Review: Holden VQ Statesman/Caprice (1990-94)

Holden VQ.I Statesman/Caprice (1990-91)

Overview

Released in March 1990, the Holden VQ Series I (VQ.I) Statesman and Caprice were long wheelbase sedans. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VQ Statesman and Caprice were initially available with 5.0-litre V8 engines (3.8-litre V6 engine were introduced for the VQ.II range).

V8 engine and 4L60 transmission

The 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder, multi-point fuel injection, a Delco electronic control module and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. The engine was mated to the four-speed Hydramatic 4L60 automatic transmission.

Dimensions

Compared to the related VN Commodore sedan, the Statesman and Caprice were 110 mm longer (at 4960 mm), 16 mm wider (1812 mm), 18 mm taller (1421 mm) and had 95 mm longer wheelbases (2826 mm). Compared to the Commodore, the Statesman and Caprice were distinguished by their glass-covered C-pillars which created the visual impression of a wrap-around rear windscreen.

Suspension

The Statesman and Caprice had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension (IRS) with semi-trailing arms. As such, the VQ Statesman and Caprice were the first Australian-built sedans to be fitted with IRS.

Safety equipment

The VQ Statesman and Caprice were not fitted with safety equipment such as a driver’s airbag or ABS as standard.

Brakes

The VQ Statesman and Caprice had 290 mm by 22 mm front brake discs and 279 mm by 10.5 mm solid rear brake discs, both fitted with single piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the VQ Statesman included 15-inch steel wheels with 205/65 HR15 Dunlop Monza D8 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, velour seat trim, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, power-operated boot release, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The VQ Caprice was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels with 205/65 VR15 Pirelli P600 tyres, a fourteen speaker sound system (with rear headphones and controls), velour and suede-style seat trim, front fog lights and woodgrain trim.

Holden VQ.II Statesman/Caprice (1991-94)

Overview

Released in November 1991, the VQ Series II (VQ.II) Statesman and Caprice introduced a revised electrical system (based on a centralised body control module) and a variable ratio, speed-sensitive power steering system (Holden’s ‘Variotronic’). The Statesman was also available with a 3.8-litre V6 engine.

The 3.8-litre L27 (or EV6) pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft, three coil-packs for ignition, a Delco electronic control module and a compression ratio of 8.5:1.

Visually, the VQ.II Statesman and Caprice could be identified by their subtle bodykits, body-coloured door mirrors and indicator lights on the front guards; the Statesman was also fitted with a chrome grille. In late 1993, the Statesman and Caprice underwent a minor cosmetic update which included a body-coloured grille and boot spoiler.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VQ.II Caprice included ABS, which was available as an extra-cost option on the Statesman.

From November 1992, the Statesman and Caprice had 290 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs.

Features

Compared to its VQ.I predecessor, standard features for the VQ.II Statesman were extended to include 15-inch alloy wheels. The Caprice was also fitted with power adjustable front seats.

From April 1993, the Statesman was fitted with climate control air conditioning as standard.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VQ Caprice