monaro
monaro

Project Monaro finds new home

Riley Riley

The lucky winner of the Craig Lowndes Project Monaro will be announced tomorrow.

Project Monaro is a real ‘money-can’t-buy’ kind of car – as close to a brand new CV8 as possible — only re-imagined, refined and improved from the ground up using Holden Genuine, ACDelco and Chevrolet Performance Parts.

What started as a well-worn 214,000km 2004 CV8 Monaro, is now a stunning tribute to the commitment and capability of Holden and a small group of enthusiastic project partners.

The specially developed Panorama Blue Suede paint, developed by PPG and applied by Holden Certified Collision repairer B&A in Melbourne, is what makes the stunning initial impression.

Holden made significant improvements in the big three driving dynamic areas – Go, Stop and Turn.

The original LS1 V8 received a complete hand re-build by Maurice Fabietti, who runs the ACDelco Pro Slammer Monaro drag racing team.

Modifications were numerous, including a Chevrolet Performance camshaft from Eagle Auto and some cylinder head finessing.

A US spec GTO exhaust system deals with the spent gasses and adds some handy rumble.

The additional engine output is managed by a heavy-duty rework of the original transmission by FluidDrive – to GM global specifications.

The big coupe was fitted with AP Racing brakes, similar to those from HSVs of the era, and the suspension was improved by Sachs Performance in conjunction with Triple Eight Race Engineering.

The latest Bridgestone high performance S007A tyres complete the handling package.

The bespoke hood scoops, front splitter, fuel filler door and a lip spoiler, were all conceived by Holden Design department.

They were brought to life by HP-EVOK3D, 3D printing solutions partner to the Red Bull Holden Racing Team.

The interior was fully refreshed by Auto Image Interiors, again using inspiration from Holden Design.

Finishing touches like unique badges, build plates and wheel centre treatments were all created as one-off parts by long term Holden supplier LNI.

When Project Monaro hit the test track at the Holden Proving Ground in Lang Lang Victoria, Lowndes was even more impressed.

“How awesome is this car – it is seriously something special and it sounds great!  I’ve had an absolute ball driving this around,” he said.

Holden’s lead Performance Engineer Rob Trubiani accompanied Lowndes for his initial drive evaluation.

Rob has been responsible for the way that Holdens drive and handle for the past 23 years.

He has been refining and fine tuning the Project Monaro, and has taken it through a mix of the Holden Proving Ground tests to ensure everything is working as it should.

“Some of the tests we put Project Monaro through were similar to the tests our talented Engineers put the original V2 Monaro’s through almost 20 years ago, it’s a great car to drive and someone is going to be very lucky when they win it,” he said.

Holden has documented the build of Project Monaro in a series of videos hosted by Craig Lowndes.

https://youtu.be/eMM64CVPwMs

CHECKOUT: Holden: Making cars and memories

CHECKOUT: Crawf remembers buying the new Monaro

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Riley