The product of a $190 million investment on top of the $1.03 billion VE program, the new generation long-wheelbase sedans deliver benchmark levels of build quality, ride refinement, safety and spacious comfort for locally built sedans.
Holden designers took advantage of brand new body architecture to create the most individual offerings in the history of the Statesman and Caprice nameplates. Characterised by a stretched silhouette and a wide stance accentuated by flared wheel arches, the WM series Statesman and Caprice make a powerful impression.
In a first for a locally manufactured car, Caprice offers advanced Bi Xenon headlamp technology. Light output from the high intensity discharge Bi Xenon lamps is up to four times brighter than halogen bulbs and the system features automatic levelling and integrated headlamp washers.
Overall styling themes for Caprice reflect a sports character whilst Statesman is prestige comfort orientated. Caprice cruises on bold five spoke 18 x 8-inch wheels. Statesman rides on detailed ten spoke 17x7-inch alloys. There is a choice of six exterior finishes.
Interior
Statesman and Caprice offer a spacious and safe passenger compartment with optimised storage, packaging and ergonomics. The expansive instrument pad features a wide binnacle, unique chrome-ringed instrument cluster and integrated centre stack with a high resolution 6.5-inch multifunction colour screen, zoned audio and climate controls and satin chrome detailing.
Generously proportioned seating is contoured differently for each model and tailored in twin-stitched leather trim. All doors have large storage boxes able to accommodate 600ml drink bottles upright and the storage compartment in the centre console is topped by a sliding armrest. In the roomy rear, where longer doors make for even easier entry and exit, cup holders pop out of the seat base and the fold-down centre armrest incorporates a storage tray.
Feature highlights
Statesman has rich woodgrain accents and extensive standard equipment including eight-way electric front seats; visual front and rear park assist; auto rain-sensing wipers; 11-speaker, 230 watt sound system with six disc CD player and roof-mounted diversity antenna; MP3 and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity; night mode dash illumination and exterior mirrors with ‘puddle’ lamps.
Drivers can access 16 personalisation options and functions and a help function built into text screens explains features at the touch of a button. High-performance flat blade wipers have washer nozzles mounted on the arms and a high-tech acoustic windscreen dampens glass-borne noise.
Caprice elevates the luxury level with authentic aluminium accent, deep-bolstered front sports seats with ten-way electric adjustment, ‘soft touch’ leather and suede trim. There is a Bose premium audio system, remote control three-screen DVD with roof console and a Tri-zone electronic climate control system with foot level ducting to the rear compartment.
Further equipment includes full map navigation, tyre pressure monitor and extra priority flip key memory preferences, such as seating positions for three drivers and exterior mirror placements.
Safety systems
Safety systems for the WM Statesman and Caprice were developed in tandem with VE Commodore. Safety technologies were benchmarked against the world’s leading luxury brands and major engineering programs delivered a stiffer body structure and vastly increased usage of advanced strength steels.
Multiple load path strategies for frontal, side and rear impacts improve passenger compartment integrity. They are complemented by an improved multipoint airbag sensing system and an adaptive restraint system which includes dual stage front airbags, thorax side impact airbags, curtain airbags and front seat active head restraints as standard equipment.
Structurally optimised crush zones absorb crash energy and other occupant protection features include a steering column ride-down mechanism and breakaway brake pedal.
In terms of active safety technology, Statesman and Caprice come complete with the highly commended Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), traction control and anti-lock braking systems, electronic brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Powertrain
WM Statesman and Caprice can be specified with a choice of V8 or V6 powerplants, matched to Holden’s smooth-shifting five and six-speed automatic transmissions with Active Select tap up/down control located on the shifter. Both have full length dual exhaust systems with twin or quad outlets according to engine size.
The Generation IV 6.0 litre V8 alloy engine with Holden’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) delivers power and torque of 260kW @ 5700rpm and 517Nm @ 4400rpm using 98 RON fuel.
The SIDI 3.6 litre V6 offers peak power and torque of 210kW @ 6400rpm and 350Nm @ 2900 rpm using 91 RON fuel.
Driving dynamics
Given the world-class structural stiffness of WM models, Holden chassis engineers had a solid base to work from in giving the vehicles a poised and responsive ride and handling character.
The introduction of Linear Control Suspension increased primary ride control attributes and isolation qualities and sharpened Holden’s traditional edge in chassis dynamics and ride comfort.
The refined multi-link system was the result of an eight-year development program. It has high lateral stiffness and a rubber isolated suspension frame that helps isolate the body from road imperfections and drivetrain vibrations.
It is supplemented by a forward-mounted steering rack, larger brake systems and specifically developed wheel and tyre combinations. With lightweight aluminium calipers, increased pad area and larger rotors front and rear, the brakes are more fade-resistant and provide a stiffer brake pedal feel.
Colour selection
* Heron − solid white
* Red Passion − rich saturated metallic red with mica highlight
* Nitrate − mechanical dark silver with metallic highlight
* Evoke − smoky metallic charcoal
* Phantom − metallic black with silver highlights
* Karma –dark metallic ocean blue
