Monaro name takes back seat

HSV versions of the two-door Holden will be known as the GTO and GTS, writes ALASTAIR SLOANE.

Take a good look at this HSV Clubsport, because it contains many of the styling cues the high-performance company is planning for its version of the upcoming Holden Monaro coupe.

The HSV two-door will be similarly bold and aggressive, with special sideskirt treatment and front and rear-end styling.

It will have blistering straight-line performance. Its stiffer body shell and firmer suspension will help make it the best-handling HSV car ever.

But it won't be called the Monaro. The HSV models will be known as the Coupe GTO and the Coupe GTS.

The company's marketing people decided on the GTO and GTS handles to separate them from the Holden donor car.

The GTO tag is new to HSV, but the GTS moniker is already used on its top sedan.

Reports in Australia say there is some opposition to GTO because it is too close to the high-performance Ford Falcon of the 1970s, the GTHO.

But both rivals have lived comfortably over the years with the HSV XU6 and the Falcon XR6.

Both HSV coupes will be powered by reworked versions of Holden's premium engine, the Chevrolet-built 5.7-litre V8.

The GTO will get the 255kW variant and the GTS the 300kW powerplant from the limited-edition Senator, of which 30 were built and three landed in New Zealand.

Holden will also offer at least two Monaro coupes when the car goes on sale here late this year. But while the HSV cars will get the top-end V8 engine, the Holden two-doors will come with the choice of a supercharged V6, or more expensive 5.7-litre V8. The V6 will be generously equipped, with four airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes and electric everything. The V8 will getter bigger wheels and even more equipment.

The Monaro will also use unique front and rear-end styling to set it apart from the Commodore sedans and wagon. Its upgrades will be independent of those planned for the VY Commodore next year. That way it stands on its own.

The Monaro will be unveiled at the Sydney motor show next month. HSV is expected to take the covers off the GTO and GTS in Australia before Christmas. The cars will go on sale in New Zealand next year. Britain will also get both models.

Holden Australia will export rebadged left-hand-drive versions of the Monaro to the Middle East, where they will be known as the Chevrolet Lumina Coupe.

The Monaro is expected to cost upwards of $60,000 in New Zealand. It is understood Holden wants to keep the price within distance of the SS Commodore, which is just shy of $60,000. Holden dealers are already holding deposits on the Monaro.