Holden Statesman
Encyclopedia
The Holden Caprice is an automobile
which has been produced by Holden
in Australia
since 1990. The similar Holden Statesman, which was also introduced in 1990, was discontinued in September 2010.
Between 1971 and 1984, Holden marketed their long-wheelbase sedans under the Statesman
marque. The Statesman and Caprice are essentially long-wheelbase
variants of the Commodore
range, and as of 2006, were the largest rear-wheel drive sedans offered by GM. Internationally, Statesmans and Caprices are sold as the Buick Park Avenue, the Chevrolet Caprice and the Daewoo Veritas. Previously, Statesmans have been badged as the Buick Royaum and Daewoo Statesman.
The main difference between the Statesman and the Caprice lies within their equipment packages; Caprices are commonly powered by V8 engine
s rather than V6s
, and whilst they may be thought of as fully specified versions of their cheaper Statesman siblings, the two were separate Holden models by this period. Appearance wise, Caprices can be distinguished by their unique interior and exterior trim such as the grille
insert.
Traditionally in Australia, the Statesman and Caprice have been direct rivals to the Ford Fairlane
and LTD
, respectively. However, Ford's decision to discontinue these models in 2008 has left Holden without direct competition at pricing point occupied.
range through a separate Statesman
marque, absent of all "Holden" branding. These original vehicles, were sold through the General Motors-Holden's dealership channel, and were based on the mainstream Kingswood/Premier
range, offering more luxury, additional length, and styling to differentiate it from the smaller donor cars. The first of such cars were introduced in 1971 as the HQ
series Statesman, replacing the short-lived Holden Brougham
. Subsequent HJ
, HX
and HZ
models were updates to the original HQ bodywork, as was the final WB
series which introduced a new six-window glasshouse. WB represented the most significant update yet, with only the front doors and bonnet common with the HZ sheetmetal. Notwithstanding these alterations, the WB fell short of great market success, that is, until 1984 when production cessation was announced, generating a rapid sales ascent. For Holden, the decision had been made—the line’s discontinuance was perpetual.
In 1990, after a six-year hiatus since the WB Statesman
's dismissal, demand for a long-wheelbase luxury sedan in Australia saw Holden resurrect the Statesman and Caprice names. Given the model designation VQ, these new luxury models utilised the long-wheelbase chassis
taken from the VN Commodore
station wagon
, as opposed to the VN sedan's short-wheelbase. These VN models were in turn heavily revised and enlarged versions of Opel Omega
A. In comparison to the regular Commodore sedan, VQs added an additional 110 millimetres (4.3 in) of length, and were still 64 millimetres (2.5 in) longer than the VN wagon.
Holden made many efforts to distinguish the Statesman from the Commodore, of which it is based on. These features include a formal grille
and a very different glasshouse reminiscent of contemporary GM products such as the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
(see image), and the rear license plate repositioned to the bumper, while incorporating the doors and lights from the Commodore station wagon. Both Statesman and Caprice models were offered and equipped with independent rear suspension
—a feature introduced one year later on high-end VP Commodores
. Also in 1991, Holden introduced the VQ Series II models. The Series II Caprice ushered anti-lock brakes
as standard, however it was optional on the Statesman. The Commodore's 127 kW 3.8 litre 3800 V6 engine
was now standard on the Statesman, with the old 5.0 litre V8
reserved for the Caprice, becoming an option on the Statesman. Both powerplants were mated with a four-speed THM700R4
automatic transmission
.
, incorporating engineering improvements as well as sheet metal changes. The updated running gear included a new electronically controlled version of the GM 4L60-E
automatic transmission
, and the latest revision of the Buick 3.8 litre V6 engine. The engine now featured rolling-element bearing
s in the valve rocker arm
s, increasing compression ratios from the VQ II series engine. These changes combined to deliver an increase in power to 130 kW and further improvement in noise, vibration, and harshness
levels. In terms of equipment, a driver's airbag
became standard on both the Statesman and Caprice.
For the VR series, Holden no longer used separate model designations for its Statesman and Caprice. Instead, they adopted the same two-letter title as the Commodore. This same principle applied for the VS models, but not for those succeeding it.
(Emissions and Consumption Optimisation through TEChnology) version of the Buick V6 engine which coincided with the changes to the engine in the United States. The Ecotec engine packed 13 percent more power, an increase of 17 kW over the VR. Holden mated the new engine with a modified version of the GM 4L60-E
automatic transmission
, bringing improved throttle response and smoother changes between gears. Series II and III revisions came in September 1996 and June 1998, mainly consisting of a more rounded rear treatment and new alloy wheel
designs. The Series II also heralded the introduction of the L67 Supercharged V6. This engine slotted in between the existing V6 and V8 engines and was officially rated at 165 kW, just 3 kW below the V8, though a 185 kW HSV
option for the 5.0 litre V8 was available. A special edition
Statesman International was briefly offered in 1995, and the Statesman now became the donor car for the HSV Grange
.
