Born out of the muscle car dream, Monaro VXR is offered with a huge, 6.0 litre V8 engine, powerful enough to catapult the car to 60mph in just over five seconds and onto a top speed of around 180mph. With the new high-output 6.0-litre LS2 powerplant, which recently made its debut in the Corvette C6, it produces 404PS (up from the last model's 387PS) and a massive 530Nm of torque (compared to 510Nm).

The power behind Vauxhall Monaro VXR is the legendary small block V8 in its latest LS2 form. The engine is celebrating 50 years of production and an astonishing statistic - more than 90 million have been produced, representing 27 billion horsepower. The small-block has been repeatedly adapted to new situations, and has been used in everything from supercars to pick-up trucks.

In this application, the engine's performance is directed through a close ratio, six-speed manual gearbox, designed to let the driver make the most of the engine's flexibility and power. Electronic throttle control and the immense torque of the new powerplant means that gearchanges are hardly necessary, but the choice of well-spaced ratios ensures that the V8 can always be kept 'on the boil' for maximum performance. Alternatively, slot into sixth and the Monaro becomes a relaxed, barely-stressed cruiser which can return surprising economy.

And, just as importantly, the Monaro sounds great at any speed. The underneath of the car has been completely redesigned to allow the new exhaust to breathe more freely with the addition of an extra pair of tailpipes. Besides making the engine work more efficiently, it also creates a burble with is even more distinctive than the previous Monaro's.

Designed in the muscle car tradition, Vauxhall Monaro is rear-wheel-drive. This equates to an exciting, inspiring drive with superb handling and - with standard switchable traction control - the option of serious fun. If anyone ever wanted to learn how to steer using the throttle, this is the car to show them.

But, while fun is available on tap, precautions have been taken against over indulgence without installing the sort of nannying electronics which can be the bane of an enthusiastic driver's life. A limited slip differential improves traction, stability and handling, and allows more control of the back end, both improving safety and simultaneously ensuring Monaro is a fully fledged driver's car. In alliance with the newly-revised suspension - offering sports springs at both ends and gas pressure dampers at the rear - Monaro simply feels awesome and inspirational on the open road.

Nineteen inch multispoke 'Chrome Shadow' wheels shod with wide, low profile, 235/35 19 tyres transmit all this engineering and technology to the road giving Monaro precise steering response and predictability combined with maximum cornering tractability. And of course they look great too!

When it comes to stopping the car, nothing but the best would do - as you'd expect since it will be required to haul the Monaro down from speeds above 180mph. Using the same braking system as the latest version of GM's other supercar - the Corvette C6 - the Monaro uses new 330mm vented and grooved discs at the front and 315mm rotors at the rear. These ensure that the middle pedal always has a reassuring feel and bite, even after constant hard use. As a finishing touch, the bright red callipers are embossed with the VXR logo.

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