Vauxhall is promising improvements to refinement and performance with the next-generation VXR8, revealed this week ahead of its arrival in UK dealers next March.
The Holden Special Vehicles-built super-saloon now takes the Aussie firm’s GTS model as its base, instead of the more lowly Clubsport R8 that was used for the first VXR8.
See the official pics of the new Vauxhall VXR8
So while Vauxhall’s flagship will retain 6.2-litre Chevrolet V8 power (now 425bhp, with 406lb ft) — enough for a 0-60mph time of 4.9sec and a governed top speed of 155mph — its spec sheet will now include more advanced suspension technology, a revised interior with HSV Performance seats, and launch control.
The new VXR8 continues with the old car’s MacPherson strut/multi-link suspension layout, and offers a mechanical limited-slip differential, but adds Magnetic Ride Control, which adapts the car’s set-up up to 1000 times per second. The exterior styling follows the GTS’s looks closely, with a new grille, LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lights and a rear spoiler.
Read Autocar's first drive of the HSV Commodore GTS E2
As well as the new seats, the cabin gets full leather trim as standard, a new instrument cluster and switchgear, plus an Enhanced Driver Interface to connect with the on-board computer, providing data such as g-forces, power, torque and lap times. Vauxhall will also offer MOTEC sofware for owners to download the data for further analysis.
Offered with a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the VRX8 will be sold in seven specialised Vauxhall dealers (but 34 outlets can service it). It’ll cost from £49,500 (including 20 per cent VAT), more than £20k less than a Mercedes E63 AMG
John McIlroy
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Re: New Vauxhall VXR8 revealed
What ever you say about this car, I personally think that it is fantastic that there is someone inside of Vauxhall, who still has enough balls to say.... "Let's bring it in".
Realistically, they are going to sell very few of these cars in the UK because of the price of petrol - let alone the CO2 rating - and it could well have been canned. But they haven't and it's here! Brilliant.
From someone that has owned an earlier version there is one huge difference between this and an M3 / M5 etc - Character. As people with even a passing interest in cars and motoring, celebrate this car, don't moan about it.
Re: New Vauxhall VXR8 revealed
Indeed. Calais V-series is a good-looking car. Has been on sale in Australia for about four years, still looks clean and relatively timeless compared to the HSV bling version. And the estate version is also tasty. And the ute is great too. Would be great to see them all as niche models through Vauxhall.
I wouldn't bother with the diesel though. Not sure what the latest news is, but last I read it wasn't going to be anywhere near as good as a BMW/VAG/Mercedes engines. Best stick with the stonking V8s since the car would never be more than a niche thing.
Re: New Vauxhall VXR8 revealed
I'm in NZ at the moment and was trailed by one of these for about 20 miles on the winding road from Kaikopura to Christchurch. The noise it makes in incredible, and in black - covered in dust - it looked awesome, the yellow one in the pictures doesn't do it justice. Agree about the comments regrading a slightly cheaper version of this, or the Falcon for that matter. I'm driving a Falcon XR6 Turbo over here, which is insanely fast, relatively cheap and has loads of space inside.