Vauxhall has confirmed it will introduce GM's Australian brand Holden's rear wheel drive muscle car – the Monaro – to the UK market next year.

The new Vauxhall Monaro will be available from the spring of 2004 powered by a 5.7 litre V8 engine developing 328hp and 347lbs/ft of torque. The full sized four-seater coupe will accelerate to 60mph in just over six seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 160mph.

The Monaro was launched in Australia in 2001 and Vauxhall has decided to bring 300 a year of the RHD cars to the UK.