Holden has justified the existence of the V2 Monaro due to export deals to the United States – where it was sold (initially slowly but then as word spread sales sparked up) as the Pontiac GTO, as well as Vauxhall versions of the model HSV offered as its Coupe.<br /><br />So it’s no surprise that the VZ Monaro’s bonnet, with its air intakes, was a straight lift from the ’04 Pontiac GTO model, and this – along with minor trim, wheel and colour alterations – was probably the easiest way to pick the V2 from the VZ.<br /><br />Holden had decided not to engineer the Monaro to use the all-new HFV6 Global V6 powerplant.<br /><br />So the only engine on offer was the GEN III 5.7-litre V8, with an output rise to 260kW and 500Nm. Again a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox was made standard.<br /><br />Holden discontinued Monaro production in late ’05, as the Elizabeth, South Australia plant was being prepared for tooling for the next-generation VE Commodore.<br /><br />The final VZ Monaro was auctioned off to charity in February 2006 for just under $200,000 – reflecting the impact the series had made in the eyes of the Australian motoring public.