Autoblog

REPORT: Lutz says next Chevy Impala to stay front-drive, gain hybrid variant

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST

2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember those AWESOME rumors about the rear-wheel drive Pontiac G8 living on as a Chevy Caprice? Not going to happen, though used Chevy cop cars will still be the hot Christmas item come 2017 or so. Inside Line's Ed Hellwig reports that after a sit down meeting with General Motors' Maximum Bob Lutz, not only won't there be a true successor to the 1994-1996 Impala SS, but the next Impala will remain front-wheel drive.

The new Impala will get bigger says IL, and add features - probably in an attempt to keep up with the hefty and tech-laden Ford Taurus. Lutz mentions that the new Impala will not only sport decent fuel economy, but also feature GM's hybrid technology. Whether or not this means a Chevy Volt style gas-electric powertrain or the General's next-generation belt-alternator mild hybrid system isn't clear. All we know is, once the few, still-lingering-on dealer-lots G8s are gone, they are gone baby, gone.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East)

[Source: Straight Line Blog]

REPORT: Lutz says next Chevy Impala to stay front-drive, gain hybrid variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The cops get a Zeta sedan: GM unveils 355-hp Chevy Caprice police car

Alex Nunez — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:50:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Holden, Police/Emergency

Chevrolet Caprice PPV - Click above for high-res image gallery.

Well, it's official. General Motors has resurrected the Australian-built Zeta sedan for North America, only this time around, it's just for the cops. Set to arrive in your local muni's police fleet in 2011 is the Chevrolet Caprice police patrol vehicle (PPV). First thing's first: it is not the Holden Commodore, a.k.a. Pontiac G8 (rest in peace). It's a left-hand-drive version of the long-wheelbase, Zeta-platform Holden Caprice/Statesman. Many of you already know that this car is also sold in the Middle East as, you guessed it, the Chevy Caprice. Also, as had been rumored - you can't buy one. It's a fleet special only, and we can envision fistfights breaking out over these at police auctions in a few years.

The Caprice Cop Special gets an E85-compatible 6.0-liter V8 dishing out 355 horsepower and 385 lb/ft of torque, and as you'd expect, the engine's duly ruggedized for police duty with oil, transmission and power steering coolers, along with a heavy duty alternator. And yes, the brakes and suspension are uprated. Cue the Elwood Blues litany whenever you're ready.

Inside, it's obviously outfitted with all the toys, including seats designed to accommodate officers' gun/equipment belts, a front-seat computer, and all the other stuff you'd expect to find in a police car. And since the fuzzmobile's based on the LWB sedan, there's plenty of room in back for you to relax should you find yourself involuntarily sampling the rear passenger seating. Actually, with your hands locked up behind your back, it probably won't be that comfy after all. Check out more photos of the Caprice PPV in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car

[Source: GM]

Continue reading The cops get a Zeta sedan: GM unveils 355-hp Chevy Caprice police car

The cops get a Zeta sedan: GM unveils 355-hp Chevy Caprice police car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fritz Henderson to Autoblog: Chevy Caprice is being looked at as "police application"

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Police/Emergency

Ever since General Motors announced this spring that it was killing the Pontiac brand as part of its restructuring, fans of the Holden-developed G8 sedan have been clamoring to save it as a Chevrolet. After company officials repeatedly said over the past two months that no such thing would happen, Bob Lutz re-lit the fire last week in one of his first pronouncements after un-retiring. Lutz proclaimed that the G8 would indeed become a new Chevrolet Caprice.

During our first drive of the new Buick LaCrosse this week, we had the opportunity on one of the legs to ride with GM CEO Fritz Henderson, and we pressed him for more details on the Caprice plan. Unfortunately it turns out Henderson brought his portable fire extinguisher with him, telling us:

We've been looking at it for police applications. As for whether or not it's broader than police applications, I am not a believer in re-branding and re-badging. We've been talking about in terms of potential police applications and we'll leave it at that."

Henderson also threw a soaking wet blanket on the idea of adding production to Oshawa alongside the Camaro, saying that the cars will continue to be sourced from Australia. So, for the moment, it looks like Zeta sedan fans will probably have to be content with taking a Blues Brothers approach to the problem: Buying their next car as a decommissioned black-and-white.

