Review: Holden YE Calibra (1991-97)

Review: Holden YE.I Calibra (1991-95)

Overview

Released in October 1991, the Holden YE Series I (YE.I) Calibra was a two-door coupe. Manufactured by Opel in Russelsheim, Germany, the Calibra was initially powered by naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, though a turbocharged four-wheel drive variant (‘Turbo’) was released in June 1994. The full YE.I Calibra range is given in the table below.

During its production, the Calibra was sold as an Opel in Europe and as a Vauxhall in the United Kingdom.

Engines: C20NE, C20XE and C20LET

Of the engines,

• For models with four-speed automatic transmissions, the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre C20NE engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.2:1;
• For models with five-speed manual transmissions, the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre C20XE engine differed in that it had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.8:1;
• For Turbo variants, the 2.0-litre C20LET engine was a turbocharged version of the C20XE engine. As such, the C20LET engine had a KKK-16 turbocharger providing maximum boost pressure of 0.8 bar (11.6 psi), forged pistons and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. Furthermore, the engine was mated to a six-speed F28/6 Getrag manual transmissions.

Dimensions and suspension

Underpinned by General Motors’ GM2900 platform, the Calibra was 4492 mm long, 1688 mm wide, 1320 mm tall and had a 2600 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Calibra had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.

Design and aerodynamics

Designed by Erhard Schnell, the C20NE-engined Calibras were the most aerodynamically efficient production vehicle with a drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd. The other variants, however, had drag coefficients of 0.29 Cd due to their different cooling systems, underbodies and alloy wheel designs.

4WD system

The Turbo variants were fitted with a permanent four-wheel drive system whereby drive forces were distributed to the front and rear axles by a viscous coupling (integrated into the transfer box). As such, the amount of power transmitted to the rear wheels varied according to difference in velocities of the front and rear axles. Furthermore, four-wheel drive was disengaged – via the hydraulically controlled multi-disc plate – when braking from a speed exceeding 25 km/h.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Calibra was initially limited to ABS. From June 1994, a driver’s airbag was fitted as standard.

Features

Standard features for the Calibra included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, central locking, power windows, power mirrors and a power sunroof.

The Turbo variant was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, leather trim and a rear spoiler.

Review: Holden YE.II Calibra (1995-97)

Overview

Released in July 1995, the YE Series II (YE.II) Calibra introduced a revised range with V6 engines and production was relocated to the Valmet Automotive factory in Uusikaupunki, Finland.

X20XEV and C25XE V6 engines

In the new range,

• For the entry-level Calibra, the 2.0-litre C20XE engines were replaced by 2.0-litre X20XEV ‘Ecotec’ engines which had a redesigned cylinder head for lower emissions and improved low to mid-range torque; and,
• For the new Calibra V6 models, the 2.5-litre C25XE V6 engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder head, chain-driven double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.8:1.

Safety equipment

Compared to its YE.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the YE.II Calibra was extended to include a front passenger airbag.

Features

Standard features, however, were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Opel Calibra