- Responsive supercharged V6 engine
- Powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine
- Comfortable ride
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Cavernous interior
- Steering lacks feel and precision
- V6 engine coarse above 3000rpm
- V8 engine is thirsty and has peaky power delivery
- Clunky downshifts for four-speed automatic transmission
Holden WH.I Statesman and Caprice (1999-01)
Overview
Released in June 1999, the Holden WH Series I (WH.I) Statesman and Caprice were long wheelbase sedans. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive Statesman and Caprice were available with 3.8-litre V6, supercharged 3.8-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 petrol engines.
Engines: V6, Supercharged V6 and V8
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. In October 2000 (coinciding with the introduction of the VX Commodore ), changes included a new design propshaft with dual rubber couplings, a more powerful Powertrain Control Module (PCM), larger idle air control valve, improved idle quality and improved distribution of crankcase ventilation gases between cylinders (for more balanced performance and better spark control);
- The 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; and,
- The 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, sequential multi-port fuel injection, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.1:1. In October 2000, changes included a higher-flow inlet manifold, higher dynamic range fuel injectors, new PCM software and improved idle quality.
4L60E transmission
All engines were mated to four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions.
Engines and transmissions
Based on the long wheelbase VT Commodore wagon, developments for the WH Statesman and Caprice included Bosch 5.3 anti-lock brakes, traction control and a revised continuously variable and speed-sensing power steering system (‘Variatronic’).
Compared to the VS Statesman and Caprice , the WH Statesman and Caprice were 248 mm longer (at 5237 mm), 53 mm wider (1847 mm), 26 mm taller (1489 mm) and had 113 mm longer wheelbases (2939 mm); boot capacity was 560 litres.
Suspension
The WH Statesman and Caprice had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms. The rear suspension also included a self-levelling system which was designed to maintain a level ride height regardless of vehicle load.
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statesman, Caprice |
3.8-litre L36 petrol V6 | 4sp auto | 1999-01 | 147 kW at 5200 rpm | 304 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| 2000-01 | 152 kW at 5200 rpm | 304 Nm at 3600 rpm | |||
| 3.8-litre L67 s/charged petrol V6 | 4sp auto | 1999-01 | 171 kW at 5200 rpm | 375 Nm at 3000 rpm | |
| 5.7-litre LS1 petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 1999-01 | 220 kW at 5000 rpm | 446 Nm at 4400 rpm | |
| 2000-01 | 225 kW at 5000 rpm | 446 Nm at 4400 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the WH Statesman and Caprice included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Brakes
The WH Statesman and Caprice had 296 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs with twin-piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear brake discs with single piston calipers.
Features
Standard features for the WH Statesman included 16-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker stereo with six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, velour upholstery, eight-way power adjustable front seats, cruise control, automatic headlights, front fog lamps, a leather-wrap steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, trip computer, alarm and immobiliser.
From October 2000, the Statesman and Caprice were fitted with a 10-disc CD player.
The WH Caprice was differentiated by its twelve speaker multi-mode stereo with rear headsets and controls outlets, leather seats, identity key with driver’s seat and mirror memory settings, automatically dipping door mirrors when reversing, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and heated door mirrors.
