PerformanceDrive is preparing its quick spin review of the new 2012 Holden Calais V Series II, fitted with the revised 3.6-litre SIDI V6 engine. The 2012 Calais features the least update changes of all the new 2012 VE Series II Commodore variants.
As previously reported, the 2012 Holden Calais V Series II is now on sale. One of the main feats of the 2012 model is the all-E85-compatible lineup. From the 3.0-litre V6 to the stonking 6.0-litre V8, all 2012 Comm0dores are capable of running on E85 85 per cent ethanol blend petrol.
Running on E85 leaves behind a lighter carbon footprint, and has the potential to increase horsepower due to its cooler intake charge, and due to its potentially higher octane rating. Not only is the 2012 Commodore E85 compatible though, most of the range is now more fuel efficient, exhausting out less emissions.
In our 2012 Holden Calais V Series II’s case, fuel consumption has been reduced from the previous 9.8L/100km rating, to 9.5L/100km. Emissions have decreased from 234 grams of CO2/km to 228 over the 2011 model as well.
So does the Calais still go like a startled mountain goat? You can bet your left leg it does.
Jumping to the conclusion that you need the V8 option to feel any sort of performance is understandable, but not necessarily true. The 3.6-litre V6 producing 210kW certainly isn’t shy. In fact, it’s 60kW more powerful than the old and very popular VL Calais Turbo icon, which in its day was quite a lot of power.
For all the details on how it goes, and what the new model comes with, stay tuned for our full 2012 Holden Calais V Series II review.