New Vauxhall Monaro - now with 345bhp! - 22nd Feb 2005 11:10am
Revised base model hits UK with yet more power - 345bhp for less than £30K!
Vauxhall is now importing the latest Holden Monaro, complete with more power, bigger brakes, new 18 inch wheels and a heavily revised chassis.
The 2005 model can be distuingished from those that precede it by its twin bonnet scoops.
The heart of the Monaro – its 5.7-litre V8 – has been tweaked with a new induction system, a free-flowing exhaust, reprofiled cams and engine management to give even more power and torque. Besides improving the distinctive exhaust note rumble, the improvements mean the engine now produces a massive 354PS (~345bhp) (up from the previous model’s 333PS) while torque rises from an already impressive 343lb.ft to 353lb.ft (500Nm). Performance figures have yet to be set, but it’s estimated that the new Monaro will comfortably exceed 160mph and should hit 60mph from a standstill in around 5.6 seconds.
![[Linked Image]](http://www.cruisewirral.com/gallery/uploads/01/05feb/cruisewirral25001.jpg)
To tame the power and further improve the Monaro’s dynamic handling, the chassis has been uprated with sportier suspension settings. Lightweight steering components are now fitted to improve feel and feedback, while relocating the fuel tank has improved overall weight distribution. New 320mm ventilated front discs, borrowed from the latest Corvette C6, make sure the Monaro stops faster than ever too.
Besides the fully-functional bonnet scoops and new air dam, other visual changes include improved head and fog lamps plus a reshaped rear bumper to house huge twin 63mm tailpipes. In addition to looking beefier and sounding great, the new exhaust system has allowed an aerodynamic tray to be fitted underneath the car to improve airflow at high speeds.
![[Linked Image]](http://www.cruisewirral.com/gallery/uploads/01/05feb/cruisewirral25002.jpg)
Inside the cabin, an extra pair of instruments has been added to a new central binnacle, and the facia panel now has a modern high gloss ‘piano’ black finish.
Despite the improvements, the price of the Monaro has been kept below £30,000 - still a unique proposition with competition only coming from cars with lesser engines.
The first cars are expected to reach showrooms in early March.
Vauxhall is now importing the latest Holden Monaro, complete with more power, bigger brakes, new 18 inch wheels and a heavily revised chassis.
The 2005 model can be distuingished from those that precede it by its twin bonnet scoops.
The heart of the Monaro – its 5.7-litre V8 – has been tweaked with a new induction system, a free-flowing exhaust, reprofiled cams and engine management to give even more power and torque. Besides improving the distinctive exhaust note rumble, the improvements mean the engine now produces a massive 354PS (~345bhp) (up from the previous model’s 333PS) while torque rises from an already impressive 343lb.ft to 353lb.ft (500Nm). Performance figures have yet to be set, but it’s estimated that the new Monaro will comfortably exceed 160mph and should hit 60mph from a standstill in around 5.6 seconds.
To tame the power and further improve the Monaro’s dynamic handling, the chassis has been uprated with sportier suspension settings. Lightweight steering components are now fitted to improve feel and feedback, while relocating the fuel tank has improved overall weight distribution. New 320mm ventilated front discs, borrowed from the latest Corvette C6, make sure the Monaro stops faster than ever too.
Besides the fully-functional bonnet scoops and new air dam, other visual changes include improved head and fog lamps plus a reshaped rear bumper to house huge twin 63mm tailpipes. In addition to looking beefier and sounding great, the new exhaust system has allowed an aerodynamic tray to be fitted underneath the car to improve airflow at high speeds.
Inside the cabin, an extra pair of instruments has been added to a new central binnacle, and the facia panel now has a modern high gloss ‘piano’ black finish.
Despite the improvements, the price of the Monaro has been kept below £30,000 - still a unique proposition with competition only coming from cars with lesser engines.
The first cars are expected to reach showrooms in early March.
