Review: Holden VX Calais (2000-02)

Holden VX.I Calais (2000-01)

Overview

Released in October 2000, the Holden VX Series I (VX.I) Calais was a large sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VX Calais was available with 3.8-litre V6, supercharged 3.8-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 petrol engines.

Engines: V6, Supercharged V6 and V8

Of the engines,

• The 3.8-litre L36 pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. For the VX range, changes included a new design propshaft with dual rubber couplings, a more powerful Powertrain Control Module (PCM), larger idle air control valve, improved idle quality and improved distribution of crankcase ventilation gases between cylinders (for more balanced performance and better spark control);
• The 3.8-litre L67 supercharged V6 engine was based on the L36 engine but distinguished by its Eaton M90 supercharger (which provided boost pressure of 6 psi or 0.41 bar), fuel injectors, cylinder heads and lower intake manifold; the compression ratio was also lowered to 8.5:1; and,
• The 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, sequential multi-port fuel injection, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder, twin knock control sensors and a compression ratio of 10.1:1. For the VX range, changes included a higher-flow inlet manifold, higher dynamic range fuel injectors, new PCM software and improved idle quality.

All engines were mated to the four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions.

Dimensions and VT comparison

The VX Calais was 4964 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm tall and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase. Compared to the VT Calais , the VX Calais introduced a modified B pillar for improved side-impact protection; the pillars were also foam-filled for improved insulation.

Although based on the VX Commodore , the Calais was differentiated by its full-width grille, angled headlights, chrome-outlined fog lights, full-width tail-lights and extended bumpers; inside, there was woodgrain trim.

Suspension

The VX Calais had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms. For the VX range, changes were made to the front suspension lower control arm pivot and stabiliser strut link for more progressive steering response.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VX Calais included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control, front seatbelt pretensioners and anti-submarining seat ramps.

Brakes

The VX Calais had 296 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs with twin-piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear brake discs with single piston calipers.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the VX.I Commodore Executive – fitted with a single driver’s airbag – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 17.14. In the offset crash test, there was a moderate risk of serious head injury for the driver as the driver’s head struck the steering wheel and, on rebound, hit the centre pillar; lower leg protection for the driver was also poor. Occupant protection was better in the side impact test, though the centre pillar and doors were pushed inwards substantially.

Features

Standard VX Calais features included 16-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R16 tyres, an eight speaker sound system with 10-stack CD player (located in the boot), climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, remote central locking with approach lighting, ‘twilight sentinel’ headlights (i.e. automatic shutdown after inactivity), a leather–wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, front fog lights, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, two-tone paint finish, trip computer, luggage net, an alarm and immobiliser.

2001 VX Calais International

In May 2001, a limited-run International edition was released. Powered by the 5.7-litre V8, the Calais International was distinguished by its six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres (235/45), Howe leather seat trim, interior Pewter highlights, custom embroidered floor mats, a two-texture leather-covered steering wheel, ‘Delft Blue’ instrument cluster with satin silver surrounds and ‘Greystone’ metallic cockpit fascia and console. The Calais International was solely available with a Delft Blue metallic paint finish.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: Holden Calais International (May 2001)

Holden VX.II Calais (2001-02)

Overview

Released in August 2001, the VX Series II (VX.II) Calais introduced Holden’s ‘Control Link’ independent rear suspension, with a new rear cross member, revised rear control arm assemblies and toe-control links; these changes led to improved tyre wear and safer handling on uneven surfaces. Other changes included revised suspension settings and steel belt tyre construction for improved handling.

Visually, the VX.II Calais could be identified by its grille inserts with diagonal crosshatching and new rear badges. Inside, the centre console and instrument fascia were finished in metallic silver (replacing the woodgrain trim) and there were new stalk controls for the indicator, wiper and cruise control functions.

Safety equipment and features

Safety equipment and features were substantially unchanged from the VX.I Calais, although all V8 models were fitted with a limited slip differential.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: The VX Series II Commodore, Calais, Statesman, Caprice and Holden Ute (August 2001)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VX Commodore