2006 Holden Statesman 6.0L V8 6AT (367 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Developed as an upscale model for the Holden lineup, the Statesman range reached a new level of luxury in 2006 when the automaker introduced the third and last generation of this luxury vehicle.

GM Australia developed the GM Zeta Platform for RWD large-sized vehicles and produced it in Holden’s plant in Elizabeth, South Australia. On the same platform and in the same factory, it built the Holden Statesman, the Chevrolet Caprice, and the Pontiac G8 and then exported them to the U.S. This allowed the automaker to lower manufacturing costs and kept the brand alive for a few more years before going belly up in 2017 after the world financial crisis. The 2006 Statesman wasn’t the most luxurious vehicle in the brand’s lineup. That credit went to the Holden Caprice. However, it provided enough features to become a sought-after vehicle for state officials and top managers.

The 2006 Holden Statesman impressed its customers with its front-end design. It featured large, angular-shaped headlights with bi-xenon brights and turn signal lamps. They flanked a pentagonal-shaped grille with horizontal slats surrounded by a thick chromed rim. The wrapped-around plastic bumper also sported chromed details around the available fog lamps and the lower air intake. As a result, the car had a commanding look on the road.

From its profile, significant details made the large sedan look impressive. It featured flared wheel arches that created a muscular look. In addition, the automaker added LED blinkers on the vents placed on the front fenders. The curved panels of the doors featured grab handles instead of the flush-to-the-bodywork ones as on the previous generation of the car. In addition, the automaker added a slim chromed stripe just above the side sills, emphasizing the vehicle’s length. The curved line of the greenhouse made the 2006 Holden Statesman look dynamic, while the long rear doors eased ingress and egress for those seated in the back. A set of corner-mounted LED taillights flanked the wide trunk and were visually connected via a chromed stripe sporting the Statesman nameplate.

Holden made the vehicle mainly for those seated in the back, but still, the one behind the wheel could enjoy the ride, especially when the car was fitted with the V8 powerhouse. Customers could notice the curved lines of the dashboard in two-tone color. Fronting the driver was an instrument panel featuring large dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked a TFT display for the car’s onboard computer. Atop the center stack, the 2006 Holden Statesman featured a pair of rectangular vents, while below them were the sound system and the round knobs of the HVAC control panel. At the front, the automaker installed a pair of bucket seats with low bolstered areas separated by a tall and wide center console that housed a pair of cup holders, the gear selector, and an armrest with a cubby underneath. At the same time, those seated in the back benefited from the long wheelbase of the vehicle and enjoyed excellent legroom. Even though the rear split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat was wide enough to host three adults, it was profiled for two.

The 2006 Holden Statesman was available with a choice of two engines: a 2.6-liter V6 and a 6.0-liter V8. Both were married with a standard six-speed automatic gearbox that sent all the oomph to the rear wheels. To make the car more comfortable, the automaker installed independent suspension in all corners, and thanks to the long wheelbase, the vehicle performed excellently on long trips.