V8 Family Wagon Aussie Style - VF2 Calais V
Discussion
Everyone loves a big fast wagon, so here’s mine, a 2016 Holden VF2 Calais V V8. Which is a lot of V, so let me explain…
VF is the series, and 2 means it’s the later, updated version, in fact VF2 is the last of the line for locally built Aussie Commodores
V is the trim level – Calais is a posh Commodore, for Calais V think Ghia X
V8 in this case means a 6.2-litre LS3 with 304kW/405bhp
Right, introductions over, how did we get here? Well I need a big family car for three kids, and have been through a few iterations over the years – this thread covers most of it…
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Most recent was a 2013 Subaru Liberty GT, which was just about the perfect do-it-all-in-one car. But it was getting too small. A VF Commodore was always on the list, and I nearly bought one back in 2014 but wasn’t convinced by the auto box or build quality, and I could cope with something slightly smaller.
This time, the choice was easier, and effectively came down to a VF/VF2 of some sort. A combination of Covid and the recent demise of the Aussie V8 has seen prices go from steady to climbing, to nuts in some instances. And I’d forgotten that the Calais is classed as a separate model, so wasn’t searching for it.
Anyway, search adjusted, test drives arranged, and on we went. I missed out on a couple of SS and SSV Redlines (the sporty, and very sporty versions) before looking at this one.
It had done 106,000km in four and a half years by dint of its life being on the western fringes of Sydney which means it’s a 20min drive to anywhere. I don’t think this car had ever seen a traffic jam, or a passenger in the back. It was spotless, and like new inside. Full Dealer service history, and only a slightly weeping radiator as a black mark.
I bought it quickly. My local indy is ex-Holden and knows and loves VE/VF V8s – he gave it the once over and agreed just the radiator to do. I added a new pair of PS4 as the rears were looking low, and that’s it.
I’ve put about 6.000km on it in the five months we’ve had it, with a large chunk of that being on a 10 day, 2,200km family road trip to Byron and SEQ. Comfy and spacious, the family love it too.
What I also like is that being the luxury version, it looks like an old mans car, yet has the same engine as the SSVR, and I think 2014 GenF HSV Clubsport. All go and no show, the noise of the exhaust and popping on the overrun is entirely out of line with the looks. It has cost significant amounts of V Power surprising various German things at the lights. Childish? Uh huh. Do I care? Nope.
Anyway, I’ll add more as I think of it, and a few photos too.
For a better look at what it is, though, the car in this review differs from mine in only the colour…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN83cD0UIeA
It’s a bit laboured, but does give a good view of the car overall.
And this one has some performance review info and sounds, get going about 2 minutes in…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giSE1qv5GKg&t=...
Right, some pics next...
VF is the series, and 2 means it’s the later, updated version, in fact VF2 is the last of the line for locally built Aussie Commodores
V is the trim level – Calais is a posh Commodore, for Calais V think Ghia X
V8 in this case means a 6.2-litre LS3 with 304kW/405bhp
Right, introductions over, how did we get here? Well I need a big family car for three kids, and have been through a few iterations over the years – this thread covers most of it…
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Most recent was a 2013 Subaru Liberty GT, which was just about the perfect do-it-all-in-one car. But it was getting too small. A VF Commodore was always on the list, and I nearly bought one back in 2014 but wasn’t convinced by the auto box or build quality, and I could cope with something slightly smaller.
This time, the choice was easier, and effectively came down to a VF/VF2 of some sort. A combination of Covid and the recent demise of the Aussie V8 has seen prices go from steady to climbing, to nuts in some instances. And I’d forgotten that the Calais is classed as a separate model, so wasn’t searching for it.
Anyway, search adjusted, test drives arranged, and on we went. I missed out on a couple of SS and SSV Redlines (the sporty, and very sporty versions) before looking at this one.
It had done 106,000km in four and a half years by dint of its life being on the western fringes of Sydney which means it’s a 20min drive to anywhere. I don’t think this car had ever seen a traffic jam, or a passenger in the back. It was spotless, and like new inside. Full Dealer service history, and only a slightly weeping radiator as a black mark.
I bought it quickly. My local indy is ex-Holden and knows and loves VE/VF V8s – he gave it the once over and agreed just the radiator to do. I added a new pair of PS4 as the rears were looking low, and that’s it.
I’ve put about 6.000km on it in the five months we’ve had it, with a large chunk of that being on a 10 day, 2,200km family road trip to Byron and SEQ. Comfy and spacious, the family love it too.
What I also like is that being the luxury version, it looks like an old mans car, yet has the same engine as the SSVR, and I think 2014 GenF HSV Clubsport. All go and no show, the noise of the exhaust and popping on the overrun is entirely out of line with the looks. It has cost significant amounts of V Power surprising various German things at the lights. Childish? Uh huh. Do I care? Nope.
Anyway, I’ll add more as I think of it, and a few photos too.
