Review: Holden VR Statesman/Caprice (1994-95)

Overview

Released in March 1994, the Holden VR Statesman and Caprice were long wheelbase sedans. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the rear-wheel drive VR Statesman and Caprice were available with 3.8-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines (see table below).

L27 V6 and LB9 V8 Engines

Of these engines,

• The 3.8-litre L27 pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. For the VR Statesman and Caprice, this engine had new pistons, a higher compression ratio (previously 8.5:1), more rigid connecting rods, reduced bearing clearances and roller valve rocker pivots – these changes were introduced for smoother running and improved fuel economy; and,
• Carried over from the VQ Statesman and Caprice , the 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder, multi-point fuel injection and a compression ratio of 8.4:1.

4L60E transmission

Both the V6 and V8 engines were available with electronically-controlled four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions.

Dimensions

Compared to their VQ predecessors, VR Statesman and Caprice were 32 mm longer (at 4957 mm), 8 mm narrower (1794 mm) and 42 mm taller (1463 mm), though the wheelbase was unchanged at 2826 mm long.

Suspension

The Holden VR Statesman and Caprice had MacPherson strut front suspension with wet sleeve shock absorbers, a direct-acting stabiliser bar and progressive rate coil springs. Furthermore, the VR Calais had independent rear suspension with a semi-trailing arm, double acting shock absorbers, a stabiliser bar and progressive rate mini-block coil springs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden VR Statesman and Caprice included a driver’s airbag and ABS.

Brakes

The VR Statesman and Caprice had 289 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs and 279 mm by 10.7 mm rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the Holden VR Statesman included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, velour seat trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The VR Caprice was further equipped with a twelve speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD changer, power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, front fog lights and woodgrain interior trim.

Visually, the Caprice could be identified by its two-tone paint finish, side skirts and chromed dual exhaust outlets.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VR Caprice