More Muscle for Holden Monaro

By Feann Torr

Click Here for the VZ Monaro Road Test

The new Monaro has broken cover, and is about to make some serious waves.

Like Ford's 2-door XA, XB, XC days of the 1970s, where these models were unmistakably muscle cars, the new Monaro has never looked tougher, with more character and intensity than the VX and VY iterations.

Holden chief Denny Mooney was understandably upbeat, saying: "We've upped the ante with VZ [Monaro] by adding more 'bang for your buck' through extra V8 power and torque and more distinctive styling."

Distinctive is almost an understatement, as the VZ Monaro commands attention with its new GTO-sourced double bonnet scoops, big 18-inch wheels and newly positioned double exhaust pipes, and is arguably one of the horniest cars Holden has ever produced.

In addition to the biggest makeover since the modern day Monaro was launched in early 2002, the new VZ coupe also packs a much larger wallop, one that makes it the most powerful vehicle Holden has ever produced.

Due to arrive in Holden showrooms by the end of the September 2004 for $60,490, the 2004 Monaro is powered by Holden's now familiar all-aluminium Gen III V8, which is built by Chevrolet and displaces a massive 5.7-litres.

Holden has taken to the trusty small block Chev engine with more gusto than usual, upping power to Ford Falcon XR8 levels, with 260 kilowatts of power (about 350hp) on tap.

Holden also claims that changes to the powertrain have yielded "a more forceful launch feel, more mid-range torque and a sharper sports character".

But before we get to the all-important performance details, the compelling new exterior deserves some attention: On top of the Monaro's already stylish profile, the powerful 16-valve V8 engine is clearly advertised thanks to twin air scoops with mesh inserts.

The front end also gets a sharper-edged headlight treatment, a more prominent, angular grille with textured hexagonal mesh detailing (like 2004 SS models), plus the lower air intake is also much larger in 2004. In fact, it's massive!

Either side of this, the integrated fascia also houses a vertically slotted parking/fog light combination, giving the front end a more dynamic appearance.

New deep-dish 18-inch alloy wheels are a "bolder evolution" of the previous model's in Holden speak, and at the rear the Monaro gets twin 95mm chrome exhaust outlets, between which sits a black mesh lower skirt, creating a more aesthetically pleasing derriere.

The CV8 lettering has also been tweaked slightly, though sadly the now-passé brake light design is retained.

It's a bit of a shame they didn't at least use the chrome-edged HSV items, but when all things are considered, the new Monaro still exhibits all the hallmarks of an Aussie muscle car.

Monaro buyers can choose from a colour palette of six exterior finishes, two of them new - the exclusive-to-Monaro Turismo (a chromatic teal blue mica) and Odyssey (a dark mercury silver).

In keeping with its world car status (the Monaro is exported to the UK, the USA and the Middle East), the Monaro has been given a thorough workout and the revisions to the 5.7-litre V8 powertrain raise power output by 15kW.

The powerplant's vital statistics are 260kW @ 5600rpm and 500Nm @ 4000rpm.

The 35Nm increase in torque is the telling statistic, and came about via camshaft modifications that help improve low to mid-range power delivery, sharpening takeoff time and straight line acceleration noticably.

Among other contributors to Monaro performance gains are a new V8 induction system which allows the engine to breathe more efficiently and a specifically developed, all-new split dual exhaust system.

The shorter-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that's been introduced on the VZ range (SS sedan, ute etc) has been added, while a more heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission is also available for those who prefer two pedals.

A new engine management system, coupled to a 'drive by wire' electronic throttle control also makes the 2004 Monaro cut, and if the new SS ute is anything to go by, it will offer appreciably quicker throttle response.

In addition to the fettled 8-cylinder engine, a relocated fuel tank (between the rear axle and rear seat) allows for a new underbody deflector, which is claimed to reduced rear lift, also increasing aerodynamic stability, and the fuel filler is repositioned at the top of the rear quarter panel.

New lightweight power steering components should improve feedback from the front wheels, and new brakes constitute part of the VZ upgrade too. Red coloured twin piston brake calipers bear the Monaro name and show off the serious stopping power provided by larger diameter 320mm ventilated front and 286mm rear disc brakes.

When coupled to a new brake booster and master cylinder, stopping distance is reduced by four per cent according to Holden, and Brake Assist is also introduced, which works through the booster and cuts in during hard braking, helping drivers to activate ABS more easily in emergency situations.

Colour-coded instrument clusters and highlight stitching on the leather steering wheel, transmission shifter and park brake add a bit of ritz to the interior, while a glossy 'piano black' centre stack and console surround are topped by a sports instrument binnacle with electronically integrated oil pressure and voltmeter gauges, angled towards the driver in an aftermarket fashion.

The new Monaro is now a considerably wilder beast since being re-introduced to Australian buyers in 2002, both in terms of exterior design and performance capabilities.

With 260kW of power and 500Nm of torque, it can now rival the XR8's power figures, and with a significantly lower kerb weight (1698kg) than the Ford it promises to put down solid quarter mile and 0-100km/h sprint times.

"The Holden Monaro is the number one seller in the Australian sports car category," stated Denny Mooney, "because people appreciate it for what it is: a very stylish high-performance sports coupe that represents exceptional value for money."

$60,490 is the price of admission, which is hard to beat. There are few other rear wheel drive, V8-powered 2-door sports cars that can entertain as only the Monaro can (see here for review), it's muscle car image justified when the rear hoops ignite with supple ease.

It won't matter if you're a car enthusiast nor even a Holden fan, for when the 2004 model VZ Monaro rumbles up the to traffic lights, people will look and stare. The updated styling may not be to everyone's taste, but it's gregarious new personality will please the performance brigade and could be indicative of a new design direction in future Holden vehicles.