The Vauxhall Monaro arrived in the United Kingdom in 2004 as an official rebadged import of the Australian Holden Monaro (V2 and VZ series), riding on General Motors' rear-wheel-drive V-body architecture. Engineered as a grand touring 2+2 sports coupe, early models were powered by an all-aluminium 5.7-litre GM LS1 small-block V8 producing 333 bhp in standard trim and 382 bhp in the high-output VXR variant. Power was directed to the rear wheels via a Tremec T56 six-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission with a limited-slip differential. A major mid-cycle refresh in 2005 brought distinctive aggressive twin bonnet scoops, revised dual exhausts, and the introduction of a larger 6.0-litre LS2 V8 engine generating 403 bhp for the flagship Monaro VXR. The Monaro earned widespread acclaim for its charismatic muscle-car soundtrack, muscular styling, and accessible performance until imports ceased in 2007 ahead of the saloon-bodied VXR8.