2001 Holden Monaro 6.0L V8 6MT RWD (404 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Holden revived one of the most iconic nameplates in the brand’s history, the Monaro, and applied it to a two-door sedan that was a mix between a GT vehicle and a sports car.

Based on the same platform as the third generation of the Holden Commodore, the Monaro quickly became such a successful car among enthusiasts that GM exported it to the U.S. and the UK markets, bearing the Pontiac GTO and the Vauxhall Monaro nameplates, respectively. Surprisingly, though, the car platform was developed for the second generation of the European Opel Omega, which was still produced in Germany for Europe and the UK. However, the all-wheel independent suspension, the balance of the vehicle, and the potent American engines transformed the Monaro into a track weapon and a fierce contender against other European sports cars. In 2004, Holden refreshed the Monaro’s initial version, known as the V2, and launched the VZ variant that lasted on the market until 2006, when GM stopped the car’s assembly lines due to slow sales.

The 2001 Holden Monaro came with a front fascia influenced by the bio-design trend, which was already out of style in other markets. However, the round headlamps covered by clear lenses and corner-mounted turn signal lamps were part of the car’s distinct look. They flanked an upside-down trapezoidal shaped grille with rounded corners, which sported the brand’s badge. The wrapped-around plastic bumper below it featured an apron with an additional air intake flanked by round fog lamps.

From its profile, the low-slung bodywork revealed a long hood and a raked windshield. A discrete carved line visually connected the headlights with the rear quarter panels. Since the car was developed for enthusiasts, it featured aerodynamically shaped door mirrors and side sills. Furthermore, the 2001 Holden Monaro was fitted with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tires. The ascending waistline and the angled-up rear side windows further emphasized the car’s athletic stance. At the same time, at the back, the automaker put corner-mounted taillights that flanked the trunk’s opening. As a result, it was easier to adapt the vehicle to the U.S. market, where the law required that the brake lights had to be installed on fixed body panels. Surprisingly, even though most car manufacturers tried to impress their customers with dual or quad exhaust systems, the Monaro had only one pipe with a chromed tip.

Inside, the automaker focused on performance-oriented features. At the front, the 2001 Holden Monaro featured high-bolstered seats that promised to keep their occupants in place during high-speed cornering. The four-spoke steering wheel framed an instrument panel filled with large dials for the speedometer and tachometer flanked by the fuel level and the coolant temperature gauges. In addition, the car manufacturer installed an LCD at the bottom of the instrument panel for the odometer and the onboard computer. At the back, the bench seat was profiled for two, albeit with minimal legroom and headroom.

Holden installed a choice of V6 and V8 gasoline engines under the Monaro’s hood. All versions were fitted as standard with a five- or six-speed manual transmission. In addition, selected versions were available with a four-speed automatic gearbox. The powerhouses sent their oomph to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.