How much horsepower does a 2012 Chevy Caprice V-8 have?
The 2012 Caprice V-8 produces about 360 horsepower.
In its police-patrol variant, the Caprice pairs a 6.0-liter V8 with a capacity-focused setup that emphasizes durability and reliability alongside performance. The figure most commonly cited for the US-spec Caprice PPV is approximately 360 horsepower, with torque in the neighborhood of 385 lb-ft, though exact numbers can vary slightly by market and testing standards.
Engine and horsepower basics
These figures reflect the Caprice’s factory power output as delivered by GM’s 6.0-liter V8, a member of the company’s robust V8 family that has powered several large GM sedans and performance cars. The following list highlights the core horsepower and torque figures commonly associated with the 2012 Caprice V-8 in U.S. specification.
- Horsepower: 360 hp (268 kW) at roughly 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 385 lb-ft (523 Nm) at roughly 4,000 rpm
Before detailing the numbers, note that the Caprice’s power is typically reported as SAE net horsepower for the 6.0L V8 used in the PPV variant.
These numbers illustrate a balance between ample straight-line performance and the durability needed for police-duty use, where engine response and reliability matter as much as peak power.
Where the power comes from
The 2012 Caprice PPV’s V-8 is a 6.0-liter unit that GM sourced from its broader LS-family. It’s the same basic block and cylinder-head architecture shared with several GM V8 configurations of the era, including versions used in the Pontiac G8 GT. In the Caprice, it’s tuned for a blend of performance and long-term endurance, rather than outright racing power.
Market and specification notes
Horsepower figures for the Caprice can appear slightly different depending on regional emissions certs and test standards. In the United States, the Caprice PPV is commonly cited at around 360 hp with torque near 385 lb-ft, while some Holden/ANZ-spec variations in other markets show similar ranges but with minor variations due to tuning and certification methods.
Performance implications for drivers
With roughly 360 horsepower, the Caprice V-8 provides respectable acceleration for a full-size sedan, especially in a patrol setup where gear ratios and torque are tuned for officer safety, reliability, and rapid response. Real-world performance will depend on factors like transmission choice, weight, and drivetrain tuning, but the engine’s power output is broadly comparable to other large V8 police sedans of its era.
Bottom line
In summary, the 2012 Chevy Caprice V-8 delivers about 360 horsepower and roughly 385 lb-ft of torque, making it a robust option among full-size sedans of its time, particularly in its police-oriented PPV configuration.
Summary
The Caprice’s 6.0-liter V8 provides a balanced mix of power and durability for everyday driving and pursuit-duty scenarios. Its horsepower figure, widely cited at approximately 360 hp, reflects GM’s focus on reliable performance in a large four-door sedan. The key takeaway: around 360 hp, with torque in the mid-380s lb-ft range, was the standard expectation for the 2012 Caprice V-8 in typical market specs.
Did the Chevy Caprice have a V8 option?
The standard engine was enlarged to a 235 hp (175 kW) 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 with optional engine choices including a new 350 cu in (5.7 L) Turbo Fire V8 in 255 or 300 hp (220 kW) versions, a 265 hp (198 kW) 396 cu in (6.5 L) cubic-inch Turbo Jet V8, as well as a 427 cu in (7.0 L) cubic-inch Turbo Jet V8s rated at 335 hp ...
How fast can a Chevy Caprice go?
The top speed of a Chevrolet Caprice varies by model year and engine, but the final police V8 models typically had a top speed of around 155 mph. Other models, such as older generations, had lower top speeds, with some V6 versions capped at around 139 mph.
You can watch this video to see a 2012 Chevrolet Caprice Police 6.0 accelerate: 47sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Aug 11, 2024
- 2011–2017 Caprice PPV (Police Patrol Vehicle) V8: Around 155 mph.
- 2012 Chevrolet Caprice Police 6.0: Around 154 mph.
- Older V6 models: Around 139 mph.
How much horsepower does a 2012 Chevy Caprice V8 have?
355 horses
It's powered by either a 301-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or a 6.0-liter V8 engine with a stronger 355 horses; both are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
How many miles per gallon does a 2012 Chevy Caprice get?
With 301 horsepower, it seems fast enough to keep up with most perps, and would be a good choice for the Barney Fifes of the world, those small-town officers who keep their service revolvers locked away at the station. The Caprice V-6 is rated 18/26 city/highway mpg on the EPA cycle, and production begins in December.
