VE Discussion / Updates Calais-V ONLY

[KingClifton]

Fantastic pics there. And great choice in camera - I love my D50. Do you use Nikon Capture for post-processing?
I'd love to see you take some dusk/nighttime shots - exterior and interior, with tripod.

Funny....the first thing I noticed about these picks was how good the color rendition and exposure was. I immediately thought "Nikon" and SLR". I then got around to looking at the subject :)

Picked up a Nikon P3 which is a brilliant little compact P&S - beats the pants of the Canon, Fuji, Sony et al.

[Janus]

Oh that is it! I'm gonna kill someone!

I got an e-mail from the government fleet people today telling me that my car will now be delivered 20th November, instead of October like they have been telling me.

No explanation why, so I'm not sure if it is a Holden supply problem or a goverment issue. I thought it may be because the government want to wait until the sat-nav is available so they can fit it before delivery of the car, rather then have to take it back in to get it installed at a later date.

Either way I am pissed that I have to now wait another 4 weeks, instead of the 9 days I have been counting down!

[HSVMAN]

Oh that is it! I'm gonna kill someone!

I got an e-mail from the government fleet people today telling me that my car will now be delivered 20th November, instead of October like they have been telling me.

No explanation why, so I'm not sure if it is a Holden supply problem or a goverment issue. I thought it may be because the government want to wait until the sat-nav is available so they can fit it before delivery of the car, rather then have to take it back in to get it installed at a later date.

Either way I am pissed that I have to now wait another 4 weeks, instead of the 9 days I have been counting down!

Holden cant keep up with Calais-V orders, infact all the V spec V8s have been selling way beyond expectations. We just sold our last Calais-V V8 here and all others are sold beyond Xmas. With VZ the Calais V8 was a slow mover. Things have changed it would appear, although the Calais-V is unrivalled in its class for what you get for your dolllar - by a country mile :)

[NickS]

Mr Moosh, nice choice of colours as I've gone with exactly the same combo. I chose the light urban interior even though I have two young kids, but they are mostly in the prado. Time will tell if I made the right choice with the colours, but those great pics you've taken make me think that I have chosen well. Only 3 more sleeps until mines in the driveway.:bounce:

Cheers
Racketsports
So yesterday was supposed to be the big day ... have you got it yet ???

:D

[pemier]

ordered mine last Monday gets delivered tommorow........Phantom V8 Calais V :bounce:

[Razor]

Janus all I can say to you is...:doh: :doh: :doh:

Mr Moosh I've got a few questions for you,I noticed in your great pics that it looked like the seat belts in the back are black? Is this right? I thought they would be the light urban colour just like in the Calais brochure. If they are black does it look out of place?

I rang my dealer yesterday, as I've sold my car and i told him I need a car until mine get's delivered which is supposed to be in the first week of november. If I've got one of their cars hopefully things may happen a bit quicker!

[Mr Moosh]

Mr Moosh I've got a few questions for you,I noticed in your great pics that it looked like the seat belts in the back are black? Is this right? I thought they would be the light urban colour just like in the Calais brochure. If they are black does it look out of place?


Umm... to be honest I haven't even noticed! hehe. But i'll check if they're black, but the fact that I haven't even noticed indicates that they work with the light urban. Remember that there is a lot of black in the interior even with the light urban. Above the waist line, it's all black, and looks fricken great. So yeah, I'd say no they don't look out of place.

EDIT: Actually the ones in the front are deffinately black... so almost positive the back are black too.

[VZSS250]

Holden would have done a great service to us all if they made light urban cars have black carpets just like the Senator. This would have certainly been enough to convince me to go with light urban. But that light urban carpet is begging to be marked by muddy shoes...its only a matter of time...and I mean seconds.

[BadMac]

Holden cant keep up with Calais-V orders, infact all the V spec V8s have been selling way beyond expectations. We just sold our last Calais-V V8 here and all others are sold beyond Xmas. With VZ the Calais V8 was a slow mover. Things have changed it would appear, although the Calais-V is unrivalled in its class for what you get for your dolllar - by a country mile :)

I know, tried to get one yesterday and was told Xmas, at least it will be Registered as 2007, won't it! I don't want a 27 December 2006 model, thanks Paul.

[racketsports]

So yesterday was supposed to be the big day ... have you got it yet ???

:D

:bounce: You bet!. Sorry that I haven't posted as I've either been too busy driving or the fact I worked night shift last night. Bloody awesome though. It is such a step up in quality and refinement over the Clubby and the torque down low is so much more urgent. There is a massive difference in the way the car performs when you select sports shift and it is easy to see how it does sub 6's to 100kph. The mind boggles with how many gadgets and the equipment that I now have to fiddle with!

The only problems so far is that the DVD player is rejecting DVD's which the kids weren't too happy about, and keeping the dam thing clean. God it looks like a pimp-mobile in phantom. The quad exhausts are so cool too.

Anyway, I'll nick outside and take a couple of quick pics to post up to show you guys. Be back shortly (if I don't take her for a drive that is!)

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[NickS]

Anyway, I'll nick outside and take a couple of quick pics to post up to show you guys. Be back shortly (if I don't take her for a drive that is!)

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

:bravo: :bravo: :bravo: :bravo: :bravo: :bravo: :bravo: :bravo: :bravo: :bravo:

[jaykay]

I saw a Calais V in red passion yesterday in the 6 litre version with Onyx leather trim.

Man that is a nice colour, pity the SSV's didn't come out in that.....

[Mr Moosh]

The only problems so far is that the DVD player is rejecting DVD's which the kids weren't too happy...

Yeah the DVD player is annoying... You can't put DVD's in the front which sucks, cos I like to put on a music DVD and just listen to the sound then watch the images at the lights. And you can't control it using the front controls either... so you either have to get out, climb in the back and put a new disc/press play/ pause/ menu...etc or lean awkwardly back to try and reach and see what you're doing.

Also when turning the car off, and then turning it back on the DVD player doesn't turn back on. If the DVD player was playing when the car was turned off, it should automatically turn back on when the car starts up again.. but it doesn't.

How long will it be until someone works out a way to overide the safety feature where the image stops on the front screen when the car is moving? :bounce:

[NickS]

How long will it be until someone works out a way to overide the safety feature where the image stops on the front screen when the car is moving? :bounce:
Hopefully never.

[Mr Moosh]

Hopefully never.

I had it in mind for when im NOT driving the car and my dad is... it would be handy to be able to watch something up the front in the passenger seat.

[NickS]

I had it in mind for when im NOT driving the car and my dad is... it would be handy to be able to watch something up the front in the passenger seat.
It would be handy for the front seat passenger, but way to distracting for the driver. Even if they tried not to watch it.

[Fnomna]

I had it in mind for when im NOT driving the car and my dad is... it would be handy to be able to watch something up the front in the passenger seat.
Get in the back seat :)
"Drive on, thanks dad"

[carneb]

I picked up my Calais V yesterday. I'll post some details in the Your Ride section shortly.

[VZSS250]

How long will it be until someone works out a way to overide the safety feature where the image stops on the front screen when the car is moving? :bounce:


This is definately something that needs to be overidden. It is far to frustrating for a front passenger to not be able to watch the screen on a long day-trip.

[racketsports]

Here we go. Back to cleaning it.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l203/racketsports/100_0456.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l203/racketsports/100_0454.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l203/racketsports/100_0458.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l203/racketsports/100_0461.jpg

More soon.

[NickS]

2 things ...

Are the windows tinted ? They need to be darker :yup:

Loose the dealer numberplate frame :D

Otherwise ... :drool: love it

[XLR8 V8]

Beautiful car Racketsports. Exterior look is elegant. Interior looks great but would scare hell outta me ... I'd have to put on a clean biosuit before I'd let myself in there for fear of making it dirty.

[csv rulz]

Could you get that colour interior but with Black mats? While it looks awesome all in Urban it would get dirty very quick. Black mats might do the job and still look good

[Janus]

I HATE YOU ALL!

Looks awesome....but reminds me of what I should be driving.

[Mr Moosh]

Enjoy the mats while they last mate :) ours are already ruined. PS feel free to give ours a scrub anytime... actually thats why we have the unlimited carwash thing for. I just use it for the novelty factor!

[Razor]

Congrats racketsports!

Look's fantastic.

All this talk about the light urban interior is starting to worry me.

Did I make the right decision? I've got three boy's!

Looks like they'll never be allowed in the car!

Enjoy racket :bravo:

[carneb]

They do look very nice in black :cool: The cream interior looks good too.

[Baddaz]

This is probly a question thats been asked before, but.

Do the Sound systems in the Calais support cd's with MP3, WMA etc..?
And do the DVD players in the Roof support DTS audio DVD's or audio DVD's at all?

Dealer can't tell me.. Said to bring some disks down and try.. To busy to get down there.

[VZSS250]

Wow these are the best pics yet. The stock rims look great with that machined finish they get. I reckon the 18s look good with chunky rubber. Low profile rubber looks great, but I dont think its compulsory anymore like it used to be in the VT-VZ days. The chunky rubber adds a bit of tuffness to the VE when kept nice and shiny.

[Mr Moosh]

This is probly a question thats been asked before, but.

Do the Sound systems in the Calais support cd's with MP3, WMA etc..?
And do the DVD players in the Roof support DTS audio DVD's or audio DVD's at all?

Dealer can't tell me.. Said to bring some disks down and try.. To busy to get down there.

MP3's yes. The others I haven't tried.. but I plan on trying it on the weekend. So i'll post back with the results. Although the front drive doesn't take DVD's, only the roof unit. So I don't know if audio DVD's will work.... but I'll try anyway.

[korrupt]

MP3's yes. The others I haven't tried.. but I plan on trying it on the weekend. So i'll post back with the results. Although the front drive doesn't take DVD's, only the roof unit. So I don't know if audio DVD's will work.... but I'll try anyway.
Calais V is supposed to have the option of DVDs playing on the front screen when the vehicle is stationary. Does that happen ?

[Mr Moosh]

Calais V is supposed to have the option of DVDs playing on the front screen when the vehicle is stationary. Does that happen ?

Yep it works. But you can't actually operate the DVD through the front console, or insert DVD's at the front. It only accepts CD's.

[racketsports]

I feel like such a tool! I was trying to get the DVD's to play in the front unit, not realising that there was a DVD slot in the roof mounted unit DOH! So all good now and working a treat. That will learn me to read the "destructions" or get into the back seat at the very least!

Anyway, I've just bought some proper number plate covers and am arranging the windows to receive the darkest legal tint to be applied next week. I'm glad everyone likes the pics so I have added a few more to showcase my new toy. Enjoy, because I definately am.:yup:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l203/racketsports/100_0457.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l203/racketsports/100_0459.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l203/racketsports/100_0463.jpg


Cheers
Racketsports

[Mr Moosh]

I feel like such a tool! I was trying to get the DVD's to play in the front unit, not realising that there was a DVD slot in the roof mounted unit DOH!

I suppose I better confess im a tool as well then... :lol:

Also what do you think about the indicator sound? I really really really hate it... and when I was driving today during lunch, the auto wipers kept getting activated. It was pretty windy, so I think a leaf or two were flying past the window setting them off. I wonder what happens if you touch the windscreen when the cars running?

[jaykay]

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l203/racketsports/100_0457.jpg
That's an awesome ride racketsports.... Looks great in the black. You planning to get dark tint on the windows ?

Well done and enjoy the VE ... :bravo:

JK

[BadMac]

Can one of you lucky owners tell me what colour the dash and cluster lights are at night in the Calais V? Also in the instrument display white or blue lighting?

Thanks.

[carneb]

Can one of you lucky owners tell me what colour the dash and cluster lights are at night in the Calais V? Also in the instrument display white or blue lighting?

Thanks.

All the instruments light up white. The instrument display has white writing/numbers on a black background.

[BadMac]

All the instruments light up white. The instrument display has white writing/numbers on a black background.

Thanks, what about the other interior lighting? console and window switches, also steering wheel controls?

[carneb]

Thanks, what about the other interior lighting? console and window switches, also steering wheel controls?

All the switches light up white. It seems the only switch that doesn't light up is the rear power window disable button. It looks very nice at night with all the white lighting. :cool:

[350plus]

Great photos, but it only makes me shed (another) tear.

I ordered my Calais-V with sunroof & the 20" HSVi wheels the day before the offical launch ie 15th Aug. Still waiting....

Latest ETA is 1st week Nov, which pushes it close to a total 3 month wait.

They tell me the hold was originally the sunroof, but is now the HSVi rims, so they have offered to deliver witht he factory 18" then change over at first service.

One interesting thing to note however, is as I ordered so early, no-one seemed to know correct price for some of the options. They seemed to be making stuffup in the end. Charged me $2,100 for the upgraded rims & tyres. Anyone else go for the the larger wheels? Can I ask what you paid? and what rubber did they stick on in the end?

Cheers,
Mark

[jaykay]

One interesting thing to note however, is as I ordered so early, no-one seemed to know correct price for some of the options. They seemed to be making stuffup in the end. Charged me $2,100 for the upgraded rims & tyres. Anyone else go for the the larger wheels? Can I ask what you paid? and what rubber did they stick on in the end?

Cheers,
Mark
Mark I paid $695 in the end to go to the 20x8 Supersport alloys with the Bridegestone rubber in 245/35/20. It's all about negotiation but those are $1,795 RRP changeover from the 19's on an SSV. They are listed at $1,990 changeover on the Calais V from the 18's to the 20's here...

http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/ownerinfoaccessories?aid=21071&&modelid=6001&bitmask=1

The dealer fitted the 20's in pre-delivery. Make sure they do the speedo re-calibration for the 20's.... :nyuk: You can see them in...

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=61711

John

[korrupt]

Can anyone with a Calais-V tell me if the DVD screen blocks much of the view in the rear view mirror when it is down?

[350plus]

Mark I paid $695 in the end to go to the 20x8 Supersport alloys with the Bridegestone rubber in 245/35/20.
John

Nice. I was told the $1,990 didn't include rubber or the fit.

Overall I was pretty happy with the deal. I had over $7 shortfall on the trade-in which we got rid of. Thats why I probably got hit with RRP for the options.

Mind you I wouldn't mind the dollars if I was driving it by now!! :bawl:

[Mr Moosh]

Can anyone with a Calais-V tell me if the DVD screen blocks much of the view in the rear view mirror when it is down?