[Image: GoAuto]

Fritz Henderson to Autoblog: Chevy Caprice is being looked at as "police application" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM beginning to backpedal on Lutz' G8-turning-Caprice comments?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Australia

2009 Chevy Caprice SS (Middle East) - Click above for high-res photo gallery

When General Motors' Bob Lutz talks, we listen. The reason, of course, is that he always gives us something good to write. Over the weekend, we told you about an interview Lutz had with Automobile Magazine where the Maximum One said that the G8 will live on as a Chevrolet Caprice. Lutz's comments looked like a sure thing to us, as it's hard to misinterpret these words.

"The last time we looked at [the G8], we decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet. It is kind of too good to waste."

Just a few days later, Blogger Bob sounded a bit less certain about the future of the G8 as Chevrolet. On the company's Fast Lane Blog, Lutz simply said "we're studying the feasibility of bringing (the G8) in as a Caprice for both law enforcement and the public." That doesn't sound nearly as certain as the Automobile interview.

Kicking Tires reportedly received a similar statement from GM brass, saying "As part of its reinvention, General Motors is exploring every opportunity of effectively utilizing its global portfolio of vehicles, facilities and talent. While this exploration includes the possibility of extending imports of Holden vehicles (such as the recent Pontiac G8) to North America, no decision has been made at this time."

We're hoping this is corporate speak for 'We're going to do what Bob says, but we just don't want to promise anything just yet.' Turning the G8 into a Chevrolet model looks to us like the cheapest possible way to keep a terrific vehicle available in the States, and with the Bowtie's significantly larger dealer network, maybe GM can finally figure out how to turn a profit with with the awesome Aussie.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East)

[Sources: Automobile Magazine; Kicking Tires; Auto Observer]

GM beginning to backpedal on Lutz' G8-turning-Caprice comments? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM updates Arabian-market Chevrolet Caprice

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Middle East

2009 Chevrolet Caprice - Click above for a high-res gallery

The Chevrolet Caprice may be long gone from the North American market, but in the Middle East the nameplate soldiers forth. Based on the Holden Statesman, the Arabian-market Caprice receives a host of updates for the new model year, including a 6L80E six-speed automatic with Active Select driving either 240-hp 3.6-liter V6 or 6.0-liter V8 putting out 360 ponies. The Caprice is available in several trim levels, incorporating new features like electronic stability control, Bluetooth connectivity and remote start, a handy feature for cooling down the interior after it was backing under the Arabian sun.

Chevy insists that "it is indisputable that the 2009 Chevrolet Caprice is indeed one of the world's best large luxury sedans". We don't know about that, but it's got to be better than the last Caprice we had on this side of the pipeline. Read more about it in the press release after the jump and check out the images in the gallery below to see for yourself.

Gallery: Arabian-market Chevrolet Caprice

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM updates Arabian-market Chevrolet Caprice

GM updates Arabian-market Chevrolet Caprice originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden recalls 86,000 Zetas equipped with V6

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, GM, Holden

GM's Australian subsidiary Holden has recalled 86,000 rear-wheel-drive Zeta cars with the V6 engine to correct a potential fuel leak that could lead to fires. The CNN Money article says that the recall doesn't impact the Pontiac G8, GM's North American Zeta variant, because that car's underhood layout is different. We should also mention that the G8 is not even on sale yet, so there are none in customer hands to recall.

VE and WM Commodores in Australia and New Zealand, Chevrolet Lumina and Caprice models in the Middle East, as well as the Chevrolet Omega in Brazil are all affected. When a clip chafes on the fuel line, it can apparently cause a leak with nasty results if the gasoline ignites. The risk is low, says GM's John Lindsay, but they're calling the cars back, nearly all of the Zetas with V6 engines sold since the car's redesign, and fixing them free of charge just to be on the safe side.

[Source: CNN]

Holden recalls 86,000 Zetas equipped with V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Caprice Wins Luxury Award In Middle East

Dane Muldoon — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 13:09:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

The Chevrolet Caprice, designed and manufactured by GM Holden in Australia, has been named Best Luxury Car at the 2006 Autocar Middle East Awards. The all-new rear wheel drive Caprice, part of GM Holden's A$1 billion (US$780 million) development of the new Commodore range, emerged as a clear winner from the two other finalists in the Luxury Car class, the Volvo S80 V8 All-wheel drive and the Lexus ES350.

