The Holden VL Commodore is a mid sized car manufactured between 1986 and 1988 by General Motors Holden of Australia. The VL series was the final update of the first generation Holden Commodore architecture, heralding imported Nissan RB Series Engines.

The total build number for the VLs was 151,801.

The VL Commodore represented a substantial makeover of the VK, and would be the last of the mid-sized Commodores. The engineers sought to soften the lines of the VL, rounding off the panels and introducing a small tail spoiler built into the boot lid of Sedan models.

For the VL, Holden implemented rectangular headlamps opposed to the square type fitted to earlier models. For the top-of-the-range Calais model, the design incorporated the use of semi-retracting headlight covers, the first for a production Holden. This had been previously attempted on the never released Torana GTX-R which featured fully retractable headlights. Interestingly the Calais covered headlights were the same as the regular VL Commodore headlights. Minor changes were made to the interior, such as a new dashboard design with some relocated switches and new instrument cluster.

A comprehensive makeover for the VK Black engine was completely dropped in favour of an imported 3.0 litre RB30E unit designed and manufactured by Nissan in Japan. This featured an overhead camshaft (OHC) and an alloy cylinder head. The reason for the Nissan-Holden combination was because all cars manufactured in Australia from January 1987 had to run on unleaded 91 octane fuel. The previous six-cylinder motor was unable to do this, as was the V8, hence the later release date of this engine. As the tooling for the Holden straight-six engine had become worn by this stage, it also was not considered cost-effective to adapt the design to unleaded petrol. The new engines included features such as an Electronic Combustion Control System (ECCS) and a ram-tuned intake manifold.

Six months into its release a 150 kW version of the Nissan engine was released. The Garrett turbo unit was fitted inside a water-cooled housing to ensure longevity. The engine received new pistons which lowered the compression ratio, while an updated camshaft was used to reduce overlap. The allure of the Commodore was quickly established particularly when the top speed was 200 kilometres per hour (124 mph) and then extended to 220 kilometres per hour (137 mph) with the addition of the Garret turbocharger. In addition stopping power for the turbo models was upgraded to larger brakes and Girlock finned alloy front callipers. The Australian Police commissioned the turbocharged models as their "interceptor" Highway Pursuit cars of choice. These interceptors were denoted by "BT1" in the model code on the Body & Option plate attached to the firewall. GM also sourced a Nissan electronic four-speed automatic. Those that opted for a manual, received a Nissan MF5 five-speed transmission, with the turbocharged models received a Nissan MX7 unit.

The New Zealand assembled six-cylinder VLs had the 2.0 litre Nissan RB20 engine six-cylinder as an addition to the 3.0 litre models. The engine was mated with the Japanese Jatco four-speed automatic; the 5.0 litre (4987 cc) V8 remained available in carbureted form with the old three-speed automatic. New Zealand models did not have emission controls fitted.

Previously, Holden had considered discontinuing the V8 engine rather than adapting it to unleaded petrol. This was partly in response to Ford Australia's 1983 decision to drop the V8 in its competing Falcon model. However public outcry spearheaded by a media-driven "V8s 'til 98" campaign persuaded Holden to continue production. Eventually with continual developments, the Holden V8 lasted until 1999, before being replaced by an imported unit.
The 5.0 litre V8 was released in October 1986, it still featured the familiar Rochester four-barrel carburettor, not electronic fuel injection (EFI). Now adapted to unleaded fuel, this V8 5.0 litre was boasting both more power and torque than its predecessor, now at 122 kilowatts (164 hp) with 323 newton metres (238 ft·lbf). GM had fitted the V8 with larger valves carried over from the previous Group A engine.

EFI did however make it's V8 debut in the VL Commodore in the evolution version of the Group A touring car homologation special, the SS Group A SV WALKINSHAW, the car which also marked Holden Special Vehicles taking over as Holden's official aftermarket modifier. With the 150 kilowatts (200 hp) 3.0 litre turbocharged engine being the performance flagship, Holden marketed the V8 as ideal for towing due to its low-rpm torque characteristics. The V8 engine was mated with either the existing three-speed TriMatic automatic, or the five-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual.

The only two body styles for the VL were Sedan and Station Wagon. The first Commodore based ute was the VG, as a variant of the VP. What would an earlier model ute be like I wonder?

Holden Commodore / Calais - VL Series March 1986 - October 1988

Models:

• Commodore SL
• Commodore Executive
• Commodore Vacationer (September 1987)
• Commodore Berlina
• Commodore Series 200 (Special for Australia's 200th Anniversary in 1988)
• Calais
• BT1 (Police Pack)

Number Built: 151,801

Engines :

• Nissan RB20E 2.0L Straight Six (NZ Only)
  Displacment: 1998 cc
  Max Power: 95kW

• Nissan RB30E 3.0L Straight Six
  Induction: EFI Valvetrain: Overhead cam, 2 valves / cylinder
  Bore x Stroke (mm): 86.0 x 85.0
  Compression ratio: 9.0:1
  Max Power: 114 kW
  Max Torque: 247 Nm

• Nissan RB30ET 3.0L Turbo straight six
  Induction: EFI
  Valvetrain: Overhead cam, 2 valves / cylinder
  Bore x Stroke (mm): 86.0 x 85.0
  Compression ratio: 7.8:1
  Max Power: 150 kW
  Max Torque: 296 Nm
  Water cooled Garrett AiResearch T3 turbocharger, different camshaft, new pistons, larger oil pump, detonation sensor, two mode fuel injection system, and pressure relief valve in the inlet manifold. Larger diameter front and rear disc brakes plus Girlock's finned Corvette-style calipers at the front necessitated 15 inch wheels with power steering. Upgraded manual transmission with lower first, second and third ratios, revised automatic transmission minus torque converter lock-up and stronger four pinion differential.

• HEC 4.9L V8
  Valvetrain: Overhead valve, 2 valves / cylinder
  Bore x Stroke (mm): 101.6 x 78.6
  Compression ratio: 8.5:1
  Max Power: 122 kW
  Max Torque: 323 Nm

Transmissions:

5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 3-speed automatic: Trimatic (V8 only)

Brakes:

• Calais, and Commodores with V8 and turbo engines: 4 wheel disc
• Other Commodore Models (no V8 or Turbo or not a Calais): Front Disc, Rear Drums

Fuel Consumption (L6 3.0):

Manual: 11.1 L/100km Automatic: 11.7 L/100km