Vauxhall Monaro VXR (2005)

Vauxhall Monaro VXR

Commodore Coupé show car was shown at the Sydney Motor Show in 1998. Journalists quickly christened it the Monaro, encouraging Holden to build it. The show car was designed for production and by 2001, the V2 series Monaro was launched after General Motors spent a mere A$60 million over a brief 22-month gestation (although 12 to 18 were targeted). It was available in CV6 (production ceased in mid 2004)and CV8 models with a supercharged 3.8 L V6 and a 5.7 L Gen III V8, choice of a 6 speed manual or 4 speed automatic, and soon to be known as one of the fastest stock cars in the world. A series 2 model debuted in early 2003 with a revised dashboard from the VY series Commodore, a new wheel design and some colours dropped and new ones added. The CV6 model was dropped after disappointing sales (reputedly 10 times as many were built as CV8s) when a Series 3 model appeared in 2004.

A HSV version (not called Monaro but Coupe) in 'GTO' (255-297 kW) and 'GTS' (300 kW tuned by Callaway) versions debuted soon after the "series 1" Monaro editions, with higher output 5.7 L engines and unique body kits. Later the 'GTS' version was dropped but a four-wheel drive version called 'Coupe4' appeared. Two special edition CV8-R Monaros were released, the first in a grey colour and the second in a more muted red. Each had special wheels and other distinguishing features.

The hottest Monaro was the HRT 427 (Holden Racing Team 427ci) this was a supercar version of the Monaro built by HSV, this car used the 427 ci (7 Litre) C5R Chevrolet racing engine modified by HRT and HSV to suit the Aussie coupe. The HRT 427 had two seats, a semi roll cage, race suspension, racing brakes and ram air induction as well as other things. This supercar was quicker than a Ferarri 360 Modena and Lamborghini Gallardo. It had 420 Kw and could sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4 seconds. Unfortunately, to the disappointment of Holden fans it was killed off due to high prices. However a GT racecar version of the HRT 427 went on to win the 2002 and 2003 Bathurst 24 hour against many world class race cars including Porsche GT3's, the British Mosler MT900R, the Ferarri GT Modena and the Lamborghini GT Racecar. Proving it really could have been a world beating car. The second win was also Holden touring car legend Peter Brock's 10th endurance race win at Bathurst, an amazing achievement for a 60 year old. Had the HRT 427 road car been built it would probably have the same heroic status as the other famous aussie supercar (of its time) the Falcon GT HO Phase III.

Most recently, the current Monaro has been exported to overseas markets. It is sold, in left hand drive, in the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina Coupe, and in the United States as the Pontiac GTO, reviving another classic muscle car icon. It is also sold in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Monaro where it won Top Gear's best muscle car award.

Complaints about the Pontiac GTO's sedate styling from American consumers saw the addition of two bonnet scoops in 2005, with the VZ series Monaro, to recall the later muscle-car variants of the late 1960s' models. The bonnet scoops serve no functional purpose. In the eyes of the Australian press, the scoops have spoiled the lines, while the American media seem to accept them. The 2005 and 2006 GTO also received a Gen IV 6.0 L engine putting out 400 hp (298 kW); the Australian HSV GTO coupe got a similar engine in its Z series.

Holden's PR says that the scoops recall the HT Monaro.

Third generation Monaro production finished on December 13, 2005. The last Pontiac GTO was produced with little fanfare on June 17, 2006. HSV GTO coupes may also continue longer than the Monaro itself. Like the earlier CV8-R models CV8-Zs had extra features including a metallic orange colour, special wheels and a sunroof as standard; the same price was charged for the CV8-Zs as the prior VZ CV8s.

The last ever Monaro was purchased by Emerald, Queensland businessman Darryl Mattingley for $AUD187,355.55 - around three times the normal retail price. The car was bought through eBay, with the money going to the Leukemia Foundation, setting an Australian eBay record for highest price to date in the process. Mattingley, a huge Ford collector, has stated that his only Holden will not be registered, but will make appearances at auto shows

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.