For a better look at what it is, though, the car in this review differs from mine in only the colour…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN83cD0UIeA
It’s a bit laboured, but does give a good view of the car overall.
And this one has some performance review info and sounds, get going about 2 minutes in…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giSE1qv5GKg&t=...
Right, some pics next...
Edited by PomBstard on Saturday 17th April 09:51
The boring bit...
The fun bits...
Not quite as interesting to look at as V8s of old...
Fully loaded...
A regular sight - I reckon 27mpg on a gentle cruise, and more like 15-18 around town. Averaging about 20-22 or thereabouts...
Though did manage to get the range to indicate almost 700km at one point...
And just parked...
The fun bits...
Not quite as interesting to look at as V8s of old...
Fully loaded...
A regular sight - I reckon 27mpg on a gentle cruise, and more like 15-18 around town. Averaging about 20-22 or thereabouts...
Though did manage to get the range to indicate almost 700km at one point...
And just parked...
PomBstard said:
Knowing the size of my VE's boot, that is a remarkable amount of clobber 
Looks like you got a nice one, as you say prices have really firmed up recently, it's why I let go of the dream of importing a manual one to the UK and got the auto one that was already over here instead!
Look forward to hearing more about it
SturdyHSV said:
Knowing the size of my VE's boot, that is a remarkable amount of clobber
Looks like you got a nice one, as you say prices have really firmed up recently, it's why I let go of the dream of importing a manual one to the UK and got the auto one that was already over here instead!
Look forward to hearing more about it
Thanks Looks like you got a nice one, as you say prices have really firmed up recently, it's why I let go of the dream of importing a manual one to the UK and got the auto one that was already over here instead!
Look forward to hearing more about it
That was loaded with all sorts of crap for the five of us to go away for 10 days, including skateboards, scooters, wetsuits, footballs... I reckon we were probably rolling at about 2250kg
The real shame with the VF though was that the V8 wagons weren't offered with the manual box as had been the case with all other previous iterations. It was the main reason I went with the Sube four years ago - I didn't really get on with the 6-sp auto back then. Its not really much better now, and I'm still occasionally frustrated by the lazy kickdown, though the manual mode works well enough
Knew I’d get the one eventually, just needed to find my own way there
As for fuel, these might be different, but I found various cars I’ve had in the past seem to run better on V Power or Ultimate. Was certainly the case for the Sube and the Golf before. And with the 928 using it too, I just got into the habit of pulling up at the expensive pump. Anyway, it’s going well, and not really any more thirsty than that wretched Volvo I lapsed into a few years ago.
One of the slightly surprising things is that with the power going to the rear wheels only, and the tare weight of around 1800kg, the tyres are only 245 section. More surprisingly is that the suspension set up works well enough that it doesn’t feel under-tyred.
In fact it’s the ride/handling combo that is its top trick. Quite remarkable really that it can ride so well and still handle so tidily. Yes, it’s soft and rolls, but it’s still quite straightforward to drive swiftly, with direct steering and plenty of warning of the rear letting go. Ahem, allegedly...
Much more fun than it looks.
As for fuel, these might be different, but I found various cars I’ve had in the past seem to run better on V Power or Ultimate. Was certainly the case for the Sube and the Golf before. And with the 928 using it too, I just got into the habit of pulling up at the expensive pump. Anyway, it’s going well, and not really any more thirsty than that wretched Volvo I lapsed into a few years ago.
One of the slightly surprising things is that with the power going to the rear wheels only, and the tare weight of around 1800kg, the tyres are only 245 section. More surprisingly is that the suspension set up works well enough that it doesn’t feel under-tyred.
In fact it’s the ride/handling combo that is its top trick. Quite remarkable really that it can ride so well and still handle so tidily. Yes, it’s soft and rolls, but it’s still quite straightforward to drive swiftly, with direct steering and plenty of warning of the rear letting go. Ahem, allegedly...
Much more fun than it looks.
PomBstard said:
Knew I’d get the one eventually, just needed to find my own way there
As for fuel, these might be different, but I found various cars I’ve had in the past seem to run better on V Power or Ultimate. Was certainly the case for the Sube and the Golf before. And with the 928 using it too, I just got into the habit of pulling up at the expensive pump. Anyway, it’s going well, and not really any more thirsty than that wretched Volvo I lapsed into a few years ago.
One of the slightly surprising things is that with the power going to the rear wheels only, and the tare weight of around 1800kg, the tyres are only 245 section. More surprisingly is that the suspension set up works well enough that it doesn’t feel under-tyred.
In fact it’s the ride/handling combo that is its top trick. Quite remarkable really that it can ride so well and still handle so tidily. Yes, it’s soft and rolls, but it’s still quite straightforward to drive swiftly, with direct steering and plenty of warning of the rear letting go. Ahem, allegedly...
Much more fun than it looks.
