The Caprice broke its ties with the Opel family and jumped over Atlantic to look for a more powerful sibling. Then, it returned to Australia to flex its muscles.
A long wheelbase had its advantages on long journeys, offering more comfort for passengers' rear seats. That is why Holden decided to introduce the Caprice, a longer version for the well-known Commodore sedan. The 2006 model was the largest rear-wheel-drive sedan offered by GM. It was built for state politicians, businessmen, and government officials.
With its chromed rim around the pentagonal-shaped grille and swept, angular headlights, the Caprice/Statesman showed respect wherever it went. Some lines might have resembled some of the Opel design, but the overall look was far from there. Compared to the rest of the vehicle, the long rear doors and short deck made the car look more dynamic.
The interior was nothing but opulence. It was meant for comfortable journeys with its large seats for the front passengers and the rear profiled bench. The rear seat occupants could enjoy movies on the screens installed in the front seat headrests, with the center armrest folded down and the cup-holders between them.
The main difference between the Caprice and the Statesman was the options. But the common ingredient was the engine bay. Both were offered with either a V6 or a V8 engine. The latter was an old design, without cylinder deactivation, two valves per cylinder, and pushrod distribution. The V6 was more fuel-efficient and paired with a modern automatic gearbox.