The 5.7- litre Monaro makes all the right moves. Michael McAleer enjoys an Opel stunner.
Irish performance car fans will have to wait until at least early next year before knowing whether we are going to get an Opel version of the powerhouse Holden Monaro here.
Already on sale in Britain under the Vauxhall brand, sister company Opel is concerned about the enormous Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) which would be slapped on the car because of its 5.7-litre engine.
"We'll have to wait and see, but obviously the VRT issue is the big deciding factor," says Steve Markwell of Opel Ireland.
The Monaro, which wowed the Top Gear testers on its programme last weekend, is on sale in Britain in two formats: the "standard" Monaro V8 with 329bhp at £28,650 and the performance 380bhp version, the VRX, at £35,595.
Monaro is a star in Australia, built and sold there under Holden brand. Its addition to the Vauxhall fleet is part of efforts by parent company General Motors to leverage models into other markets. The right-hand-drive Aussie was therefore perfect for the British market.
It could be argued that it's just as perfect for Ireland, if only we had a more understanding tax regime.
Testing the VRX version yesterday on the back roads of middle England, the car's huge torque was noticeable. Even with traction control on, it fought for grip on the greasy roads.
With every flick of the right foot, the deep rumble enervated the senses and, despite its bulk, it managed to weave comfortably through the tightest bends.
Steering is a little too neutral for our tastes, and its cabin will no doubt take a beating if the car comes in at €60,000-plus. But its big comforatble seats will suit any Irish rump.
Then, of course, there's that performance thing. A top speed of 170 mph and a 0-60mph time of 5.4 seconds puts it in the running with some serious sports cars.
A new version of the Monaro is already on sale in Australia and will come to Britain next February or March. A good time to test the water over here?
Prices will be steep, unless Brian Cowen has some Paulian change of heart on the road to the Dáil on budget day on December 1st.
For all its grunt, the design may be too bland and non-descript for some - only a true car nut will know the value of your Opel - but the moment you turn the key and hear that hypnotic V8 gurgle, we reckon you'll be hooked.
It will be a tough call for the moneymen at Opel. The financials may say no, but the heart says yes please.