Question about Calais

[dah_man_ben]

Hi all..
Looking at getting myself a VE/VEII Calais V in the near future (whatever money permits)... and was wondering a few things.

First, whats the stereo like in these? I know in my old mans VE Berlina, the stereo is absolutely useless (dash speaker distorts, no loudness etc). I also know that the V series does have the upgraded system, but really, is it that good? I can't find anything proper on the internet actually stating whether it is an upgraded Blaupunkt system, or a Bose system? Any difference between VE and VEII (apart from being touchscreen and stuff)? Does it distort easily and sound cheap?
I currently have a half decent setup in my VY and whilst I don't need a state-of-the-art stereo, I would want something that sounds pretty good.

Second, I haven't decided on V8 or V6 as of yet. What is the new 220kw V6 like (only really driven the old 175kw so far)? I am currently getting about 12L/100km (city) in my VY.. is the AFM V8 actually efficient at all? I'm not a huge thrasher by any means so power for burnouts etc is not of any concern to me... I'm just thinking I might miss the power of a V8 if I go for a V6... but if the fuel consumption gap is wide enough, I think I will stick with the 6.

Cheers,
Ben

[Lumps of cheese]

I find the stereo is good enough for what i want but i'm over the whole changing stereo and speaker thing anyway so i'd put up with what was in there regardless. Basically it just comes down to whether you want a v8 or not. My grandmother has the v6 and i've driven it a few times and they go pretty good.

[Fu Manchu]

I love our VE Calais V. Happy enough with the 6. The stereo is good enough. In my other Commodore I have an after market stereo and they are comparable yet different. They can't be compared with the standard model stereos. Play a movie and it sounds awesome for something that comes out of the factory.

[HussySV6]

Dont know about the series 2 but the series one calais have the same shit sound quailty but the V have Bose system which is actually quite good, my uncle has one and there is big difference( but i dont know if its a factory standard or he got it extra)

He has a V8. He doesnt thrash the car at all and is quite happy with the petrol. He doesnt have the AFM but ive heard from reading around thats its pointless unless ur on the highway i guess.
Also i belive the v6 are 210kw ? Not 100% sure but pretty sure there only 210. Dont look at kw, theres is big difference in driving a v8 and a v6.
Also on the calais i live there v8s coz you cant hear anything inside the car, so it doesnt anoy you but when a stupid ricer comes near you trying to race and you put your foot down you feel the power/ see the power and hear the power lol

Goodluck mate.

[discomat]

Stereo is good bro, but (assuming you get 2nd hand) will depend on the previous owner's use of said stereo. Recommend the series 2 for the IQ instead of the standard series one display

[dah_man_ben]

No worries.. thanks for the replies guys. I'll definitely be getting the V series. Still haven't made my mind up on V8 or not... might go down to local Holden dealer, take one for a test drive.

Cheers

[MikesCalais]

definatly get the calais v! Also as mentioned above, afm is useless unless you're doing a fair amount of highway driving. The stop-start of the city means that all 8 cylinders would be in use all the time.

I'm happy with the stereo in mine. Haven't even had to put it on max volume

As for fuel economy, I'm getting 11.3 at the moment, heavy city and suburban with the v6