Three days of analysis and testing were undertaken by Autocar's expert judging team, who declared the Caprice unbeatable value given its size, standard package and six-litre, 270kW / 362hp V8 engine which delivers a "brutal" 530Nm / 391ft-lbs of torque. Standard equipment includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), DVD player with twin rear LCD screens, 18" alloy wheels, Bose premium 10 speaker sound system, xenon headlamps and tri-zone electronic climate control. The build quality, ride and overall refinement of the Caprice were all regarded as being superior to the previous model. In Australia, the six speed automatic, 6.0L V8 Caprice retails for A$69,990 (US$54,620).

Follow the jump for the conclusion and an additional photo...

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Chevrolet Caprice Wins Luxury Award In Middle East

Chevrolet Caprice Wins Luxury Award In Middle East originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Dec 2006 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden recalls the new VE Commodore, WM Statesman and Caprice

Alex Nunez — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 06:53:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls

UPDATE 1 - According to the drive.com.au blog, this is actually the second recall for the new Holdens. The first dealt with a fuel hose issue on some V8-powered cars.

New model launches have their ups and downs, and GM Holden is currently experiencing one of the "downs." A few months after the very high-profile debut of Holden's exciting new VE Commodores and their long-wheelbase siblings, the WM Statesman and Caprice, the automaker is issuing a recall on the handsome new sedans. It stems from a possible issue with the rear seat belt buckles that applies to 13,000 of the cars in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

In their recall statement, Holden explains that their supplier informed them of a scenario in which the buckle's internal spring could have been bent during the manual assembly process. This, in turn, could potentially cause the unit to not latch properly. Said supplier has since adopted an automated assembly process and taken full responsibility for the possible problem and the associated changes made to their manufacturing process.

No incidents involving buckle failure have been reported, and Holden will notify owners of the issue in writing. The automaker will replace all the back seat belt buckles in affected cars. Any overseas readers who might be affected and want to know more can read GM Holden's full statement after the jump.

[Source: GM Holden]

Continue reading Holden recalls the new VE Commodore, WM Statesman and Caprice

Holden recalls the new VE Commodore, WM Statesman and Caprice originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 06:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HSV Grange: Next GM Flagship sedan... please!

Scott Davis — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 11:53:00 EST

Click to enlarge

What choices does the dedicated GM "car guy" have when he wants to drive something that has all-around performance, is a rarity on the road and isn't a Corvette or Cadillac? Hopefully someone at The General has the insight to see that such a vehicle is already being produced and well within our reach.

Yesterday at the Sydney Auto Show, Holden's HSV group (Holden Special Vehicles) unveiled the HSV Grange saloon, yet another addition of its new E-Series family. Based on the new full-sized Caprice and aiming to join the ranks of the BMW's M, Mercedes' AMG, and Audi's S division offerings, the HSV Grange is designed to not just get into the fight, but to be the last one standing

The car looks great from any angle, can accommodate 5 adults comfortably, and should be able to hang with the best in straight-line acceleration and cornering. Power comes from a GM-sourced 6.0-liter LS2 V8 making 412 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque and all of it is channeled through GM's new 6-speed sequentially-shifted automatic transmission.

This is a car that could help provide GM entry into the exclusive club dominated by the German big boys. With the economy booming and demand for high-end products greater than ever, having this vehicle join the upcoming Pontiac Grand Prix (another Holden-sourced product) could help lure the luxury performance enthusiast back into GM showrooms.

Well, if the price is right, that is. You see, the cost for the new HSV Grange in Australia? Roughly $100,000 AUD, which works out to around $76,000 USD. That kind of number could be a tough sell here.

Thanks to Ben for the tip!

(Press release, add'l photos after the jump)

[Sources: drive.com.au, GM Holden, HSV]

Continue reading HSV Grange: Next GM Flagship sedan... please!

HSV Grange: Next GM Flagship sedan... please! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Long-wheelbase Statesman and Caprice unveiled alongside Commodore

John Neff — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, GM

Holden surprised everyone by unveiling its pair of long-wheelbase sedans, the Statesman and Caprice, alongside the Commodore in Melbourne on Saturday. The development of the Statesman and Caprice cost AUS $190 million in addition to the AUS $1.04 billion spent on the VE Commodore line up. The money appears to be well spent as the two longer wheelbase models share virtually no exterior panels or interior features with the Commodore. We especially like the aggressive front fender flares on the Caprice shown above, as well as the nicely integrated turn markers inside the air vents on the front fenders. Otherwise, however, the two long wheelbase models aren't breaking much ground in design.

