YOU have to cast your mind back to late 1978, when the Opel-derived VB Commodore SL/E broke cover, to recall another time when a Holden sedan so comprehensively blitzed its imported rivals on so many fronts. Remember how sophisticated it looked against the XC Fairmont GXL and CM Chrysler Regal SE of the day? The difference today is that the VE Calais V Series sedan is accomplished enough to actually be exported, be priced on a more even footing to its European, Japanese and American competition, and still come up trumps. Of course, a V8 engine is out of step with today’s environmental concerns, and quality control questions remain, but if it is a world-class Australian sports/luxury sedan that you want, look no further than the VE Commodore with all the bells and whistles.

Holden VZ Calais V8
Released: August 2004
Ended: July 2006
Family Tree: CommodoreThe last of the VT Commodore-based Calais series was released with two V8 engine choices. The first was with the 235kW/465Nm 5.7-litre Gen III V8 unit, until Euro III anti-pollution laws forced Holden to switch to the new 260kW/510Nm 6.0-litre Gen IV V8. Both were mated to a four-speed auto in this Calais application. Performance and (relative) fuel economy are strong points, partly to due to the Calais’ low mass, but the ancient rear suspension and 1978 VB Commodore-derived platform placed the VZ models behind their BA Falcon equivalents.
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