Introduction
The Chevrolet Caprice is a name that conjures up memories of classic American full-size sedans, known for their spacious interiors, smooth rides, and strong V8 engines. Although the Caprice nameplate had a long and storied history, spanning from 1965 to 1996 in the U.S., it saw a unique and relatively quiet revival from 2008 to 2016. However, this time around, it wasn’t sold as a mainstream vehicle to the general public—instead, it was primarily available as a law enforcement vehicle. This blog will dive into the history, features, and impact of the 2008-2016 Chevrolet Caprice, a car that remains a hidden gem in Chevrolet’s lineup.
A Brief History of the Caprice
The Chevrolet Caprice was introduced in the mid-1960s as Chevrolet’s flagship full-size sedan. It was popular throughout its early years, known for its comfort, reliability, and power. By the mid-1990s, however, the rise of SUVs and more fuel-efficient sedans led to a decline in demand for big, rear-wheel-drive sedans, and Chevrolet retired the Caprice in 1996.
However, in the late 2000s, the full-size sedan market had a peculiar gap—law enforcement agencies still needed robust, rear-wheel-drive cars with high-performance capabilities, especially after the iconic Ford Crown Victoria was discontinued. Chevrolet saw an opportunity to revive the Caprice name in a niche market. From 2008 to 2016, Chevrolet offered a new version of the Caprice, but this time, it was mostly exclusive to police departments and law enforcement agencies in North America.
Origin and Platform
The 2008-2016 Chevrolet Caprice was based on the Australian Holden WM Caprice, a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan built by General Motors’ Australian subsidiary, Holden. It was part of GM’s Zeta platform, the same platform that underpinned vehicles like the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac G8. In fact, the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) was essentially a rebranded version of the Holden Caprice, adapted to meet the needs of American law enforcement.
Its Australian roots gave the Caprice a unique blend of characteristics compared to other American sedans of the time. It combined the size and presence of a traditional full-size sedan with the engineering prowess of a high-performance vehicle. This led to excellent handling and a smooth ride, making it perfect for police work.
Performance
The Caprice PPV was offered with two engine options during its run. Initially, it came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing around 301 horsepower, which provided decent power for a vehicle of its size. However, the real highlight for enthusiasts was the optional 6.0-liter V8 engine, generating a hefty 355 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This engine gave the Caprice serious acceleration capabilities, making it one of the quickest police vehicles of its time.
The V8-powered Caprice could go from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds—quite impressive for a car designed to haul police equipment, officers, and occasionally, suspects. The rear-wheel-drive layout further contributed to its sporty feel, while the heavy-duty suspension, upgraded brakes, and larger wheels made it a formidable pursuit vehicle.
Design and Interior
From the outside, the Chevrolet Caprice had an understated design. It was sleek and somewhat conservative, with a long wheelbase, wide stance, and a relatively simple front fascia. This was in part because the car was built for utility and function over form, but it also made the Caprice blend in, which was ideal for undercover work.
Inside, the Caprice PPV was designed with law enforcement in mind. It had plenty of space, especially in the backseat, which was important for transporting detainees. The trunk was also large enough to carry police equipment, including tactical gear and electronics. While civilian versions were not available in the U.S., the Caprice sold in other markets as a luxurious Holden model, featuring leather seats, high-tech infotainment systems, and upscale materials.
The police-spec Caprice, on the other hand, came with heavy-duty cloth seats, durable materials, and a simplified dashboard. It was built for utility rather than luxury, but the overall quality and comfort were still impressive, especially considering the car’s role.
The Caprice’s Role in Law Enforcement
The Chevrolet Caprice PPV was quickly adopted by police departments across North America. Its spacious interior made it ideal for patrol duties, while its power and handling made it a favorite for high-speed pursuits. The V8 model, in particular, became known for its performance on the highway, often used by state troopers and other law enforcement agencies needing speed and power.
In addition to its performance capabilities, the Caprice was lauded for its reliability. Police departments often run their vehicles for long hours and many miles, and the Caprice’s robust powertrain and mechanical systems proved to be up to the task. Its body-on-frame construction was rugged enough to handle the demands of daily police work, whether in urban or rural settings.
The End of the Road
Despite its success in law enforcement circles, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV was discontinued in 2017, after Holden stopped producing vehicles in Australia. Without the Holden Caprice as its base model, Chevrolet no longer had a platform for its police vehicle. This marked the end of the Caprice nameplate—at least for now.
In the years since, the Caprice PPV has developed a cult following among car enthusiasts. Some police departments auctioned off their used Caprice PPVs, giving enthusiasts a chance to own this rare piece of automotive history. With its V8 power, rear-wheel drive, and sharp handling, the Caprice PPV has become a popular choice for those looking for a unique, high-performance sedan at a relatively affordable price.
Conclusion
The 2008-2016 Chevrolet Caprice is a forgotten gem in the world of full-size sedans. Although it never made a big splash in the civilian market, its performance, reliability, and unique origins as an Australian import make it a standout in Chevrolet’s lineup. For car enthusiasts and those with a love for law enforcement vehicles, the Caprice PPV represents a perfect blend of power, practicality, and nostalgia. It may not have the fame of its predecessors, but the modern Caprice continues to leave its mark as one of the most underrated American sedans of the 21st century.
