VAUXHALL CALIBRA SUPER CHARGED
Vauxhall Nova SIDE SKIRTS AND AFTERBURNER REAR LIGHTS
The Vauxhall Calibra, launched in 1989, was always more about style and smoothness than outright performance. But when enthusiasts take things into their own hands—fitting a supercharger to its high-revving 16v or silky V6 engine—it becomes a whole different animal.
While Vauxhall never officially sold a supercharged Calibra, the tuning scene has long embraced forced induction as a way to give the coupé the power its looks always promised.
A properly supercharged Calibra can deliver seriously impressive numbers, depending on the base engine:
C20XE (2.0 16v “Red Top”) +
supercharger
🔹 Stock: ~150 bhp
🔹 Supercharged: Easily
230–300+ bhp,
with correct internals, fuelling, and mapping
🔹 Lightweight + high-revving + boost = proper
old-school weapon
C25XE (2.5 V6) + supercharger
🔹 Stock: ~170–180 bhp
🔹 Supercharged: ~280–350+ bhp possible
🔹 Known for smoothness
and torque, supercharging adds
effortless power across the rev range
The transformation is night-and-day. Throttle response remains sharp, but you get boosted mid-range grunt and far better top-end punch. It turns the Calibra from a stylish cruiser into a genuine sleeper.
Acceleration drops well below 6 seconds 0–60 mph, and top speeds can easily push 150–160+ mph depending on gearing.
Handling remains composed but can become a bit lively when that extra power kicks in—especially on FWD versions. Torque steer is real, particularly if you haven’t uprated the suspension, diff, or tyres.
Add in a limited-slip diff, stiffer springs, and proper brake upgrades, and you’ve got a seriously fun and surprisingly usable high-performance coupe. The Calibra’s wide track and decent chassis respond well to extra power when the car is built properly.
Here’s where things get technical. Supercharging any Calibra is a project that demands good engineering:
Custom manifolds, belt drives, and often standalone ECUs are needed
Charge cooling or intercooling is vital to keep intake temps down
Stock internals on C20XE can handle moderate boost (~6–8 psi), but for serious power, forged pistons and rods are recommended
V6 builds need careful heat management and gearbox reinforcement
If corners are cut, expect overheating, clutch slip, or gearbox carnage. But done right? It’s a beast that’ll surprise far newer machinery.
A supercharged Calibra often flies under the radar. Many owners keep the OEM+ look—clean lines, subtle alloys, maybe lowered suspension. Pop the bonnet though, and there’s a menacing blower setup and upgraded plumbing that lets you know it means business.
Some go full Fast Road spec—bonnet vents, gauges, alloy catch tanks, and aggressive styling—but even in stealth mode, the distinctive whine of the supercharger gives it away.
Though rarer than turbo builds (like the factory Calibra Turbo 4x4), supercharged Calibras have a dedicated fanbase. Enthusiasts tend to appreciate the linear power delivery, unique sound, and DIY engineering it takes to pull off.
Clubs like VXON, MigWeb, and Calibra-Club UK often feature standout builds with Eaton, Rotrex, or even custom centrifugal supercharger kits.
| Category | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Performance | 9 (with the right setup) |
| Daily Usability | 6–8 (varies by build) |
| Reliability | 6 (highly build-dependent) |
| Visual Subtlety | 8 (stealth bomber vibes) |
| Cool Factor | 10 (unique + surprising) |
| Tuning Potential | 9 |
A supercharged Vauxhall Calibra is a rare and rewarding project that combines '90s coupe cool with serious street performance. It’s not the easiest route to power, but for those who build it right, it’s one of the most exciting ways to give the Calibra the go to match its show.