Review: Holden VS Calais (1995-97)

Holden VS.I Calais (1995-96)

Overview

Released in April 1995, the Holden VS Series I (VS.I) Calais was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VS Calais was available with 3.8-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines.

Engines and transmissions

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. Compared to the VR Calais’ L27 engine, the L36 engine had a new cylinder block, shorter connecting rods, lightweight pistons, a redesigned crankshaft, new intake manifold, redesigned cylinder head with larger valves and a higher compression ratio (previously 9.0:1); 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 four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions which, for the VS range, were revised for improved throttle response and smoother gear changes.

Dimensions and VR comparison

Compared to its VR Calais predecessor, dimensions for the VS Calais were unchanged: 4861 mm long, 1794 mm wide, 1403 mm tall and with a 2731 mm long wheelbase. Visually, the VS Calais could be identified by its new Holden logo, silver grille insert, upper boot edge and wheel trims.

Suspension

The VS Calais had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension (IRS) with semi-trailing arms.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden VS Calais consisted of dual front airbags and ABS.

Brakes

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

Features

Standard features for the Holden VS Calais included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, velour upholstery, cruise control, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Holden VS.II Calais (1996-97)

Overview

Released in June 1996, the VS Series II (VS.II) Calais introduced a supercharged 3.8-litre V6 engine (detailed below), while the 5.0-litre V8 engine had a new cold air induction system and free-flowing exhaust for greater power and refinement.

Visually, the VS.II Calais could be identified by its 16-inch alloy wheels, sportier front grille, recessed front fog lamps, a slimmer two-tone colour accent, protective lower chrome mouldings and rear ‘Series II’ badges.

Inside, there were new seat cushions with rounded edges, woodgrain-style trim on the instrument fascia and console top (to complement the existing woodgrain door trim), leather-covered gearshift and handbrake levers, and leather trim was extended above the door sill.

3.8-litre supercharged V6 engine

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.

Features

Compared to its VS.I predecessor, standard features for the VS.II Calais were extended to include 16-inch alloy wheels.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VS Commodore