Why no Calais Manual???

[Lionking]

Why don't they make a Calais manual? I know that people will say that there isn't a market for it but I believe there is. What happened to the old days where you could option anything on any model?

[Holden Nut]

I agree there wouldn't be a market - don't get me wrong there is a FEW people that would do this, but generally speaking it is a luxury based car, which you seldom see in manual.

I don't see why you couldn't order a custom built car from Holden...just might take a while and cost quite a bit more.

[Lionking]

R u sure you could option it? I thought you couldn't nowadays

[VooDoo]

I dont think there has been a calais manual since the VL days. Its a luxury model so Auto only. Same for the stato's. I wouldnt mind a M6 in mine though.

[Holden Nut]

I'm not sure. I know on paper its officially not an option. I was just looking at it from the point of view - well its physically possible and if you have the money and enough to make them change their mind I don't see why they wouldnt consider it.

[clixanup]

I'm thinking that when the Auto goes to gearbox heaven, I'll drop a manual box in. By my estimation, a new auto would cost the same as a conversion. I'll do the numbers when the time comes.

[LS1TOY]

I dont think there has been a calais manual since the VL days. Its a luxury model so Auto only. Same for the stato's. I wouldnt mind a M6 in mine though.

at hsv there was a vs grange with vt gts running gear even had the wider track, stroker engine and premium brakes. mmmmmmmmmm... that was very nice.:thumbsup:
Jake,

[draculr]

I think the bigger question is why no manual in the omega?? Especially when the only other choice is that rubbish auto.

[vecommo]

I have approached a number of dealers about a Calais V V8 manual and the simple answer is "NO". They wouldn't give me any detailed explanation, just said "Holden won't do it", even though I offered to pay extra for it.
I am now considering a fully optioned SSV M6. As I have stated before I have my heart set on a Calais V but there is no way I can live with an auto again, no matter how good it is.

[Carby650]

I have approached a number of dealers about a Calais V V8 manual and the simple answer is "NO". They wouldn't give me any detailed explanation, just said "Holden won't do it", even though I offered to pay extra for it.
I am now considering a fully optioned SSV M6. As I have stated before I have my heart set on a Calais V but there is no way I can live with an auto again, no matter how good it is.

I think this is where we need Holden to be active on this forum again to answer this sort of question. THey used to show a great deal of interest on this forum and contribute a lot of info but in recent months I have heard little or nothing from them.

[Goggles]

I think the bigger question is why no manual in the omega?? Especially when the only other choice is that rubbish auto.

because they never sell many......I had a manual VSII Exec, and that was the last model of the base Commy to have manual standard.

you will note that only the sports models in the commy range have a manual option.

I agree that a manual option on the calais and caprice would be a good idea, and I often wonder how many sales Holden loses because they don't have a manual option in the Calais and Caprice.

I for one will not consider either at the moment as I still enjoy driving my car.

now to win the lottery to throw some money at Holden to build me a manual Caprice :)

[Lionking]

You mean you can't even option manual on an Omega?? Is the blue camp the same? Do they offer the option of man on an XT?

[huggies]

there was also a couple of wh stato's with the C4B & Manual Trans

[JT]

I dont think there has been a calais manual since the VL days

I remember there were some factory manual VNs(but not many)

[SSV8pilot]

Calais demographics is aimed at those who want a hassle free ride - not aimed at sheer driving experience.

The Calais is a luxury designated model - manual is not usually associated with luxury.

If you want an up market version with manual - you need to go towards the sports designated models - SS or SSV

Thats my read on the situation

[draculr]

You mean you can't even option manual on an Omega?? Is the blue camp the same? Do they offer the option of man on an XT?

You can buy a manual XT, but no manual omega/executive.

Hell you can even buy a manual V8 XT which you used to be able to do with an executive. Not everyone likes the S/SS bodykits, i prefer the calais look but would not like to have an auto. A manual omega with some nice alloys would be a pretty sweet ride, too bad it is not available.

[bsbozzy]

Maybe this deserves a post in the Holden QnA forum

[fekason]

From my recollection, the last time that a manual Calais could be ordered (no cost delete option) was on the VN.

A manual Commodore Executive could be obtained easily up to the end of the VYII. From the VZ, manula could only be had with "body kits" - read sporty models.

I bought a VSII V6 manual in 1997, and have just passed it on to one of my sons.

I had been intending to buy a VZ run out V6 manual, but realised just in time that it was not going to be available on an Executive. Thus I jumped in and bought one of the last VYII V6 manual Executive sedans. Because I was generally using the VSII until my son was ready for it, the VYII has only last month passed 10,000 km.

On an aside, the VYII was the best bargain that I have ever obtained, getting about $13K off by various means.

If Holden do not produce a manual Omega in about five years (when the VYII will probably pass to the next son), then I expect I will probably buy a car from the opposition. I will not buy an auto or a body kit.

[chevypower]

Cos a Calais isn't really a Commdore with leather seats and climate control with a bit of chrome trim......(and a different name) here i was thinking you could just get a manual SSV and do what you want with it... but I forgot, a Calais is a completely different car!

