Review: Holden VZ Calais (2004-06)

Overview

Released in August 2004, the Holden VZ Calais was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VZ Calais was initially available with newly-introduced 3.6-litre V6 and continued 5.7-litre V8 engines.

Engines: LY7 V6, LS1 V8 and L76 V8

Of the engines,

• The newly-introduced 3.6-litre ‘Alloytec 190’ LY7 V6 petrol engine had all-aluminium construction, a forged steel crankshaft, forged powdered metal connecting rods, twin knock control sensors, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), sequential electronic fuel injection, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust camshaft phasing, electronic throttle control, a compression ratio of 10.2:1, coil-on-plug ignition and a dual stage intake manifold. Impressively, ninety per cent of peak torque was available from 1570 to 5870 rpm;
• The 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder, twin knock control sensors and a compression ratio of 10.1:1. For the VZ range, electronic throttle control was introduced for this engine; and,
• For 2006, the 5.7-litre LS1 V8 was replaced with the 6.0-litre ‘Gen IV’ L76 V8 engine . The 6.0-litre L76 engine had similar properties to the LS1 but had a bigger bore (101.6 mm compared to 99 mm) and an increased compression ratio (10.4:1). Although the L76 engine was fitted with displacement on demand hardware, this technology was not utilised by Holden until 2009.

Transmissions

The V6 engines were available with five-speed 5L40E automatic transmissions, while the LS1 V8 engines were available with the four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission. For the VZ range, the four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions were upgraded with new torque converters.

Upon its introduction in 2006, the L76 V8 engine was mated to the 4L65E automatic transmission which was revised with the addition of an input shaft speed sensor for improved shift quality and consistency.

Development and dimensions

At a cost of $189 million, the VZ range was developed in conjunction with the WL Statesman and Caprice models and also introduced new brake boosters, brake master cylinders, power steering pumps and traction control systems. Compared to the VY Calais , the VZ Calais could be identified by its ‘twin spear’ bonnet, new fascias, radiator grilles, larger air intake openings and more compact headlamp designs.

The VZ Calais sedan was 4964 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1450 mm high and had a 2788 mm long wheelbase. 

Suspension

The VZ Calais had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms and toe control links. For the VZ range, a new front anti-roll bar pick up point with ball-jointed mounts (previously rubber bushes) was introduced.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VZ Calais included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, brake assist, traction control, active front seat head restraints, anti-submarining front seat ramps and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Calais models with V6 engines were further equipped with electronic stability control, corner braking control, electronic brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

Brakes

The VZ 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.

Features

Standard features for the VZ Calais included 17-inch alloy wheels with sports/luxury suspension tune (‘FE 1.5’), a six speaker sound system with a six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, power windows and heated mirrors, automatically dipping door mirrors when reversing, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

VZ Calais V6 models were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles, while V8 models had a limited slip differential.

Related links

• Specifications: Alloytec V6 engine (July 2004)
• Specifications: Holden VZ Berlina and Calais (August 2004)
• Specifications: Holden VZ Berlina and Calais (January 2006)
• Features: Holden VZ Berlina and Calais (January 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VZ Commodore