Review: Holden VF Calais (2013-17)

Review: Holden VF.I Calais (2013-15)

Overview

Released in May 2013, the Holden VF Series I (VF.I) Calais was a large sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VF Calais was available with 3.6-litre V6 and 6.0-litre V8 petrol engines that were mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.

Engines: LFX V6 and L77 V8

Of the engines,

• The 3.6-litre LFX V6 petrol engine had all-aluminium construction, a forged steel crankshaft, forged powdered metal connecting rods, twin knock control sensors, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), direct fuel injection (Holden’s Spark Ignition Direct Injection or SIDI), four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake camshaft phasing, electronic throttle control, a compression ratio of 11.3:1 and coil-on-plug ignition; and,
• The 6.0-litre L77 V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, flat-topped pistons, forged powered metal connecting rods, a billet steel camshaft, two valves per cylinder, external knock sensors, a compression ratio of 10.4:1 and displacement on demand hardware (Holden’s Active Fuel Management or AFM) that could shut down four cylinders under light throttle loads in higher gears.

While the 6.0-litre L77 V8 engine was initially flex-fuel capable (i.e. capable of running on E85 fuel which consisted of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol), this capability was discontinued in October 2014 as part of the ‘MY15’ update.

6L45 and 6L80 transmissions

While the V6 engines were offered with six-speed 6L45 automatic transmissions, the V8 engines had six-speed 6L80 automatic transmissions.

Development and dimensions

Like the related VF Commodore , the VF Calais was underpinned by the same Zeta architecture as the VE Commodore . For the VF sedan range, however, high-strength and ultra high-strength Boron steels comprised 49 per cent of the body structure, with the latter used to reinforce the A-pillars and the header which joined them. The use of aluminium for the bonnet, boot, front steering knuckle and tension arms contributed to an approximate 40 kg mass reduction, while the vehicle’s coefficient of drag was reduced from 0.330 Cd to 0.309 Cd by reducing the frontal areas of the wheel arches and introducing a new, higher-sitting bootlid.

Suspension

The VF Calais had double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension with dual lower links (with individual ball joints), a tension link, lateral link and a direct acting stabiliser bar. The rear suspension was a four-link independent system with coil-over shock absorbers, three lateral ball joints per side, three cross ball joints and a decoupled stabiliser bar.

Electric power steering

The VF Commodore and Calais introduced an electric power steering (EPS) which reduced fuel consumption and enabled different calibrations. Like the Commodore Evoke and WN Caprice , the Calais had the lighter ‘Touring’ calibration. In October 2014 (‘MY15’), the EPS settings were recalibrated to enhance on-centre steering feel and precision.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VF Calais included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert systems, Hill Hold Control, Hill Start Assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The Calais V was further equipped with Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning systems.

Brakes

The VF Calais was available with two braking packages –

• For models with V6 engines: 298 mm by 30 mm vented front brake discs with two-piston aluminium calipers and 302 mm vented rear discs with single-piston aluminium calipers; and,
• For models with V8 engines: 321 mm by 30 mm vented front brake discs with two-piston aluminium calipers and 324 mm by 22 mm vented rear discs with single-piston aluminium calipers.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the VF Commodore and Calais received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.06 out of 37. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection for the driver were acceptable. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the VF Calais included 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 R18 Bridgestone T001 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, an eight-inch touchscreen with Holden’s MyLink, enhanced voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free integration, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, a digital instrument display, daytime LED running lights, automatic headlights, a rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, proximity key with remote vehicle start, push-button, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an electric park brake, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Calais was also fitted with an ‘Auto Park Assist’ function which enabled the vehicle to steer into parallel and 90-degree angle parks while the driver operated the accelerator and brake pedals.

From October 2014,

• ISOFIX anchorage points were fitted across all three rear seats; and,
• A spare wheel was fitted as standard, replacing the tyre sealant and air compressor kit.

