Holden's stunning new 2 door sports coupe, the Monaro, has arrived. This is the car that brings to life your dreams - get behind the wheel and feel the exhilaration. Subtle styling outside, true luxury inside - some may call it sheer indulgence.
Many will dream of owning one, but only a few will ever actually own one. Each Monaro will be built to specific order, to the preferences and requirements of the individual - colour, engine, interior, features and accessories are tailored to order.
Available in 7 colours with a selection of coloured leather trim options in the CV8, the new Monaro is truly breath-taking.
Colours
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Two models have been produced, a Supercharged automatic producing 171kW is known as the CV6, and a more up-market CV8 featuring the sensational GENIII V8 engine and available in both 4 speed automatic and 6 speed manual transmission.
New imported "Generation III" V8 engine
Holden is using the sensational 5.7 litre (350 c.i.) alloy V8 engine in it's new VX Commodore, VU Utility, WH Statesman and Monaro range. The new motor comes from the United States fully credentialed having powered the latest Chevrolet Corvette & Camaro since 1997. The 225kW Generation III motor produces 23 per cent more power and 11.5 per cent more torque than the 5.0 litre engine it replaced. Developed by General Motors Powertrain Group at a cost of US$1 billion, the GEN III is engineered to satisfy 21st century criteria in terms of compact packaging and operating efficiency, whilst remaining a muscular performer in the true V8 tradition.
A 90 degree V8 configuration, the GEN III engine is a conventional overhead valve design that maximises packaging efficiency and allows designers greater flexibility in vehicle design. It weighs in at just 185Kg, 18% less than the old 5.0 V8, and about the same as the 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6. The significant reduction in weight has been achieved through the use of a cast aluminium cylinder block, head and sump, and the clever engineering of components, such as a hollow camshaft-in-block, lightweight pistons and a nylon composite intake manifold. The composite intake manifold also improves volumetric efficiency and thermal insulation for extreme temperature operation. Advanced low friction technology is responsible for improvements in engine fuel efficiency. Roller camshaft followers and rocker arms replace friction-producing sliding surfaces to maximise power.
The new U.S. sourced motor is significantly more fuel efficient and cleaner than its predecessor. Holden's Commodore VX brochure quotes 13.5 litres per 100kms (same as supercharged V6 auto), and an incredible 8.5 L/100km on the highway (13.0 and 7.4 in the 6 speed manual version).
The new bigger V8 is available across the whole Commodore/Statesman/Utility range at an additional $4000 (approx.) over the V6.
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The graph illustrated here shows the new GEN III engine in red, the supercharged V6 in orange, and the ECOTEC V6 in purple. The graph measures power (kW) against engine revs (RPM). The high powered supercharged engine, develops 171kW of power. Rivalling the ECOTEC 3800 V6 for economy, the supercharger increases power output by 19kW, and torque by a massive 70Nm to 375 @ 3000rpm. |
Features |
Additional CV8 features |
Pricing
CV6 priced from $47,990; CV8 from $56,990 plus optional equipment.
History
Sydney International Motor Show, 15 October, 1998
Intended as a design and marketing study, the car is described as an exploration of Commodore-based coupe design themes. It will be utilised by Holden market researchers to gauge consumer attitudes and preferences.
Unveiling the car, Michael Simcoe, Executive-In-Charge, Design, said the Holden designers who initiated the project had been passionately committed to creating a dynamic new profile from the established VT Commodore platform. "It was a labour of love and much of that labour was done purely in peoples own time," he said.
Holden's virtual reality design studio is the most advanced and versatile design tool of its kind within the General Motors group. The studio enabled Holden designers and engineers to deliver a true four-seater rear wheel drive sports machine.
Chairman and Managing Director of Holden, Peter Hanenberger, gave journalists a private briefing prior to the unveiling of the brand new Monaro at the Sydney Motor Show. Those in attendance were told of the behind the scenes activities that occurred to make the dream of a new Monaro possible.