The 2012 Chevrolet Caprice with a 6.0-liter V8 is typically rated at about 355 horsepower in its U.S. police-patrol configuration.
In more detail, GM’s 6.0-liter V8 used in the Caprice appears in different trims and markets, with the U.S. police-patrol variant tuned for reliability and performance in law-enforcement duty. Australian-market Caprice/Holden variants used a different tuning that yields higher output in kilowatts, which translates to a similar ballpark in horsepower. The result is a common figure around 355 hp for the U.S. Caprice PPV, while Australian-market versions are commonly cited around 362 hp (270 kW), depending on the exact model year and emissions tuning.
Official horsepower figures by market
The following summarizes widely cited horsepower figures for the 6.0L V8 Caprice across markets. Note that exact numbers can vary by tuning, revision, and emissions standards for a given model year.
- United States Caprice PPV (2011–2017): 355 hp (265 kW) at roughly 5,400–5,600 rpm.
- Australia/ Holden Caprice VE/WM variants: 270 kW (362 hp) at around 6,000 rpm.
These figures reflect the primary market variants commonly cited in GM specifications and automotive reviews. In practice, the Caprice’s performance is influenced by drivetrain, weight, and tuning beyond the raw horsepower figure.
What the horsepower means for performance
Horsepower translates to straight-line acceleration and top speed, but the Caprice’s overall performance also depends on torque, gearing, and vehicle weight. The 6.0L V8 in the U.S. Caprice PPV was paired with a robust drivetrain optimized for patrol duties, while Australian Caprice variants typically followed regional Holden engineering practices, yielding comparable daily-drive performance with different tuning emphases.
In everyday driving conditions, the 355-horsepower US Caprice delivers solid acceleration for a large sedan, with the police-spec variant tuned for durability and quick response while patrolling, not necessarily for outright sportiness.
Summary
In summary, the 2012 Caprice with a 6.0-liter V8 is generally rated at 355 horsepower in the United States, with Australian-market Caprice models commonly cited around 362 horsepower (270 kW). Exact figures can vary by market, model year, and emissions tuning.