TO those who didn’t experience the original cars of the 1970s, the Monaro nameplate is still relatively new - although it’s something of a surprise to realise that the car that stunned the Sydney motor show in 1998 has now been around for about three years. The current series has always been considered a handsome car, and a worthy recipient of the Monaro nameplate. Now it’s also spectacularly powerful, flexing the low-end torque that previously had been lacking in the 5.7-litre Gen III V8. The latest Monaro CV8 rumbles and grunts like no Monaro before it. It’s also a big, comfortable and well fitted-out coupe for the money, although some will be disappointed in the way the relocated fuel tank eats dramatically into boot space.

Holden Monaro coupe
Released: December 01
Ended: September 04
Family Tree: MonaroHOLDEN'S legendary Monaro nameplate made its 21st century return in December 2001, when the VX Commodore-based two-door was launched with a 225kW/460Nm 5.7-litre Chev V8. The so-called CV8 flagship cost $56,990 at launch and was joined by the V6-powered CV6 ($47,990), which was discontinued in August 2003. CV8 went on to become a Series II in December 2002, when it cost $58,750 and was powered by a 235kW/465Nm V8, while a Series III Monaro CV8 was released in August 2003, costing $59,350 and offering 245kW/465Nm.
Facebook Twitter Instagram