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...
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.
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.
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... 
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...Cambs_Stuart said:
That's a great family wagon. I had no idea they existed. I enjoyed the subaru thread so I'm interested so see what you do with this one.
How big are they, compared to the subaru?
How big are they, compared to the subaru?
No plans for this one, except to drive it - its my daily driver, and lives in a busy urban area, with occasional family forays to further places. Much like I did with the Sube!
I put 50,000kms on the Lib in 4 years, and reckon on similar for this one. Depending on how we're going as a family at that time, this might be the last big family car I buy, or just a precursor to the next. Who knows?
In terms of size, its bigger in the rear than the Sube, though closer than you might think, which was the main reason for changing. The recent trip to SEQ showed it to be noticeable. Its also bigger than many others, such as A6, 5-Series, and probably E class. Of the ones I was looking at, only the VF, Jeep GC and Cayenne were noticeably bigger all-round than the Liberty.
On the road it feels massively bigger, and much softer. The Liberty was about 300kg lighter too, and the difference in handling is quite marked. That said, the way in which the Calais gets on with the job is much better, and probably more fun, than might be expected. Just not as nimble.
I've done the back-of-fag-packet calc on how much it'll cost to run, and reckon about AU$50k over 4 years including fuel, servicing, insurance, rego/CTP, and depreciation. Fuel and depreciation are the two biggest culprits, though I'm not sure I've included enough for rear tyres... That's a reasonably big number for a daily driver, but still cheap for what it is, I reckon. How many other 4-5 year-old big fast wagons could you budget to run for 4 years for less than GBP25k?
A bad week for parking and the big silver bus...
Aussie car park spaces are generally bigger than those in the UK and in multi-storey car parks and the like, where the spaces are set out in threes between pillars, I always park next to a pillar, tucked up close so there’s plenty of space for cars on one side and the pillar providing a block on the other.
But some f
kwit still got my drivers door...
It’s a dent and a scratch - will see how best to repair later this week.
And then I got boxed in when parked on the street, which led to a 93-point manoeuvre to get out of the space, but still nicked my NSF rim on the kerb in the process. Grrrrr!!
The rims are the right design for a good kerbing, so I’m sure it was only a matter of time. I think body/wheel repairs might become part of the annual service - it was in such clean condition when I bought it, I should probably put a bit of effort into keeping it that way.
Aussie car park spaces are generally bigger than those in the UK and in multi-storey car parks and the like, where the spaces are set out in threes between pillars, I always park next to a pillar, tucked up close so there’s plenty of space for cars on one side and the pillar providing a block on the other.
But some f
kwit still got my drivers door...It’s a dent and a scratch - will see how best to repair later this week.
And then I got boxed in when parked on the street, which led to a 93-point manoeuvre to get out of the space, but still nicked my NSF rim on the kerb in the process. Grrrrr!!
The rims are the right design for a good kerbing, so I’m sure it was only a matter of time. I think body/wheel repairs might become part of the annual service - it was in such clean condition when I bought it, I should probably put a bit of effort into keeping it that way.
motomk said:
Does it have a full-size spare? maybe throw the scuffed one in the boot.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/143428615196 <<< I have purchased a few parts from this seller.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/114744812976 <<< Think this is a picture of the VF2 SSV wheel but it is advertised as a Calais V wheel with the different part number.
The VF2 SSV has the same wheel but it looks like the inserts are a darker grey compared to the Calais.
Thanks for that lot - might be a case of having a couple of spare wheels, it does have a full size spare and I quite like the design, just way too easy to kerb. But useful link to the seller regardless.https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/143428615196 <<< I have purchased a few parts from this seller.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/114744812976 <<< Think this is a picture of the VF2 SSV wheel but it is advertised as a Calais V wheel with the different part number.
The VF2 SSV has the same wheel but it looks like the inserts are a darker grey compared to the Calais.
Edited by motomk on Tuesday 27th April 04:07
Rensko said:
Nice buy!
Good for you, they are skyrocketing in value at the moment - I'm shaking my head at some of the prices which VF's are fetching at the moment! Will keep my eyes peeled out for it around Sydneytown - there aren't many Calais V wagons around!
Had a Calais V as a rental (though was a 6) - was surprised as to how good the turn in was and how chuckable it was through corners given the bloody size of the thing!
