Holden Monaro (VZ). 2004–5 (prod. 12,000 approx. sold in Australia, incl. VY). 2-door coupé. F/R, 5665, 5970 cm³ (V8 OHV). Criticisms of a lack of presence by the American market, where the Monaro was sold as a Pontiac GTO, forced Holden to add cosmetic bonnet scoops as a tribute to GTOs of old. For the Australian market, Holden claimed this was a throwback to the HT Monaro. Facelift in 2004 saw a more aggressive bumper for the Holden, modernizing the VZ (some report this as V2) in line with changes to the regular Commodore. Ominously—as with the 1970s’ HX—the rear end remained the same, not following the VZ Commodore’s changes, suggesting it was the beginning of the end again. Final model, CV8-Z, produced from July 2005. Final Monaro purchased new in February 2006, with last export model (a Pontiac GTO) June 2006. HSV, Vauxhall Monaro VXR and Pontiac GTOs had six-litre engines for 2005 on, but 5·7 V8 only for Holdens and for export Chevrolet Lumina Coupé.

Manufacturing location: Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia

Marque: Holden | Model: Holden Monaro | Predecessor: Holden Monaro (VX)