On most occasions, once a sleeper bites its prey, the ways of the passive-aggressive machine become pretty obvious. Nonetheless, there are certain sleepers that make us want to explain them, and we’re here to offer you just such an example.
We are talking about a car that comes from Australia, namely a Holden VL Calais Turbo. To put it shortly, this is the kind of late 80s sedan that wouldn’t scare too many cars out there, especially not without some of its tricked-out versions the factory released.
Nonetheless, the one we have here comes with an engine compartment that doesn’t have too much to do with the factory anymore. It all starts with a Nissan RB25/30 3-liter six-cylinder unit, which is married happily ever after to a Garrett GTX42R turbocharger.
The motor runs on E85, with the list of mechanical goodies also including parts such as a custom Garrett intercooler. Further down the power line, we find Powerglide transmission and a 9-inch diff.
The monster dyno run
The crown-stunning effect we mentioned in the title came after the Holden was taken to a dyno challenge. After a series of runs, the drivers turned things up to full boost, with the result being a whopping 984 HP. To put that into perspective, this is the kind of muscle you get in a LaFerrari.
As expected, this thing can run the quarter mile too. Its best time sits at 8.47 seconds, so yes, it will easily amaze drag strip crowds.
The redone-but-still-stock look of the car is what pleases us most. Sure, that rollcage is a bit of a giveaway, but when you get to see it, chances are it’s a bit too late.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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