For the Statesman, Holden included the ten-stack Compact Disc player
from the VR Caprice as standard. A new two-stage door remote was also made standard across the range. The remote, located on the key fob allows for just the driver's door to be unlocked. Safety-wise, a passenger airbag was introduced as standard in the VS range, following the introduction of a driver's airbag on the VR series. The Used Car Safety Ratings, undertaken by the Monash University
Accident Research Centre, found that first generation Statesmans (VQ–VS) provide an "average level" of occupant safety protection
in the event of an accident
.
from which the new WH was based. The WH series saw Holden return to a standalone model designation, rather than adopting the same used by the short-wheelbase Commodore. Models followed much the same pattern as the previous car: a standard Statesman, a special edition Statesman International, and the Caprice. The doors and front windscreen were again shared with the mainstream Commodore. Engines were a 3.8 litre V6 Ecotec unit, a supercharged version of the same, and a new 5.7 litre Generation III V8, rated at 220 kW. A Series II revision in 2001 brought a 5 kW power increase for the Ecotec V6 bringing it up to 152 kW. Since the WH, which was engineered for both right- and left-hand drive, the Statesman has been exported to the Middle East
as the Chevrolet Caprice
, following the same model changes as the Holden.
Compared to the previous model, stability improved through the use of wider tracks and a longer wheelbase. The use of self-levelling rear suspension brought advantages when hauling heavy loads and improved vehicle dynamics
when towing. Safety in the WH model was also enhanced, with the addition of side impact airbags and pyrotechnic
seat belt
pretensioners as standard. If the seat belt pretensioners trigger, the doors automatically unlock and both engine and fuel pump
shut down.
, rather than being joined with a horizontal strip of plastic. The redesign had the after effect of lowering the WK's drag coefficient
to 0.30. Other changes came in the form of revised bumpers, wheel trims, with the interior dashboard
and centre console
receiving a major overhaul. Powertrain
s carried over from the previous model, but the Generation III V8 engine was now rated at 235 kW for the Statesman and 245 kW for the Caprice. Other engineering changes were made to the structural integrity of the car. The reinforced front flooring and sills gives the upshot of a 70 percent reduction in lower limb injuries in offset frontal crash tests at 60 km/h (30 mph).
Feature wise, the Statesman now offered standard rear parking sensors
and optional satellite navigation
, with the Caprice receiving the latter as standard along with a dual screen DVD entertainment system
for the rear passengers. Also new to the WK are the electric wing mirror
s, which when reversing, the passenger mirror faces downwards to assist the driver when parking, thus preventing kerb
side wheel damage. The Used Car Safety Ratings found that WH/WK Statesmans provide a "significantly better than average" level of occupant protection in the event of an accident
.
V6 engine, succeeding the WK's Ecotec unit. Power and torque
figures were rated at 190 kW and 340 newton metre, respectively. The Statesman's optional V8
was the 245 kW version from the WK Caprice, with the WL Caprice's engine obtaining a further 5 kW. The V8s retained the four-speed GM 4L60-E
automatic transmission
, while the Alloytec V6 versions received a new five-speed GM 5L40-E
automatic. Several new safety features were added to the WL lineup. Such include brake assist
, electronic brakeforce distribution
, Electronic Stability Program
and LED
tail lamps. The new LED lamps give an additional 5 metres (16.4 ft) of warning to trailing motorists travelling at 110 kilometres per hour (68.4 mph) because they illuminate in 60 nanoseconds, compared to 1,000 for conventional incandescent light bulb
s.
In 2005, General Motors began exporting the Statesman to China
, where it was badged as the Buick Royaum. The Royaum was initially equipped with the 3.6 litre Alloytec engine fitted to the Statesman, however a 155 kW 2.8 litre version of the same followed later in the year. During 2005, Holden exported almost 2,000 units to South Korea
. With an identical powertrain
to the Buick, the South Korean export model was sold through the GM Daewoo
network and marketed as the Daewoo Statesman.
. With the Statesman's export plans, it was decided that its launch should be simultaneous with that of the Commodore, rather than months later, as had been the convention. The WM development programme reportedly cost General Motors A$
190 million with another $1.04 billion devoted to the VE Commodore model which the Statesman is based upon. The WM series utilises the GM Zeta platform
developed by Holden. Unlike previous models, the WM no longer shares its architecture with an Opel
sedan, and has rear doors different to those found on the Commodore. Previously, it had to share the doors, or at least the lower parts, with the lesser Commodore. This is just one of the ways Holden has tried to create greater differentiation between the Statesman and the Commodore on which it is based.
