Caprice and Statesman officially launched

Holden has brought Book One of the VE/WM saga to a close. Officially released to the Aussie media in Adelaide today, the WM Statesman and Caprice models are the current pinnacle variants of the $1billion-plus VE/WM program.

And if you're VE'd out, you can breathe a little easier -- they're also the last Commodore variants to be launched this year, save for special option packs, limited editions and the like.

Unveiled as a surprise addition to the bigger-than-Ben-Hur VE reveal in July, the WM long wheelbase models are the most differentiated luxo-Holdens ever.

Developed at a cost of  $190 million – over an above the $1.03 billion VE program -- the new WMs share little in the way of body panels with the VE. In addition to a 94mm stretch of the already rangey VE wheelbase, the WM gets a handsome all-new glasshouse and 'proper' bespoke rear doors.

Two models make up the WM range, the $58,990 Statesman and bells-and-whistles $69,990 Caprice. Following on from the precedent set by the VE, specification-adjusted both models are cheaper than their outgoing WL equivalents.

Both cars are available with a choice of V6 or V8 powerplants -- in the case of the Statesman you’ll pay $4000 extra for the optional 270kW 6.0-litre V8/six-speed auto combination, while the Caprice offers a $4000 reduction if you opt for the 195kW Alloytec V6/five-speed auto powertrain.

The level of equipment is unprecedented for an Australian-built car.

The Statesman features eight-way electric front seats; visual front and rear park assist; auto rain-sensing wipers; 11-speaker, 230 watt sound system with six disc CD; MP3 and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity; night mode dash illumination and exterior mirrors with 'puddle' lamps.

Caprice elevates the luxury level with authentic aluminium dash trim, deep-bolstered front sports seats with ten-way electric adjustment, 'soft touch' leather and suede trim.

A BOSE premium audio system is featured along with remote control three-screen DVD with roof console and an all-new Tri-zone electronic climate control system with foot level ducting to the rear compartment.

Further equipment includes Bi-Xenon headlamps with auto height adjustment and washers (an Aussie-built first), a tyre pressure monitor and extra priority flip key memory preferences, such as seating positions for three drivers and exterior mirror placements.

As was the case in the premium-level Calais V, fully integrated navigation will be available later this year on both Statesman and Calais as will a choice of three telematics systems.

Statesman and Caprice both feature ESP (Electronic Stability Program), traction control and anti-lock braking systems, electronic brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. For the record, both models come equipped with full-sized alloy spare wheels.

Combined fuel economy is stated at 11.7lt/100km for the V6 models with the V8s posted at 14.4lt/100km.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said WM Statesman and Caprice were flagship models capable of capturing worldwide attention.

"The WM models are confident, global designs which show that Australians can make truly compelling cars," Mr Mooney said.

Since 1999, Holden has shipped more than 82,000 of its long-wheelbase sedans to markets in the Middle East, China, South Korea and New Zealand. In fact in 2005, GM-branded models based on the WL series recorded export sales more than seven times higher than the number sold in Australia.

The major market for Holden's long wheelbase cars, the Middle East, will again be the primary destination for WM.

Look for CarPoint's full launch review of the Holden WM Statesman and Caprice early next week.