[RED R8]

My pick when upgrade time comes would be the Calais v manual I will 100% no matter how good an auto is buy one so I am not happy Holden won't make one.

[dyno junkie]

I remember there were some factory manual VNs(but not many)

Sure was! Signed up in 1989 on a leather VN Calais 5.0 with the no cost optional 5 speed manual.

[Dickie Knee]

Why don't they make a Calais manual? I know that people will say that there isn't a market for it but I believe there is. What happened to the old days where you could option anything on any model?

Senator killed Calais manual

[macca_779]

My VT rolled out of Holden as a M6 LS1 Calais according to the VIN number and ID plate. You want a manual with luxury buy a Senator thats what I did. Well at least pre VZ anyway. They're pretty rare though. Mine is only 1 of 8 VT LS1 Senator Manuals

[Vulture]

I would buy a manual Calais V. Hell, they put the FE2 suspension in it why not the manual? I think they would sell enough. At least it could be made a special order thing.

[CalaisRider]

I would buy a manual Calais V. Hell, they put the FE2 suspension in it why not the manual? I think they would sell enough. At least it could be made a special order thing.

I'm with you. It's moved from previous models pure luxo only; to a sports setup with full luxo gear, hell its even got an LSD option (cheap) - hence there would be lotsa folk who'd want the luxo gizmos but prefer manual shifters - at least give the option;)

[Goggles]

I'm with you. It's moved from previous models pure luxo only; to a sports setup with full luxo gear, hell its even got an LSD option (cheap) - hence there would be lotsa folk who'd want the luxo gizmos but prefer manual shifters - at least give the option;)

time to start petitioning Holden methinks

[VZSS250]

I think Holden are justified in not offering a manual. The SS-V is there for anyone who wants a V8 manual with the luxury trimmings. The number of people who would actually buy a Calais manual would be very minimal, and they would probably all be members on this forum.

Seriously, if you aren't a car nut your not going to opt for a manual in the Calais. And most people are not car nuts. So why should Holden offer a manual to a couple dozen people and in the process stuff up their procedures on the factory line?

[VYBerlinaV8]

Ford do offer a manual in the base XT. I test drove an XT with V8 and manual before buying the Berlina.

The real question is how many large manual cars get sold. If you don't count the 'sports' models (SS, XR8, etc), I reckon it would be stuff all. Unfortunately.

[VooDoo]

Senator killed Calais manual

There have been some M6 Senators too. I had one in at work the other day.

[Pulse 8]

I dont think there has been a calais manual since the VL days. Its a luxury model so Auto only. Same for the stato's. I wouldnt mind a M6 in mine though.

The Calais manual was available in every model up to VT and deleted in VX onwards.
There is no way Holden will compromise on a special order calais manual.
I remember a manual Senator (based on the Calais) sat on the showroom floor at Zupps in Mt Gravatt (Brisbane) for nearly 2 years before they finally found a home for it at a massive discounted price, simply because no one wanted the manual in that type of car.
Happy Cruizin.

[C4B]

I remember a manual Senator (based on the Calais) sat on the showroom floor at Zupps in Mt Gravatt (Brisbane) for nearly 2 years before they finally found a home for it at a massive discounted price, simply because no one wanted the manual in that type of car.


It's quite simple really. OLD FARTS don't buy manuals. I was in the HSV club for years and none of them would buy the C4B based GTS's / Coupe's because they were M6 only. It was only when they made an A4 that they bought them.

[Stevotski]

I have always wanted a Calais manual - I did put it in the VE wishlist thread, and have discussed it on here as well.

Which is why I would like a VXII Senator 300 :driving:

although I think that the SS-V has been the luxury/manaul response, but an SS-V is still not based on a Calais

[Dacious]

I too would like a Calais manual (wouldn't own a SS - just me), but unfortunately I am in a severe minority. With the improvement of clutchless SMG and multi-speed autos, it is only a matter of time before the clutch pedal and left foot become redundant.

[macca33]

This is a strange conundrum I 'spose. HSV had the manual option in a Senator up until VY2, then dropped it. They still market the Senator as a 'Sports' sedan; the 'Skaife Senator' for example, and I reckon that there is a place for a manual option in this model. I concede that there won't be many ordered by consumers, but given the fact that the production line at GMH is automated, why could they not produce such a combination, or for that matter, Holden produce a manual Calais or Statesman. It COULD be done, they just do not wish to do so.

And Dacious, until Holden/HSV have such systems in place, such as SMG - which I cannot see for quite some time and realistically, the jury is still out on the 6 speed auto (even with the HSV-spec shift programming) as far as I can tell, there will always be room for a manual gearbox.

I love the fact that I have the luxury model of the range, yet can still drive the car the way I wish to, in the gear that I choose, through corners and curves. I certainly won't be upgrading too soon, as I can no longer get exactly what I would want to buy.

Cheers,

Macca

[zorro]

I used to see a black VS shape v8 statesman driving along wynnum road with a manual, had a look inside and looked factory spec, good conversion.