Yeah it does block it a little bit. It drops down lower than the brake light mounted at the top of the windscreen... It's not a huge obstruction for vision, but it does block it to some extent.

[Moxy]

Can anyone with a Calais-V tell me if the DVD screen blocks much of the view in the rear view mirror when it is down?

You can angle the screen to suit the height of your passengers, if they are small kids, then the angle down is greater and it is not visible through the rear view mirror very much at all.. my last ride with an aftermarket drop down screen completely blocked the rear view mirror, i hated it.. but now this is so much sweeter..

enjoy

moxy

[Quark]

Spoke with the dealer today and my Calais V will be available Thu/Fri next week. Would like to be sure that the LSD I've ordered is in before I hand over the cheque. Does anyone know where the build plate is on these and what code I should be looking for by way of LSD?:bow:

[carneb]

Spoke with the dealer today and my Calais V will be available Thu/Fri next week. Would like to be sure that the LSD I've ordered is in before I hand over the cheque. Does anyone know where the build plate is on these and what code I should be looking for by way of LSD?:bow:

I had the same worry about mine. I don't know if the number on the compliance plate will tell you or not. I stuck my head under the back of the car and there is a sticker on the bottom of the diff with serial number, ratio, and LSD Y or N. Luckily mine said LSD:Y :)

Has anyone had a problem with the passenger mirror dipping when in reverse? I checked the manual and got it working but it seems to have a mind of its own. Sometimes it will dip straight away, other times it waits a while, other times it doesn't move. :(

[Quark]

I had the same worry about mine. I don't know if the number on the compliance plate will tell you or not. I stuck my head under the back of the car and there is a sticker on the bottom of the diff with serial number, ratio, and LSD Y or N. Luckily mine said LSD:Y :)(

Thanks Carneb. However, both Thu and Fri I'm travelling and will have to rush from the airport to the dealer in my office clothes on whichever day it does arrive - would prefer not to climb under the car. :limpy:

[Janus]

Has anyone had a problem with the passenger mirror dipping when in reverse? I checked the manual and got it working but it seems to have a mind of its own. Sometimes it will dip straight away, other times it waits a while, other times it doesn't move. :(

I have a problem with it in my VZ, but was really hoping they would have fixed it in the VE. I set it all up but sometimes it works fine, other times it just goes to some random position, and other times it dips down but then when you put it in drive again it remains pointing down so you have to adjust it back to the normal position again.

It has always annoyed me, not the end of the world I know, but it is the little simple things like this that piss me off when they can't get it right.

[VZSS250]

Its a shame to hear about the auto mirror dipping problems. This is one thing that can put you in a real positive frame of mind about a car if it works properly, yet it sounds like it doesn't.

Sounds a bit like our whiz-bang VQ Caprice that we have in our garage which allows you to preset 3 seating positions. Sometimes it works, other times it tries to crush you against the sterring wheel, other times it pulls you away too far to reach the pedals. Too bad that after 15 years they still cant get these things right.

Now who was it that was comparing the VE to expensive Euros again...? Oh thats right...motoring journos that dont live with the car every day.

I'm not saying a car needs to be perfect, but when you come to the market and claim you've done 3.4 million km of testing and have benchmarked a car against the best of the best, you'd think you would have tested the operation of mirrors.

And when things like this go wrong your left at the mercy of incompetent service departments who couldn't give a rats about your auto-dipping mirror and would think nothing of leaving a nice commerative scratch on one of your panels just so you can remember your latest Holden dealership experience.

END RANT.

[Janus]

Sounds a bit like our whiz-bang VQ Caprice that we have in our garage which allows you to preset 3 seating positions. Sometimes it works, other times it tries to crush you against the sterring wheel, other times it pulls you away too far to reach the pedals. Too bad that after 15 years they still cant get these things right.

You're are right there! My VZ seats work most of the time, but quite often I get in and the seat is in some crazy position. I have accused other people of accidently changing the position of my setting, but it would appear that sometimes it just randomly decided to set it to something else.

Also the seat just likes to move by itself when the car is parked. I quite often wait for my brother of girlfriend and the seat moves back and forward for seemingly no reason.

As I said, I was hoping that they would have fixed these issues in the VE. I guess I will find out when my Calais V finally arrives.

[Razor]

Bloody Hell!!!! Just found out that my delivery will be around the 20th of November!:bawl:

Only found out when I rang the dealer to find out if it's still on schedule for next week, then found out about the new date.

my order was placed on the last week of Aug.

:bawl: :bawl:

[jaykay]

At least the early build issues should be rectified before you get yours....

Lovin the VE more every day....:bow: :bow: :bow:

[VZSS250]

Bloody Hell!!!! Just found out that my delivery will be around the 20th of November!:bawl:

Only found out when I rang the dealer to find out if it's still on schedule for next week, then found out about the new date.

my order was placed on the last week of Aug.

:bawl: :bawl:

You can terminate the contract as there is a clause that states that if they deliver the car 14 days late, you can terminate the contract and get back your deposit. You probably dont want to but its an option.

[jaykay]

You can terminate the contract as there is a clause that states that if they deliver the car 14 days late, you can terminate the contract and get back your deposit. You probably dont want to but its an option.
WTF ???? Why would he want to terminate the contract after waiting all that time ????

[XLR8 V8]

WTF ???? Why would he want to terminate the contract after waiting all that time ????


Another dealer may have one in stock

[Mr Moosh]

After driving the Calais extensively, I've noticed that the drivers seat seems to be a little off centre, or not in line with pedals and steering wheel (Whatever way you want to describe it). It feels like the seat is slightly to the right, and you feel like your leaning on the left bolster too much when driving... It would only be a bee's d!ck, but it deffinately gets uncomfortable after a while. Has anyone else noticed this? Or could our seat be off?

[vecommo]

After driving the Calais extensively, I've noticed that the drivers seat seems to be a little off centre, or not in line with pedals and steering wheel (Whatever way you want to describe it). It feels like the seat is slightly to the right, and you feel like your leaning on the left bolster too much when driving... It would only be a bee's d!ck, but it deffinately gets uncomfortable after a while. Has anyone else noticed this? Or could our seat be off?

I drove a VE Calais for 4 days and didn't notice this at all, I found the driving position to be quite comfortable. I will keep an eye out for this next time I'm in a VE.

BTW I just looked at XLR8 V8's avatar and burst into laughter.:lmao:

[Janus]

Bloody Hell!!!! Just found out that my delivery will be around the 20th of November!:bawl:

Only found out when I rang the dealer to find out if it's still on schedule for next week, then found out about the new date.

my order was placed on the last week of Aug.

:bawl: :bawl:

Yep, you are basically in the same boat I am. I ordered it when it first came out and have been delayed again and again. Was meant to be October 15-20, but got an e-mail about a day before telling me that it would be delayed until November 15-20. No real reason behind why it is delayed, they just keep saying that the model, black Calais V, is in demand.

I originally thought it was because they were waiting to fit the sat-nav, but now they are saying that that won't be fitted until after delivery and they have no idea when it will be fitted. Originally they were saying November, then December and now I am reading January. It's not going to stop me from getting the car, and I can hardly complain because this is my free government car, but it is just really annoying considering all the money they spent, all the advertising they have done and the promises they keep making and then breaking.

[VZSS250]

WTF ???? Why would he want to terminate the contract after waiting all that time ????

I know, you wouldn't, but its an option if he thinks he's getting stuffed around and he wants to tell the dealer to go shove the car up his A-hole. Ofcourse, if the dealer is doing all he can then you can't ask for much more. Satnav seems to be the main culprit when it comes to late delivery.

[boofhead]

Bugger - I had a delivery date 1st week in Nov but it sounds like this may be in dispute now - will check next week (bummer)

[Razor]

I certainly won't cancel the order, out of interest I went to another dealer and they told me that after chasing they would have to order from the factory so I'm going to stick it out.

The dealer has been pretty good, I'm currently driving one of their used cars and have been doing so for the last couple of weeks. It's a VT Berlina not too bad but I just can't wait to be driving the VE.

Yesterday I was disappointed but I'll just have to just suck it up and hang in there!

[Moxy]

I ordered and received mine within a week, for me it was the colour decision that made the difference.. we liked several colours, and so asked what they had in stock in our spec, and just chose from there.. Mind you it was from a very large multi site dealership in sydney, so we had that luxury of large stock holdings..

Very happy with the car though..

Waiting a week was painful, i can't begin to fathom waiting months for it..

cheers

Moxy

[boofhead]

Should be picking up the car this Friday according to the dealer :yahoo:

This makes it about 8 weeks for delivery which seems to be about average for the Calais-V V8 - should be a fun weekend :woot:

[VZSS250]

Well I've been waiting 10 weeks for mine so maybe that makes everyone else feel better.

Clearly, there are dealerships out there that were willing to order ample stock in July/August without being certain that they were going to get the sales. Those who went to these cowboy dealerships got their cars straight away. A worthy lesson for next time...

[CalaisRider]

My brand new VE Calais V 6 litre arrives next Monday. Couple of mods coming pre-delivery

Pacemaker extractors
Dual Mandel bent 2.5 inch custom cat Back - to wake the neighbours
Diff upped from 2.92 to 3.46
Head shave - 11:1 plus a bit more
Cam and valve springs upgrade
Performance Air Intake Filter
Edit/tune:yahoo:
20 inch wheels
:yahoo:

Mafless tune to come later on when they have it properly sorted!!!

Should be fine for a luxo car!!

Pete

[Wonky]

My brand new VE Calais V 6 litre arrives next Monday. Couple of mods coming pre-delivery

Pacemaker extractors
Dual Mandel bent 2.5 inch custom cat Back - to wake the neighbours
Diff upped from 2.92 to 3.46
Head shave - 11:1 plus a bit more
Cam and valve springs upgrade
Performance Air Intake Filter
Edit/tune:yahoo:
20 inch wheels
:yahoo:

Mafless tune to come later on when they have it properly sorted!!!

Should be fine for a luxo car!!

Pete
Sounds great!! It should fly!! :yahoo:

Do the VE's have the cats up high like VYII and VZ and if so are the Pacies their normal long ones, meaning you end up moving the cats to underneath the car?

What exhaust are you getting and if you don't mind what sort of cost please? Want to know what my options are for when I get mine.

Is diff change worth doing? I've read that with the A6 1st gear is effectively the same as using a 4.11 in a VY/VZ A4 so won't the change you are making pretty much now just break traction all the way through 1st and 2nd?

[Vulture]

Head shave - 11:1 plus a bit more
Cam and valve springs upgrade

So the tune will be a MAF tune with the cam?

[CalaisRider]

So the tune will be a MAF tune with the cam?


Got no options. Am doin an edit/tune firt up, them MAFless later on. No point goin mafless if the technoloty is not there yet.

At leat everything will be in place to "launch" when available!!


Sounds great!! It should fly!! :yahoo:

Do the VE's have the cats up high like VYII and VZ and if so are the Pacies their normal long ones, meaning you end up moving the cats to underneath the car?

What exhaust are you getting and if you don't mind what sort of cost please? Want to know what my options are for when I get mine.

Is diff change worth doing? I've read that with the A6 1st gear is effectively the same as using a 4.11 in a VY/VZ A4 so won't the change you are making pretty much now just break traction all the way through 1st and 2nd?

To my mind Diff ratio change is paramount - 2.92 is rubish performance wise. The diff ratio upgrade regardless of any performance mods that you may do will give far better response and feeling of power increase - no doubt.

I considered at length the low ratio first gear in auto but there are five more that you have to think of!! Mate I have no issue going 3.46 - HSV base is 3.25 and my test drive of the GTS layed me back into the leather - so lets go one better is my philosophy!!

Headers and Cat back around 2000 to 2,500 dependant on what you want. Most insane quote i got was $5,500.

The cats are dicky - info to date indicate that the cats need to be in the original location.

I eventually want to go SS high flow cats but there is not enough evidence that they are problem free yet.

Header and sorst is where you should start in my opinion

Regards

Pete

[VZSS250]

CalaisRider, I like your choice of mods and your attitude to diff gears. I always think a diff gear ratio that is too short is just about right. Thats why I'm going to a 3.46 in my A6 when I get it. Looks like yours is going to be a very nice ride so post up full details as you go.

For 20" rims you cant go wrong with holden's 20" supersports. Standard rims aren't bad either on the Calais-V, though they're a bit demanding on the Armor-all.

[CalaisRider]

CalaisRider, I like your choice of mods and your attitude to diff gears. I always think a diff gear ratio that is too short is just about right. Thats why I'm going to a 3.46 in my A6 when I get it. Looks like yours is going to be a very nice ride so post up full details as you go.

For 20" rims you cant go wrong with holden's 20" supersports. Standard rims aren't bad either on the Calais-V, though they're a bit demanding on the Armor-all.

Thanks for the thoughts. I'm getting Holden Supersport 20" - just a bit worried about my fillings falling out with 35 profile tyres. My wife might not be too impressed with a tight riding luxo either - too late now!!

Also want to do a few drags at Willowbank and some bitumen circuit club runs (Surfers Paradise or Qld Raceway) so my rims may get a pounding on the ripple strips which really frightens the ---- out of me!!!!!!

[Razor]

I can't believe it! :cussing:

The dealer calls me to tell me the car has arrived. Great!

Problem, it still has 18" wheels on it and now I have to wait another 3 efffing weeks for the 20" rims I ordered.

IMO not bloody good enough! :soap:

I'm starting to get really pissed off!

:beer: That'll work.

[BLACK expreSS-V]

I can't believe it! :cussing:

The dealer calls me to tell me the car has arrived. Great!

Problem, it still has 18" wheels on it and now I have to wait another 3 efffing weeks for the 20" rims I ordered.

IMO not bloody good enough! :soap:

I'm starting to get really pissed off!

:beer: That'll work.

Three options:

1. Accept it.
2. Cancel the 20" rims and buy a set of aftermarket (my choice)
3. Tell them you will drive it till the rims arrive - this will make the rims arrive very fast.

John.

[Vulture]

I can't believe it! :cussing:

The dealer calls me to tell me the car has arrived. Great!

Problem, it still has 18" wheels on it and now I have to wait another 3 efffing weeks for the 20" rims I ordered.

IMO not bloody good enough! :soap:

I'm starting to get really pissed off!

:beer: That'll work.

No it's not good enough. So what are they going to do with your car in the mean time? Leave it out in the sun at the dealership for three weeks? No way. I agree with the other poster, cancel the rims and get some aftermarket ones, the Holden ones are not wide enough anyway. Or else they really should let you drive it until then.

