Page 1 of 1 The 2004 edition of Holden's iconic Monaro sports coupe boasts the most substantial upgrade since its sensational debut almost three years ago. The striking new VZ series Monaro CV8 sports coupe is the most powerful mainstream Holden ever produced. Its 5.7 litre Gen III V8 engine received a boost in peak power to 349 bhp and develops 500 Nm of peak torque, on call over a wider rev range. Powertrain refinements deliver a more forceful launch feel, more mid-range torque and a sharper sports character, balanced by an upgraded braking system that is the largest of any production Holden.
The performance boost is advertised by a base note V8 burble, broadcast via big-bore 95 millimetre dual exhausts. Monaro's muscular new look is pointed up by aggressive styling cues like twin bonnet scoops, strong front facia graphics and an exclusive vivid blue exterior finish called Turismo. Monaro has been Australia's top-selling sports car since its release and it is exported to markets including the United States, where it sells as Pontiac GTO, the Middle East as Chevrolet Lumina S and ss Coupe and Britain as Vauxhall Monaro.
In keeping with its world car status, engineering development work on VZ Monaro was undertaken in Australia, United States, Sweden and Britain. Revisions to the 5.7 litre Gen III V8 powertrain raise power output, compared with the previous model, by 15 kW to 260 kW at 5600 rpm using PULP. Engine torque is lifted by 35 Nm to 500 Nm at 4000 rpm using PULP and 93 per cent of this peak torque is now available across a wider rev range. Camshaft modifications improve low to mid-range delivery, sharpening takeoff time and providing a sports performance feel that will be particularly noticeable on corner exits and in day to day driving generally.
A shorter-ratio six-speed manual transmission increases torque production across the rev range. A more heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission, capable of increased torque loads, modified for swifter shifting and with a shorter final drive ratio, delivers more power. Monaro's new engine management system teamed with 'drive by wire' electronic throttle control allows the engine to match its outputs to the type of fuel it is using. A relocated fuel tank, now between the rear axle and rear seat, allows for a new underbody deflector - reducing rear lift and increasing aerodynamic stability. New lightweight power steering components offer improved driver feel.
Up front, bright red twin pot brake calipers bear the Monaro moniker and show off the serious stopping power provided by larger diameter 320 mm ventilated front and 286 mm rear disc brakes. Holden's biggest braking package is augmented by a new brake booster and master cylinder, which help to achieve ABS-invoking pressure almost 50 per cent faster than before and reduce stopping distance by four per cent. The VZ Monaro CV8 also introduces Brake Assist, which works through the booster and cuts in during hard braking, helping drivers to activate ABS more easily in emergency situations. Page 1 of 1
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VZ Monaro CV8
The 2004 edition of Holden's iconic Monaro sports coupe boasts the most substantial upgrade since its sensational debut almost three years ago. The striking new VZ series Monaro CV8 sports coupe is the most powerful mainstream Holden ever produced. Its 5.7 litre Gen III V8 engine received a boost in peak power to 349 bhp and develops 500 Nm of peak torque, on call over a wider rev range. Powertrain refinements deliver a more forceful launch feel, more mid-range torque and a sharper sports character, balanced by an upgraded braking system that is the largest of any production Holden.