Vauxhall has announced that UK retailers are taking orders for its new Monaro V8 muscle car. The first cars are expected to reach showrooms in early March.

The Monaro is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 and has been tweaked with a new induction system, a free-flowing exhaust, reprofiled cams and engine management to give more power and torque.

The engine now produces 352bhp.

Performance figures are yet to be set, but it’s estimated that the new Monaro will exceed 160mph and should reach 60mph from a standstill in around 5.6 seconds.

The chassis has been upgraded with sportier suspension settings. New 320mm ventilated front brake discs, borrowed from the latest Corvette C6, have also been added.

Prices for the new Monaro will be below £30,000.