[VZSS250]

For those that have a Calais-V, how are the bottom of your doors looking? I find it impossible not to kick the material at the bottom of the door.

Not only does it get dirty, it also marks because the material, whatever it is, is easily damaged. I'd like to meet the person who made the decision to cover that part of the door with that material...

[Janus]

Well I'm not happy....yet again. Got a call today to be told that my Calais V that was meant to be delivered October 20th, then November 15-20th, will now, supposedly, be delivered December 12th!

WHAT THE F**K!

I am so sick to death of Claridge Holden screwing me around with this. This is the third time they have called just before the delivery date to tell me that it has been delayed. And can they give me a reason for the delay...hell no!

Claridge Holden is really starting to piss me off with their crappy sales staff, who know nothing about the cars, the accessories and have dicked me around so much with the delivery of this car and their equally crappy service staff who every time I take my car in it never really comes out correctly and they refuse to fix any problem short of the engine falling out or the car being on fire.

Hell my mother's Astra from there has had all kinds of problems and they can never fix them. The radio cuts out until you turn the volume knob a bit, obviously a loose wire or something, the magneto in the engine went after only a year and despite them saying that it should last about a decade they still charged a fortune to replace it as it apparently wasn't covered under the engine or electrical parts warranty, despite it being a part of the electrical system in the engine, and it took them 3 goes at fixing it with the car screwing up each time I got it home. Finally there is a strange click that comes out of the front passangers side wheel and despite taking it in 3 seperate times they claim that they have taken it all apart and can't find anything and that it never does anything on the test drives.

[Moxy]

For those that have a Calais-V, how are the bottom of your doors looking? I find it impossible not to kick the material at the bottom of the door.

Not only does it get dirty, it also marks because the material, whatever it is, is easily damaged. I'd like to meet the person who made the decision to cover that part of the door with that material...


Yeah.. i'm noticing they are scuff collectors too.. with 3 kids, (one adult sized) in the back and 2 adutls in the front, every outing and they get scuffed a little more..

And the channels in the leather seats (inner seams) collect crumbs like iron filings to a magnet..

Had my 3K service 2 days ago, sat nav is dec/jan time frame they are telling me.. not impressed at all.. but my alloy spare arrived in time for the 3K service, so i am almost complete...

Cheers & beers

Moxy

[BLACK expreSS-V]

sat nav is dec/jan time frame they are telling me.. not impressed at all..
Moxy

Pr!cks.

Why dont they just admit they haven't got a clue...

That Sat Nav is a joke. I have been told "another few weeks" so many times now.

Even that dec/jan date is so vague. I wish we were told the real reason for the delays.

I suspect the thing is so inaccurate and they have 50 imported techos scratching their heads , so they can't possibly even dream of releasing it.

[HSVMAN]

Well I'm not happy....yet again. Got a call today to be told that my Calais V that was meant to be delivered October 20th, then November 15-20th, will now, supposedly, be delivered December 12th!


Its funny how one problem will escalate into more....
In all fairness Holden have been dicking all the dealers around with supply.
Out of 60 cars we ordered for December we are only getting 29! Thats a lot of pissed off people. Fortunately some are patient but I can understand your plight.
There is a lot of crap going on in Holden at present to do with poor supply and shoddy fleet sales management issues.
It only make it worse when your dealer cannot or will not tell you. A simple communication can save a lot of frustration

[Razor]

Good news at last!:yahoo:

After being told the car won't be delivered until 3-4 weeks because of the lack of supply 20" rims I've found out that I'll have the car next week.:thumbsup:

I still can't believe this but my brother used to work at the dealer I'm buying the car from so he asked the spare parts manager if he could hunt up some rims. To his amazemant he said he had a set in stock!

Long story short they are going to give theme to me and replace with the ones I originally ordered when they arrive whenever.

Any way can't wait it's getting close now!:party:

Sorry to hear your news though Janus.:doh:

[CrashTestDummy]

Well I'm not happy....yet again. Got a call today to be told that my Calais V that was meant to be delivered October 20th, then November 15-20th, will now, supposedly, be delivered December 12th!


it's not just you mate.. im going through the exact same thing with my ssv at the moment. i ordered mine in the first week of sept and was told delivery will be mid to late oct, this was delayed until early nov and then pushed back to mid to late nov. yesterday i spoke to the dealer again who said it will now be 15 december to which i refused on the basis that if the car doesn't arrive on this date, chances are i wont see it until feb/march next year.. all of this is due to a bloody sunroof. now instead of getting the factory sunroof, i've opted for an aftermarket one and delivery is now 29 november.

you should definitely speak to your sales manager and make sure your car isn't going to be delayed anymore than 12 december because otherwise get ready for a nice long 2 - 3 month wait... or do what i'm doing and bugger off the accessories that are causing the horrendous delay.

[Janus]

you should definitely speak to your sales manager and make sure your car isn't going to be delayed anymore than 12 december because otherwise get ready for a nice long 2 - 3 month wait... or do what i'm doing and bugger off the accessories that are causing the horrendous delay.

The thing is I don't have any large accessories that are going to be fitted at the factory. I am going for the sat nav, but that is definately going to be fitted by the dealer and they still have no freaking idea when that will be coming. Basically the only other options I am going for is alloy pedals, the security wheel nuts and screws for the license plate and that is it. If they are honestly telling me that the pedals and a couple of nuts and screws take 3 weeks to fit then I think they shouldn't be in business.

Now my father has have got new cars from them every 2 years basically since he has had government cars, which is around 20 years now and as part of his contract the family can also get privately plated government cars. Thus I am getting a Calais V as my 2 years is up and he is looking at getting a Caprice later in the year. He is the Executive Director of a large government department with near 100 fleet cars and he has a say in what vehicles they buy, and if they are Holden they come from Claridge because of their proximity and I can assure you that they are treading on thin ice with him going elsewhere.

I will be going down there next week to have a word with them and find out why my car has been delayed....yet again.

And they have made the mistake that now I will be on holidays on December 12 and if the car is delivered then I will be going over every inch, every panel gap, every door seal with a fine tooth comb before accepting delivery.

[Razor]

:yahoo: The day has finally arrived, after just under a 3 month wait I'm picking up the wheels today!:)

[Calais V 6.0]

Hi, This is my first post on the forum. Just wanted to say congrats on getting the keys to your baby today mate. Have fun!:bravo:

[Janus]

Well I'm going in tomorrow to "have a word with them" about the time I've waited and the sevice I have received. I will be interested to see what their reasoning for the many lengthy delays is.

[CalaisRider]

Hi all

Just thought I would add some personal experiences of my VE Calais V, 6 litre, if your looking to base mods. I have had it for two weeks now. There are some interesting misconceptions out there:

Diff Ratio Change - said by some to be an issue with the sensors - not true. I have gone from 2.92 up to 3.45 - no issues whatsoever except it feels far more responsive and lays it off the mark well. I suggest those who want to go to a more extreme go to a straight swap 3.7 is the real thing for laying you back in the seat, but be aware with 3.7 first gear of the VE auto will hit the limiter in about a second. Mine was a custom job, but 3.7 diff is a straight swap from the Manual holden diff ratio - so should be little problem from Holden/waranty and they can actually recalibrate the speedo!!

Top tuners can alter the A6 shift and make it scmick to your preference - nothing new here. Power torque doing mine next week.

The VE does have issues with drone. I went Pacemaker ceramic coated short headers and a bit big with the cat back with small spiral hot dogs and pretty small resonators (awesome loud and low grumble sound but a bit droney across a 250 - 500rpm range) being fixed next week. Carbon buildup has settled it a bit, but in city traffic its a bit much as it happens at around 1500 rpm - fine from 2000 onward.

Goes to Power Torque for edit next week - will see how round one comes together as a package.

Cam and small stallie is next in line early 2007!!

[Razor]

Hi, This is my first post on the forum. Just wanted to say congrats on getting the keys to your baby today mate. Have fun!:bravo:

Thanks mate all I can say is that this car is simply awesome!:bounce:

By far the best car I have ever driven!

Janus it's worth the wait, how did you go? Get an answer from your dealer yet?

[Calais V 6.0]

I went for a test drive on saturday! I loved it. I can see what the fuss is all about.

I did notice a slight knock in the front suspension though on both sides at differrent times. The salesman heard it as well. Hoping this is just a problem with that one car.

The power was nice and had great delivery. The gearbox was very smooth. However, I was let down a bit by the triptronic selection. It was very slow to go to the gear I selected at any time.

Loved the note of the V8.... Just music, sweet music!

I wil be hanging on until Feb, March to pick on up as the price ($67k with only option being the sunroof) is too much. I have a salesmen friend that will let me know when he has a "demo" car he can sell me. This will be about $51k on road.

Did I say that I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!

[Janus]

Janus it's worth the wait, how did you go? Get an answer from your dealer yet?

Haven't had a chance to go down there yet. Was rushed off my feet all week and weekend and have had horrible hayfever today so didn't feel much like driving down there for a fight. Am planning on going tomorrow and will let you all know what their excuse is.

[seldo]

Don't blame the dealer guys. The dealer wants you to get your car as soon as possible - he doesn't make money by taking orders, he gets paid when the car is delivered, and all the time you are driving your trade-in it's going down in value..... I can assure you, he is busting his guts to get it to you.

[Janus]

Don't blame the dealer guys. The dealer wants you to get your car as soon as possible - he doesn't make money by taking orders, he gets paid when the car is delivered, and all the time you are driving your trade-in it's going down in value..... I can assure you, he is busting his guts to get it to you.

No, I think the dealer is to blame in some ways. They have been completely useless in their service and information. Everything I wanted to know about the car or options they had no idea about, half the time I was telling them stuff, explaining how things work and telling them the price of options, like sat nav that they tried to charge me $3500 for instead of the $1990 clearly stated on the Holden website.

Then there is the fact that my car has been on order for 3 months. How the hell does it take 3 months to get my car? I mean I was one of the first ones to order when the car was first released, they told me this, they give me a delivery date and then I get no contact from them at all until either the day before or the actual day I am meant to come and pick the car up when they call me to say that it has been delayed by another month or so. Surely they know this before the day I'm meant to come and get it! So let's say I was in the first 6 or so orders that means that in the last over 3 months they have got less then 6 Calais V's, which seems unlikely. And it is not like I have ordered some strange colour combination, black with black interior.

I have ordered luxury cars that have been delayed for extended periods of time, but at least they actually give me a reason behind the delay, which I am yet to get from Holden, and they let me know more then a few hours before I am meant to come and get the car.

[VZSS250]

Don't blame the dealer guys. The dealer wants you to get your car as soon as possible - he doesn't make money by taking orders, he gets paid when the car is delivered, and all the time you are driving your trade-in it's going down in value..... .

The question is whether they are inducing buyers by offering immediate delivery by delaying their commitment on prior orders. As for the trade-in, Ralph D'Silva in Melbourne were adamant my trade in price would be adjusted for depreciation when my car actually arrived.

[HSVMAN]

I have ordered luxury cars that have been delayed for extended periods of time, but at least they actually give me a reason behind the delay, which I am yet to get from Holden, and they let me know more then a few hours before I am meant to come and get the car.

The delay is certainly not the dealer's fault, it is happening on both sides of the Tasman with Calais-V and other models.
The lack of communication is however and it is the biggest part of the process.
I'm sure if someone contacted you every week or 2 to say nothing more is happening you would be impressed right? But they shy away because of a few irate responses when it only makes it worse.

[VE Calais v 60l]

Hi everyone, Just found out my Calais V is 7 - 10 days away.........AAAAAARGH!. Car was completed around 18/11 but takes sometime to get to Emerald Qld from SA. (don't mention anything about how much sun is on it right now).
My question is about the DVD player. Is there any input rca plugs or similar for connection of a ps2 or similar. I want to find out so i can get the required power supply if it is possible to use one with the dvd.
St ill have not seen or driven a Calais V at this stage, dealer has not delivered one here yet so any info would be appreciated.

Red Passion, 20" wheels,..............................stop teasing myself.............the anticipation is killing me.

[Wingnut]

I can understand some of your frustration in not having delivery for 3 months. I ordered a SSV (only mods were the red leather and dash plus full size spare) back in mid October, and was told that the delivery date was to be the 4th of November. Since then the car has been through 10... oops, make that 11 :toetap: delays, mostly due to the high demand for the top spec cars, and the lack of parts to complete all of the orders (or so i was told). Now with the Ajax Fastener problems, i have been told that my car which was supposed to be ready on December 4 will now be ready December 12.

Seems that all of us want the best that we can afford, and Holden has not anticipated such a demand. Bastards :soap:

[Janus]

Well just got back from Claridge Holden and the dealer assures me that the car will be delivered December 11-12 for delivery 12-14.

Although I am not so sure. He showed me the order status sheet which says that the car has been built, which is a good start, and is currently at HSVi apparently having the sat nav fitted before delivery. Now this is where I am not so sure. I thought they were not going to start fitting the sat nav until next year. When I mentioned this the dealer said that he was right because he had the order sheet with the status, despite the fact that they have been wrong about a lot in the past. He said that they have a car getting it fitted with the sat nav as a demo in the same bunch and should be on the same truck on the 11th.

So now I play the waiting game....once again. And it better be here on the 11th or they can kiss their fleet orders goodbye. :soap:

Plus there is the fact they have gone from one extreme to the other. The only call I have had in 3 months was to ask what kind of sat nav I wanted as they wanted to charge me $3500 for the full unit. I told them I wanted the full colour one, but only if it was the $1990 on the site, not the $3500 they were trying to charge me, which is the price for the old unit where they had to fit an extra display. The dealer said that they would be getting the prices in early November and would call the confirm before finalising the order. So I go in today to complain about the wait and am told that not only did they never call to confirm the price but they have gone ahead and ordered it and it is, supposedly, being fitted at the moment. Lucky I still want it.

[Moxy]

Central locking Died last week....

Yup, my 2MO calais V (v6) remote operations failed to proceed after one of the kids opened the car with the key in the lock, and set off the alarm in the process.

neither keys would remotely open the car or boot, and we had to use the key in the lock and then press the button to disable the alarm and open the other doors or the boot..

Took it back to hholden service, who said book it in, should take an hour.. came back 3 days later, and it took 45 minutes.. they apparently had to reset the central locking system as advised by the factory in these situations.. oh.. and you have to take both keys with you when you do it.

any body else experienced this little annoyance?

cheers

moxy

[Janus]

Central locking Died last week....

