2005 Vauxhall Monaro VXR 5.7L V8 6MT (387 HP)

Vehicle Overview

GM’s Australian branch, Holden, made a car so good that it was wanted in the U.S. and UK, where it was rebadged and sold as the GTO and the Monaro, respectively.

For British customers, things went smoothly. They didn’t even have to move the steering wheel from right to left. Only the front fascia that featured the badge was replaced. The Monaro nameplate kept its place on the trunk lid. Or boot, as Brits know it.

This tail-happy two-door coupe was built on a platform developed by Opel in Europe in the ’60s. Yes, it was constantly updated, but the powerful VXR relied on underpinnings developed in an era where the Europeans didn’t know how to build engines above 200 horses. Moreover, the same underpinnings were found under the 1996 Cadillac Catera’s skin.

But Australians were not satisfied with the lumpy V6 engine and squeezed an LS1 engine under the hood that was later on replaced by a larger, 6.0-liter V8 known as LS2 powerplant. The British brother, the 2006 Vauxhall Monaro VXR, received the latter version, and customers were thrilled. Moreover, this modern muscle car cooked in Australia, powered by an American pushrod engine and mated with a six-speed manual, could throw a few punches against European premium sports cars. And it wasn’t only about brute force.

The Monaro featured massive bodywork with muscular lines and curved body panels. The vents on the hood were not exactly needed, but they made the car look more aggressive. In addition, the split grille and the lower apron confirmed the vehicle’s potential.

Inside, the carmaker added high-bolstered bucket seats at the front and a bench in the rear, where it was room enough for two adults. The driver-oriented dashboard featured an infotainment system and HVAC controls. As a final touch of sportiness, the automaker installed aluminum pedals.