CHEVROLET CAPRICE

VEHICLE - CHEVROLET CAPRICE
REGISTRATION - 196300
LOCATION - QATAR UNIVERSITY
DATE - 20.09.2008
THE PROUD OWNER/USER - NOT YET KNOWN

The Chevrolet Caprice and Caprice Classic were full-sized automobiles produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors in the United States and Canada from 1965 through 1996 model years and in Mexico from 1977 through 1983.

Throughout its life, the Caprice was the most expensive and luxurious model in the Chevrolet full-size car range, which during its lifetime also included the Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala. Its exit without replacement after the 1996 model year would leave the Ford Crown Victoria as the only traditional full-size American sedan.

General Motors revived the Chevrolet Caprice nameplate in the Middle East markets on imported Holden Statesman/Caprice built by its Australian subsidiary Holden. The Holden WH Statesman was the first Statesman to be engineered to support both left- and right-hand drive (Middle Eastern market being LHD while Australia right-hand drive) in order to allow for manufacturing of export versions. Same was true for the related short-wheelbase Holden VT Commodore, whose left-hand drive version became the Chevrolet Lumina in the Middle East.

The Middle Eastern Caprice came out in 2000 in four versions, base LS, standard mid-range LTZ, a sporty SS and the range topper Royale (introduced in 2002). Differences between the models were mostly equipment and slight styling tweaks. The base LS and LTZ came standard with a 295 hp (220 kW) 5.7 litre Gen III V8, the SS and Royale came with a 325 horsepower version of the same engine. In 2003, Holden launched a revised and facelifted Statesman and Caprice, which was reflected in their Middle Eastern versions for the 2004 model year. The new models sported new front and rear fascias and completely redesigned interior. Engines carried over unchanged.

In November 2006, Chevrolet launched a completely redesigned Caprice lineup, again based on the recently introduced Holden WM Statesman. The new Caprice lineup includes the base LS, LTZ, SS and Royale, all sporting the new 360 hp (268 kW) LS2 6.0 litre V8. The Holden-sourced Chevrolet Caprice has become GM's top selling vehicle in the region