The introduction of an updated WM Series II range in September will mark the debut of the Holden Caprice V-Series.

The sports luxury V-Series designation matches that of other premium Holdens and identifies this model as top-of-the-range.

Completing the line-up is the Caprice Series II, which shares the stretched silhouette, 18-inch alloy wheels and strong design character of its counterpart.  With this move, Holden discontinues its long-running Statesman nameplate.    

Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales John Elsworth said the revised long-wheel base strategy was the result of detailed customer feedback.

“Market research consistently told us that the Caprice nameplate, with its definite sports luxury character, appealed to a far broader customer base,” Mr Elsworth said.

“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.

“These customers readily identify Caprice as a prestige offering - they don’t see the point of paying extra for an imported European price tag.

“What they’re seeking is style and refinement. When they compare the good looks, even more generous equipment levels, technical sophistication they conclude that it’s a choice that makes more sense.”

Caprice Series II models benefit from evolutionary upgrades to comfort, convenience and safety features designed to heighten driving enjoyment. Both deliver improved fuel efficiency while maintaining trademark Holden performance attributes.

An advanced new touch-screen Holden-iQ System interface gives multi-media audio choices which include a virtual CD collection, fully integrated iPod® connectivity, MP3 player and USB flash drive.  Bluetooth® connectivity is enhanced.

The touch-screen system also supports full colour mapping satellite navigation with traffic alerts and a rear view camera. Both features are included as standard.

The Caprice V-Series offers further inducements, among them a sunroof, exclusive full Nappa leather trim and interior appointments, dual-screen rear DVD (which also plays through the Holden-iQ touch screen when the car is stationary), a Bose® premium audio system and Tri-zone climate control.

The new Caprice and Caprice V-Series are also differentiated by powertrain availability.Caprice V-Series is equipped with Holden’s 260 kW 6.0 litre Generation IV V8, teamed with 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select and featuring fuel-saving Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology.

Emphasising Holden’s commitment to producing vehicles that are more affordable to run and which reduce environmental impact through lower C02 emissions, Caprice V-Series also offers ‘fuel of the future’ bio-ethanol capability, also known as E85.  Fuel economy (ADR081/01) is 12.3 litres/100km, a two per cent improvement on the previous Caprice.   

The Caprice Series II is powered by a 210 kW SIDI Direct Injection V6, with 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select.  Fuel economy (ADR081/02) is 9.9 litres/100km, a four per cent improvement on the previous V6 model.  C02 emissions are also reduced by four per cent.

Colour selection
* Denotes new colour
Alto Grey – new mid toned grey with silver highlights*
Mirage Glow – a light, soft and luxurious beige*
Sizzle – bright metallic red*
Heron – solid white
Karma – an architectural blue with metallic highlights
Nitrate – a classic silver metallic
Phantom – metallic black with silver highlights