The Statesman and Caprice are one of Holden's biggest export models, with versions being sold by Chevy in the Middle East, Buick in China and Daewoo in South Korea. These are truly large sedans, as one glance at either vehicle's rear-seat legroom will tell you. If you read the press release, Holden appears intent on demonstrating that the Statesman and Caprice aren't just long-wheelbase versions of the Commodore, but separately developed vehicles all their own.

Both vehicles will be powered by either the high-output 3.6L V6 developing 261 horsepower and 250 ft-lbs. of torque or the 6.0L V8 that makes 362 horsepower and 390 ft-lbs of torque

The Statesman and Caprice will go on sale in September in Australia, at which time we should more know more details like price, features, and specifications.

(Holden's full press release and many more high-resolution pictures after the jump)

[Source: Holden]

Continue reading Long-wheelbase Statesman and Caprice unveiled alongside Commodore

Long-wheelbase Statesman and Caprice unveiled alongside Commodore originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jul 2006 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looking for something in a Chevrolet Caprice Estate? CWW Designs is happy to oblige

Chris Paukert — Thu, 18 May 2006 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Trends, Etc., BMW, Ford, GM, Land Rover, Lexus, Toyota

The advent of photo manipulation programs like Adobe Photoshop have ushered in an era where its quite often hard to distinguish between fact and fiction-- sheet metal and pixelated musings of digital airbrush artists. For some publications, it's even an opportunity to fudge spy shots into convincing 'artist's renderings' purporting to represent future models. But for others like André Schaefer of CWW Designs, it's an automotive art that allows one's creative juices to flow, if only to create a virtual dream garage.

The Chevrolet Caprice Estate seen above is but one example of Schaefer's work. The Koln, Germany based artist has a whole library of virtual vehicles based on production models, 'blue sky' future concepts and vintage classics.

As Schaefer has been on the photo manipulation scene for quite some time now, Autoblog readers may have already seen some of his handiwork, but as he's constantly adding new designs, the CWW website is absolutely worth a second look.

Click through to the jump for more of Schaefer's work, along with a link to his website.

[Source: CWW Designs]

Continue reading Looking for something in a Chevrolet Caprice Estate? CWW Designs is happy to oblige

Looking for something in a Chevrolet Caprice Estate? CWW Designs is happy to oblige originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 May 2006 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Young drivers going after "grandpa cars"

Eric Bryant — Tue, 09 May 2006 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Car Buying, Trends, Sedan, Wagon, Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln

The Wall Street Journal is reporting on a rather disturbing trend among younger buyers of new and used cars - the tendency to buy outside of the culturally acceptable boundaries of age and generation. Why, there's an absolute epidemic of young adults, some not even yet out of their teens, cruising around in Oldsmobile Cutlass Supremes, Buick Park Avenues, and Chevrolet Caprices! Buick's Lucerne appears to be one of the heirs to the throne currently occupied by Chrysler's 300C, and there are more than a few youngsters roaming around Cadillac, Lexus, and Lincoln dealerships as well.

We mock the WSJ only because this isn't a new trend (despite the CNW marketing data - specifically, its "stodgy index" - that shows the emergence of this buying habit). The release of the Chevrolet Impala SS in 1994 attracted buyers that were an amazing 10 years younger than typical Caprice owners, and lit off a B-body customization craze that continues today. Older RWD cars, including the large number of retired police cruisers that hit the market every year, are a blank canvas for the custom crowd. Want to throw it on bags and "lay frame"? No problem. Do you have a desire, as misplaced as it may be, to lift your car four feet and throw on a set of monstrous 28s? Go right ahead - it's as easy as lifting a pickup truck. There's also some serious performance potential. And for those going for a more subdued look, a clean set of dubs on an mid-nineties Buick Riv or ~~Ford~~* Lincoln Continental is an easy and affordable way to stand out from the sport-compact crowd while still giving yourself and three or four friends plenty of room to stretch out during road trips. Of course, there's an ironic tinge to all this, what with so many pensioners going after 'youth brand' cars like the Scion xB.

In the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted that the author of this Autoblog post owns two vehicles with wire-spoke hubcaps and stand-up hood ornaments.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

*Thanks to the reader who pointed out my error - apparently, driving old-people cars can also cause slight dementia.

Young drivers going after "grandpa cars" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 May 2006 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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