Review: Holden VS Statesman/Caprice (1995-99)

Holden VS.I Statesman/Caprice (1995-96)

Overview

Released in April 1995, the Holden VS Series I (VS.I) Statesman and Caprice were long wheelbase sedans. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VS Statesman and Caprice were available with 3.8-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines.

L36 V6 and LB9 V8 Engines

Of the engines,

• The 3.8-litre L36 pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. Compared to the VR’s L27 engine, the L36 engine had a new cylinder block, shorter connecting rods, lightweight pistons, a redesigned crankshaft, new intake manifold, redesigned cylinder head with larger valves and a higher compression ratio (previously 9.0:1); and,
• Carried over from the VR Statesman and Caprice , the 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder, multi-point fuel injection and a compression ratio of 8.4:1.

4L60E transmissions

Both the V6 and V8 engines were available with four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions which, for the VS range, were revised for improved throttle response and smoother gear changes.

Dimensions

Compared to their VR predecessors, dimensions for the VS Statesman and Caprice were unchanged: 4989 mm long, 1794 mm wide, 1463 mm tall and with 2826 mm long wheelbases.

Suspension

The Statesman and Caprice had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VS Statesman and Caprice consisted of dual front airbags and ABS.

Brakes

The VS Statesman and Caprice had 289 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs and 279 mm by 10.7 mm solid rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the VS Statesman included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker stereo with a ten-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, velour upholstery, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the VS Caprice added a ten speaker sound system, leather trim, power adjustable front seats and woodgrain interior trim. 

1995 Holden Statesman International

Released in November 1995, the limited-run International edition was distinguished by its unique 16-inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres, soft grey leather and suede upholstery, front fog lights, power-operated sunroof, lion motifs on the seat trim, ‘International’ badging, ‘Greg Norman’ signature badging on the dashboard, woodgrain console and two-tone paint finish (Rubens over Jasper red). The Holden Statesman International was also sold with a set of ‘Royal St George’ golf clubs.

Holden VS.II Statesman/Caprice (1996-98)

Overview

Released in September 1996, the VS Series II (VS.II) Statesman and Caprice introduced a supercharged 3.8-litre V6 engine (detailed below), while the 5.0-litre V8 engine had a new cold air induction system and free-flowing exhaust for greater power and refinement. Furthermore, an automatic load-levelling system was fitted as standard for the Caprice and optional for the Statesman.

Visually, the VS.II Statesman and Caprice could be identified by their new grille, redesigned tail-lights, oval side repeater lamps, badging and alloy wheel designs; the boot keyhole was also removed as an anti-theft measure.

Inside, there was a woodgrain-finish centre console, an extended leather-topped console bin, leather-trimmed gearshifts and handbrake controls and chrome interior door handles. The front seats cushions were also new, while the Caprice received leather and woodgrain-finish door trim inserts and front and rear carpet floor mats.

3.8-litre supercharged L67 V6 engine

TThe 3.8-litre L67 supercharged V6 engine was based on the L36 engine but distinguished by its Eaton M90 supercharger (which provided boost pressure of 6 psi or 0.41 bar), fuel injectors, cylinder heads and lower intake manifold; the compression ratio was also lowered to 8.5:1.

1997 Holden Statesman International

The Holden Statesman International returned in February 1997, this time distinguished by its unique 16-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres, soft grey leather interior trim, suede seats and door trims, front fog lamps and a power-operated sunroof; a set of King Cobra golf clubs and bad was also included. Visually, the International could be identified by its external ‘International’ badging, ‘Greg Norman’ signature on the instrument panel, body-coloured grille, black side mouldings and dual-tone Raven over Jacaranda Blue paint finish.

Holden VS.III Statesman/Caprice (1998-99)

Overview

Released in June 1998, the VS Series III (VS.III) Statesman and Caprice introduced subtle cosmetic updates, although the 185 kW 5.0-litre V8 engine – as used in HSV models – was made available as an option.

Visually, the VS.III Statesman could be identified by its multi-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, slim bumper fascia skirts (front and rear) and the Holden lion emblem was positioned on the bonnet. The Caprice, however, was fitted with front and rear bumper fascia skirts. Inside, the Statesman and Caprice had more deeply-coloured woodgrain finishes and a soft, two-tone grey colour combination on the instrument panel and other surfaces. The Statesman also received new seat and door trim velour fabrics with ‘brushmark’ patterning.

1998 Statesman 50^thAnniversary edition

Released in October 1998, the limited-run Statesman 50th Anniversary edition was powered by the supercharged 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine and fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels. Visually, the 50th Anniversary edition could be identified by its silver alloy wheels, Amazon blue mica paint finish with tone on tone accents in Diva blue, black lower mouldings, body colour grille and ’50th Anniversary’ badging. Inside, there were slate grey Howe leather seats and perforated suede seat and door trims, embroidered seatbacks and power adjustable front seats. The 50th Anniversary Statesman was also sold with a 50th anniversary Orrefors crystal and silver bowl.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VS Caprice