Yup, my 2MO calais V (v6) remote operations failed to proceed after one of the kids opened the car with the key in the lock, and set off the alarm in the process.

neither keys would remotely open the car or boot, and we had to use the key in the lock and then press the button to disable the alarm and open the other doors or the boot..

Took it back to hholden service, who said book it in, should take an hour.. came back 3 days later, and it took 45 minutes.. they apparently had to reset the central locking system as advised by the factory in these situations.. oh.. and you have to take both keys with you when you do it.

any body else experienced this little annoyance?

cheers

moxy

I'm pretty sure there is a thread on key problems, which is very similar. I'm just too lazy to find it and put a link on a Saturday morning.

[Quark]

After having one delivered without the LSD and then waiting another month, a few piccies of the beast:

http://images.cainer.net//uploads/Calais V 1s.jpg

http://images.cainer.net//uploads/Calais V 2.jpg

http://images.cainer.net//uploads/Calais V 3s.jpg

http://images.cainer.net//uploads/Calais V 4s.jpg

http://images.cainer.net//uploads/Calais V 5s.jpg

Looks better in direct sunlight when the metallic paint appears lighter.

[Joker^]

Pics look good.

i still dont have mine after being promised it 2 weeks ago :(

Apparently its in Adelaide at HSV waiting for the wheels?
I know the dealer is doing his best as im still driving my VZ thats getting traded in putting more Kilometers on it and the dealership as been invoiced for the VE.

Think i might call tomorrow and tell them to send it with the factory rims and when the 19" are in stock swap em over.

Better have it before christmas!

[korrupt]

Very nice. Loving the light coloured interior...

[VZSS250]

Looks great...a good example of the stock Calais-V rims looking fantastic. The light urban interior looks great, but watch the bottom of those door trims. I have found it impossible not to kick mine, and had they been light urban they would look atrocious by now.

And while you may look after your door trims, I can tell you your passengers will think you're crazy if you ask them to be careful everytime you let someone in. I wish the bottom of the dorr trim was replaceable or plastic like in the VZ.

[Janus]

Apparently its in Adelaide at HSV waiting for the wheels?

Really? I was told that my car was at HSVi in Melbourne being fitted with my options, the alloy pedals and, so the dealer tells me, the sat nav, although that is bullshit as we all know it isn't coming until at least Feb next year.

So is HSVi in Adelaide or Melbourne? Or do they send it one play for wheels and another for other bits? It wouldn't surprise me as it already seems insane to me that they need to send my car to Melbourne to fit the pedals, when it was my understanding that the accessories were meant to be able to be fitted at the dealer to reduce the time it takes to get them fitted and out to customers.

[Joker^]

Really? I was told that my car was at HSVi in Melbourne being fitted with my options, the alloy pedals and, so the dealer tells me, the sat nav, although that is bullshit as we all know it isn't coming until at least Feb next year.

So is HSVi in Adelaide or Melbourne? Or do they send it one play for wheels and another for other bits? It wouldn't surprise me as it already seems insane to me that they need to send my car to Melbourne to fit the pedals, when it was my understanding that the accessories were meant to be able to be fitted at the dealer to reduce the time it takes to get them fitted and out to customers.

I have no idea Janus. Only option i had was the wheels and my dealer said its in Adelaide but who knows.

I had some good news anyway, the dealer called me told and told me my car was in Brisbane so should hopefully have it Friday as 3 days to Townsville and time to details seems more than reasonable. Have pics if i get it on Friday!

[BLACK expreSS-V]

So has anyone actually got a SAT NAV in their recently delivered VE yet??

[Janus]

So has anyone actually got a SAT NAV in their recently delivered VE yet??

I don't think so. As mentioned before, the dealer has told me that mine is in Melbourne being fitted, but everyone else on here seems to being told February at the earliest.

I am 99% sure that my dealer is just full of shit, as they have been about almost everything else I have asked them about. It is a sad state of affairs when I know more from reading this forum them the actual dealers do. :cussing:

I swear there is going to be trouble if I go to pickup my car and they have fitted the old sat nav system with the additional screen.

[HSVMAN]

I am 99% sure that my dealer is just full of shit, as they have been about almost everything else I have asked them about. It is a sad state of affairs when I know more from reading this forum them the actual dealers do. :cussing:
I swear there is going to be trouble if I go to pickup my car and they have fitted the old sat nav system with the additional screen.

Sometimes you may just have to communicate with them what you know ie Sat Nav, rather than wait to see if they get it right. Better to show them up than be pissed off later.
I think it is a disease (lack of information) from Holden Marketing that flows down through the network.
Personally I make it my job to find out if the dealership doesnt know. Often I am the one telling our dealership what is happening and in a recent example even Holden NZ reps didnt know before I did. I'm frequently getting my hand slapped for communicating directly with Holden or HSV Aus instead of "through the right channels" but I would rather do that and know what I was talking about as I have too many people relying on what I tell them

[Janus]

Well went down to Claridge Holden again today to check on the status of my car and surprise surprise it has been delayed again and it would appear that they have just been bullshitting me all this time!

The fleet liaison guy wasn't there so "they couldn't give me exact info" but the General Manager showed me the status log that was printed on the 9th and it says my car was meant to be built on the 9th but was delayed to the 13th.....which is today. So what is the absolute load of crap I was told last week about my car having been built and was in Melbourne being fitted.

When I challenged the General Manager about this and why I had been lied to just last week and all he could say was "well, I don't know why he would have told you that", but there were several people with me at the time who assured me that I hadn't made it up.

Basically 15 minute of me having a go at him and about how poor their service is, with him trying to blame fleet SA and the fact that it isn't his areas, but I said that the GM should really be able to check on anything, and the fact that I had now been waiting 3 months with no info and had been lied to several times, they called all sorts of people and confirmed that the car was built today.

He said that he would call me tomorrow and confirm more when the fleet guy was in.

But he called me about 10 minutes ago to say that he had called Holden and the car was built and had just been off loaded at HSVi, which is in Adelaide, basically they are loaded on a truck and driven down the road, to be fitted out and if everything goes to plan, ie. the car doesn't get damaged during fit out, it will be delivered to them on the 20th and to us by the 21st.

It is at HSVi now, just off the truck this afternoon. He said that adds 4-5 days to delivery (not sure why it takes this long just to change the pedals over, hell for one thing I would have thought they would be fitted on the production line rather then fit normal pedals, move the car over a building take the pedals out and fit new ones) and then Holden has 4 days to get it to the dealer and then they take a day to do pre-delivery.

So basically it should be 20-21st if all goes to plan, but if something get damaged (which I'm sure it will with my "luck") it will be 26th as they are open for deliveries straight after Christmas.

Needless to say I am YET AGAIN not happy! :soap:

He also assures me that they have sorted out the problems with the sat nav and they have started fitting them and mine has been factory fitted. I told him that it better be the new nav system and not the old one with the extra screen and he promised it was....but at this stage I pretty much don't believe a thing they tell me.

[Quark]

Very nice. Loving the light coloured interior...

[QUOTE=VZSS250 Looks great...a good example of the stock Calais-V rims looking fantastic. The light urban interior looks great, but watch the bottom of those door trims. I have found it impossible not to kick mine, and had they been light urban they would look atrocious by now.

And while you may look after your door trims, I can tell you your passengers will think you're crazy if you ask them to be careful everytime you let someone in. I wish the bottom of the dorr trim was replaceable or plastic like in the VZ. ...[/QUOTE]

Thanks guys. Yep, expect that that the door trims will be a PITA, but planning on moving to Perth next year, so didn't want a dark interior.

[Janus]

Well things have gone from crazy to un-f**king unbelievable!

I get a message today saying that "something is wrong" with my car that has just been delivered to the dealership and could I call them to sort it out. Instead I jump in the car and drive down there as it is about 10 minutes from my house.

When I get there I wait for about 10 minutes for the fleet liasion guy to come out and he tells me that my car is here about to the the pedals fitted (which they told me was being done yesterday at HSVi) and that it even has the sat nav installed (which I can say that I have seen, so they have sorted out the problem and have started fitting them in the cars on the production line) however my car has shown up with the light urban interior instead of the black which I ordered...and have been waiting 4 months for!

He took me over to look over the rest of the car and everything else is correct except it has the wrong f**king interior. When I said that this was unacceptable and how had this happened he first accused me of changing the order, but I said that it has always been black and I wrote on the form myself so I know exactly what was on it, then he finally admitted that they must have made a mistake ordering the car and said that I can either accept it and have it on the 21st of December or place a new order and go to the back of the line and it will be another 3 month wait for a replacement. He didn't even offer a "sorry" or "we'll rush you through a replacement" or offer me this one for a reduced price. All he said was that if I wanted he would supply a set of darker floor mats to make the dirt less visible and he offered to give me the wheel nuts and stuff I wanted for trade price. Thanks a f**king lot!

I said I would go home and have a think about it, but the more I have sat here the more angry I have gotten. This is pure incompetance and they refuse to accept any responsibility for what has happened and expect me the bend over and take whatever they want to give me and expect me to pay almost $60,000 for the privilage.

So I am going to go down there first thing tomorrow morning and yell (and I mean YELL if I have to) at the General Manager and demand that they explain the 4 months of delays, explain why I have been straight out lied to on several occassions thus far, explain how my car has the wrong interior, demand that something be done to fix it and make me happy and if they can't and I decide I want to order a new one I will pull my order from them and go to another dealer. Hell if it is going to be 3 month wait I would rather end up giving my money to a dealer that hasn't f**ked me around for the past 4 months. I will also be informing them that I will never be personally buying a car from them again or using their service department and that my father's department will not longer be using them to get their numerous of vehicles or service them and instead go to place they trust.

I am right that this has gone beyond a joke right?

[Wonky]

Faaaaaark!! I certainly understand why you're spewing!! :vpo:

[Quark]

Janus, I feel for you. After ordering 16 Aug I got the call on 30 Nov to say mine was in and would be ready the next day. Next thing I got a call to say, oops, no LSD. In my case the dealer staff were very apologetic, made a suitable financial adjustment and fast tracked delivery of another vehicle.

It's a shame to hear that your dealer is not taking any responsibility. Just call and speak with the principal to tell him you're unhappy - if you don't get any satisfaction just mention you'll stand out front for a week or two and warn off prospective customers...

[Fnomna]

I am right that this has gone beyond a joke right?

You're 100% right there.

I'd suggest a call or strongly worded fax to head office in Melbourne - tomorrow if you can - may get you some action.
* Head Office 191 Salmon St Port Melbourne 3207
* (03) 9647 1111
Fax
* (03) 9647 2550

I'd try them first, then if not happy try the SA sales
* State Sales & Marketing Office Philip Hwy Elizabeth 5112
* (08) 8282 8111
Fax
* (08) 8282 8760

[CSV Strada SiR]

Definatly get another car the dealer can do a swap or Holden can organise it if you jump up and down enough.
Go to another dealer and ask if they have a car at a level 32 status then you can make the changes and get the car ASAP - but they are about to shut down and with the AJAX thingo you might not have a car until March!!
I ordered mine on the 30th Nov (dealer changed the clours and options I wanted and 3 days later it was at level 35) and it was built today and should be delivered late next week.
Definatly sounds like the dealers to blame and can sell your car at full tilt to another customer as stock is short.
Time to ring Holden and Fair Trading I think!!

[Ako]

Janus

Mate I have been following your story from the start. I feel so sorry for you. You handled today better than I would have. This is far beyond a joke. What Fnomna has suggested to do would be my next action. Very strongly worded fax straight to Holden, including the mention that you will be pulling the order from them, and then I would ring the dealer and pull the order. This is crazy, and the fact that they didn't offer you any compensation suggests they are simply playing you. Time to play back.

If you have to wait three months, then you are better of waiting through another dealer who might care, then this bunch of hillbillies. They are just having it so easy these days, they don't care who they upset. Their time will come.

Mate, type up the fax now while the emotions are running high, then reread it in the morning. You will be suprised as how good it will read. Then fax it away.

Keep us posted.

Cheers

Brad

[Ricky]

So is HSVi in Adelaide or Melbourne? Or do they send it one play for wheels and another for other bits? It wouldn't surprise me as it already seems insane to me that they need to send my car to Melbourne to fit the pedals, when it was my understanding that the accessories were meant to be able to be fitted at the dealer to reduce the time it takes to get them fitted and out to customers.

HSVi is in Adelaide mate.

[HSVMAN]

Janus,
without implicating myself in some way... oh what the hell!
Take Fnoma's advice. The cowboys you have been dealing with should be exposed for the crap they have been feeding you.
Right from the day you order the car, they then order the car from Holden and it is "preferenced" in the spec you order ie colour/trim/extras.
From there it can be tracked through the process at various stages of build. Each time you can confirm colours etc as above.
Dealerships should know where what gets fitted and when, I dont know why they told you what they did. If all else fails in the process honesty is the best advice even if it is not what the customer wants to hear! If you dont know something say you dont know then undertake to find out!

There are ways to get a car prioritised now so the area office should help - you would be surprised. If not go higher. I hope it is just the salesperson and not the entire dealership that operates they way you have described thus far.
I cannot say much more but persevere and you will be rewarded :)

[Black AH CDX]

HSVi is in Adelaide mate.


Yes, but there are also other HSVi sites dotted around the place to serve dealers too. eg Homebush in Sydney

[Ricky]

Yes, but there are also other HSVi sites dotted around the place to serve dealers too. eg Homebush in Sydney

Yes there are, sorry mate should have clarified that Janus' car is delievered in SA so his would not leave the state for any reason or shouldnt atleast anyway.

Also to add, Janus, you are not the first person in the last 2 months that I know of that have had these issues with Claridge Holden, but it certainly sucks.

[SS Enforcer]

Vote with your feet and wallet mate your a more patient man than me.

Place another order with another dealership.

cheers

[Joker^]

Well got a call from my dealer, car arrived at the dealership yesterday, was getting tint and mud spats put on today, so ive got the cheque drawn up and hopefully pick it up late this afternoon :yahoo:

Silver VE V8 Calais-V With 19" HSVi rims

Haven't seen any with the 19"s on em as everyone has been going for the 20's so i think it will be a nice touch.