The Calais V was distinguished by its 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 Bridgestone T001 tyres, a 220 watt Bose sound system with nine speakers, satellite navigation (with full colour mapping, live traffic updated and traffic management control), premium leather seats, heated front seats, a colour head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors with automatic dipping on reverse, driver memory settings (seats and mirrors), and a power-operated sunroof.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden VF Commodore, Calais and Sportwagon (March 2014)
• Brochure: Holden VF Commodore, Sportwagon and Calais (October 2014)

Related links

• Features: Holden VF Commodore, Calais and Sportwagon (May 2013)
• Technical Specifications: Holden VF Commodore, Calais and Sportwagon (May 2013)
• Product Information: Holden VF Range (May 2013
• Behind the Wheel: 2014 Holden Calais V V8 Review

Review: Holden VF.II Calais (2015-17)

Overview

Produced from September 2015, the Holden VF Series II (VF.II) Calais introduced GM’s 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine (detailed below). Where fitted, the V8 engine was accompanied by a bi-modal exhaust with a Holden-designed ‘Baillie Tip’ and a mechanical sound enhancer.

Visually, the VF.II Calais could be identified by its new alloy wheel designs, clear lens tail-lamps and decklid lettering, while new ‘Slipstream Blue’ and ‘Empire Bronze’ paint finishes were also introduced.

LS3 V8 engine

The all-aluminium, ‘Generation IV’ 6.2-litre LS3 pushrod V8 engine had a 103.25 mm bore and 92.0 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, cast-steel roller rocker arms, roller cam followers, coil pack ignition, two valves per cylinder, hollow-stem intake valves, twin knock control sensors, distributorless ignition and a compression ratio of 10.7:1.

Compared to the L76 and L98 engines, the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine had longer bores (103.25 mm compared to 101.6 mm), a stronger block, higher-flow cylinder heads and injectors, hollow-stem intake valves, unique pistons, a more aggressive camshaft with 14.0 mm lift and a revised manifold.

Features: Calais

Compared to its VF.I predecessor, standard features for the VF.II Calais were extended to include heated front seats, an eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat and front seat memory settings.

Features: Calais V

For the VF.II Calais V, models with V8 engines were fitted with a limited slip rear differential as standard; a Performance brake package was also available as an option.

2017 Holden VF Calais Director

Released in January 2017, the Holden VF Calais Director was based on the Calais V sedan. Compared to the Calais V sedan, however, the VF Calais Director had:

• ‘Magnetic Ride Control’ adaptive suspension with selectable settings (Tour, Sport and Performance);
• 20-inch split forged alloy wheels with high performance tyres;
• ‘Floating disc’ front and rear cross-drilled rotors (for a 3.25 kg mass reduction) with charcoal-coloured Brembo callipers; and,
• An engine and transmission cooling package to meet ‘GM level 3’ track performance (like the contemporaneous Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac CTS)

Visually, the Holden VF Calais Director could be identified by its Phantom black roof, bonnet vents, black highlights, unique lip spoiler and ‘Director’ badging. Inside, the VF Calais Director featured ‘performance’ front seats with a heating function, steering wheel gearshift paddles, an embroidered instrument panel, alloy pedals, individual vehicle numbering and unique build option code (‘DIR’).

Production of the Holden VF Calais Director was limited to 360 vehicles.

Holden VF.II Calais: February 2017 changes

In February 2017, the Holden VF.II Calais range was updated. As part of the update, standard features were extended to include satellite navigation (previously limited to the Calais V), while changes for the Calais V included the introduction of ‘Jet black’ upholstery, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, a perforated leather steering wheel as per the Commodore SS-V Redline, ‘V’ sill plates, a new finish for the alloy wheels and ‘Calais’ lettering on the rear doors.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden VF.II Commodore, Calais and Sportwagon (October 2015)

Related links

• Holden Media: Holden Commodore VFII: The Quickest, Most Powerful, Most Advanced Commodore Ever (September 2015)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VF Commodore