Powertrain and chassis development carried out at Lang Lang (Vic) and Milford (US) proving grounds. Thermal and HVAC integration testing: central Australia and Arizona. Cold weather and traction control system testing: Sweden. Brake package: United Kingdom.

400,000.

VZ Monaro fuel tank relocated between the rear axle and rear seat (same as Pontiac GTO) to satisfy specific US legislative safety requirements. Relocation allows fitment of a full length split dual exhaust and a rear underbody tray which reduces rear lift by 16 per cent from 100 kmh and improves aerodynamic stability.

VZ Monaro produces 260 kW of power at 5,600 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm

Ninety-three per cent of peak torque is available from 2300 rpm through to 5300 rpm.

Compared to the Series III Monaro, an average of 40 extra Newton metres is available throughout the rev range.

Performance improvements are due to a revised camshaft; high output calibration to take advantage of high octane premium fuel; new V8 induction system; split dual exhaust.

The M12 is a new version of the T56 six-speed manual transmission. All gear ratios except fourth are shorter, improving launch feel and increasing mid-range torque availability.

First, second and third gears are 11.7 per cent, 16.3 and 10 per cent shorter respectively. Fifth and sixth gears produce slightly faster engine speeds, allowing quicker response without the need to downshift at highway cruising speeds.

Heavy-duty 4L65 four-speed automatic transmission is unique when compared to other Holden range applications. Features include a more flexible torque converter than current HSV units, special hydraulic tuning and a final drive ratio of 3.46:1. A single performance shift calibration assists noticeably quicker timing between gear changes.

Drive-by-wire electronic throttle control contributes to improved driveability and launch feel, smoother pedal response and reduced emissions.

The system is completely new from the catalytic converters rearwards and is split-dual throughout, with close-coupled catalytic converters.

Seventy millimetre front pipes lead into the separate 63.5 millimetre pipes through one intermediate muffler and continue into separate rear mufflers on each side and finally through 95 mm (3 ¾ Inch) tips on each side.

The split system reduces back pressure by approximately 25 per cent.

New radiator crossflow has ‘get home’ mode, allowing the car to be driven on reduced power.

A lightweight aluminium power steering ‘droop flow’ pump with new hoses reduces fluid temperatures and volumes during heavy steering usage at high speed, resulting in better feel, reduced noise and improved durability.

VZ Monaro has the biggest brakes package of any Holden.

Front: 320 mm x 32 mm ventilated discs

Rear: 286 mm by 18 mm ventilated discs

(Monaro Series III specification: 296mm x 28mm front ventilated; 286mm x 16mm solid rear)

A larger, more rigid new C6 twin pot calliper suits the larger rotors.

A new brake booster and master cylinder now reach ABS-invoking pressure almost 50 per cent faster than before and reduce stopping distance by four per cent. A stiffer pedal feel above .5 g deceleration allows drivers to reach the ABS activation threshold more easily.

The system assesses how hard and fast a driver hits the brake pedal and determines whether more braking assistance is required. A dual reaction ratio in the booster helps drivers to reach ABS braking threshold more easily in emergency situations, defined as above 0.5 to 0.6 g pedal deceleration. Brake Assist disengages once pedal pressure is reduced below its threshold.

A new traction control system utilises the electronic throttle control. Engine intervention is via engine spark control and electronic throttle intervention. Brake torque management is now possible due to the upgraded traction control. The system can be disengaged.

EBD transfers brake force between front and rear axles for control of rear brake pressure on all road surfaces when there is natural transference of weight from rear to front axle due to braking.

VZ Monaro mass has increased by approximately 50 kilograms.

With increased torque and power outputs and revised gear ratios, fuel economy figures according to the current ADR 81/01 standard rise to 15.3 and 13.7 litres/100 km for manual and automatic respectively.