Review: Holden VR Calais (1993-95)

Holden VR.I Calais (1993-94)

Overview

Released in July 1993, the Holden VR Series I (VR.I) Calais was a large sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VR Calais was available with 3.8-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines.

Engines: V6 and V8

Of the engines,

• The 3.8-litre L27 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 9.0:1. For the VR Calais, this engine had new pistons, a higher compression ratio (previously 8.5:1), more rigid connecting rods, reduced bearing clearances and roller valve rocker pivots – these changes were introduced for smoother running and improved fuel economy; and,
• Carried over from the VP Calais, the 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder, multi-point fuel injection and a compression ratio of 8.4:1.

Both the V6 and V8 engines were available with electronically-controlled four-speed 4L60E automatic and five-speed Borg Warner M39 T5 manual transmissions.

Dimensions and VR comparison

Compared to the Holden VP Calais , the VR Calais sedan was 11 mm longer (at 4861 mm), though width (1794 mm), height (1403 mm) and wheelbase length (2731 mm) were unchanged.

Visually, the VR Calais could be identified by its revised front mask, round rear wheel arches and high mounted tail-lights; the Calais also had a two-tone paint finish. Inside, there was a new dashboard and a smaller steering wheel.

Suspension

The Holden VR Calais had MacPherson strut front suspension with wet sleeve shock absorbers, a direct-acting stabiliser bar and progressive rate coil springs. Furthermore, the VR Calais had independent rear suspension with a semi-trailing arm, double acting shock absorbers, a stabiliser bar and progressive rate mini-block coil springs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden VR Calais included a driver’s airbag and ABS.

Brakes

The Holden VR Calais had 289 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs and 279 mm by 10.7 mm rear discs.

Features: VR Calais

Standard features for the Holden VR Calais included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, velour and leather seat trim, steering wheel audio controls, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Holden VR.II Calais (1994-95)

Overview

Released in September 1994, the VR Series II (VR.II) was a minor update for the Calais. As part of the update, the V6 engines were fitted with a new exhaust manifold (for quieter running); the V8 engines were also fitted with a different starter motor. Other changes included a convex passenger side door mirror and a ‘low fuel’ warning light and chime.

Features

Compared to their VR.I predecessors, standard features were extended to include a speed alert which sounded a tone when a preset speed was exceeded.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VR Commodore