Like the second generation model, the WM is exported to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Caprice. In China since 2007, the sister model had been produced as the Buick Park Avenue, mainly using locally sourced parts and sharing some globally sourced parts. Holden recommenced Caprice exports to South Korea in 2008 as the Daewoo Veritas after showcasing a pre-production Daewoo L4X in 2007. Compared to the Australian-specification model, the Veritas is V6-powered only and has a modified rear floorpan
to accommodate the electrically adjustable rear seats
incorporating a massage function. The headrest
s are also electrically adjustable, with the Caprice's dual headrest-mounted LCD
screens orphaned in favour of a single, ceiling-mounted unit. GM Daewoo
announced an updated Veritas on 31 March 2009 to take effect from 1 April. The update, which was yet to be seen in other markets, comprised a revised powertrain
combination, featuring a new direct injection
version of the 3.6 litre Alloytec
engine. This new engine results in a power increase from 185 kW to 204 kW together with more torque
and a reduced fuel consumption figure. These efficiency improvements have been enough to satisfy the government of South Korea
's "Korea Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle" (KULEV) requirements. In place of the five-speed automatic transmission
previously, these revised models ship with a six-speed GM 6L50
unit, featuring Active Select.
The update to the Veritas in South Korea was adopted in the Holden versions for the 2010 model year
(MY10). This update was announced on 4 August 2009, and released in September. The now direct-injected 3.6 litre V6, labeled Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) by Holden, is rated at 210 kW for power and 350 newton metres (258.1 ft·lbf) for torque. Gains in efficiency have been achieved via the implementation of direct fuel injection, improvements to the fuel cutout during coasting
, the addition of a more efficient alternator
and voltage regulator
, a 50 rpm lower idle speed
(to 550 rpm), and a new "turbine damper" for the automatic transmission that works to suppress vibrations at low rpms, thus enabling earlier upshifts.
In 2010, Holden made the decision to discontinue the Statesman nameplate, instead reducing the price of the upmarket V6 Caprice and filling the gap once occupied by the Statesman. This coincided with the release of the "Series II" versions of the WM Caprice (replacing Statesman), and the introduction of the Caprice V (replacing Caprice).
Unofficial sites:
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
which has been produced by Holden
Holden
GM Holden Ltd is an automaker that operates in Australia, based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The company was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer. In 1908 it moved into the automotive field, before becoming a subsidiary of the U.S.-based General Motors in 1931...
in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
since 1990. The similar Holden Statesman, which was also introduced in 1990, was discontinued in September 2010.
Between 1971 and 1984, Holden marketed their long-wheelbase sedans under the Statesman
Statesman (automobile)
Statesman was an automotive marque created in 1971 by General Motors Holden , the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. Statesman vehicles were sold through Holden dealerships, and were initially based on the mainstream Holden HQ station wagon platform, thereby providing more interior room and...
marque. The Statesman and Caprice are essentially long-wheelbase
Wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
variants of the Commodore
Holden Commodore
The Holden Commodore is an automobile manufactured since 1978 by the Holden subsidiary of General Motors in Australia, and, formerly, in New Zealand. In the mid-1970s, Holden established proposals to replace the long-serving Kingswood nameplate with a smaller, Opel-based model...
range, and as of 2006, were the largest rear-wheel drive sedans offered by GM. Internationally, Statesmans and Caprices are sold as the Buick Park Avenue, the Chevrolet Caprice and the Daewoo Veritas. Previously, Statesmans have been badged as the Buick Royaum and Daewoo Statesman.
The main difference between the Statesman and the Caprice lies within their equipment packages; Caprices are commonly powered by V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
s rather than V6s
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, and whilst they may be thought of as fully specified versions of their cheaper Statesman siblings, the two were separate Holden models by this period. Appearance wise, Caprices can be distinguished by their unique interior and exterior trim such as the grille
Grille
A grille or grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.-Spelling:In the United States, "grille" is used to differentiate the automotive...
insert.
Traditionally in Australia, the Statesman and Caprice have been direct rivals to the Ford Fairlane
Ford Fairlane (Australia)
The Ford Fairlane and LTD are full-size luxury vehicles that were produced in a series of models by Ford Australia between 1959 and 2007....
and LTD
Ford Fairlane (Australia)
The Ford Fairlane and LTD are full-size luxury vehicles that were produced in a series of models by Ford Australia between 1959 and 2007....
, respectively. However, Ford's decision to discontinue these models in 2008 has left Holden without direct competition at pricing point occupied.