Yep, prices are nuts. When I was looking, $42k was minimum for a V8 VF2 of any variety, and a VF1 was still over $30k. Add some more if you want a colour - lots of white, black and grey/silver but anything else costs extra. Calais V seems to be the bargain, if that's an appropriate word, in that the list price was close to $60k even if noone paid that, but they are at least showing depreciation. An SS for $40k is going to have appreciated in value.Good for you, they are skyrocketing in value at the moment - I'm shaking my head at some of the prices which VF's are fetching at the moment! Will keep my eyes peeled out for it around Sydneytown - there aren't many Calais V wagons around!
Had a Calais V as a rental (though was a 6) - was surprised as to how good the turn in was and how chuckable it was through corners given the bloody size of the thing!
I've budgeted for mine being worth about $25k in 4 years time, at 8-9 years old with around 160,000km on the clock, but that's looking pessimistic right now.
What are you driving and I'll look out for you - a silver Calais wagon will pass right by you without being noticed...
SturdyHSV said:
Prices do seem to be going crazy over there, I was hoping to import a manual VE SS wagon at some point, so more rocking hrose poo, seeing prices rising I just got the auto that came up for sale in the UK as didn't see the manual being within reach any time soon!
Couldn't help myself, I just had a quick look at Carsales - cheapest VF2 V8 wagon is now $42k. In NSW its just under $54k. Just nuts.Any VF V8 wagon is at least $35k, and a VE2 V8 manual wagon is $28k-$35k - which is about GBP13k + shipping.
I’ve often thought I might get a Lexus LC500 when I grow up. I like the looks, and the noise. What I hadn’t realised is just how big they are until I parked in front of one today...
They’re as long as the Calais - before any Father Ted references, look at the positioning relative to the lines marking the spaces. It’s also about 100kg heavier, which is a shame for a 2+2, but in this colour, yes please.
Anyway, this red one is local and has the tan leather interior, which does look good - and a cool reg plate SUZI Q
They’re as long as the Calais - before any Father Ted references, look at the positioning relative to the lines marking the spaces. It’s also about 100kg heavier, which is a shame for a 2+2, but in this colour, yes please.
Anyway, this red one is local and has the tan leather interior, which does look good - and a cool reg plate SUZI Q
Well, we've had the car six months already, its done about 7,000km in that time and around 10,000km since its last service, so time for a check up. Booked in for next week with the local indy, who I think will be first in line when I sell. He does like it.
Whilst the main sense of overriding positivity towards the car, there are a couple of things that irk.
The infotainment system, MyLInk, was too slow and cumbersome for everyday use, and didn't have Apple Carplay. Now, there are a few add-ons that can help with a lot of these things, and keep the same head unit in place, but they're pricey and have mixed reviews. So I've swapped it out for a standard double-DIN sized Alpine unit. It doesn't look quite as smart, as the screen is too small for the dash design even with the custom surround, but it works every time.
The downside to this is that I lose the customisation menu for various settings, but that was really only a few fripperies that don't bother me. The other downside is that the OEM unit has the switches for the heated front seats built into its frame. So no OEM unit means no heated seats. I've also lost the self-parking feature, but not sure I'd ever use it. Anyway, I'll live.
The other irksome feature day-to-day, other than the prodigious thirst of that LS3, are the tiny door mirrors. I mean, they are small small, especially for a car this size. Reversing into a space often requires a lot of concentration, esp parallel parking at night. Presume these are a hangover from the VE, but why were they so bloody small in the first place?
Finally, the cooler weather has shown the engine to have a little bit of piston slap. Its a well-known feature of the LSx range and the internet is covered in various threads about this - esp in the US. Some engines are worse than others and can sound almost like diesels until fully warmed. Mine sounds fine at idle, and gives a bit of a rattle under light load when cold, for about 3-4 mins. Once warmed up, its undetectable.
Accepted solution to these seems to be either rebuild or just keep running it, as the engines don't seem to break. I'll see how it goes, and if no worse, then I'll do nothing. If it does get worse, there are plenty of reputable engine builders in Sydney that should be able to do a good job for less than the appreciation in value I've seen in six months.
The closest age/spec to mine currently for sale on this side of the country is asking $10k more than I paid. If I want one that's already on NSW plates, then I'd need a couple of grand more. Having said that, for a further $10k there is a nice looking VF2 Calais V wagon for sale that's been treated to a supercharger and apparently putting out 480kW/652bhp and 904Nm at the wheels.
Hmmm...
Whilst the main sense of overriding positivity towards the car, there are a couple of things that irk.
