Body style: Coupé (two-door)
Segment: Coupe
Production years: 2005, 2006, 2007
GM's Australian branch, Holden, made a car so good that it was wanted in the U.S. and UK, where it was rebadged and sold as the GTO and the Monaro, respectively.
For British customers, things went smoothly. They didn't even have to move the steering wheel from right to left. Only the front fascia that featured the badge was replaced. The Monaro nameplate kept its place on the trunk lid. Or boot, as Brits know it.
This tail-happy two-door coupe was built on a platform developed by Opel in Europe in the '60s. Yes, it was constantly updated, but the powerful VXR relied on underpinnings developed in an era where the Europeans didn't know how to build engines above 200 horses. Moreover, the same underpinnings were found under the 1996 Cadillac Catera's skin.
But Australians were not satisfied with the lumpy V6 engine and squeezed an LS1 engine under the hood that was later on replaced by a larger, 6.0-liter V8 known as LS2 powerplant. The British brother, the 2006 Vauxhall Monaro VXR, received the latter version, and customers were thrilled. Moreover, this modern muscle car cooked in Australia, powered by an American pushrod engine and mated with a six-speed manual, could throw a few punches against European premium sports cars. And it wasn't only about brute force.
The Monaro featured massive bodywork with muscular lines and curved body panels. The vents on the hood were not exactly needed, but they made the car look more aggressive. In addition, the split grille and the lower apron confirmed the vehicle's potential.
Inside, the carmaker added high-bolstered bucket seats at the front and a bench in the rear, where it was room enough for two adults. The driver-oriented dashboard featured an infotainment system and HVAC controls. As a final touch of sportiness, the automaker installed aluminum pedals.
ENGINE SPECS - 5.7L V8 6MT (387 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 5665 cm3 |
Power: | 285 KW @ 5600 RPM 387 HP @ 5600 RPM 382 BHP @ 5600 RPM |
Torque: | 376 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM 510 Nm @ 4800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 170 mph (274 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 5.4 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 245/35R19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 188.9 in (4798 mm) |
Width: | 72.5 in (1842 mm) |
Height: | 55 in (1397 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.4/62.1 in (1,560/1,577 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 109.8 in (2789 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.6 cuFT (244 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3744.1 lbs (1698 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 10.1 mpg US (23.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 21.8 mpg US (10.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 15.4 mpg US (15.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 360 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 6.0L V8 6MT (400 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 5967 cm3 |
Power: | 297 KW @ 6000 RPM 400 HP @ 6000 RPM 398 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 391 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM 530 Nm @ 4400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 170 mph (274 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 5.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 245/35R19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 188.9 in (4798 mm) |
Width: | 72.5 in (1842 mm) |
Height: | 55 in (1397 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.4/62.1 in (1,560/1,577 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 109.8 in (2789 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.6 cuFT (244 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3744.1 lbs (1698 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 10.7 mpg US (22 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 22.8 mpg US (10.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 16.2 mpg US (14.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 384 g/km |