Hopefully have pics tonight or tomorrow

[Joker^]

Well i got it!
Picked it up late yesterday afternoon and i love it. The silver is a bit plain but what can you do.
The V8 really has a nice burble to it now, so much more noticable than my VZ

Here is a few pics will get more later.

This was in my driveway
http://acunningham.customer.netspace.net.au/calais/vz1.jpg

Now i have this in its place
http://acunningham.customer.netspace.net.au/calais/IMG_0975.JPG
http://acunningham.customer.netspace.net.au/calais/IMG_0976.JPG
http://acunningham.customer.netspace.net.au/calais/IMG_0977.JPG

[Janus]

Looks great Joker^. The 19" rims look good. As you said most people go for the 20" so the 19" actually look a bit different and special.

What is the logo under the V on the boot? I have noticed that they have got rid of the "Holden By Design" badges that they used to put on the old models when you got something special done to it. I think I prefer that they have got rid of them as I always though it was more likely to make you a target for idiot trying to steal stuff.

Now I just have to wait for mine. Fleet SA are sourcing me another car from another dealer but unfortunately because Holden shut down for January it will be Feb at least before they can get me one.

I am going to go down to Claridge again tomorrow to have a word to the General Manager and make sure that he knows that I have taken my order else where and that both Fleet SA and I are filing complains against the dealership with Holden.

[Razor]

Go for it Janus!

The way you have been treated is a Joke!!

Not good enough.

[Janus]

I went down there today and had a word with the General Manager, the only person who was actually able to give me any real info on my car and thus exposed all the lies that the fleet liaison had been telling, to make sure he had been informed of what has happened.

Oh boy was he informed. Complaints from Fleet SA and my father have gone to Holden and GM who have "censured" the dealer for violation of their service level agreements and Fleet SA is stripping all of their contracts they have from the dealer, which would be equaling big dollars lost to them. In fact he said he is getting the execs GM and Fleet SA after Christmas to attempt to keep the contracts. The lesson being if you are going to screw people around for 4 months and then mess up their car don't make it the Executive Director of the department as it only takes a couple of calls for them to pull their business.

He apologised for any inconvenience it had caused and said that it must have been a misunderstanding between the fleet liaison and I as he would never have said "take it or leave it", which is exactly what he said.

He also tried to blame the various delays over the 4 months on Fleet SA and GM for delaying the sat nav and said that this is actually the 3rd car that has come off the line for us but the other were before the sat nav was available so they kept pushing our delivery back. I don't quite understand this as the idea the whole way along has been to get the car without it and then fit it when it became available. He did mention that the 2 other cars that have been built for me also had the white interior. I ask why they hadn't picked up on the problem the first 2 times, but he had no real answer except blaming the problem on someone at GM "ticking the wrong box", which he says happens quite often.

They are also now saying that the fleet liasion was wrong when he said that it would be February to March before they could get me a car as I would have to go to the back of the line again. Now they say they can get me a car as soon as the factory goes back, which should be mid January. However I am not going to give them the satisfaction of getting the order again so have informed Fleet SA to get the first car they can from any other dealership in the city.

[HSVMAN]

Right decision Janus! That guy is telling you porkies too blaming GM on this or that. They make the odd mistake, we all do but not "all the time". If there was wrong interior colour the first time you would thing they'd double check it the second time? Not wait for a third! Kick them into touch and good luck finding a car :)

["V"]

Hi Everyone, Im new to the forum and my partner and I have had our new Calais V for nearly 3 weeks and every now and then get a check engine, check ESP and check ABS warning animation in that small centre window on dash on startup. It only appears for a second and then it disapears.... Its really strange. Does not happen always but I have noticed it a few times. Also sometime when starting the car I have noticed that the info for the CD player in the centre window is missing and when you go to change tracks the scroll wheel on the left wont work. Turn the car off and back on again.. Its all fine!

[Janus]

Hi Everyone, Im new to the forum and my partner and I have had our new Calais V for nearly 3 weeks and every now and then get a check engine, check ESP and check ABS warning animation in that small centre window on dash on startup. It only appears for a second and then it disapears.... Its really strange. Does not happen always but I have noticed it a few times. Also sometime when starting the car I have noticed that the info for the CD player in the centre window is missing and when you go to change tracks the scroll wheel on the left wont work. Turn the car off and back on again.. Its all fine!

I would write a list of the problems and either go down to the dealer and get them to check it out or, if it isn't causing a major problem, save it up for the 3000km service.

[GRC888]

Can I ask what tyre pressures every one is using in their Calais V's.

Std 36 psi can be harsh around town.

Is 36 psi minimum only due to Holden's requirement to increase fuel economy with VE?

Why did my VY11 SS specify 33psi and my wife's VZ Lumina wagon on 235/45 17 inch Bridgestones specify min 29psi.

I have tried 33psi in my Calais V and this seems a good compromise.

Glenn Corey
Rowville, Victoria

[Quark]

Can I ask what tyre pressures every one is using in their Calais V's.

Std 36 psi can be harsh around town.

Is 36 psi minimum only due to Holden's requirement to increase fuel economy with VE?

Why did my VY11 SS specify 33psi and my wife's VZ Lumina wagon on 235/45 17 inch Bridgestones specify min 29psi.

I have tried 33psi in my Calais V and this seems a good compromise.

Glenn Corey
Rowville, Victoria

I've been trying 37 psi in mine and feel it's a bit loose - will probably bump up to ~40 psi.

Remember these are a significantly heavier car and will therefore put more heat into the tyres. I would be wary of running below the minimum pressure - the risk is the tyre will delaminate due to excess heat. Delaminations typically happen on the one time when you are trying or on a long trip at freeway speeds, but the damage often occurs much earlier. I'll take safety over comfort anytime.

[CalaisRider]

Yeh just watch the low pressure delamination. I have separated, bubbled and blown 4 tyres on my landcruiser to date as I use it on the beach a lot.

Similarly I don't thing running out to Willowbank running 22 from home would have done the Calais V 20/245.35s longevity much good - handled like a bucket of s**** on the way out!!

[Moxy]

SAT NAV Update.

Having had my Calais V for some months now and being "fobbed off" byt the service division at my local dealership about the sat-nav, i rang and spoke with the sales manager who chased it up.. they inform me that customers like me who pre-paid for the sat nav at the $1995 price point as advertised by holden, and had taken delivery of their cars, are out of luck at the moment as HSVi is charging $3800 to the dealers for the retrofit satnav, and this is needs to be sorted out between holden/hsvi and the dealership. he said there was almost a lynching at a recent sydney holden sales event when this was brought up..

a few more weeks to wait by the looks of it.. but they did tell me i would not be out of pocket...

cheers

moxy

[Janus]

Man, that seems steep!

So has anyone else besides me seen one with the sat nav fitted? Mine was factory fitted just before Christmas, like it was built the 17th and meant to be delivered to me 22nd, but I didn't accept the vehicle because of the interior. I presumed that they started fitting them right before the end of the year and mine was one of the first off the production line before they shut down for the break. So I assume they will continue to fit them when they start back up again and actually build the right freakin' car which should be mid January I am told.

$3800 is pretty expensive for it to be fitted as my dealer said it would cost around $500 to have it removed from the car with the wrong interior and installed in another one, which of course they were offering to pay for in an attempt to keep their fleet contracts.

["V"]

Hey Janus....
Have you got your car yet mate????
Any news on it yet??

[Janus]

Sadly nothing yet. Fleet SA has stripped the order from Claridge along with all the fleet contracts that were there, which is a big chunk of money. I went in there shortly before Christmas just to make sure that we couldn't work something out and the MD basically asked me to get my father to give them the contracts back as they admitted that it was their mistake "but didn't think that accidently ordering the wrong interior was worth having a million dollar contract pulled". I said I would "have a word to him", which meant that I wouldn't do a thing as I really am sick of dealing with them and their incompetance. As I said previously me told me that this is the 3rd car they have received for me yet knocked back and sold to someone else and he said that all 3 have had white interior so I'm not sure how they never picked up on it before.

I'm not sure who has the contract now, I think it will be who ever can source a car the fastest, although Holden and GM have stepped in now as they are not to happy with the dealer pissing off a government executive and they have promised to give us the first one available as soon as the factory goes back to work, which I am told is mid January as long as there is nothing broken at the factory following their maintenace inspections etc. So with any luck, which I have had none up until now, my car should finally arrive in the next couple of weeks. I will be happy just to have it but I must admit waiting 5 months or so and all the hassles I have gone through have kind of taken the shine off it.

["V"]

So sorry to hear that mate. When I signed up here I remember going to this thread from from the beginning and reading all the troubles you had with the dealer. I bet you were really pi**ed with them. I hate dealers and they just dont seem to care. All they care about this the money. Some do care and are all good until they get the cash.... From there on its like they never return your calls if you have questions or the fob you off to another person or Service....
I really hope that you get your car soon mate. Im sure once you get it and starting driving it and knowing thats its finally yours, the buzz of having one will hit you again :)...

[CalaisRider]

Has anyone had issue with their springs settling in and making the ride harsher?? Mine seems to be a lot rougher over the past month or so - not sure if its me remiscing that the ride was smoother when new or if it is actually harsher on the 20" wheel setup. All of my family have made the same comment at some stage???

[Alex(AUS)]

SAT NAV Update.

Having had my Calais V for some months now and being "fobbed off" byt the service division at my local dealership about the sat-nav, i rang and spoke with the sales manager who chased it up.. they inform me that customers like me who pre-paid for the sat nav at the $1995 price point as advertised by holden, and had taken delivery of their cars, are out of luck at the moment as HSVi is charging $3800 to the dealers for the retrofit satnav, and this is needs to be sorted out between holden/hsvi and the dealership. he said there was almost a lynching at a recent sydney holden sales event when this was brought up..

a few more weeks to wait by the looks of it.. but they did tell me i would not be out of pocket...

cheers

moxy


$3800!!! Geez thats pretty high. How much is the employee discount on these? And, how involved is the fitting?

Thanks,

Alex

[Janus]

The MD of the dealership I was dealing with said that it would cost them about $400-500 to remove the sat nav from the car they had gotten for me and install it in a correct one.

He said that it is quite a bit of work as they have to take all the dash appart to hook it all up and ensure that it is working properly as well as the actual installation of the unit in the glove box.

Although when you consider he is saying $400-500 to basically do the job twice, once to remove it from the old car and again to put it in the new one, logically that would mean that it would be $200-250 worth of labour to install it in a car, so really not to sure how they are justifying $3800 to fit it.

[Alex(AUS)]

I think this is yet another stunt they are trying to pull ...

I would think that you need to remove the stereo, plug in to the sat-nav auxiliary port and install the sat-nav unit in the glove box (inc power, antenna connection) ... That’s it. It shouldn’t be that hard.

Alex

[EddieVE06]

Has anyone had issue with their springs settling in and making the ride harsher?? Mine seems to be a lot rougher over the past month or so - not sure if its me remiscing that the ride was smoother when new or if it is actually harsher on the 20" wheel setup. All of my family have made the same comment at some stage???

I cant remember if you had your car lowered or not. I've had mine lowered and the ride has become a little harsher all depending on the particular bumps i hit. Most of the tim though its still nice just a little jiggly. I've still got the 18inch rims on there though

[CalaisRider]

Glad u get some jiggly trim too. Harshness is mainly those sharp/steepish bumps you get by raised,repaired road surfaces at highway speed - on Qld Rds these are plenty of em. The Car handles like its on rails though - everything is a trade off as usual..

Mine's not lowered - thanks for the feedback

[Janus]

Well heard back from Holden today about an expected date for my replacement car. They are saying the fastest they can get me one will be February 15th. So much for them rushing me a replacement to stop me from being pissed off after being screwed around for months!

That will bring the total approximate time I have waited to 6 months. I think that is the worst wait time I have ever seen for a VE!

I have a friend who has just bought a new Subaru. He placed his order mid December and they can order the car in the US, build it, put it on a boat, sail all the way here, unload it interstate, ship it here, do all pre-delivery and deliver it to him by the end of January. Yet I am waiting 6 months for a VE built 20 minutes from my house. Now I don't mind waiting a year for an Aston Martin, but this is just getting ridiculous.

I've had it up to here with Holden and I sure as hell won't be getting another one when I change over in a couple of years. There were plenty of other vehicles I could choose from the government list or I could go and privately lease something European, which would have been here by now.

[Alex(AUS)]

That's an absolute joke!!! Make sure you let Holden senior management know what you happened so this doesnt happen again ...

Alex

[SS Enforcer]

Hey Janus lets hope it doesn't end up like this guys.

http://www.manheimfowles.com.au/find_buy/power_search/?unit_key=17845_AU272086587-17845;detail_tab=vinfo;tab=displacement;fulltext=; stream=Salvage;make=Holden;displacement=5.7L;displ acement=6.0L;state_all=1;rm=view_detail

cheers

[SV346]

That last pic there looks like it may only need to be clicked in properly?

[CalaisRider]

That's an absolute joke!!! Make sure you let Holden senior management know what you happened so this doesnt happen again ...

Alex


Since Zupps Holden at Mt Gravatt spent two full days on my VE gearbox and whatever, I am happy to report that everything is now fine - actuallly way better than anytime previous. Geese manual mode will now rip into whatever I dial up within rev limits (amazing) I acknowledge that I have given the Calais V one hell of a thrashing under track, strip, hill climb and twisty road conditions - but ATM all is perfect IMHO..

Doing my absolute first Kana event this coming Sunday.. Will let ya know what a fewl I make of mysellf. One things for sure, it won't be the cars fault IMHO its fantastic

Pete

[Alex(AUS)]

Since Zupps Holden at Mt Gravatt spent two full days on my VE gearbox and whatever, I am happy to report that everything is now fine - actuallly way better than anytime previous. Geese manual mode will now rip into whatever I dial up within rev limits (amazing) I acknowledge that I have given the Calais V one hell of a thrashing under track, strip, hill climb and twisty road conditions - but ATM all is perfect IMHO..

Doing my absolute first Kana event this coming Sunday.. Will let ya know what a fewl I make of mysellf. One things for sure, it won't be the cars fault IMHO its fantastic

Pete

Hey Pete,

What did they have to do to make the box work right? Was this only because yours wasnt working as it should ... ? Are the other the same as yours now?

Thanks,

Alex

[Janus]

OH MY GOD! The day has actually come!

Got a message this afternoon that my car has been finished and delivered to the Fleet SA facility and I can come and get it whenever I like. Sadly I got the message late and was to busy this afternoon too go and pick it up but I shall be heading down there around midday Monday.