Statesman (HQ–WB; 1971–1984)
Prior to the introduction of the Holden Statesman and Caprice models in 1990, Holden marketed its long-wheelbaseWheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
range through a separate Statesman
Statesman (automobile)
Statesman was an automotive marque created in 1971 by General Motors Holden , the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. Statesman vehicles were sold through Holden dealerships, and were initially based on the mainstream Holden HQ station wagon platform, thereby providing more interior room and...
marque, absent of all "Holden" branding. These original vehicles, were sold through the General Motors-Holden's dealership channel, and were based on the mainstream Kingswood/Premier
Holden Kingswood
The Holden Kingswood is a full-size car that was manufactured by General Motors-Holden's, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors , from the beginning of the HK series in 1968 through to the conclusion of the WB series in 1984...
range, offering more luxury, additional length, and styling to differentiate it from the smaller donor cars. The first of such cars were introduced in 1971 as the HQ
Holden HQ
The Holden HQ series is a range of automobiles that was produced by General Motors-Holden’s in Australia from 1971 to 1974. The HQ was released on 15 July 1971, replacing the Holden HG series...
series Statesman, replacing the short-lived Holden Brougham
Holden Brougham
The Holden Brougham is a large, luxury automobile which was produced by General Motors–Holden's in Australia between July 1968 and 1971.It was based on the mainstream Holden Premier of the same years, but with a lengthened rear body. The boot was simply extended by rather than increasing the ...
. Subsequent HJ
Holden HJ
The Holden HJ is a series of automobiles which were produced by General Motors-Holden’s in Australia from 1974 to 1976. The HJ series was released on 4 October 1974 and was an improved and facelifted version of the superseded Holden HQ series which had been in production since 1971.- Model range...
, HX
Holden HX
The Holden HX is a range of automobiles which was produced by General Motors-Holden’s in Australia from 1976 to 1977.-Changes:The HX series was released in July 1976 and featured a range of models developed from those in the superseded Holden HJ range, which had been in production since 1974. The...
and HZ
Holden HZ
Holden HZ is an automobile which was produced between 1977 and 1980 by General Motors-Holden's Ltd.The Holden HZ received minor updates to the exterior over the HX series, and saw the introduction of what Holden termed "Radial Tuned Suspension" on all models...
models were updates to the original HQ bodywork, as was the final WB
Holden WB
The Holden WB series is an automobile which was produced by General Motors-Holden's in Australia from 1980 to 1984. It is a facelifted version of the Holden HZ series, which it replaced. Unlike the HZ and every other full size Holden series before it, the Holden WB was only offered in commercial...
series which introduced a new six-window glasshouse. WB represented the most significant update yet, with only the front doors and bonnet common with the HZ sheetmetal. Notwithstanding these alterations, the WB fell short of great market success, that is, until 1984 when production cessation was announced, generating a rapid sales ascent. For Holden, the decision had been made—the line’s discontinuance was perpetual.
VQ
Statesman (automobile)
Statesman was an automotive marque created in 1971 by General Motors Holden , the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. Statesman vehicles were sold through Holden dealerships, and were initially based on the mainstream Holden HQ station wagon platform, thereby providing more interior room and...
's dismissal, demand for a long-wheelbase luxury sedan in Australia saw Holden resurrect the Statesman and Caprice names. Given the model designation VQ, these new luxury models utilised the long-wheelbase chassis
Chassis
A chassis consists of an internal framework that supports a man-made object. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. An example of a chassis is the underpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame with the wheels and machinery.- Vehicles :In the case of vehicles, the term chassis means the...
taken from the VN Commodore
Holden VN Commodore
The Holden VN Commodore was the sixth model of the Holden Commodore, a full-size car produced by the Australian automotive marque, Holden. It is essentially made out of an Opel donor body mated to either a Buick V6 or Holden V8, depending on the model, with slight tweaks to the front and rear ends...
station wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
, as opposed to the VN sedan's short-wheelbase. These VN models were in turn heavily revised and enlarged versions of Opel Omega
Opel Omega
The Opel Omega was an executive car marketed by the German automaker Opel between 1986 and 2003 in two generations, both manufactured at Opel's Rüsselsheim, Germany plant. The first generation, the Omega A , superseded the Opel Rekord, was voted European Car of the Year for 1987, and was available...
A. In comparison to the regular Commodore sedan, VQs added an additional 110 millimetres (4.3 in) of length, and were still 64 millimetres (2.5 in) longer than the VN wagon.
Holden made many efforts to distinguish the Statesman from the Commodore, of which it is based on. These features include a formal grille
Grille
A grille or grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.-Spelling:In the United States, "grille" is used to differentiate the automotive...
and a very different glasshouse reminiscent of contemporary GM products such as the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme was a mid-size car produced by General Motors for the American market. It was always at the top of the Cutlass range. It began as a trim package, developed its own roofline, and eventually was mechanically divorced from the later, smaller Cutlasses.The Cutlass Supreme...
(see image), and the rear license plate repositioned to the bumper, while incorporating the doors and lights from the Commodore station wagon. Both Statesman and Caprice models were offered and equipped with independent rear suspension
Independent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
—a feature introduced one year later on high-end VP Commodores
Holden VP Commodore
The Holden VP Commodore is an automobile which was produced by Australian automaker Holden from 1991 to 1993. It is the seventh generation Holden Commodore....