The infotainment system, MyLInk, was too slow and cumbersome for everyday use, and didn't have Apple Carplay. Now, there are a few add-ons that can help with a lot of these things, and keep the same head unit in place, but they're pricey and have mixed reviews. So I've swapped it out for a standard double-DIN sized Alpine unit. It doesn't look quite as smart, as the screen is too small for the dash design even with the custom surround, but it works every time.
The downside to this is that I lose the customisation menu for various settings, but that was really only a few fripperies that don't bother me. The other downside is that the OEM unit has the switches for the heated front seats built into its frame. So no OEM unit means no heated seats. I've also lost the self-parking feature, but not sure I'd ever use it. Anyway, I'll live.
The other irksome feature day-to-day, other than the prodigious thirst of that LS3, are the tiny door mirrors. I mean, they are small small, especially for a car this size. Reversing into a space often requires a lot of concentration, esp parallel parking at night. Presume these are a hangover from the VE, but why were they so bloody small in the first place?
Finally, the cooler weather has shown the engine to have a little bit of piston slap. Its a well-known feature of the LSx range and the internet is covered in various threads about this - esp in the US. Some engines are worse than others and can sound almost like diesels until fully warmed. Mine sounds fine at idle, and gives a bit of a rattle under light load when cold, for about 3-4 mins. Once warmed up, its undetectable.
Accepted solution to these seems to be either rebuild or just keep running it, as the engines don't seem to break. I'll see how it goes, and if no worse, then I'll do nothing. If it does get worse, there are plenty of reputable engine builders in Sydney that should be able to do a good job for less than the appreciation in value I've seen in six months.
The closest age/spec to mine currently for sale on this side of the country is asking $10k more than I paid. If I want one that's already on NSW plates, then I'd need a couple of grand more. Having said that, for a further $10k there is a nice looking VF2 Calais V wagon for sale that's been treated to a supercharger and apparently putting out 480kW/652bhp and 904Nm at the wheels.
Hmmm...
Had forgotten about the dash/trip computer thing. VF is only capable of showing one thing at a time. You want fuel range? Cool, but don’t expect to see consumption at the same time. You want average speed? Got it, but not the actual speed - no, press the button again for that.
I don’t really care as I leave it on fuel range and use the HUD for speed and temp. Clock is on the radio. But it is a bit Fisher Price.
Mirrors are fine on the road but seem too small for parking. Prob years of having been spoiled by the Sube before.
And yes, the supercharger. I’m just going to keep it as a thought - got another car that can soak up spare cash at the mo...
I don’t really care as I leave it on fuel range and use the HUD for speed and temp. Clock is on the radio. But it is a bit Fisher Price.
Mirrors are fine on the road but seem too small for parking. Prob years of having been spoiled by the Sube before.
And yes, the supercharger. I’m just going to keep it as a thought - got another car that can soak up spare cash at the mo...
PomBstard said:
Reading the Fast Estates thread, where there has been lots of comments about how big various wagons are, thought I’d come back to this bit. The Holden’s boot is 895 litres with the back seats up and 2000 litres with the seats folded. But numbers don’t mean much on their own so for comparison...
Merc E Class is 640 and 1820 litres
Volvo V70 is 575 and 1600 litres
Skoda Superb is 660 and 1950 litres - which is comparable when folded but still some way off when taking the family on holiday.
So the Holden is definitely a Big Wagon. But even the VF Wagon can’t compete with its predecessor, the VZ wagon which had an extended wheelbase platform from the Statesman as was the Holden way at the time.
Capacity with the seats up was 1402 litres, going up to 2752 litres with the seats down.
So, that’s almost as much as the total load bay of a V70 whilst having 5 seats....
Yesterday was service day, and I dropped it off with the instruction that anything that looked like it would need doing in the next 10,000km or 6 months should be done. Other than the usual service items, a couple of additional items were added...
There had been a light metallic squeal from the OSF when turning left. Inspection showed nothing obvious other than the front pads were probably 90-95% done and the discs would be close to their limit within a year or so, so new discs and pads on the front. It got rid of the squeal and also the light vibration that had just started to be felt when braking.
Also a nail was spotted in the NSF tyre, so that was repaired there and then. Those rear tyres are probably only going to last another couple of months, and I think I need to view these as general consumables.
At around $300/ea for PS4 they're not cheap consumables, but its a heavy V8 wagon, what did I expect? I think last time I put the new ones on the front and had the new'ish-looking fronts put on the rear. I'll get the new ones out on the rear this time and see how long they last. All four tyres seem to be wearing very evenly, so there's no geometry problems - its all right foot-related.
Finally, it was given a handwash and vacuum which is a nice touch for a back street garage.
