Caprice, Thy Name Is General Motors

by Edward Niedermeyer

October 5th, 2009 2:09 PM

Automotive News [sub] reports that GM has announced plans to roll out a police-only Chevrolet Caprice in 2011, based on the Holden Statesman. V8 and V6 version of the Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle will be available for order in late 2010, giving GM a competitive entry in the police cruiser market long-dominated by Ford’s Crown Victoria. Though this photo is an official GM image, spokesfolks warn that details aren’t completely finalized yet. “Some of the elements, some of the styling will be different in the production version. We are not releasing all the details in terms of specs at this point,” say GM’s Brian Goebel. Just don’t expect the changes to be major upgrades, because they are intended “to bring it in line with the Chevrolet look and feel.” GM’s RWD cop car comes just as Ford has hinted that it will develop future police vehicles based on the FWD Taurus. Meanwhile, if you want a civilian version of the Caprice, you’re stuck waiting on future police auctions. Sorry.

Comments

Join the conversation

4 of 43 comments

TriShield on Oct 05, 2009

CamaroKid, the answer is simple. One that was already mentioned was CAFE. Another is that the market for Holden cars in the US seems to be weak (at least under Pontiac). Selling this car as a police/fleet car first allows GM to test the waters. If the Holden Caprice gains traction in our market as a Chevrolet with the police then GM's exposure and risk with a civilian version would be minimized somewhat.

Like Reply
Psarhjinian on Oct 05, 2009
But given Chrysler’s precarious position and public image a Chevrolet competitor in the Police market, even if it costs a little more, might look vastly more appealing to law enforcement. Especially if (when) Chrysler goes tits up. I agree with you regarding Chrysler and the PP Charger: there's no future there and I'd feel really, really sorry for any police force (eg, like the one in my town) that's invested in them. My understanding is that they're not that well-liked, being much more cramped and more costly to repair than the Crown Vic, which is in turn more cramped than the old Caprice. Now that I think about it, the Charger has probably sealed the fate of any non-CV offering. Fool me once, etc, etc. I think Toyota would have a better chance at the cop market by stripping and rebadging LWB Lexus LSs as "Toyota Celsiors" than GM would with this.

Like Reply
Art Vandelay on Oct 05, 2009

So the 6 speed bits from the G8 should drop in...This could be a fun sleeper down the road...even better thann the 9c1 Caprices!

Like Reply
Armadamaster on Oct 07, 2009

Be interesting if this coaxes Ford into doing that long overdue parts bin update of the CV and extending it through CAFE in 2016, but I am not holding my breath. Only way I can see then making money on this by offering retail also, if they can the ancient WImpala and market this as their NA RWD Impala and leave most of the old W-body sales for the new Malibu. As it stands right now the new Malibu is actually hurt by the WImpala since it directly competes with it, and the ancient WImpala offers more car for less money between those two. Doesn't matter, Ford's gonna hold that 80% police market share with the new Taurus. [/sarcasm]

Like Reply