The car has been delivered and checked over and I am assured that it is black with black interior with all the options I ordered installed (unlike the last one which they were about to fit a tow bar to despite the fact I cancelled that from the order weeks before) and not pink or blue or green or on fire!

I also love the fact that they tell me it will be ready Feb. 15th and then suddenly out of the blue they call me to say it is done. I'm not complaining that it is actually early for once but it seems strange they can't even get the date right.

I am happy that after 6 months I will actually get my car, but am also some what cautious. After all this time I am sure something will be wrong with it. I remember last time when they said it would be 22nd December unless something goes wrong, like it gets damaged during shipping, and then it will be a couple of extra days. And then I get there and one of the most fundermental thing, the interior colour, is completely wrong.

[CalaisRider]

Hey Pete,

What did they have to do to make the box work right? Was this only because yours wasnt working as it should ... ? Are the other the same as yours now?

Thanks,

Alex

Oh Alex its a real long story i've told somewhere on the forum before. If you are interested email me.

Short story, early days wouln't manual shift up at above 3000rpm - so bad that PT wouldn't tune it as it was.. Checks by holden, supposedly low oil in the box (bad pre-delivery service). All good for about 3000K then out of the blue going to the local shop it went ballistic - 5000rpm @ 10kph, wouldn't pull up a small rise near our place, hunting everywhere, engine light, limp mode ect..

Ended up at Holden for two days working on it full time and much discussion with me , dealer and melbourne. Issue fixed ATM. They didn't tell me waht the actual issue was. My local guy knows the head bloke at Zupps and he said he asked all the right questions but they wouldn't tell him either - he rekkens there was something pretty major and that Melbourne will probably be registering a fault and now have a fix. Keep an eye on it he says..

They must have wiped everything or put a new chip in as I "lost" my PT edit and shift tweak too.. PT are going to re-do it when I'm ready no probs..

[devsy]

I had the same worry about mine. I don't know if the number on the compliance plate will tell you or not. I stuck my head under the back of the car and there is a sticker on the bottom of the diff with serial number, ratio, and LSD Y or N. Luckily mine said LSD:Y :)

Has anyone had a problem with the passenger mirror dipping when in reverse? I checked the manual and got it working but it seems to have a mind of its own. Sometimes it will dip straight away, other times it waits a while, other times it doesn't move. :(

I was looking at a a Calais V last night. The dealer was telling me the passenger mirror does not dip and its a typo in the brochures.

But the quotes earlier in this thread do indicate that it does. I assume then the dealer is wrong?

But, what an awesome car, congrats to all you that already have them sitting in your drive!

:cheers:

Devsy

[CalaisRider]

Yep, if the mirror doesn't dip, there is an error.

The mirror certainly dips in reverse but you have to program it in where you want it to dip to your personal preference - dead easy.. Its in the car manual..

[Janus]

Yep, if the mirror doesn't dip, there is an error.

The mirror certainly dips in reverse but you have to program it in where you want it to dip to your personal preference - dead easy.. Its in the car manual..

Yep, has been the same since the VY series 2 Calais. Man, your dealer doesn't know anything about the cars they are selling. There is no way I would buy through them if they know so little about their product.

[devsy]

Yep, has been the same since the VY series 2 Calais. Man, your dealer doesn't know anything about the cars they are selling. There is no way I would buy through them if they know so little about their product.

Can't argue with that, the sales person showing me and the better half the car had only been there a month or so. I am looking at a novated lease so the dealer doesn't really matter to me that much. :thumbsup:

I was also keen to get a better look at the light urban interior. I am leaning towards that at the moment.

D

[mustanger]

Make sure you ask all the right questions and if the salesman doesn`t know,get him to find out or do your own research. I know he was only new at his job but that doesn`t help you.It is very frustrating when you get missinformed advice.:teach:

[devsy]

hmm, research...

this place is the gold mine for that. :teach:
everyones comments re colours, interiors, rims, threads re issues and the like, I felt at ease in the yard the other night.

You can learn a lot in here from people who are passionate about their car and have parted with their own $ for them, i think more so than a salesman paid to sell them (please - no dis-respect intended to any salesman).

Anyways, on the home stretch of getting one sorted. Looking forward to joining all the rest of you VE owners... And for the books the current plan is a 6pot Calais V - red passion with white urban interior and the 20" rims.

Cheers

D

[Silver VESSV]

What are people paying for Calais V at the moment??

I'm currently chasing quotes from dealers in VIC.

[Janus]

i think more so than a salesman paid to sell them (please - no dis-respect intended to any salesman).

Personally I knew more about the VE from reading this site then any salesman I met in my long, long history with Holden dealers.

But that was when the car first came out, maybe now they may have had enough intellegence to actually learn something about the vehicles they are trying to sell.

[Silver VESSV]

Personally I knew more about the VE from reading this site then any salesman I met in my long, long history with Holden dealers.

But that was when the car first came out, maybe now they may have had enough intellegence to actually learn something about the vehicles they are trying to sell.

Cant agree more, salesman have a lot to learn yet about the VE in my eye's, some them dont even know what the difference between models are.

Reading on here helped me learn very quick

[Silver VESSV]

pickup my Phatom Black Calais V V8 with light urban early next week, cant wait

[benny76]

great car, well worth it.

[boyley]

Couple of changes to the Calais V. It has new wheels and rear spolier as standard. I've been told there are engine and transmission tweaks also. Can anyone from Holden clarify that?

I pick mine up wednesday. I have only seen the outside so cant advise any interior updates yet.

[jaykay]

boyley, is the rear spolier a lip spoiler ?

[boyley]

boyley, is the rear spolier a lip spoiler ?

Sure is mate. The Jan08 one I test drove had the old wheels and no spoiler. I'm not sold on the wheels yet.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh166/boylero/18042008094.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh166/boylero/18042008100.jpg

[KounTs_UtM]

Lip spoiler looks tops!

[Wonky]

Lip spoiler looks tops!

It's the one a few guys on here have put on their SS/SSV eg. RedVESS has one one. Holmart had them for just under $200 (unpainted).

[RaDz]

As of the 1st of May Holden is bringing out the 60th Anniversary edition of the Calais V. If anybody else on here is considering buying one...........might want to hold off.

I cant post links yet but copy "Holden 60th anniversary announces DOD on the V8" and paste in search.

[SUPERH2377]

As of the 1st of May Holden is bringing out the 60th Anniversary edition of the Calais V. If anybody else on here is considering buying one...........might want to hold off.

I cant post links yet but copy "Holden 60th anniversary announces DOD on the V8" and paste in search.

aswell as the omega ssv and captiva so they are bringing out dod with the updates maybe thats why no wagon yet

[Janus]

There have been a changes to the Calais V that I have noticed between my older one and the new ones that I checked out at the motor show when I was looking at the Sportwagon my friend is buying.

The two things I noticed was that the old car had three buttons infront of the gear stick, one for traction control, one for parking sensors and one for sports shift. Now there seems to only be two, one for the parking sensors and one for the traction control. The middle button one for sports shift is missing.

The other is that they seem to have ditched the little opening storage compartments on the doors and replaced them with standard open plastic bits like the rest of the range. I think this is bad as I liked the look of the storage compartments, except who ever designed the car obviously never tested actually using it as the storage compartments were too small to fit the wireless headsets for the DVD player....which is of course what you want to put in there.

[Wonky]

The two things I noticed was that the old car had three buttons infront of the gear stick, one for traction control, one for parking sensors and one for sports shift. Now there seems to only be two, one for the parking sensors and one for the traction control. The middle button one for sports shift is missing.
Sports mode is now engaged by moving the gear lever into the Select-A-Matic position and leaving it there i.e. not changing gears manually.

[CalaisRider]

Sports mode is now engaged by moving the gear lever into the Select-A-Matic position and leaving it there i.e. not changing gears manually.



:)
Hmm, thats pretty trick eh. That way you could kick in manual whenever needed - over and above what sports shift may be doin. Sorta like "Locked and Loaded" ready for speed duty!!!! LOL.

Mine's obviously the old version.

[jey16]

As of the 1st of May Holden is bringing out the 60th Anniversary edition of the Calais V. If anybody else on here is considering buying one...........might want to hold off.

I cant post links yet but copy "Holden 60th anniversary announces DOD on the V8" and paste in search.

found the specs on drive, just select Holden and then Calais from the new car search meanu and it should come up

seems the extra's are

sunroof
19-Inch Wheels

although the interior could be different since it says

Trim level: V 60TH ANNIVERSARY and Special/limited edition

[aware]

Hi, I have a VZ Berlina due for replacement this year (work car) Should I go for a Calais V over a Normal Calais? I like both, and would be happy with either, but i would like to know which car people thought was better. If possible with the lease company, I would love to get a V. Also, what is the quality like. I have had no experience with a VE yet, and would like to know.
Thanks

[CalaisRider]

Hi, I have a VZ Berlina due for replacement this year (work car) Should I go for a Calais V over a Normal Calais? I like both, and would be happy with either, but i would like to know which car people thought was better. If possible with the lease company, I would love to get a V. Also, what is the quality like. I have had no experience with a VE yet, and would like to know.
Thanks

.


The V simply has more bells and whistles on it as far as I know. Just be careful if you do get a V though, you may suffer the same phenominon as I did - I am totally adicted to driving the bugger, just can't get enough.:)

First time ever... and I have driven lots of cars in my 50 years. IMHO they are just so schweet in every way!!!!

Pete

[boyley]

.


The V simply has more bells and whistles on it as far as I know. Just be careful if you do get a V though, you may suffer the same phenominon as I did - I am totally adicted to driving the bugger, just can't get enough.:)

First time ever... and I have driven lots of cars in my 50 years. IMHO they are just so schweet in every way!!!!

Pete

Picked mine up yesterday and ditto.:smilesandbanana: Holden has finally built a WC motor car.

[aware]

.


The V simply has more bells and whistles on it as far as I know. Just be careful if you do get a V though, you may suffer the same phenominon as I did - I am totally adicted to driving the bugger, just can't get enough.:)

First time ever... and I have driven lots of cars in my 50 years. IMHO they are just so schweet in every way!!!!

Pete

Thanks, I think I will go for the Calais V. Hoping to go for a look and a test this weekend. Thanks to Boyley as well. Yes, I think Holden has built a wc car. I have already had a look at one, and I felt as if I was sitting in a european car. So Comfortable, and well built, nothing like previous Holdens, even felt better inside than my relatives BMW's. And it is a lot cheaper than a BMW, and I think built just as well if not better. :)

[boyley]

Thanks, I think I will go for the Calais V. Hoping to go for a look and a test this weekend. Thanks to Boyley as well. Yes, I think Holden has built a wc car. I have already had a look at one, and I felt as if I was sitting in a european car. So Comfortable, and well built, nothing like previous Holdens, even felt better inside than my relatives BMW's. And it is a lot cheaper than a BMW, and I think built just as well if not better. :)

Apparently there maybe a 60th ann version coming out, with sunroof and bigger alloys. maybe hold off if youre in no hurry. Also get the lsd/feII otpion, it effects the ride none at all, but gives the added safety.

You'll never regret it.


.


The V simply has more bells and whistles on it as far as I know. Just be careful if you do get a V though, you may suffer the same phenominon as I did - I am totally adicted to driving the bugger, just can't get enough.:)

First time ever... and I have driven lots of cars in my 50 years. IMHO they are just so schweet in every way!!!!

Pete

Pete,

What does your compliance plate show for Model? Mine is VE8EX69. And do you know the breakdown of it?

Cheers Rob

[aware]

Apparently there maybe a 60th ann version coming out, with sunroof and bigger alloys. maybe hold off if youre in no hurry. Also get the lsd/feII otpion, it effects the ride none at all, but gives the added safety.

You'll never regret it.



Pete,

What does your compliance plate show for Model? Mine is VE8EX69. And do you know the breakdown of it?

Cheers Rob


Thanks Boyley. I will definitely look at the LSD/FE11 option, but as it is a work car, probably won't be able to option it much. But I will definitely look into it. Yeah I have heard some rumours of a 60th Ann. Calais. It would be rather nice as one of my Previous commodore's was a Red 50th Anniversary VT. I am not in much of a hurry at the moment, my car doesn't get changed until August/September (i know i am a bit early), but I wanted to make the best decision which is why I am so early on deciding. But If the 60th Calais is around then, I will most likely go for that one, but it doesn't worry because even the Standard Calais V is a beautiful car. And the updated one is even better, I also like the new wheels and the lip spoiler. With the VE model range, I think people are spoilt for choice. Thanks for all your help Boyley, and CalaisRider, you have made the choice even easier for me. My other option was to get an FG G6E.:spew: As I said, the choice was easy.

[VESSV316]

What does your compliance plate show for Model? Mine is VE8EX69. And do you know the breakdown of it?

Cheers Rob[/QUOTE]

VE = self explanitory
8= model year ie MY08etc
EX= Sedan
69= calais

[CalaisRider]

What does your compliance plate show for Model? Mine is VE8EX69. And do you know the breakdown of it?

Cheers Rob

VE = self explanitory
8= model year ie MY08etc
EX= Sedan
69= calais[/QUOTE]


:confused:

So is there no delineation between the Calais and the Calais-V. Suggests 69 is all variants of VE calais??? I have a HSVI compliance plate. I will have a look tomorra and get back on what mine says.... Never looked at it before????

[NewVLT]

VE = self explanitory
8= model year ie MY08etc
EX= Sedan
69= calais

Are you sure about that breakdown ?

Codes for my new Calais V wagon just ordered are -

8EX35-C28 and it will be an MY09 build.

"X" has always been the Calais code and "35" the wagon code, dating back pre the VL. I have no idea what the code breakdown actually is for the VE but based on older breakdowns it would be something like -

8 = Code signifying GMH
E = VE series
X = Calais
35 = Wagon (Sedans were always 19 but maybe 69 is Calais sedan)
Option C28 = Probably LSD+FE2 or engine, or Calais V.

Anyone know for sure ?

[boyley]

Are you sure about that breakdown ?

Codes for my new Calais V wagon just ordered are -

8EX35-C28 and it will be an MY09 build.

"X" has always been the Calais code and "35" the wagon code, dating back pre the VL. I have no idea what the code breakdown actually is for the VE but based on older breakdowns it would be something like -

8 = Code signifying GMH
E = VE series
X = Calais
35 = Wagon (Sedans were always 19 but maybe 69 is Calais sedan)
Option C28 = Probably LSD+FE2 or engine, or Calais V.