Not necessarily a cheap service, AU$800 is about GBP450, all up, but not too bad for what it is, and not really any more than the Sube would cost for the same.
And there's always something to look at on the street as its next door to the 928 specialist I also use...
There had been a light metallic squeal from the OSF when turning left. Inspection showed nothing obvious other than the front pads were probably 90-95% done and the discs would be close to their limit within a year or so, so new discs and pads on the front. It got rid of the squeal and also the light vibration that had just started to be felt when braking.
Also a nail was spotted in the NSF tyre, so that was repaired there and then. Those rear tyres are probably only going to last another couple of months, and I think I need to view these as general consumables.
At around $300/ea for PS4 they're not cheap consumables, but its a heavy V8 wagon, what did I expect? I think last time I put the new ones on the front and had the new'ish-looking fronts put on the rear. I'll get the new ones out on the rear this time and see how long they last. All four tyres seem to be wearing very evenly, so there's no geometry problems - its all right foot-related.
Finally, it was given a handwash and vacuum which is a nice touch for a back street garage.
Not necessarily a cheap service, AU$800 is about GBP450, all up, but not too bad for what it is, and not really any more than the Sube would cost for the same.
And there's always something to look at on the street as its next door to the 928 specialist I also use...
The big silver bus hasn't been doing many kays over the past few months due mostly to the city being under Stay At Home Orders, aka Lockdown. I'm not going to dwell on that, but there has been less driving being done all-round.
Having landed heavily on my left ankle a week or so ago whilstplaying football homeschooling the youngest, I've not been able to cycle or run or drive the 928, so for sts and giggles I've given the Holden a workout on some local twisty roads.
OK, these are clearly not the roads for which it was designed, and the soft, Calais-spec set up doesn't really help. There's no mistaking the size of the car which does mean that going ten tenths is not an option, but there's still fun to be had at around seven tenths.
Holding the gears and using second and third with a delicate right foot can make for interesting progress, especially if the roads are wet. The rear Michelins are only 245-section, and the car weighs around 1,950kg with driver, so even on warm dry surfaces, grip is quite easily overcome. The LS1 does sound great, with the sports exhaust giving the right amount of noise and letting you know when its pulling hard in case you've not noticed the rate at which speed is increasing.
Brakes are up to a seven-tenths blast too - not so sure about too much more on tight roads. The soft set up means a great ride on bumpy roads though it gets bouncy easily which can be a bit disconcerting under braking. The steering is light and has some feel, but really not enough to encourage taking liberties without plenty of room. Which the roads in use really didn't have.
If all that sounds negative, its not meant to. It was in fact far more entertaining that it had any rights to be. Hard work, but fun too. The spoiler today was that the rain was heavy at times, and I'm conscious of the space required when the rear moves out of line.
Its still fun to surprise the usual suspects at the traffic light GP, including a 430i today, and to see who turns around looking for the car that's just started up with that noise! Really is hard to think of another car as quick as this that looks as unsuspecting.
Quite enjoying this ol' bus, still
Having landed heavily on my left ankle a week or so ago whilst
ts and giggles I've given the Holden a workout on some local twisty roads.OK, these are clearly not the roads for which it was designed, and the soft, Calais-spec set up doesn't really help. There's no mistaking the size of the car which does mean that going ten tenths is not an option, but there's still fun to be had at around seven tenths.
Holding the gears and using second and third with a delicate right foot can make for interesting progress, especially if the roads are wet. The rear Michelins are only 245-section, and the car weighs around 1,950kg with driver, so even on warm dry surfaces, grip is quite easily overcome. The LS1 does sound great, with the sports exhaust giving the right amount of noise and letting you know when its pulling hard in case you've not noticed the rate at which speed is increasing.
Brakes are up to a seven-tenths blast too - not so sure about too much more on tight roads. The soft set up means a great ride on bumpy roads though it gets bouncy easily which can be a bit disconcerting under braking. The steering is light and has some feel, but really not enough to encourage taking liberties without plenty of room. Which the roads in use really didn't have.
If all that sounds negative, its not meant to. It was in fact far more entertaining that it had any rights to be. Hard work, but fun too. The spoiler today was that the rain was heavy at times, and I'm conscious of the space required when the rear moves out of line.
Its still fun to surprise the usual suspects at the traffic light GP, including a 430i today, and to see who turns around looking for the car that's just started up with that noise! Really is hard to think of another car as quick as this that looks as unsuspecting.
Quite enjoying this ol' bus, still
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