- - 2014
    The new VXR8's Eaton supercharger has 4-lobe rotors, 9psi boost and 1.9 litres of air per revolution. Unlike a turbocharged car, the Eaton supercharger...
    Vauxhall VXR8
  - 2018
    The front-end design of the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R has bold graphics and shallow ramp angles that emphasise width and stance. The focal point of the new...
    Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R
  2 ⇵
- - 2011
    The storming Vauxhall VXR8 is back with a vengeance, packing heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to...
    Vauxhall VXR8
- - 2007
    Although practical, with a spacious boot, comfortable, long-legged cruising ability and luxuries such as climate control and leather trim, the VXR8 is certainly...
    Vauxhall VXR8
- - 2006
    In the United Kingdom the power of the High Feature V6 engine was increased to 188 kW (252 hp), giving a maximum speed approaching 250 km/h (155 mph).
    Vauxhall Vectra VXR
  - 2006
    In the UK, the hatchback is not considered a specialty model. In Australasia, the rebadged Holden Vectra ZC is considered more upmarket...
    Vauxhall Vectra
  2 ⇵
- - 2006
    There is also a very narrow central section, which includes a folding armrest and can also serve as a third seat (the Signum is fitted with three rear...
    Vauxhall Signum
- - 2005
    The Vauxhall Signum was facelifted along with the Vectra lineup in 2005, getting a new front fascia design and slight changes elsewhere.
    Vauxhall Signum

- 2005
  A series 2 model debuted in early 2003 with a revised dashboard from the VY series Commodore, a new wheel design and some colours dropped and new ones added.
  Vauxhall Monaro V8
- 2004
  This supercar was quicker than a Ferarri 360 Modena and Lamborghini Gallardo. It had 420 Kw and could sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4 seconds.
  Vauxhall Monaro VXR

- - 2005
    The 2005 and 2006 GTO also received a Gen IV 6.0 L engine putting out 400 hp (298 kW); the Australian HSV GTO coupe got a similar engine in its Z series.
    Vauxhall Monaro VXR

