VL Executive
19-10-2022, 08:28 PM
Hi everyone, just thought Id do a bit of a write up as a tribute to the VY model which was first released 20 years ago last month.
September 2022 has just passed, which means the first VY Series Commodores are 20 years old. First released in September 2002.
When first released, it was met with some critisisim about its new triangular tailight design, as well as the sharper new look front and rear design not going well with the old rounded VT era mid section. But these were forgotten after a little while, and many rate the VY as one of the best looking models, especially the SS, Ute, and HSV models.
Engines carried over from the VX, The then standard 3.8 Ecotec V6 was unchanged at 152kW, While the Gen 3 LS1 V8 had its output upped to 235kW and later 245kW in the SS models, Others retained the 225 kW VX spec output. The VY was also the last to have the Supercharged V6, While Good, they are sort of an underrated and forgotton engine these days. Probably because it was never offered with a manual trans, as well as being overshadowed by the big Gen 3. VY was also the last model to have a cable throttle on both V6 and V8 engines controlled directly from the accelerator pedal. Not by the computer and fly by wire like the vZ onwards models. Other technology's like stability control were not on VY. It could be argued VY was the last true "somewhat" old school drivers car with its limited number of electronic driver aids. Which was only really ABS, and traction control.
In regard to colours, Hothouse green is probably the first colour that springs to mind when people think about VY's. Was the hero colour when VY was released. It was sort of a love it or hate it colour. (I like it myself) Well looked after examples in this colour are still a head turner. But there still are critics of it as well. Cosmo purple was the Series II hero colour.
The VY made for a great looking ute as well, especially the SS. Was also a limited run SS wagon spread across the two series. This model also brought back the One Tonner and introduced the Adventra AWD wagon and the Crewman utility which was well received, but many criticized it for having a small rear seat not really suited for adults. Good kids seat though
Still a few VY's on the roads today. Which range from well cared for Stock examples, Modified examples, to the usually old base model V6 runabouts that are just about on their last legs with faded paint, ratty interiors and dented panels but they are still going.
September 2022 has just passed, which means the first VY Series Commodores are 20 years old. First released in September 2002.
When first released, it was met with some critisisim about its new triangular tailight design, as well as the sharper new look front and rear design not going well with the old rounded VT era mid section. But these were forgotten after a little while, and many rate the VY as one of the best looking models, especially the SS, Ute, and HSV models.
Engines carried over from the VX, The then standard 3.8 Ecotec V6 was unchanged at 152kW, While the Gen 3 LS1 V8 had its output upped to 235kW and later 245kW in the SS models, Others retained the 225 kW VX spec output. The VY was also the last to have the Supercharged V6, While Good, they are sort of an underrated and forgotton engine these days. Probably because it was never offered with a manual trans, as well as being overshadowed by the big Gen 3. VY was also the last model to have a cable throttle on both V6 and V8 engines controlled directly from the accelerator pedal. Not by the computer and fly by wire like the vZ onwards models. Other technology's like stability control were not on VY. It could be argued VY was the last true "somewhat" old school drivers car with its limited number of electronic driver aids. Which was only really ABS, and traction control.
In regard to colours, Hothouse green is probably the first colour that springs to mind when people think about VY's. Was the hero colour when VY was released. It was sort of a love it or hate it colour. (I like it myself) Well looked after examples in this colour are still a head turner. But there still are critics of it as well. Cosmo purple was the Series II hero colour.
The VY made for a great looking ute as well, especially the SS. Was also a limited run SS wagon spread across the two series. This model also brought back the One Tonner and introduced the Adventra AWD wagon and the Crewman utility which was well received, but many criticized it for having a small rear seat not really suited for adults. Good kids seat though
Still a few VY's on the roads today. Which range from well cared for Stock examples, Modified examples, to the usually old base model V6 runabouts that are just about on their last legs with faded paint, ratty interiors and dented panels but they are still going.