The Holden Monaro was a rear-wheel drive coupé and saloon that was produced by the Australian arm of General Motors Holden from 1968–1977 and from 2001–2005. Three generations of the Monaro have been produced, with the final generation spawning a limited edition model (CV8-Z) which was the final Monaro model made.
The Monaro's body and platform was used by several different manufacturing brands around the world, seeing export models, various concept cars and, even an all-wheel drive variant.
The Monaro made a return in 2001 after 20 years, following the overwhelming response of the public and media to the VT-based Holden Coupé concept displayed at the 1998 Australian International Motor Show held in Sydney. The third generation of the Monaro was produced from 2001 to 2005. The HSV Coupé saw production through to June 2006, with HSV variants on sale until August 2006.
After a gestation period of 22 months (contrary to the planned 12 to 18 months) and at a cost of A$60 million, Holden launched the V2-series Monaro based on the VX-series Commodore. It was available in CV6 with a supercharged 3.8 L V6 supplied with a 4-speed automatic transmission only (production ceased in mid-2004) and CV8 models featuring the 5.7 L LS3 V8, with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox. A Series 2 model debuted in early 2003 with a revised dashboard from the VY-series, a new wheel design and new colour choices. The CV6 model was dropped after disappointing sales (reputedly 10 times as many Monaros were built as CV8s) when a Series 3 model appeared in 2004.
A limited edition model called the CV8-R was introduced in July 2003. Only 350 were made in Turbine Mica Grey colour. The CV8-R model woul appear again in May 2004, based on the Series 3 CV8. 320 units were made, all painted in Pulse Red colour. Other unique features of the CV8-R included 18-inch, five-spoke machined face alloy wheels with sports graphite ports, smoked front and rear lamp treatment and a “Holden By Design” electric sunroof. The interior featured the centre fascia and instrument surrounds in satin finish, “Pulse Red” and black floor-mats with CV8-R logo, a unique instrument cluster with white dial-plate daytime illumination, and leather trimming for the steering wheel, handbrake and transmission selectors (matching anthracite leather was used for the sports seats and door trims, with perforated leather inserts and black stitching).
AUTOart
Callaway Cars Inc. is an American specialty vehicle manufacturer and engineering company that designs, develops, and manufactures high-performance product packages for cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs...