Anyone know for sure ?

You may be thinking the vin number mate. I quoted the model number which is on the compliance plate.

e.g. 6G1EX55H09L169###

[boyley]

I wrote to Holden regarding the recent changes to the VE line and they are as follows.



Dear Robert,

Thank you for your email.

We advise that the changes made to the VE Series with the introduction of the 2009 Model Year are summarized as follows:

·Curtain airbags are now standard on Omega, Berlina, SV6 and SS models.
·Automatic transmission selector – uses Micro-silver painted handle spacer on all models (deletes Satin chrome spacer).
·Calais transmission selector assembly is now being used on SS V-Series (adds Satin chrome gate surround and changes from red to white illumination).
·Deletion of the centre console bin light.
·The glovebox light has been deleted from all model variants other than the Calais V-Series, Statesman and Caprice vehicles.
·Centre console rear compartment on all SWB vehicles – closed compartment replaced with open compartment as per Omega.
·Rear vent slider – replace Satin chrome with Onyx on Berlina, SV6, SS, and SS V-Series.
·Cup holder surround – add Satin chrome to SV6, SS, and SS V-Series.
·PRNDL surround – add Satin chrome to SV6 and SS.
·Steering wheel spoke covers – replace Onyx with Micro-silver on SV6, SS, and SS V-Series.
·Dash appliqué – change to Micro-silver on SV6, SS, and SS V-Series.
·New alloy wheel design – Calais and Calais V-Series.
·The front door trim hinged door bins have been replaced with fixed door bins on Calais V-Series, Statesman and Caprice. (Note: all model variants now have fixed door bins on front and rear door trims).

Please note that specific technical :bawl:information regarding changes to the VE Series is not available. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Should you have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your interest in our products.


Yours sincerely,

Robert Withy
Holden Customer Assistance Centre

No mention of the bootlid spoiler:confused:maybe it was a previous addition.

[The-V8-Power]

Interesting is that the glovebox light remains on the higher lux models.
I thought they were trying to minimise assembly complexity, but wouldnt it make worse having it only on a few selcted models then on all of them all as it did?

[kevn]

One of the main reasons for me rushing to get an MY08 car was to avoid all the silver around the cup holders and steering wheels spokes etc as my experience with my series 2 VY was that the silver finish wears off.

Also, why woulld they delete the glovebox light :confused:

[boyley]

One of the main reasons for me rushing to get an MY08 car was to avoid all the silver around the cup holders and steering wheels spokes etc as my experience with my series 2 VY was that the silver finish wears off.

Also, why woulld they delete the glovebox light :confused:

Mate sorry to say, but if your car is on order you will more than likely be getting the MY09 version. I picked mine up last week and MY09 version.

[NewVLT]

I wrote to Holden regarding the recent changes to the VE line and they are as follows.

Thanks Robert. Much appreciated.
I guess if anyone must have certain parts from pre-MY09 cars then just contact your friendly Holden parts person.

I'm already sussing out what I can do with the deletion of the standard side window surround chrome on the Calais V wagons.

[Janus]

·Deletion of the centre console bin light.
·The glovebox light has been deleted from all model variants other than the Calais V-Series, Statesman and Caprice vehicles.
·Centre console rear compartment on all SWB vehicles – closed compartment replaced with open compartment as per Omega.
·The front door trim hinged door bins have been replaced with fixed door bins on Calais V-Series, Statesman and Caprice. (Note: all model variants now have fixed door bins on front and rear door trims).

Why on Earth have they done this?

Especailly removing the door from the centre console rear compartment, this makes it look very cheap and crappy and what are they saving, about 50 cents. How about you leave the door on there and fix all the other problems that people are having with the cars that you are ignoring!

And if I remember correctly the hinged bins were a big "selling feature" of the Calais V so why have they gotten rid of them, apart from the thing I have always complained about that the wireless headphones don't fit in them, which is of course what you want to store in there. Now you have these horrible plastic open bin things that look cheap and old fashion instead of the nice looking opening bins in the nice material.

Well Holden is doing one of two things here. Either pushing me to getting a Caprice when I change my car in about a years time or pushing me to another company that doesn't build cars that I still can't get all the bits fixed on 2 years later whilst they strip little tiny, but nice, features away for the sake of saving a couple of cents here and there.

[boofhead]

I agree Janus

At a time when they are loosing market share they are removing features from the cars? Not sure about the logic here but generally more features are added over time to differentiate between models of the same car and the competition.

[pauley]

is it possible to widen stock (gmh) rims rear only

[boyley]

is it possible to widen stock (gmh) rims rear only

Bit off topic Pauley, but what type of rims are you referring to

[pauley]

sorry guys but keen to soak up all the info b4 I buy
Talking about the optional 19" 10 spoke

[boyley]

sorry guys but keen to soak up all the info b4 I buy
Talking about the optional 19" 10 spoke

Not sure about the alloys mate

[Bigdaddy4567]

Hi all, I am new to this forum but thought I would share some information about the Calais V 60 Anniversary.

I ordered mine on the 1st of this month (May) and anxiously await its arrival.

I have found information the Calais 60 Anniversary model is vey limited with only a list of inclusions available to date; there are no brochures or any Holden web site info as yet.

Information I have to date on additional features;
• Electric Sunroof
• 19 x 8 Super sport Alloys
• Chrome Exterior Door Handles
• Alloy faced pedals
• Unique Light Urban & Onyx leather interior (I think same as International)
• 60 Anniversary floor mats
• 60 Anniversary rear badge
• Available colour choice: Phantom, Evoke, and some aqua colour?

I have ordered mine in Phantom, 6.0 V8 with FEII suspension & LSD + full size spare wheel.

If anyone has any pictures or further info on the Calais 60 anniversary I would love to see them. Holden says a micro-site will be launched late next week on their web site.

I note that the Calais International has been removed from the Holden web site, I believe to 60th Anniversary will be very similar in looks & features (but without Sat Nav).

Hope this info is helpful.

Cheers

Ray.

["V"]

Sure is mate. The Jan08 one I test drove had the old wheels and no spoiler. I'm not sold on the wheels yet.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh166/boylero/18042008094.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh166/boylero/18042008100.jpg

Hi Boyley,
I have a VE Calais V- Series myself but its nearly 2 years old now... I got a V6 and considering an upgrade as soon as the release DOD tech on the V8 models. I love the new Alloy wheels! Have you got anymore pictures of your new car yet? I have not seen any driving around yet with the new Alloys and considering getting them on the current Calais while I wait to get our new Calais when DOD is out on the V8.

[Bigdaddy4567]

Hi, thats the curent Calais V not the 60th Anniversary edition.

["V"]

Yeah I know...
I like the look of the new Alloys on the MY09 model Calais V series... Im sure over time when DOD is on the V8 they alloys wheels and features will change again...

Keeps us buying them :)

[XLR8 V8]

If anyone has any pictures or further info on the Calais 60 anniversary I would love to see them.



Very nice choice of car. Here's some pics I came across. Personally I love it.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/xlr8v8/CalaisV60th1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/xlr8v8/CalaisV60th2.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/xlr8v8/CalaisV60th3.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/xlr8v8/CalaisV60th7.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/xlr8v8/CalaisV60th4.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/xlr8v8/CalaisV60th5.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/xlr8v8/CalaisV60th6.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/xlr8v8/CalaisV60th8.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/xlr8v8/CalaisV60th9.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/xlr8v8/CalaisV60th10.jpg

[korrupt]

Good to see the Light Urban seats don't come with the light coloured carpet too. That would just get too dirty. Is that a specific 60th Ann. thing or across all MY09 versions ?

[Bigdaddy4567]

Thanks for the Pics XLR8-V8, fantastic, a beast - I cant wait to get into mine. Where did you get them, I have been searching for weeks! Do you have a link for them?

Sure am glad the dash, trim, carpet & mats are dark not light shale. To be honest I would have opted for Onyx seats if it were possible, but looks ok with dark surrounds.

Cheers.

[boyley]

Hi Boyley,
I have a VE Calais V- Series myself but its nearly 2 years old now... I got a V6 and considering an upgrade as soon as the release DOD tech on the V8 models. I love the new Alloy wheels! Have you got anymore pictures of your new car yet? I have not seen any driving around yet with the new Alloys and considering getting them on the current Calais while I wait to get our new Calais when DOD is out on the V8.


Sure mate here's a few, had it lowered all round come up nice.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh166/boylero/LUXO6L04.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh166/boylero/LUXO6L03.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh166/boylero/LUXO6L02.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh166/boylero/LUXO6L01.jpg


Very nice choice of car. Here's some pics I came across. Personally I love it.


Looks schmick but I am not a fan of the bone interior:spew:make it black and then I'm a bit jeallous:)


Hi all, I am new to this forum but thought I would share some information about the Calais V 60 Anniversary.

I ordered mine on the 1st of this month (May) and anxiously await its arrival.

I have found information the Calais 60 Anniversary model is vey limited with only a list of inclusions available to date; there are no brochures or any Holden web site info as yet.

Information I have to date on additional features;
• Electric Sunroof
• 19 x 8 Super sport Alloys
• Chrome Exterior Door Handles
• Alloy faced pedals
• Unique Light Urban & Onyx leather interior (I think same as International)
• 60 Anniversary floor mats
• 60 Anniversary rear badge
• Available colour choice: Phantom, Evoke, and some aqua colour?

I have ordered mine in Phantom, 6.0 V8 with FEII suspension & LSD + full size spare wheel.

If anyone has any pictures or further info on the Calais 60 anniversary I would love to see them. Holden says a micro-site will be launched late next week on their web site.

I note that the Calais International has been removed from the Holden web site, I believe to 60th Anniversary will be very similar in looks & features (but without Sat Nav).

Hope this info is helpful.

Cheers

Ray.

Nice work mate, you'll be more than happy with your procurement, these cars are magic to drive.:smilesandbanana:

[XLR8 V8]

Thanks for the Pics XLR8-V8, fantastic, a beast - I cant wait to get into mine. Where did you get them, I have been searching for weeks! Do you have a link for them?

I have a contact who supplied the full res shots to me. They're not yet publicly available on the web. I shrank them down to a realistic size and put them in my photobucket account to post up here.

[Bigdaddy4567]

Thanks again, the pics are great. I dont supose your contact has a soft copy of the Calais owners manual????

Cheers.

[Netbear]

I recently ordered a so called MY09 spec Calais V V8 with FEII, LSD and Sat Nav in Evoke. Expected delivery early June.

The dealer has spoken about delays with the Sat Nav due to limited wiring harnesses being available. Does anybody know if this is the real reason for the delay ?

I have heard that the hinged door bins and Console Light are gone on MY09Calais V. Does anybody know of anything else that is missing or changed when compared to MY 8.5 Calais V ?

Any news on introduction of DOD for V8 ? Does DOD deactivate the same 4 cylinders all of the time or does the deactivation alternate across all 8 cylinders ?

Is the stage 2 alarm upgrade worth the money ?

Last but not least, does anybody know how to bypass the front dvd screen lock-out when driving ?

Many Thanks in advance, Netbear.

[boyley]

See post 433

[sandmanls1]

saw an awesome looking calais v on gts 20's at Bob Jane Preston yesterday ie High St... looked tough..

[EddieVE06]

saw an awesome looking calais v on gts 20's at Bob Jane Preston yesterday ie High St... looked tough..

I drive past it every night, it does look fantastic, he had a set of 22inch rims on it also at one stage, which also looked mean but just looked a little too big.

[twodads]

saw an awesome looking calais v on gts 20's at Bob Jane Preston yesterday ie High St... looked tough..


I drive past it every night, it does look fantastic, he had a set of 22inch rims on it also at one stage, which also looked mean but just looked a little too big.

If one of you could get a pic and post it up of that Calais with the gts rims it would be appreciated. Looking at getting them for my Cal.
cheers. Nick

[pauley]

Hi all, I am new to this forum but thought I would share some information about the Calais V 60 Anniversary.

I ordered mine on the 1st of this month (May) and anxiously await its arrival.

I have found information the Calais 60 Anniversary model is vey limited with only a list of inclusions available to date; there are no brochures or any Holden web site info as yet.

Information I have to date on additional features;
• Electric Sunroof
• 19 x 8 Super sport Alloys
• Chrome Exterior Door Handles
• Alloy faced pedals
• Unique Light Urban & Onyx leather interior (I think same as International)


• 60 Anniversary floor mats
• 60 Anniversary rear badge
• Available colour choice: Phantom, Evoke, and some aqua colour?

I have ordered mine in Phantom, 6.0 V8 with FEII suspension & LSD + full size spare wheel.

If anyone has any pictures or further info on the Calais 60 anniversary I would love to see them. Holden says a micro-site will be launched late next week on their web site.

I note that the Calais International has been removed from the Holden web site, I believe to 60th Anniversary will be very similar in looks & features (but without Sat Nav).

Hope this info is helpful.

Cheers

Ray.

WHATS THE ACQUA COLOUR??? CAN WE SEE IT ANYWHERE?
SEEMS FROM PICS THAT THE INTERIOR COLOURS ARE SEAT S ONLY NOT SAME THROUGHOUT

PAULEY

[Wonky]

I recently ordered a so called MY09 spec Calais V V8 with FEII, LSD and Sat Nav in Evoke. Expected delivery early June. Mmmm, nice, Evoke Calais V is what I would have loved! :drool:


The dealer has spoken about delays with the Sat Nav due to limited wiring harnesses being available. Does anybody know if this is the real reason for the delay ?If you read the posts on here the Sat Nav is a waste of money - portable satnav systems are easier to use and have more functionality at a fraction of the price. No more delay and saving money - win/win!! :D


Last but not least, does anybody know how to bypass the front dvd screen lock-out when driving ?

Check the Audio section on here. Adrian (vxclubby85) who works at No Limit Electronics (sponsor) has a solution for that apparently.

["V"]

Sure mate here's a few, had it lowered all round come up nice.
:


Thanks mate... It looks horn! Love it... I dont mind the new Alloys aye... They are starting to grow on me... Still to see one driving around... But very nice indeed... :) Thanks for posting some pics..

[Bigdaddy4567]

Sorry, I don't know what the third colour option is called in the Calais V 60 Anniversay. Other than to say Phantom & Evoke are the only colour I considered, the other colour I didn't consider as a viable option for this ride.

