2005 Holden VZ Monaro CV8 review

Holden VZ Monaro CV8 review:

The new Holden VZ Monaro is the most powerful mainstream Holden ever produced and its powertrain refinements deliver a more forceful launch feel, more mid-range torque and a sharper sports character, balanced by an upgraded braking system that is the largest of any production Holden.

Its 5.7 litre Gen III V8 engine receives a boost in peak power to 349 bhp and now develops 369 lb-ft of peak torque, on call over a wider rev range.

The performance boost is advertised by a base note V8 burble, broadcast via big-bore 95 millimetre dual exhausts.

Monaro`s muscular new look has an aggressive styling cues like twin bonnet scoops, strong front facia graphics and an exclusive vivid blue exterior finish called Turismo.

Monaro has been Australia`s top-selling sports car since its release and it is exported to markets including the United States, where it sells as Pontiac GTO, the Middle East as Chevrolet Lumina S and SS Coupe and Britain as Vauxhall Monaro.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said Monaro was a famous nameplate which symbolized the spirit of the Holden brand for many Australians.

"The Monaro is playing a great ambassadorial role in many parts of the world as an example of best-practice Australian automotive design and engineering. Monaro punches well above its weight on the world stage against supercars costing much more," Mr Mooney said.

"Monaro can now be found on the streets of Los Angeles, London and Dubai. It`s a global car with a performance reputation to match," Mr Mooney concluded.

Individual Style

Monaro has a sleek and expressive body - all accentuated curves and stylish silhouette - gets a makeover to match. Its 349 bhp performance potential is clearly advertised by twin air scoops with mesh inserts which punctuate a powerful new bonnet form and strong front end graphics.

Stand-out Monaro VZ styling cues include a sharper-edged headlamp treatment, a more prominent, angular grille opening with textured hexagonal mesh detailing, echoed in the larger air intake `mouth` below. The deep, integrated facia also houses a unique vertically slotted park lamp and projector-style fog lamp combination.

New deeper-dished 18-inch alloy wheels are a bolder evolution of the previous model`s sporty five-spoke design.

At the rear, 95 mm diameter exhaust outlets tipped in bright chrome are separated by a black hexagonal mesh lower skirt; CV8 badging is subtly re-designed in chiselled script. With the fuel tank now located in front of the rear axle, the fuel filler is repositioned at the top of the rear quarter panel.

Interior upgrades now allow buyers who choose Quicksilver or Odyssey exterior finishes to option interior leather trim in either Redhot or Black Anthracite. Custom combinations offer a range of exterior, leather trim and instrument cluster color options. End of Holden VZ Monaro CV8 review.