Review: HSV VS Statesman/Caprice (1995-96)

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

Overview

Released in May 1995, the HSV VS Series I (VS.I) Statesman and Caprice were long wheelbase, rear-wheel drive sedans. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the HSV VS Statesman range consisted of the 185i and 215i variants, powered by 5.0- and stroked 5.7-litre V8 engines respectively. The VS Caprice, however, was solely available with the 5.7-litre V8 engine.

5.0- and 5.7-litre V8 engines

The cast-iron 5.0-litre V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 77.8 mm stroke, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. For the VR Statesman, however, the engine had a recalibrated GM-Delco engine management system, Bosch electronic ignition, a new cold air intake and revised exhaust headers (for reduced back pressure). The 5.0-litre V8 engine was solely available with a four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission.

Shared with the VS Senator 215i and VS GTS , the stroked 5.7-litre V8 engine had an 11 mm longer Harrop crankshaft, flat-top pistons to lower the compression ratio (for compatibility with regular unleaded petrol), new valves, valve springs and a new flywheel. The Statesman 215i and Caprice 215i were solely available with a four-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission.

Dimensions and suspension

The VS Statesman and Caprice were 4989 mm long, 1794 mm wide, 1463 mm tall and had 2826 mm long wheelbases.

The VR Statesman and Caprice had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms. Unlike their Holden VS Statesman and Caprice counterparts, however, the HSV Statesman and Caprice were fitted with a larger front anti-roll bars, revised front suspension top mountings, unique dampers and springs rates and an electronically controlled ‘level ride’ rear suspension system.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the HSV VS Statesman and Caprice included dual front airbags and ABS.

Brakes

The standard braking package for the HSV VS Statesman and Caprice consisted of 289 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs and 279 mm by 10.7 mm solid rear discs. The 215i (‘Stroker’) variants, however, had 328 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 280 mm by 20 mm vented rear discs; they were also fitted with a Hydratrak viscous limited-slip differential.

Features

Standard features for the HSV VS Statesman included 16 by 8.0-inch alloy wheels with 225/60 R16 97 V-rated tyres, an eight speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats, leather trim, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer and an alarm system.

The HSV VS Caprice was further equipped with a twelve speaker sound system with a CD player, leather upholstery and woodgrain interior trim.

HSV VS.II Caprice (1996-98)

Overview

Released in July 1996, the VS Series II (VS.II) was a minor update for the Caprice, though the Statesman was discontinued. Standard features were extended with HSV’s Integrated Security System (ISS) which included an immobiliser.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VS Caprice
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VR/VS