. Also in 1991, Holden introduced the VQ Series II models. The Series II Caprice ushered anti-lock brakes
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
as standard, however it was optional on the Statesman. The Commodore's 127 kW 3.8 litre 3800 V6 engine
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
was now standard on the Statesman, with the old 5.0 litre V8
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
reserved for the Caprice, becoming an option on the Statesman. Both powerplants were mated with a four-speed THM700R4
Turbo-Hydramatic
Turbo-Hydramatic is the registered tradename of a family of automatic transmissions developed and produced by General Motors. These transmissions mate a three-element torque converter to a Simpson planetary geartrain, providing three forward speeds plus reverse.The Turbo-Hydramatic series was...
automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
.
VR
The VR followed in 1994, mirroring the model change of the standard VR CommodoreHolden VR Commodore
The Holden VR Commodore of July 1993 came with an updated, sleeker and more modern design, as well as safety enhancements such as anti-lock brakes . From the side, the biggest change was the use of a round rear wheelarch, instead of a squared-off shape used on the previous VN and VP model Commodores...
, incorporating engineering improvements as well as sheet metal changes. The updated running gear included a new electronically controlled version of the GM 4L60-E
GM 4L60-E transmission
The 4L60-E is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 4 forward gears...
automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, and the latest revision of the Buick 3.8 litre V6 engine. The engine now featured rolling-element bearing
Rolling-element bearing
A rolling-element bearing, also known as a rolling bearing, is a bearing which carries a load by placing round elements between the two pieces...
s in the valve rocker arm
Rocker arm
Generally referred to within the internal combustion engine of automotive, marine, motorcycle and reciprocating aviation engines, the rocker arm is a reciprocating lever that conveys radial movement from the cam lobe into linear movement at the poppet valve to open it...
s, increasing compression ratios from the VQ II series engine. These changes combined to deliver an increase in power to 130 kW and further improvement in noise, vibration, and harshness
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness
Noise, vibration, and harshness , also known as noise and vibration , is the study and modification of the noise and vibration characteristics of vehicles, particularly cars and trucks...
levels. In terms of equipment, a driver's airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
became standard on both the Statesman and Caprice.
For the VR series, Holden no longer used separate model designations for its Statesman and Caprice. Instead, they adopted the same two-letter title as the Commodore. This same principle applied for the VS models, but not for those succeeding it.
VS
The 1995 VS saw the introduction of the updated EcotecEcotec
Ecotec is a General Motors trademark that refers to a series of emissions technologies that were implemented throughout a range of GM engines...
(Emissions and Consumption Optimisation through TEChnology) version of the Buick V6 engine which coincided with the changes to the engine in the United States. The Ecotec engine packed 13 percent more power, an increase of 17 kW over the VR. Holden mated the new engine with a modified version of the GM 4L60-E
GM 4L60-E transmission
The 4L60-E is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 4 forward gears...
automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, bringing improved throttle response and smoother changes between gears. Series II and III revisions came in September 1996 and June 1998, mainly consisting of a more rounded rear treatment and new alloy wheel
Alloy wheel
Alloy wheels are automobile wheels which are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They are typically lighter for the same strength...
designs. The Series II also heralded the introduction of the L67 Supercharged V6. This engine slotted in between the existing V6 and V8 engines and was officially rated at 165 kW, just 3 kW below the V8, though a 185 kW HSV
Holden Special Vehicles
Holden Special Vehicles is the officially designated performance vehicle partner of Australian automobile manufacturer Holden. Established in 1987 and based in Clayton, Victoria, the company modifies Holden models such as the Commodore, Caprice and Ute and markets them under the HSV brandname.-...
option for the 5.0 litre V8 was available. A special edition
Special edition
The terms special edition, limited edition and variants such as deluxe edition, collector's edition and others, are used as a marketing incentive for various kinds of products, originally published products related to the arts, such as books, prints or recorded music and films, but now including...
Statesman International was briefly offered in 1995, and the Statesman now became the donor car for the HSV Grange
HSV Grange
The HSV Grange is a luxury performance sedan manufactured by Holden Special Vehicles with the Australian automobile company of Holden a subsidiary of General Motors...
.
For the Statesman, Holden included the ten-stack Compact Disc player
Compact disc player
A Compact Disc player , or CD player, is an electronic device that plays audio Compact Discs. CD players are often a part of home stereo systems, car audio systems, and personal computers. They are also manufactured as portable devices...
from the VR Caprice as standard. A new two-stage door remote was also made standard across the range. The remote, located on the key fob allows for just the driver's door to be unlocked. Safety-wise, a passenger airbag was introduced as standard in the VS range, following the introduction of a driver's airbag on the VR series. The Used Car Safety Ratings, undertaken by the Monash University
Monash University
Monash University is a public university based in Melbourne, Victoria. It was founded in 1958 and is the second oldest university in the state. Monash is a member of Australia's Group of Eight and the ASAIHL....
