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Holden has taken the covers off the new Monaro sports coupe, a rear-drive coupe that resurrects a classic Australian moniker and embodies the Camaro spirit. The two-door kin to the Commodore sedan has us scratching our chins, asking, "What if?"

When we researched the future vehicle report on the next-generation Camaro for the September 2001 magazine, and followed up with our own online Camaro prescription, we had a couple insiders tell us to keep an eye on Holden. Now we know why.

Much of our muscle wish list is largely addressed in the new production model, aside from a 1967-1969 Camaro three-box shape dripping in romantic heritage cues. Here is a true rear-drive coupe offered with choice of supercharged 3.8-liter/229-hp V-6 or Gen III 5.7-liter/302-hp V-8, matched to a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox.

The suspension employs McPherson struts up front and an independent rear with trailing arms -- no Salisbury rear axle here! The CV8 model wears massive 18x8-inch aluminum wheels shod in 235/40R18 Bridgestone tires, enhancing handling from the sport-tuned suspension. Power transfer and control are aided by traction control, four-channel ABS, and limited-slip differential.

This tempting hardware is packaged in a car that measures 5 inches shorter, 1.6 inches narrower, and 3.8 inches taller than the current Camaro. The tidier Monaro coupe rides on a longer wheelbase, stretching 8.7 inches beyond the Camaro for minimal overhang and maximum road holding.

Inside, the CV6 features basic power amenities, cruise control, 80-watt stereo, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, side airbags, trip computer, and power seats with slide function for rear access. The CV8 steps things up with more leather accents, dual-zone climate control system, three-driver memory settings, and 260-watt stereo with 10 disc changer.

The price converts to $24,000 for the CV6 and $28,500 for the CV8, both coming standard with an automatic transmission. Will this Monaro come to the U.S. as a Camaro? Despite hints from a couple internal sources, it doesn't look likely. Will Chevrolet keep an eye on the Monaro as it works through its future product plans? You bet. The fourth-generation Camaro may be in its final year without a public commitment to an imminent replacement, but General Motors has proved on the global market that it can still produce exciting muscle cars.

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