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| The arrival of the VR signalled
new capabilities for Holden, TWR and HSV. Together they had a huge impact on the HSV
range. For Holden, it meant the first total front suspension revamp since the arrival of
the Commodore. For TWR, its in-house expertise had grown to include world-renowned Ian
Callum as resident design chief who was assigned to imprint a deeper HSV character in all
VR HSV models. For HSV, it was the first time that a range of co-ordinated new HSV models
were released simultaneously, hot on the heels of the new VR Commodore. Nowhere did these
factors come together better than in the new VR Senator. It was a stunner. HSV had
developed two suspension systems and the Senator’s new Touring package exploited the
front end’s new bite while offering a superb, controlled ride over all road surfaces.
Inside, the more intimate VR dash layout was a perfect companion to the latest development
of the body hugging Group A sports seats with rear seating from the Statesman. But it was
Callum’s styling that really hit the spot. In detail, the Senator’s distinctive
front, sculptured side skirts and rear panels were different enough. In profile, they gave
the Senator a distinctive new ground-hugging stance unlike anything else on the road. The
Senator’s contrasting colour splashes added motion even when it was standing still.
The slender spoked starfish pattern alloy wheels are amongst HSV’s best efforts.
Engines included an upgraded 185kW V8 and after May 1994, the Senator could be ordered
with the 215i stroker powerplant. It was not so much what the VR Senator could do - both
versions were faster than their predecessors -but it was the way it did it. The VR Senator
was relaxed yet hugely capable. Its long distance point-to-point capabilities started
where others began to fade. |
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1993 HSV VR Senator
 
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