Accident Research Centre, found that first generation Statesmans (VQ–VS) provide an "average level" of occupant safety protection
Automobile safety
Automobile safety is the study and practice of vehicle design, construction, and equipment to minimize the occurrence and consequences of automobile accidents. Automobile safety is the study and practice of vehicle design, construction, and equipment to minimize the occurrence and consequences of...
in the event of an accident
Car accident
A traffic collision, also known as a traffic accident, motor vehicle collision, motor vehicle accident, car accident, automobile accident, Road Traffic Collision or car crash, occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other stationary obstruction,...
.
WH
The next model came in 1999, two years after the launch of the all-new VT CommodoreHolden VT Commodore
The Holden VT Commodore, Berlina, and Calais are the tenth iteration of the Holden Commodore, a full-size car built by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors...
from which the new WH was based. The WH series saw Holden return to a standalone model designation, rather than adopting the same used by the short-wheelbase Commodore. Models followed much the same pattern as the previous car: a standard Statesman, a special edition Statesman International, and the Caprice. The doors and front windscreen were again shared with the mainstream Commodore. Engines were a 3.8 litre V6 Ecotec unit, a supercharged version of the same, and a new 5.7 litre Generation III V8, rated at 220 kW. A Series II revision in 2001 brought a 5 kW power increase for the Ecotec V6 bringing it up to 152 kW. Since the WH, which was engineered for both right- and left-hand drive, the Statesman has been exported to the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
as the Chevrolet Caprice
Chevrolet Caprice
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-sized automobile produced by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors in North America for the 1965 through 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold. It was the most popular American car in the sixties and early seventies....
, following the same model changes as the Holden.
Compared to the previous model, stability improved through the use of wider tracks and a longer wheelbase. The use of self-levelling rear suspension brought advantages when hauling heavy loads and improved vehicle dynamics
Vehicle dynamics
Vehicle dynamics refers to the dynamics of vehicles, here assumed to be ground vehicles. Vehicle dynamics is a part of engineering primarily based on classical mechanics but it may also involve chemistry, solid state physics, electrical engineering, communications, psychology, control theory,...
when towing. Safety in the WH model was also enhanced, with the addition of side impact airbags and pyrotechnic
Pyrotechnics
Pyrotechnics is the science of using materials capable of undergoing self-contained and self-sustained exothermic chemical reactions for the production of heat, light, gas, smoke and/or sound...
seat belt
Seat belt
A seat belt or seatbelt, sometimes called a safety belt, is a safety harness designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result from a collision or a sudden stop...
pretensioners as standard. If the seat belt pretensioners trigger, the doors automatically unlock and both engine and fuel pump
Fuel pump
A fuel pump is a frequently essential component on a car or other internal combustion engined device. Many engines do not require any fuel pump at all, requiring only gravity to feed fuel from the fuel tank through a line or hose to the engine...
shut down.
WK
A revised WK series was launched in 2003, with a facelift. The curvaceous front and rear end styling of the WH was abandoned in favour of angular lines, starting with the headlights borrowed from the VY Calais. From the rear, the redesigned taillights were now separated by sheet metalSheet metal
Sheet metal is simply metal formed into thin and flat pieces. It is one of the fundamental forms used in metalworking, and can be cut and bent into a variety of different shapes. Countless everyday objects are constructed of the material...
, rather than being joined with a horizontal strip of plastic. The redesign had the after effect of lowering the WK's drag coefficient
Drag coefficient
In fluid dynamics, the drag coefficient is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment such as air or water. It is used in the drag equation, where a lower drag coefficient indicates the object will have less aerodynamic or...
to 0.30. Other changes came in the form of revised bumpers, wheel trims, with the interior dashboard
Dashboard
A dashboard is a control panel placed in front of the driver of an automobile, housing instrumentation and controls for operation of the vehicle....
and centre console
Center console (automobile)
The center console in an automobile refers to the control-bearing surfaces in the center of the front of the vehicle interior...
receiving a major overhaul. Powertrain
Powertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
s carried over from the previous model, but the Generation III V8 engine was now rated at 235 kW for the Statesman and 245 kW for the Caprice. Other engineering changes were made to the structural integrity of the car. The reinforced front flooring and sills gives the upshot of a 70 percent reduction in lower limb injuries in offset frontal crash tests at 60 km/h (30 mph).
Feature wise, the Statesman now offered standard rear parking sensors
Parking sensors
Parking sensors are proximity sensors for road vehicles which can alert the driver to unseen obstacles during parking manoeuvres.Parking sensors generally fall into two categories.1. Electromagnetic parking sensors...
and optional satellite navigation
Global Navigation Satellite System
A satellite navigation or SAT NAV system is a system of satellites that provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global coverage. It allows small electronic receivers to determine their location to within a few metres using time signals transmitted along a line-of-sight by radio from...
