Segment:
Large Luxury Sedan / Performance Sedan
Prestige:
Positioned as Holden's flagship luxury sedan, offering enhanced comfort and features over standard Commodore models
Competitors:
Ford Fairlane/LTD, BMW 5 Series (E34/E39), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124/W210), potentially higher-spec Japanese sedans like Toyota Avalon
Interior Appointments:
Premium leather upholstery, woodgrain interior accents, enhanced sound deadening, higher-quality materials
Performance Enhancements:
Often featured more powerful engine options and sportier suspension tuning compared to standard Commodore models
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission (automatic and manual), driveline, fuel system, exhaust system
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM)
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnosis
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems
Component Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and other major component rebuilds
Depth:
From basic fluid checks and replacements to complex engine and transmission overhauls
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on diagnostic connectors and procedures, including OBD-I/II relevant aspects for the era
Engine Code 1:
L67 (Supercharged 3800 V6)
Engine Name 1:
3.8L Supercharged ECOTEC V6
Displacement 1:
3791 cc (3.8 L)
Configuration 1:
V6, 90-degree bank angle, overhead valves (OHV)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 225 hp (168 kW) @ 4800 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque 1:
Approx. 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) @ 3200 rpm (SAE Net)
Engine Code 2:
3800 V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Name 2:
3.8L ECOTEC V6
Displacement 2:
3791 cc (3.8 L)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 200 hp (149 kW) @ 4800 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque 2:
Approx. 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) @ 3200 rpm (SAE Net)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Compression Ratio L67:
8.5:1
Compression Ratio Na:
9.4:1
Length:
Approx. 4950 mm (194.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1780 mm (70.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2730 mm (107.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1600-1700 kg (3527-3748 lbs), varies by specification
Ancap Rating:
Not tested under current ANCAP standards for this era. Based on older GM platforms.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard on certain models
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TC) available on some variants
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player with optional CD player, often with premium sound system options
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control available on higher specifications
Cruise Control:
Standard on Calais models
Parking Sensors:
Not typically factory fitted for this era
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Transmission Service:
Every 60,000-80,000 km for automatic transmission fluid and filter replacement
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 80,000-100,000 km for iridium/platinum plugs
Engine Oil Type L67:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (synthetic recommended for supercharged engines)
Engine Oil Type Na:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Coolant:
GM Gen II Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT-based, often green or orange)
Head Gasket Leaks:
Can occur, particularly on earlier naturally aspirated V6 engines due to heat and sealing issues.
Supercharger Coupler:
On L67 engines, the supercharger drive coupler can wear and require replacement.
Idle Control Valve:
Can become dirty or faulty, leading to rough idling or stalling.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional leaks or noise from the power steering pump can occur with age.
Window Regulators:
Electric window mechanisms can fail due to wear on the regulators or motors.
Australian Car Of The Year:
While the VS Commodore platform (which the Calais is based on) was highly regarded, specific 'Calais VS' awards are unlikely; the Commodore range often received positive reviews and accolades.
Consumer Reviews Era:
Generally positive for comfort, power (especially L67), and Australian-specific design for local conditions.
