4B pushrod V8 engine was developed by Callaway and featured a big bore CNC billet-machined throttle body, cast steel roller rocker arms, roller cam followers, titanium valve spring retainers, stainless steel valves, CNC-ported heads, a high-volume exhaust system and a compression ratio of 9.95:1. The C4B engine was solely available with a heavy-duty six-speed T56 manual transmission. 

Dimensions and suspension

The VX Senator was 4937 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2789 mm long wheelbase.

The VX.I Senator had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms. For the Senator 300, however, HSV’s multi-link rear suspension included toe control links to reduce camber changes over uneven surfaces and provide more even tyre wear. 

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VX.I Senator included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Brakes

The VX Senator Signature had 296 mm by 28 mm ventilated front discs with twin piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear discs with single piston calipers.

The Senator 300, however, had 343 mm by 32 mm front and 315 mm by 18 mm rear cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs with four-piston calipers (front and rear).

Features: Senator Signature

Standard features for the Senator Signature included 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 ZR17 Bridgestone tyres, eight speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats with an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer and an immobiliser. The Senator was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

Features: Senator 300

The Senator 300 was distinguished by its 18-inch ten-spoke ‘Chrome Shadow’ alloy wheels, eight-way power adjustable front seats, Shale leather seats, rear parking sensors and a woodgrain instrument surround.

HSV VX.II Senator (2001-02)

Overview

Released in September 2001, the VX Series II (VX.II) Senator introduced HSV’s multi-link independent rear suspension which had revised rear control arm assemblies, toe-control links for more even tyre wear and safer handling over uneven surfaces, and a larger rear anti-roll bar. Other changes included the fitment of Bridgestone S03 high performance tyres as standard and the application of DataDot security identifiers to components throughout the vehicle.

The Senator 300 was not continued for the VX.II Senator range as it was effectively replaced by the SV300 . Visually, the VX.II Senator could be identified by its black headlight bezels, new indicator stalks, instrument graphics and chrome interior door handles.

Safety equipment and features

Standard safety equipment and features for the VX.II Senator were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VX Senator
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VX Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VX/VU