, with the Caprice receiving the latter as standard along with a dual screen DVD entertainment system
DVD player
A DVD player is a device that plays discs produced under both the DVD-Video and DVD-Audio technical standards, two different and incompatible standards. These devices were invented in 1997 and continue to thrive...
for the rear passengers. Also new to the WK are the electric wing mirror
Wing mirror
A wing mirror is a mirror found on the exterior of motor vehicles for the purposes of helping the driver see areas behind and to the sides of the vehicle, outside of the driver's peripheral vision .Although almost all modern cars mount their side mirrors on the doors, normally at the "A" pillar,...
s, which when reversing, the passenger mirror faces downwards to assist the driver when parking, thus preventing kerb
Curb (road)
A curb, or kerb , is the edge where a raised pavement/sidewalk/footpath, road median, or road shoulder meets an unraised street or other roadway.-Function:...
side wheel damage. The Used Car Safety Ratings found that WH/WK Statesmans provide a "significantly better than average" level of occupant protection in the event of an accident
Car accident
A traffic collision, also known as a traffic accident, motor vehicle collision, motor vehicle accident, car accident, automobile accident, Road Traffic Collision or car crash, occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other stationary obstruction,...
.
WL
Released in 2004, the WL brought with it an all-new 3.6 litre AlloytecGM High Feature engine
The 3600 LY7 are members of General Motors' new High Feature engine family of modern DOHC V6s. This new family of engines was introduced in 2004 with the Cadillac CTS. Holden sells the HFV6 under the name Alloytec. The High Feature moniker on the Holden produced engine is reserved for the twin...
V6 engine, succeeding the WK's Ecotec unit. Power and torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
figures were rated at 190 kW and 340 newton metre, respectively. The Statesman's optional V8
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
was the 245 kW version from the WK Caprice, with the WL Caprice's engine obtaining a further 5 kW. The V8s retained the four-speed GM 4L60-E
GM 4L60-E transmission
The 4L60-E is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 4 forward gears...
automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, while the Alloytec V6 versions received a new five-speed GM 5L40-E
GM 5L40-E transmission
The 5L40-E are a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 5 forward gears and is used in the GM Sigma platform vehicles from Cadillac, as well as the Pontiac Solstice and Holden Commodore.The electronically...
automatic. Several new safety features were added to the WL lineup. Such include brake assist
Brake assist
Brake Assist is a generic term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency situation. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity...
, electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution ', Electronic brakeforce limitation ' is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc...
, Electronic Stability Program
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
and LED
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting...
tail lamps. The new LED lamps give an additional 5 metres (16.4 ft) of warning to trailing motorists travelling at 110 kilometres per hour (68.4 mph) because they illuminate in 60 nanoseconds, compared to 1,000 for conventional incandescent light bulb
Incandescent light bulb
The incandescent light bulb, incandescent lamp or incandescent light globe makes light by heating a metal filament wire to a high temperature until it glows. The hot filament is protected from air by a glass bulb that is filled with inert gas or evacuated. In a halogen lamp, a chemical process...
s.
In 2005, General Motors began exporting the Statesman to China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
, where it was badged as the Buick Royaum. The Royaum was initially equipped with the 3.6 litre Alloytec engine fitted to the Statesman, however a 155 kW 2.8 litre version of the same followed later in the year. During 2005, Holden exported almost 2,000 units to South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. With an identical powertrain
Powertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
to the Buick, the South Korean export model was sold through the GM Daewoo
GM Daewoo
GM Korea Company is South Korea's second largest automobile manufacturer and is a division of the General Motors Company. GM Korea's roots go back to the former Daewoo which was split from its parent company, Daewoo Group, in 2001...
network and marketed as the Daewoo Statesman.
WM
The third generation WM was launched alongside the VE Commodore on 16 July 2006 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention CentreMelbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is the name given to two adjacent buildings next to the Yarra River in South Wharf, an inner-city suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia...
. With the Statesman's export plans, it was decided that its launch should be simultaneous with that of the Commodore, rather than months later, as had been the convention. The WM development programme reportedly cost General Motors A$
Australian dollar
The Australian dollar is the currency of the Commonwealth of Australia, including Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island, as well as the independent Pacific Island states of Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu...
190 million with another $1.04 billion devoted to the VE Commodore model which the Statesman is based upon. The WM series utilises the GM Zeta platform
GM Zeta platform
Zeta was the original name for General Motors' full-size rear-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture was engineered by Holden of Australia and was most recently referred to as the "Global RWD Architecture". The GM Zeta replaced the Australian V-body and was considered as the replacement...
developed by Holden. Unlike previous models, the WM no longer shares its architecture with an Opel
Opel
Adam Opel AG, generally shortened to Opel, is a German automobile company founded by Adam Opel in 1862. Opel has been building automobiles since 1899, and became an Aktiengesellschaft in 1929...
sedan, and has rear doors different to those found on the Commodore. Previously, it had to share the doors, or at least the lower parts, with the lesser Commodore. This is just one of the ways Holden has tried to create greater differentiation between the Statesman and the Commodore on which it is based.