I have been given a factory build date of June 16, so I hope to be able to post a pic late June for all to see.

Cheers.

[pauley]

Sorry, I don't know what the third colour option is called in the Calais V 60 Anniversay. Other than to say Phantom & Evoke are the only colour I considered, the other colour I didn't consider as a viable option for this ride.

I have been given a factory build date of June 16, so I hope to be able to post a pic late June for all to see.

Cheers.

thanks INVU pauley

[enemyss]

not sure if Im allowed in this chat as I only have the calais v6 yes i downgraded from a blown gen3 but this is the most luxurious cars I have ever owned nice ride great looks(evoke colour) plenty of space but I didnt like the stock 17inch rims so I put 18 inch anz spoke type rims on the other week what a difference and the ride seems less cushy but still great. Hope to put a boot lip spoiler on and lower it a little and a few power upgrades and it should be a nice but different calais.

[EddieVE06]

If one of you could get a pic and post it up of that Calais with the gts rims it would be appreciated. Looking at getting them for my Cal.
cheers. Nick

Pic of Calais with GTS Rims. Quality not the best taken with phone while sitting at lights but give you an idea.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o285/eddieve06/1-3.jpg

[sandmanls1]

very nice eddie thanks for psoting the pic, looks lowered as well.. Might be the owner's?

[EddieVE06]

Its has been lowered, i'm not sure what he has suspension wise, as i said he had 22's on it at one stage but they just looked a little too big.

Yes it is the owners car, I got my mags from there also.

[twodads]

much appreciated Eddie. don't know whether to go gts or the 20inch black verde madonna's now.....
Nick

[DaveHAT]

much appreciated Eddie. don't know whether to go gts or the 20inch black verde madonna's now.....
Nick

Leave it as is Nick ... it looks perfect just the way it is with the supersports.

:)

[twodads]

Leave it as is Nick ... it looks perfect just the way it is with the supersports.

:)
thats what my wife says too. hmmmmmm

[DaveHAT]

thats what my wife says too. hmmmmmm

Are you kidding ... I just google the word perfect, and this came up as one of the links!!! :shock:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/twodads/ours1.jpg

:D

:woot:

:cheers:

[EddieVE06]

much appreciated Eddie. don't know whether to go gts or the 20inch black verde madonna's now.....
Nick

Its a tough call, the GTS rims on that calais fill the guard nicely as the spoke go right to the edge of the rim it makes it look fat.

I'd say the madonn'a are like a deep dish which will also llok good being black on black but might look a little smaller as the spoke drops away a little and being coloured black will i think look smaller.

Maybe see if a mag wheel place can hold up one of each to see how they look.


Are you kidding ... I just google the word perfect, and this came up as one of the links!!! :shock:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/twodads/ours1.jpg

:D

:woot:

:cheers:

does look the goods even with those rims on there also i must admit

[Bigdaddy4567]

Hi Guys, I think the Supersports look pretty good, so I will keep mine as standard. I won't be able to change the mind of "she who must be obeyed" even if I did want to change.

Question: Mine will have 19" Supersports fitted with FEII factory suspension, doe's FEII give a the vehicle a visual look of being lowered? :1peek:

Cheers.

[EddieVE06]

I think the FE2 is around 20mm lower than stock commodore suspension so i'd say a slight difference but the gap for some reason is still quite large.

Where I work there is an SSV with the 19's and my SV6 with 19's which has been lowered and my car seem at least another inch lower than the SSV.

["V"]

Look what I found:

http://www.holdencampaign.com.au/60/calais.html#/home/

[Bigdaddy4567]

Cheers Eddie, If it does'nt looked lowered I will get minus cred with my 16yo son who is on his L's and cant wait to have a drive....

[jey16]

no Evoke on the 60th Anniversary model?

[Bigdaddy4567]

no Evoke on the 60th Anniversary model?

mmm, Evoke was on the list earlier for the 60th, obviously they have now substituted Nitrate. Guess they have more tins of Nitrate than Evoke laying around... :rofl:

[twodads]

Are you kidding ... I just google the word perfect, and this came up as one of the links!!! :shock:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee123/twodads/ours1.jpg

:D

:woot:

:cheers:
thats gold :rofl:
Must admit though, that's what we thought when we saw the pics of it on carsales. was looking for a manual clubby or ssv. def was not going to be an auto til we saw the V.
lcheers for the comments guys..

[falcom]

As the 60th Anniversary Edition is only available with Metallic paint it appears the price of $56,790 includes metallic paint.

Usually there is a * stating metallic paint extra.

A friend of mine just received a quote and they charged extra for metallic paint.

Can anyone confirm that metallic paint is included in the price ?

I know $400 seems trivial on a $60,000 car but better in the customers pocket than the dealers.

[Bigdaddy4567]

Hi Falcom, I just checked my quote and confirm the dealer has not charged me for metalic paint on the Calais 60th.

Cheers

[pauley]

Hi all, I am new to this forum but thought I would share some information about the Calais V 60 Anniversary.

I ordered mine on the 1st of this month (May) and anxiously await its arrival.

I have found information the Calais 60 Anniversary model is vey limited with only a list of inclusions available to date; there are no brochures or any Holden web site info as yet.

Information I have to date on additional features;
• Electric Sunroof
• 19 x 8 Super sport Alloys
• Chrome Exterior Door Handles
• Alloy faced pedals
• Unique Light Urban & Onyx leather interior (I think same as International)
• 60 Anniversary floor mats
• 60 Anniversary rear badge
• Available colour choice: Phantom, Evoke, and some aqua colour?

I have ordered mine in Phantom, 6.0 V8 with FEII suspension & LSD + full size spare wheel.

If anyone has any pictures or further info on the Calais 60 anniversary I would love to see them. Holden says a micro-site will be launched late next week on their web site.

I note that the Calais International has been removed from the Holden web site, I believe to 60th Anniversary will be very similar in looks & features (but without Sat Nav).

Hope this info is helpful.

Cheers

Ray.

Can you/anyone tell me what the international cost and what was different fron the v. I am looking a an old floor stock one and need some help please.
It does not have a sun roof but same colour scheme Light urban / evoke.
are you sure there is no evoke available on the 60th model??
Pauley

[pauley]

Thanks .. lots of stress over the past few hours trying to resurrect the forum .. :errr::eyes:

nice to see some action, I have a 2007 ve v in black and want to improve the rear end look. Can someone tell me if the exhaust surrounds panel on the R8 and GTS will fit ??
Paulb

[Netbear]

Why on Earth have they done this?

Especailly removing the door from the centre console rear compartment, this makes it look very cheap and crappy and what are they saving, about 50 cents. How about you leave the door on there and fix all the other problems that people are having with the cars that you are ignoring!

And if I remember correctly the hinged bins were a big "selling feature" of the Calais V so why have they gotten rid of them, apart from the thing I have always complained about that the wireless headphones don't fit in them, which is of course what you want to store in there. Now you have these horrible plastic open bin things that look cheap and old fashion instead of the nice looking opening bins in the nice material.

Well Holden is doing one of two things here. Either pushing me to getting a Caprice when I change my car in about a years time or pushing me to another company that doesn't build cars that I still can't get all the bits fixed on 2 years later whilst they strip little tiny, but nice, features away for the sake of saving a couple of cents here and there.
VE Calais V V8 review Mid 2008 Update Model.

I purchased my VE Calais V V8 (it is the update model with the 10 spoke 18" wheels) with FEII Suspension with LSD, Full size spare, HD tow pack, Sat Nav and Power outlet in the boot in Aug 2007.

I am very happy with it, I have driven to Sydney and back from Bendigo averaging 9.6 lts per 100kms for the whole trip. Not bad for a 1750 kg vehicle full of fuel and luggage with 2 adults and 1 child.

The car has now done around 12,000kms.

I have only added a few little things to the car since Aug 2007 such as:

Ashtray / Power Outlet in the rear of the centre console - Holden deleted the door on the rear of the centre console. (I am not a smoker, just wanted the extra Power Outlet, HSV Chrome Wheel nut covers - The standard grey ones are crap. Also added moulded boot liner $99 off ebay - genuine Holden is just too expensive.
Added Radiator cover - this was deleted by Holden due to cost - it stops bugs getting stuck on top of the radiator and added a couple on plastic clips under bonnet up near the firewall - also deleted by Holden.

Other items deleted by Holden were Hinged front door bins and the light in the centre console bin.

Engine cover also reads V8 not 6.0 lt V8.

- Does anybody know of anything else that was deleted by Holden ?

Wish List - Fuel Lts remaining (trip computer only displays Lts used).

Sat Nav unit should have been mounted underneath rear parcel shelf in boot to create more room in glove box.

TV tuner to complement built in DVD display front and rear.

Av input for Rear Dvd Player needs to be mounted in rear of centre console - not in the roof unit.

Independant vent controls for rear seat passengers.

Under Bonnet Light.

Should be able to order LSD without FEII.


What else I wish to add soon - Alarm Upgrade, Window Tint, Lock Nuts. Also run a patch so that front display can be used to watch DVDs while driving (front seat passenger only of course :-)

Future Upgrades - Maffless Tune, Bigger Exhaust, Cold air intake etc. maybe a suspension upgrade.

Small issues that I have found - Sat Nav display not correct - quick fix - Reboot (happened once).

Front display turns off - turn key off and restart (happened once).


Fuel remaing on trip computer not as accurate after driving the car really hard. (this has let me down twice).

Notes: I have run this V8 vehicle on Regular Unleaded, E-10 and 98 Octane with no noticable difference to power or economy.

For a V8 it is a little quite - seems to be about half as loud as a VZ V8 - Standard exhaust seems restrictive.

Road noise a little loud for rear seat passengers - when radio etc. is turned off.

I love the power and handling of this vehicle - I can not fault it in any other way.

Thank you Holden for the concealed boot hinges - about time. Also thanks for the abitly to turn off the front displays for night driving.


I also drive a 2007 Ford Falcon BF MKII Company Car - Too many faults to menton :-(

[EddieVE06]

Hi
Hoping someone can help. Does anyone know whether the 2007 VE Calais not the V came with FE2 or FE1.5 suspension.

Thanks

[The-V8-Power]

Hi
Hoping someone can help. Does anyone know whether the 2007 VE Calais not the V came with FE2 or FE1.5 suspension.

Thanks

I'm pretty certain it would of came with the FE2 as the FE1.5 was a running change in 2008.

[EddieVE06]

I'm pretty certain it would of came with the FE2 as the FE1.5 was a running change in 2008.

Thanks trying to work it out as I'm looking to get one and want to lower it with possibly Lovells and trying to work out whether the ride would still be ok.

[chookboots]

I have a 2007 Calais V V8 with the rear DVD roof mounted. The DVD screen is loose and moves when accelerating or going over a bump.
Is there a fix or is it covered under warranty?

[CalaisVSS]

I have taken delivery of a May build Calais V and I would have liked to lower the front but as I am not always on sealed roads I chose to fit SS front and side skirts to give the looks of an SS but all the toys you can get in a Calais V.

[racketsports]

I have taken delivery of a May build Calais V and I would have liked to lower the front but as I am not always on sealed roads I chose to fit SS front and side skirts to give the looks of an SS but all the toys you can get in a Calais V.

Do you have any pics of the SS skirts fitted as I would be interested in seeing how it looks with the rest of the Calais?

Cheers
Racketsports

[CalaisVSS]

I originally did it on the PC as I was wanted to see the if the line matched on the rear panel as I did'nt want to change the tail lights etc. It looked OK so I ordered the mod. Here are some pics:

http://i619.photobucket.com/albums/tt277/CalaisVSS/CalaisV_SSV_Hybrid.jpg
http://i619.photobucket.com/albums/tt277/CalaisVSS/CalaisVSS_cropped.jpg
http://s619.photobucket.com/albums/tt277/CalaisVSS/sidewiew_cropped.jpg

[CalaisVSS]

While we are talking Calais V, on my LX8 the passenger mirror deflects downward so that you can see the kerb when reverse is selected but on the V the passenger mirror deflects in both the downward and outward directions when reverse is activated. I am not sure if the two direction change is normal. Can anyone help?

[Alex(AUS)]

While we are talking Calais V, on my LX8 the passenger mirror deflects downward so that you can see the kerb when reverse is selected but on the V the passenger mirror deflects in both the downward and outward directions when reverse is activated. I am not sure if the two direction change is normal. Can anyone help?

It is programmable. You can make it go wherever you like. Look at the manual for instructions on how to change it.

Alex

[CLUBRED]

Yeah, mirror dip position is programmable, I think you can have different settings for each key, well mine does ('06).

[Old Bloke]

I've got a V8 Calais V on order (dealer delivery mid Sept) however the dealer cannot confirm what, if any, changes/updates there will be with the MY10 V8 model.
Does anyone know of any changes/updates to this model?

[Goggles]

Does anyone know of any changes/updates to this model?

I want to know this question too - see here:
Australian LS1 and Holden Forums - View Single Post - Special Edition SSV (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=1571855&postcount=116)

[Old Bloke]

I want to know this question too - see here:
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=1571855&postcount=116

Just been informed by the dealer that there will be NO changes.

[gtr27]

Might be a silly question, but i'm looking for a V8 VE Calais V in black with less than 60 000 on it, must have full leather for under $35K. Carsales seems like i have a very good chance of this.

Looks like from a dealer I should pay 32-34 and private, 29-32ish depending on quality of car.

So if you know someone wanting to sell (in QLD preferably) send me a PM.

Sorry for the hijack, but i can't post in EOI thread as most of my posts have been in tar pit (which doesn't count towards postcounts it seems).

[gtr27]

Well....i ended up buying a white one.....decided black would be too hard to keep looking pimp.

Does the V have LSD standard? (its a 08/06 build date i believe so one of the first)

How much for a LSD. I already have a 3" X-Force catback to slip on as soon as i pick it up, and will book it in for OTRCAI, MAFless tune and possibly headers in a week or two after that.

Once the missus calms down from that i'll look for a cam package :D

[racketsports]

Does the V have LSD standard? (its a 08/06 build date i believe so one of the first)



Mate, if you crawl under the rear of the car there should be a sticker on the diff that says LSD:Yes or No, so this is how you can tell the easy way. It wasn't standard but was a $250 option when I bought mine. Enjoy your new purchase, and yes having a black car would have been a B*tch as I can attest!

Cheers
Racketsports