- Responsive 5.0- and stroked 5.7-litre V8 engines
- Cavernous and comfortable interior
- Good ride/handling balance
- Clunky downshifts for automatic transmission
- Poor standard of interior fit and finish
- High fuel consumption
Overview
The HSV VR Statesman and Caprice were long wheelbase, rear-wheel drive sedans that were introduced in September and November 1994, respectively. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Victoria, the HSV VR Statesman range consisted of the 185i and 215i variants, powered by 5.0- and stroked 5.7-litre V8 engines respectively. The VR 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 VR Senator 215i and VR 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.
Steering and suspension
The VR 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 VR 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.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statesman | 185i | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 185 kW at 4800 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| 215i | 5.7-litre petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 215 kW at 4800 rpm | 475 Nm at 3600 rpm | |
| Caprice | 215i | 5.7-litre petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 215 kW at 4800 rpm | 475 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the HSV VR Statesman and Caprice included a driver’s airbag and ABS.
The 215i variants were also fitted with a premium braking package and a Hydratrak viscous limited-slip differential.
Features
Standard features for the HSV VR Statesman included 16 by 8.0-inch alloy wheels with 225/60 R16 97 V-rated tyres, an eight speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats, leather trim, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors, a trip computer and an alarm system.
The HSV VR Caprice was further equipped with a twelve speaker sound system with a CD player, leather upholstery and woodgrain interior trim.
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