Like the second generation model, the WM is exported to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Caprice. In China since 2007, the sister model had been produced as the Buick Park Avenue, mainly using locally sourced parts and sharing some globally sourced parts. Holden recommenced Caprice exports to South Korea in 2008 as the Daewoo Veritas after showcasing a pre-production Daewoo L4X in 2007. Compared to the Australian-specification model, the Veritas is V6-powered only and has a modified rear floorpan
Floorpan
The floorpan is a large sheet metal stamping that often incorporates several smaller welded stampings to form the floor of a large vehicle and the position of its external and structural panels....
to accommodate the electrically adjustable rear seats
Power seat
A power seat in an automobile is a front seat which can be adjusted by using a switch or joystick and a set of small electric motors. Most cars with this feature have controls for the driver's seat only, though almost all luxury cars also have power controls for the front passenger seat.In addition...
incorporating a massage function. The headrest
Headrest
In an automobile, head restraints are attached or integrated into the top of the seats in each seating position to limit the rearward movement of an adult occupant's head relative to his torso in a crash, so as to reduce the danger of whiplash or other injury to the cervical vertebrae...
s are also electrically adjustable, with the Caprice's dual headrest-mounted LCD
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is a flat panel display, electronic visual display, or video display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals . LCs do not emit light directly....
screens orphaned in favour of a single, ceiling-mounted unit. GM Daewoo
GM Daewoo
GM Korea Company is South Korea's second largest automobile manufacturer and is a division of the General Motors Company. GM Korea's roots go back to the former Daewoo which was split from its parent company, Daewoo Group, in 2001...
announced an updated Veritas on 31 March 2009 to take effect from 1 April. The update, which was yet to be seen in other markets, comprised a revised powertrain
Powertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
combination, featuring a new direct injection
Gasoline direct injection
In internal combustion engines, gasoline direct injection , also known as petrol direct injection or direct petrol injection, is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines...
version of the 3.6 litre Alloytec
GM High Feature engine
The 3600 LY7 are members of General Motors' new High Feature engine family of modern DOHC V6s. This new family of engines was introduced in 2004 with the Cadillac CTS. Holden sells the HFV6 under the name Alloytec. The High Feature moniker on the Holden produced engine is reserved for the twin...
engine. This new engine results in a power increase from 185 kW to 204 kW together with more torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
and a reduced fuel consumption figure. These efficiency improvements have been enough to satisfy the government of South Korea
Government of South Korea
The Government of South Korea is divided into executive, judicial, and legislative branches. The executive and judicial branches operate primarily at the national level, although various ministries in the executive branch also carry out local functions. Local governments are semi-autonomous, and...
's "Korea Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle" (KULEV) requirements. In place of the five-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
previously, these revised models ship with a six-speed GM 6L50
GM 6L50 transmission
The 6L50 is a 6-speed longitudinally-mounted automatic transmission produced by General Motors. It is very similar in design to the larger 6L80/6L90, and is produced at the GM Powertrain plant in Strasbourg, France. It features clutch to clutch shifting, eliminating the bands used on older...
unit, featuring Active Select.
The update to the Veritas in South Korea was adopted in the Holden versions for the 2010 model year
Model year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
(MY10). This update was announced on 4 August 2009, and released in September. The now direct-injected 3.6 litre V6, labeled Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) by Holden, is rated at 210 kW for power and 350 newton metres (258.1 ft·lbf) for torque. Gains in efficiency have been achieved via the implementation of direct fuel injection, improvements to the fuel cutout during coasting
Fuel economy-maximizing behaviors
Fuel economy-maximizing behaviors describe techniques that drivers can use to optimize their automobile fuel economy. The energy in fuel consumed in driving is lost in many ways, including engine inefficiency, aerodynamic drag, rolling friction, and kinetic energy lost to braking...
, the addition of a more efficient alternator
Alternator
An alternator is an electromechanical device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current.Most alternators use a rotating magnetic field but linear alternators are occasionally used...
and voltage regulator
Voltage regulator
A voltage regulator is an electrical regulator designed to automatically maintain a constant voltage level. A voltage regulator may be a simple "feed-forward" design or may include negative feedback control loops. It may use an electromechanical mechanism, or electronic components...
, a 50 rpm lower idle speed
Idle speed
Idle speed is the rotational speed the engine runs on when the engine is uncoupled to the drivetrain and the throttle pedal isn't depressed of a combustion engine...
(to 550 rpm), and a new "turbine damper" for the automatic transmission that works to suppress vibrations at low rpms, thus enabling earlier upshifts.
In 2010, Holden made the decision to discontinue the Statesman nameplate, instead reducing the price of the upmarket V6 Caprice and filling the gap once occupied by the Statesman. This coincided with the release of the "Series II" versions of the WM Caprice (replacing Statesman), and the introduction of the Caprice V (replacing Caprice).
External links
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