A lot of euro cars were offered as manual options for years and now thats even dissapearing, even diesel powered vehicles.

As for the blue camp, try and get a manual v8 ute or sedan thats not an FPV to test drive and you'll get a swift no. seems everyone trying to flog autos these days. for some reason manufacturers seem to think taking 'real' driving away is the future, I agree with macca33 there will always be a market for manuals.

[berroca]

I dont think there has been a calais manual since the VL days. Its a luxury model so Auto only. Same for the stato's. I wouldnt mind a M6 in mine though.

My mum had a manual VN calais 5L from factory, but i remember it being a big deal

[Danv8]

I used to see a black VS shape v8 statesman driving along wynnum road with a manual, had a look inside and looked factory spec, good conversion.

A lot of euro cars were offered as manual options for years and now thats even dissapearing, even diesel powered vehicles.

As for the blue camp, try and get a manual v8 ute or sedan thats not an FPV to test drive and you'll get a swift no. seems everyone trying to flog autos these days. for some reason manufacturers seem to think taking 'real' driving away is the future, I agree with macca33 there will always be a market for manuals.


I use to see a 1998 Fairlane that had a manual gearbox.

Oh well closest thing for me to factory manual Calais is the SS-V. :-)

[seldo]

I seem to recall that GM stated somewhere that there was only about 6% take-up for manuals and it wasn't worth the build complication....

[Stevotski]

I seem to recall that GM stated somewhere that there was only about 6% take-up for manuals and it wasn't worth the build complication....

really all they need to develop is a matching manual console to suit the calais interior. I would imagine that all the validation testing for SSV etc would be applicable to a manual calais. Yes it is an added combination of options for holden production to deal with, but their software should be able to cope with one additional variant surely !!!!

although the simple fact that you cannot get side curtain airbags (purely a safety item) without leather (purely a luxury item) on anything bar the omega safety pack indicates to me that there is 7/10ths f*ck all chance that Holden would consider this.

Car companies should study the AU falcon for an example of when a company dictates to consumers what they want!

[clixanup]

I too would like a Calais manual (wouldn't own a SS - just me), but unfortunately I am in a severe minority.
I'm with you. :)

[planetdavo]

The reason there are so few manual variants is because they already juggle the assembly line making multitudes of variants for different parts of the world. They don't need extra complications for a very small handful of extra sales.
The flip side to it is that when trade in time comes, and you have a luxury manual car, they are almost impossible to give away, so the trade in values are shocking.

[VZSS250]

Good point, imagine trying to sell a second hand manual Calais...goodluck with that. You'd have to be prepared to keep it long enough so that depreciation is severe enough for the car to be available to P-platers.

[seldo]

In another life I've tried selling used prestige cars like Jags, Benzs and big BMWs with the occassional manual transmission.....you'd get more offers for a free pox dose. But, having said that, when you finally get someone who wants one - they are quite keen because they have the choice of one only..... So, it comes down to demand and it simply isn't there in viable numbers. Sorry guys, get used to a slush-box...

[Belzey]

It's quite simple really. OLD FARTS don't buy manuals. I was in the HSV club for years and none of them would buy the C4B based GTS's / Coupe's because they were M6 only. It was only when they made an A4 that they bought them.


OMG you took the text away from my fingers lol. I was going to say the exact same thing about OLD FARTS ;)

[seldo]

It's quite simple really. OLD FARTS don't buy manuals. I was in the HSV club for years and none of them would buy the C4B based GTS's / Coupe's because they were M6 only. It was only when they made an A4 that they bought them.
:lol: I hope this rather inflamatory comment is not aimed at present company.....;) (or I'll poison your bloody drink tomorrow night....) :lol:

[HSVDKB]

I thought I was an old fart but much prefer manuals to autos and much prefer SS, Clubsport, GTS to Calais or Senator so maybe I'm not:yahoo:

[gts071]

It's quite simple really. OLD FARTS don't buy manuals. I was in the HSV club for years and none of them would buy the C4B based GTS's / Coupe's because they were M6 only. It was only when they made an A4 that they bought them.

This is why I have a VX GTS, M6 only :) I was looking at the VY's and I could not find a M6 anywhere at the time.


I have always wanted a Calais manual - I did put it in the VE wishlist thread, and have discussed it on here as well.

Which is why I would like a VXII Senator 300 :driving:

although I think that the SS-V has been the luxury/manaul response, but an SS-V is still not based on a Calais

I think the Senator 300 was a VX series 1 with only 24 made??? or twenty something :)

Either way, when it is time for me to upgrade I am going to be getting a manual or conversion. There is no way (well not in the next 20-30 years) I am going to have an auto.

My GF was looking at the Calais V and when she found out it was Auto only she started looking at BMW's.

[Stevotski]

I think the Senator 300 was a VX series 1 with only 24 made??? or twenty something :)


actually i think you are right... VXII dropped that and went to SV300 i think

[zorro]

My mum had a manual VN calais 5L from factory, but i remember it being a big deal

A mate had a VP Calais International with a 5spd 5L, went like a shower of shit.