"These cars have to compete against the best in the world within the Australian market and increasingly in export markets. Our VT Commodore has led the way, and the Holden Statesman and Caprice models will build on this success," he said.
"From the outset, as we laid down the initial designs for these luxury models, they were created as left hand drive as well as right hand drive cars. We then set about ensuring that they would incorporate the refinement and feature levels to enable them to compete anywhere - not just here in Australia.

"I think Holden's design and engineering team have succeeded and that we have managed to move our industry forward and illustrate to world markets that we can match it with the best," said Mr Hanenberger.

Style and Space
Taking their cue from the contemporary design themes of the VT Commodore, Holden designers have created a cleverly integrated body style for the new model Statesman and Caprice.

The advantage of extra length afforded by a class-leading 2939mm wheelbase translates into accommodation of limousine proportions and comfort. The new Statesman and Caprice models have more rear legroom (1099mm) than any other passenger car on the Australian market. Interiors are all-new with specific and traditional seat designs, new instrument facia, and a new interior trim colou, Shale. In true Statesman and Caprice tradition, luggage capacity of 560 litres is the biggest of all passenger sedans on the Australian car market.

New Body
The body structure of the WH Statesman and Caprice continues in the design direction of the technologically advanced VT Commodore. Based on the wagon platform, it is of considerably stronger and more rigid construction than its predecessors.

The new body achieves the technical goals of improved crash energy management and durability, enhanced noise and vibration characteristics.

The increased strength and solidity of the new structure contributes to a smoother on-road 'feel' and higher levels of quiet driving refinement that define and distinguish these luxury vehicles.

Performance
Holden sets the performance standard for Australian luxury cars with the new Statesman and Caprice. Buyers may choose from a selection of three engines: the proven 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6, the sophisticated Supercharged V6 and the entirely new GEN III 5.7 litre alloy V8.

The advanced alloy V8 brings significant improvements in power, torque, vehicle performance, reliability and durability, and refined noise and vibration. It is offered as standard on the Holden Caprice and is optional on Statesman.

A 'clean sheet' design featuring a cast aluminium head, block and sump, the GEN III V8 was developed at a cost of US$1 billion by General Motors Powertrain Group to meet exacting 21st century performance and emissions requirements.

Although it produces 23 per cent more maximum power (220kW) and 11.5 per cent more torque (446Nm) than its predecessor, the more lightweight and compact V8 delivers improved fuel economy. When tested to the AS2877 procedure, the new V8 Statesman and Caprice use 13.5 litres/100km on the city cycle and 8.5 litres/100km on the highway cycle, improvements of 13 per cent and 11 per cent respectively over 5.0 litre V8 fuel economy figures.

Fuel economy figures remain unchanged for the 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6, at 12.0 litres/100km on the city cycle and 7.4 litres/100km on the highway cycle, and Supercharged V6 city cycle at 13.5 litres/100km. Highway cycle for the Supercharged V6 increases by 0.4 to 8.0 litres/100km.

For all its increased power and torque, the free-revving GEN III engine, teamed with electronic control 4-speed automatic transmission, performs with exceptional smoothness and quiet refinement.

Designed for longevity and utilising sophisticated engine management, advanced low friction technology and new valve train design, the GEN III 5.7 litre alloy V8 is an engine of outstanding build quality, reliability and durability.   Click here to see more on the new GEN III Alloy V8.

Driving Dynamics
The primary ride control attributes and isolation qualities that give Holden its traditional edge in chassis dynamics and ride comfort are shown to advantage by the new Statesman and Caprice. Major contributing factors, apart from a stiffer body structure, include a longer wheelbase (2939 mm) and wider track (front 1559 mm; rear 1577 mm) for improved stability. The lighter weight of the new GEN III alloy V8 engine relates directly to improvements in handling agility and responsiveness.

The semi trailing arm rear suspension now incorporates a self-levelling system as standard on both models, providing a level ride height regardless of vehicle load.

The suspension system is tuned to maximise ride comfort while maintaining a performance edge. Both models have new 16x7-inch alloy wheels, specially developed Bridgestone tyres, and a more powerful brake system.

Further advancements include the introduction of traction control, standard on both models across all three engine options and tuned for Australian conditions; the latest Bosch 5.3 anti-lock brakes and a revised, continuously variable, speed-sensing Variatronic power steering system.


Comfort and Convenience
Holden designers took special care with the design and selection of surface finishes to achieve a high degree of refinement for the interiors of the new Statesman and Caprice. The luxury models feature a new instrument facia with a distinctive woodgrain surround and seat designs are specific to each model.

Interior trims feature plush and tactile seating fabric and carpets, supple leather with tailored stitching, suede highlights and trimmed upper pillars for additional softness, and touches of chrome. A new interior colour, Shale, is available on Statesman and Caprice. It is a traditional luxury colour of light neutral shades.

The WH Statesman and Caprice are equipped with innovative and user friendly electronic systems, that anticipate driver and passenger needs. Both models offer eight-way electric front seats, a body computer that controls a range of lighting features, dual zone electronic climate control, high output audio systems and revised instrumentation.

Among features exclusive to the Holden Caprice are a best-in-class extended memory personal identity key system which 'remembers' a wide range of preferred settings, including driver's seat and mirror positions, a rear view mirror which automatically adjusts to alleviate headlight glare, auto dipping exterior mirror when reverse is selected so drivers can see low level obstacles and a remote console that allows rear seat passengers to operate audio and climate control systems. The 'Multi-mode' stereo system allows rear seat passengers to listen to a different stereo mode through their headsets from other occupants.

Safety and Security
The safety technology applied to Statesman and Caprice emphasises Holden's commitment to the major design objective of injury risk minimisation. The new models feature

the enhanced structural integrity of a stiffer, stronger body and crash-energy-absorbing front structure and a computer-optimised three-stage restraint system that includes Holden's advanced two stage side impact airbags as standard.

Introduced with these models are a significant number of intelligent safety and security-related innovations - such as cornering lamps, approach and exit lamps, heated exterior mirrors (Caprice), current gear selection indicator in the instrument cluster and full remote deadlock control - that emphasise the considerable amount of effort Holden has expended on satisfying the needs and expectations of luxury car buyers.

On Sale -  26 June 1999