Coupes
- - 2012
    Based on the supercharged unit in the Jaguar XKR, revised fuel mapping and an active exhaust have boosted power and torque to 550PS and 680Nm respectively...
    Jaguar XKR
  - 2012
    Making its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar XKR-S is the most extreme expression yet of Jaguar's passion for building beautiful, fast cars.
    Jaguar XKR-S
  - 2014
    The XKR-S GT has been developed by Jaguar's ETO division to be the ultimate track-focused but road-going iteration of the XK coupe. Extensive aerodynamic...
    Jaguar XKR-S GT
  3 ⇵
- - 2007
    INTRODUCTION. Jaguar is proud to unveil its new supercharged sports car - the Jaguar XKR. Building on the excellence of the all-new XK introduced in late...
    Jaguar XKR
  - 2011
    The Jaguar XKR Coupe with new optional Speed Pack allows customers to further strengthen their XKR's already impressive breadth of capability, by...
    Jaguar XKR Speed
  - 2009
    The Jaguar XKR-S coupe is the fastest production XK to date. Powered by Jaguar's acclaimed 4.2litre V8 supercharged engine, it has been developed for the...
    Jaguar XKR-S
  - 2007
    INTRODUCTION. Jaguar is proud to announce a new era in its sports car lineage - the all-new XK. Like all great Jaguar sports cars, the focus of the all-new...
    Jaguar XK
  4 ⇵
- - 2005
    The grille design of the Jaguar XKR was refreshed for the 2005 model year. A navigation system and self-leveling xenon headlamps come standard with the XKR.
    Jaguar XKR Coupe
- - 2023
    Maserati GranTurismo Modena is designed for devotees of an elegant, sophisticated and refined lifestyle. Made for customers who travel long distances and use their car...
    Maserati GranTurismo
  - 2023
    Maserati GranTurismo Folgore is driven by three motors, one in the front and two in the rear, for a total installed power of over 1200 CV. Specifically designed for...
    Maserati GranTurismo Folgore
  2 ⇵
- - 2018
    The Maserati GranTurismo range has been streamlined for 2018 and two well-defined versions will be offered - Sport and MC. The 4.2-litre GranTurismo has...
    Maserati GranTurismo
- - 2014
    Maserati has turned its beautiful and potent GranTurismo MC Stradale into a machine that is just as fast but even more practical, technically advanced and...
    Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
- - 2008
    The new Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, makes its worldwide debut at the Geneva Motorshow. The Maserati GranTurismo is a muscular and sporty...
    Maserati GranTurismo
- - 2021
    The key feature is the AMG-specific radiator grille with twelve vertical louvres, which the E53 4MATIC+ Coupe and Cabriolet have now been given. The A-shaped design...
    Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG Coupe
- - 2019
    In addition to classic black with red or grey contrasting topstitching, for the E53 4MATIC+ Coupe and Cabriolet there are now also combinations in...
    Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG Coupe
  - 2017
    With its clear, aesthetic lines, our new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe appeals equally to heart and mind. It condenses contemporary luxury, agile sportiness...
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
  2 ⇵
- - 2014
    The new look of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet is mainly the result of the redesigned front end, with new headlamps comprising all functional...
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
- - 2010
    The Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe is equipped with the Dynamic Handling suspension which includes electronically-adjustable shock absorbers as well as modified...
    Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe
  - 2010
    The 2009 Geneva Motor Show sees the comeback of an intriguing product idea with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé. Just three months after the...
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
  2 ⇵
- - 1988
    The W124 was a substantial, sporty mid-sized luxury vehicle platform, the last in a long line of "money-no-object" Mercedes saloons and was the result of...
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
- - 2015
    The new BMW M6 Coupe and new BMW M6 Gran Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 9.9 l/100 km [28.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 231 g/km) and new BMW M6...
    BMW M6 Coupe
  - 2015
    The progressive nature of the BMW 6-Series is also reflected in its diverse range of standard and optional driver assistance systems and mobility services...
    BMW 6-Series Coupe
  2 ⇵
- - 2013
    Like its predecessor, the roof of the new BMW M6 Coupe is made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic as standard. The dark colouring of the roof gives the...
    BMW M6 Coupe
  - 2012
    Its unmistakable design language gives the new BMW 6-Series Coupe an aura of athletic elegance. The sweeping bonnet, short front overhang and set-back...
    BMW 6-Series Coupe
  2 ⇵
- - 2008
    Featuring highly attractive modifications to their characteristic design, an interior further refined in many details and boasting new color highlights, as...
    BMW 635d Coupe
- - 2005
    With the launch of the BMW M6, BMW M GmbH is proud to present the most dynamic and sporting rendition of the BMW 6-Series Coupe. This makes BMW's large...
    BMW M6
  - 2004
    Although the BMW 6-Series designation had been last applied to a BMW in 1989, BMW has a long tradition of sport coupes and convertibles of the highest...
    BMW 645Ci
  2 ⇵
- - 1978
    Engine: inline-6, 3453 cc Power: 215 hp (160 kW) at 5200 rpm Torque: 304 Nm (224 ft·lb) at 4000 rpm Top speed: 222 km/h (138 mph) Length: 4755 mm...
    BMW 635CSi
  - 1976
    Engine: inline-6, 2985 cc Power: 182 hp (136 kW) at 5800 rpm Torque: 255 Nm (188 ft·lb) at 3500 rpm Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph) Length: 4755 mm...
    BMW 630CS
  2 ⇵
- - 1973
    This final version of the 3.0 CSL was homologated in July 1973 along with an aerodynamic package including a large air dam, short fins running along the front fenders...
    BMW 3.0 CSL
  - 1972
    Initially using the same engine as the 3.0 CS, the 3.0 CSL was given a very small increase in displacement to 3,003 cc (183.3 cu in) by increasing the engine bore...
    BMW 3.0 CSL
  2 ⇵
- - 2024
    CLE53 4MATIC+ uses a comprehensively upgraded version of the 3.0-litre M256 inline six-cylinder turbo engine. The facelift generation of the high-performance engine...
    Mercedes-Benz CLE53 AMG Coupe
  - 2024
    The suspension of the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe enables agile driving fun on winding roads. At the same time, it offers exceptional driving comfort over long distances.
    Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe
  2 ⇵