The mighty Monaro is to go. As a result of Aussie firm Holden axing production of the chunky 382bhp V8 coupe, Vauxhall's supply of the cars will dry up next spring.
Holden is GM's main developer of rear-wheel-drive chassis and, according to Auto Express this week, the factory space occupied by the Monaro line is needed for more profitable projects.
However, there are enough cars in the pipeline to satisfy demand until April 2006 -- and because availability remains limited, prices won't change.
Vauxhall has managed to sell over 400 of the saloons since they went on sale last March, with the initial 354bhp 5.7-litre offering being quickly followed up by the 6.0-litre VXR flagship. A total of 400 Monaros are still due to arrive here, 350 of which will be the hot performance model.
Auto Express' report said that Vauxhall has hinted that the Monaro's replacement might emanate from Holden's current line-up, and could be another V8. Candidates include the Calais or Commodore SS which are both Australia-only models at the moment, both using the same 5.7-litre lump.
A Vauxhall spokesman blandly said: "The introduction of the Monaro was designed to kick-start the VXR brand."
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