Holden Calais V8

Like the Fairmont Ghia, the Calais went through an attitude readjustment, turning from an old softy to something with a harder edge at the VY II update back in 2003.

The car has kept that meaner persona moving on into the VZ upgrade, but the 5.7-litre V8 version of the Calais has retained the old 235 kW power rating.

The driveability of the engine is aided by the move to the new electronic throttle that enables a far more sophisticated Bosch traction control system to be employed. But no sign of the even more helpful stability control system introduced with the new V6 versions. While traction control cuts engine power when it senses wheel slip, ESP also brakes individual wheels to avoid nasty moments. Unfortunately, the old four-speed auto transmission also remains a handicap.

The most expensive short Commodore is a fair drive as well as a luxurious one these days, a testament to how well Holden's engineers have honed a relatively simple chassis with what they refer to as FE 1.5 suspension tune.

Leather trim became standard at VZ time, but the price also went up $2000.
Price: From $57,360.
For: Powerful engine, luxury interior, ride and handling balance.
Against: Sloppy four-speed auto, at the limit of development.

HSV Clubsport

This is the big boss of Australian V8 performance cars. No less than 6.0 litres of Chevy engine, straight out of the latest Corvette, produces stunning acceleration and a rip-roaring soundtrack.

Sub-six-second 0-100 km/h dashes are obtainable, courtesy of what appears on the surface to be a relatively simple all-alloy, pushrod, 16-valve engine.

The rest of the package is familiar HSV. ClubSport has long been the company's main sports model. In this latest Z-Series guise (based on the VZ Commodore), its outspoken bodykit is joined by standard 19-inch alloy wheels, low-profile rubber and a minor interior update.

Grip is good, but with so much power and torque, rear-end traction can become an issue when accelerating. A significantly updated traction control comes with a new electronic throttle package and that helps driveability.

But it can't hide the ageing chassis, with steering, handling and ride not up to the excellent levels of the FPV GT. A pity it still has to put up with a four-speed auto transmission that should be pensioned off.

Price: $61,850.
For: Power, performance per dollar outstanding, interior space.
Against: Chews fuel, lacks some of the suspension panache of the Fords, clunky auto transmission.

Ratings
Holden Calais V8: 3.5 stars
HSV ClubSport: 4 stars

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