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Holden V2 Monaro
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2001 - 2004 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
Supercharged V6 and Gen. III V8 |
Capacity: |
3.8 ltr. Supercharged V6 & 5.7
ltr. Gen III V8 |
Power: |
up to 245kw |
Transmission: |
5 spd manual; 4 spd. auto |
Top Speed: |
n/a |
Number Built: |
n/a |
Collectability: |
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First seen at the Sydney International Motor Show
as a design concept in 1998, the stunning Monaro coupe
would make it to production, the first example rolling
off the assembly line in October, 2001 - a transition
that would take only 22 months.
The Monaro was about
as close as a car could come to being an instant classic,
resurrecting the name "Monaro" that many
thought had been consigned to the annals of Aussie
motoring history many years ago.
Two versions were available, the supercharged V6 "CV6" and
Gen III V8 powered CV8. GM knew most punters would
opt for the V8, particularly given the sporting nature
of the Monaro.
The 235kw Gen III V8 was already held
in high regard by anyone lucky enough to punt a VY
Commodore SV8 or SS, and wrapped in the beautiful sheet-metal
of the Monaro made for a highly desirable package.
Following quickly on the heels of the first release
was the Series II (in December 2002), an update that
included improvements such as fresh interior styling
treatments, a new instrument panel with binnacle-style
clusters and multi-function digital displays, combined
with a new steering wheel design.
Body structure improvements
were to see the already awesome coupe boast even better
build quality, performance and safety.
The Series II CV6 incorporated a "twilight sentinel" automatic
headlamp control, as well as road speed sensitive intermittent
wipers.
Both models were fitted with a very up-market
Blaupunkt audio system, and while the CV6 featured
a “Headlamps Off” programmable time delay,
the CV8 offered a six disc in-dash CD player and audible
Rear Park Assist. Optional on both models was satellite
navigation and the Holden Assist 24-hour satellite
security and support system.
Recalibrations and shift revisions improved the performance
of the automatic transmissions, the V8 transmissions
also being upgraded for greater durability. Service
intervals for the V6 engines were extended from 10,000
to 15,000 km, and the fitment of the "dampolator" (a
drive isolator and crankshaft bending damper) helped
overcome some of the lusty V6’s harshness, particularly
above 4000rpm, endowing the V6 with a freer-revving
character.
But there was little by way of engine refinement that
would be able to persuade the Aussie purchaser that
a Monaro should be anything other than a V8. Sluggish
sales of the V6 iteration would see it pensioned off
with the release of the Series III in August 2003.
Nobody was surprised, except maybe those that owned
a CV6, which is a shame, because the CV6 was just as
stunningly beautiful, and offered a substantial price
saving over the V8. But with the CV6 accounting for
only 5% of sales, it’s demise was inevitable.
On the upside, the Gen III V8’s output was increased
to a wholesome 245kw, while other mechanical improvements
included the fitment of a front strut brace. Safety
improvements included active head restraints, audible
and visual driver's seatbelt warning and steering column
modifications to assist in reducing the risk of occupant
injury in a frontal crash. And, so as not to detract
from the curvaceous lines of the beautiful coupes body,
the radio antenna was integrated into the rear glass.
Obviously there will be depreciation for a time yet,
but like those that bore the Monaro badge from decades
past, the value will plateau and eventually start to
rise. One wonders if the owners of today know they
are driving a classic of tomorrow, and will treat them
with the same kind of reverence as those in 20 to 30
years.
CV6 standard equipment included: Supercharged
V6, 17 x 8 inch alloy wheels, 4 speed automatic transmission,
security system, driver and front passenger airbags,
driver and front passenger side impact airbags, control
link independent rear suspension (IRS), Monaro FE2
Sports Suspension, ABS brakes, traction control, cruise
control, basic trip computer, CD player, steering wheel
audio controls, power antenna, power socket in centre
console, twin cup-holders, air conditioning, power
windows. You could option the CV6 with a Limited slip
differential (LSD), Holden Assist security and support
system.
CV8 standard equipment included, in addition to that
listed for the CV6: V8, 18 x 8 inch alloy wheels, 6
speed manual transmission, Limited slip differential
(LSD), advanced trip computer, 10-disc CD changer,
climate control. Optional equipment included: 4 speed
automatic transmission, Holden Assist satellite security
and support system. On Series II also: Rear Park Assist,
6-disc in-dash CD changer.
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