Holden ditches Statesman for Caprice

The long-running Holden nameplate has adorned the passenger car flagship for much of the last 40 years but as a result of the Series II upgrade, the long-wheelbase models will now only be known as Caprice.

There will be two WM Series II models - the Caprice and the debutant Caprice V-Series sports-luxury model, which follows the Calais and SS V-Series naming policy.  Holden executive sales, marketing and aftersales director John Elsworth says the name changes were the result of customer feedback.

"Market research consistently told us that the Caprice nameplate, with its definite sports luxury character, appealed to a far broader customer base," he says.

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"We believe that presenting a choice of two models which share the same strong brand appeal but differ in specification will now make the step up to Caprice from its short-wheelbase siblings such as the Calais V, a more natural move for many buyers," he says.

No doubt it is also helpful in reducing the costs involved in changing models for export, as Caprice is widely used for export versions, including those going to the Middle East.

The Series II long-wheelbase models get the new touch-screen Holden-iQ infotainment system interface gives multi-media audio choices which include a hard drive storage for up to 15 CDs, fully integrated iPod connectivity and better Bluetooth connectivity.

The touch-screen system also controls the standard colour satellite navigation and a rear view camera.  The Caprice V-Series is only offered with the E85-compatible six-litre V8 with a six-speed auto and also has a sunroof, Nappa leather trim and dual rear DVD screens, tri-zone climate control and Bose premium sound system.

offers further inducements, among them a sunroof, exclusive Holden says the fuel economy has been improved by two per cent to 12.3 litres/100km.

The Caprice Series II gets the 210 kW 3.6-litre direct-injection V6, which will be E85 compatible by 2012 according to Holden, with the six-speed automatic; fuel economy has improved by four per cent to 9.9 litres/100km.