Yep, I can only assume there was some sort of rule with Holden that all of their cars had to have at most 245 tyres all round, the Monaro is the same. When I first got it a friend and I found it amusing that his 320d came with 255 rears whilst the Monaro had 245s As for fuel, these might be different, but I found various cars I’ve had in the past seem to run better on V Power or Ultimate. Was certainly the case for the Sube and the Golf before. And with the 928 using it too, I just got into the habit of pulling up at the expensive pump. Anyway, it’s going well, and not really any more thirsty than that wretched Volvo I lapsed into a few years ago.
One of the slightly surprising things is that with the power going to the rear wheels only, and the tare weight of around 1800kg, the tyres are only 245 section. More surprisingly is that the suspension set up works well enough that it doesn’t feel under-tyred.
In fact it’s the ride/handling combo that is its top trick. Quite remarkable really that it can ride so well and still handle so tidily. Yes, it’s soft and rolls, but it’s still quite straightforward to drive swiftly, with direct steering and plenty of warning of the rear letting go. Ahem, allegedly...
Much more fun than it looks.
PomBstard said:
The real shame with the VF though was that the V8 wagons weren't offered with the manual box as had been the case with all other previous iterations. It was the main reason I went with the Sube four years ago - I didn't really get on with the 6-sp auto back then. Its not really much better now, and I'm still occasionally frustrated by the lazy kickdown, though the manual mode works well enough
I have an auto VE and it's worth having the box mapped - assuming it's all stock, a map can make it quicker & smoother if done properly.Luis Sola is based in Melbourne but did mine (and lots of other UK cars) remotely... so would be easy enough for you to do.
SturdyHSV said:
Yep, I can only assume there was some sort of rule with Holden that all of their cars had to have at most 245 tyres all round, the Monaro is the same. When I first got it a friend and I found it amusing that his 320d came with 255 rears whilst the Monaro had 245s
I know the SS/SSVR have a staggered set up but even then I think it’s 265 or 275 at the back. Neighbour has got a new BMW 118i with a mighty 140bhp and is shod with 255/35R19 - I don’t think it’ll drift...Janosh said:
I have an auto VE and it's worth having the box mapped - assuming it's all stock, a map can make it quicker & smoother if done properly.
Luis Sola is based in Melbourne but did mine (and lots of other UK cars) remotely... so would be easy enough for you to do.
Thanks - I’ll be chatting with the Indy that I use as he’s ex-Holden. Sharper response and lockdown would be useful - sometimes it’ll drop a gear and get going. Then it’ll decide it needs to drop another - which is then a bit of a lurch. Room for improvement, and it’s one of the few things that irk me about the car so far.Luis Sola is based in Melbourne but did mine (and lots of other UK cars) remotely... so would be easy enough for you to do.
PomBstard said:
I know the SS/SSVR have a staggered set up but even then I think it’s 265 or 275 at the back. Neighbour has got a new BMW 118i with a mighty 140bhp and is shod with 255/35R19 - I don’t think it’ll drift...
I guess one benefit of such humdrum shopping cars having 255/35R19s is the tyre size is much more common and ends up being cheaper for the Monaro to use I've been using the VE to commute again and the auto is fine for wafting around, and at least manual mode does as you tell it. I'll get it tinkered with by Luis at some point, trying to focus my attention on one car at a time at the moment
SturdyHSV said:
I guess one benefit of such humdrum shopping cars having 255/35R19s is the tyre size is much more common and ends up being cheaper for the Monaro to use
Which, if the Monaro goes through its rears at the same rate as my 928, is doubly useful... 
Having said that, it was about AU$1100 for a set of PS2/4 for the 928 a few months ago, which isn't too bad. The pair of PS4 I put on the Calais was, I think, AU$590. Not cheap, but worth it in my book - we'll see how long they last... 
PomBstard said:
SturdyHSV said:
I guess one benefit of such humdrum shopping cars having 255/35R19s is the tyre size is much more common and ends up being cheaper for the Monaro to use
Which, if the Monaro goes through its rears at the same rate as my 928, is doubly useful... Having said that, it was about AU$1100 for a set of PS2/4 for the 928 a few months ago, which isn't too bad. The pair of PS4 I put on the Calais was, I think, AU$590. Not cheap, but worth it in my book - we'll see how long they last... As it turned out, the front PSS were OK, so I just had the 255 rears put on. The (presumably) difference in sidewall stiffness made the handling feel a bit odd (have had this happen before) and so I deliberately 11'd them everywhere, they lasted 2,000 miles
Once they were gone I put the PSS off the front on the rear and the new 245 PS4S on the front, handling restored, although the PSS were so old and hard that it still slid about everywhere, very entertaining
W00DY said:
Love that! A high performance large estate with none of the overly aggressive sporting touches everyone else seems to want on the outside.
Thanks I wasn't looking for one of these, and I'm not a fan of the chrome, but I do like the understated appearance, esp in silver. I can lead to some very childish moments Its only the quad pipes and V8 noise that give it away, and on a gentle throttle even the noise is muted. However, boot it, and the expected cacophony arrives! Along with the TC light on the dash...Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff