Review: Holden WL Statesman and Caprice (2004-06)

Overview

Released in August 2004, the Holden WL Statesman and Caprice were long wheelbase sedans. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive WL Statesman and Caprice were initially available with newly-introduced 3.6-litre V6 and continued 5.7-litre V8 petrol engines.

Engines: Alloytec V6, LS1 V8 and L76 V8

Of the engines,

• The newly-introduced 3.6-litre ‘Alloytec 190’ LY7 V6 petrol engine had all-aluminium construction, a forged steel crankshaft, forged powdered metal connecting rods, twin knock control sensors, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), sequential electronic fuel injection, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust camshaft phasing, electronic throttle control, a compression ratio of 10.2:1, coil-on-plug ignition and a dual stage intake manifold. Impressively, ninety per cent of peak torque was available from 1570-5870 rpm;
• The 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder, twin knock control sensors and a compression ratio of 10.1:1. For the VZ and WL ranges, the introduction of electronic throttle control and improvements to engine calibration, induction and the exhaust increased peak power to 250 kW; and,
• For 2006, the 5.7-litre LS1 V8 was replaced with the 6.0-litre ‘Gen IV’ L76 V8 engine. The 6.0-litre L76 engine had similar properties to the LS1 but had a bigger bore (101.6 mm compared to 99 mm) and an increased compression ratio (10.4:1). Although the L76 engine was fitted with displacement on demand hardware, this technology was not utilised by Holden until 2009.

Transmissions

The V6 engines were available with five-speed 5L40E automatic transmissions, while the LS1 V8 engines were available with the four-speed 4L60E automatic units. For the WL range, the four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions were upgraded with new torque converters.

Upon its introduction in 2006, the L76 V8 engine was mated to the 4L65E automatic transmission which was revised with the addition of an input shaft speed sensor for improved shift quality and consistency.

Development and dimensions

At a cost of $189 million, the WL Statesman and Caprice were developed in conjunction with the VZ Commodore and introduced new brake boosters, brake master cylinders, power steering pumps and traction control systems.Visually, the WL Statesman could be identified by its new grille with vertical chrome highlights and LED brake lights (shared with the Caprice); the Caprice was distinguished by its larger air intake, hexagonal mesh insert, new rocker skirts and bolder rear fascia.

LLike the WK Statesman and Caprice , the WL Statesman and Caprice were 5237 mm long, 1847 mm wide, 1459 mm high and had 2939 mm long wheelbases. 

Suspension

The WL Statesman and Caprice had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms and toe control links. For the WL range, a new front anti-roll bar pick up point with ball-jointed mounts (previously rubber bushes) was introduced.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the WL Statesman and Caprice included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, brake assist, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; V6 models were also fitted with electronic stability control, corner brake control, electronic brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

Brakes

The WL 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 WL Statesman included 16-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker Blaupunkt sound system with six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, front fog lamps, driver’s seat and mirror memory functions, remote central locking, automatically dipping door mirrors when reversing, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser. Models fitted with the 3.6-litre V6 engine also featured steering wheel gearshift paddles.

The WL Caprice was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a twelve speaker sound system, a DVD player with twin LCD rear screens and infra red headphones, front parking sensors, driver’s seat and mirror memory settings, electrochromatic rear view mirror, scuff plates and tyre pressure monitoring.

2005 Statesman International

In June 2005, a limited-run Statesman International was released. Compared to the regular Statesman, the International variant added 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a power sunroof, two-tone ‘Light Reed’/Anthracite leather seats, dark woodgrain interior trim and black instrument console. Visually, the Statesman International was distinguished by its bright chrome grille with graphite mesh insert, black bezelled headlights and fog lights, body-coloured door handles and rear decklid spoiler. From January 2006, an Anthracite Black interior with ‘Neutral Pewter’ leather-faced seats was also available.

Related links

• Specifications: Alloytec V6 engine (July 2004)
• Features: Holden WL Statesman (August 2004)
• Features: Holden WL Caprice (August 2004)
• Specifications: Holden WL Statesman (August 2004)
• Specifications: Holden WL Caprice (August 2004)
• Holden Media Archive: 2006 Holden Statesman International (January 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden WL Caprice