What's it like?
The manual VXR8's Tremec gearbox wasn’t the slickest unit around but it was accurately gated and easy to use. Missed or incorrect shifts were rare as a result while factory-fit launch control made standing starts a doddle.
Consequently, opting for a conventional torque convertor-based automatic feels somewhat of a retrograde choice. It's a good transmission, make no mistake, but its softer, tardier delivery and automated nature predictably detracts from the GTS' core driver appeal.
If you dropped from fifth to third in the manual and pinned the throttle, you could indulge in the sensation of the Vauxhall's tail squirming as the boost built; the engine would bellow, the LSD would frantically attempt to meter out the torque between the rapidly spinning Continentals, and a gratifying surge of acceleration would ensue.
Attempt the same in the automatic and you'll find that the whole experience dulled a little, because the transmission softens the power delivery. Also, in some cases, the necessity for a kickdown leads to a noticeable delay in acceleration. Once you've got the Vauxhall rolling in gear, however, the transmission feels suitably direct.
The automatic does have other appealing facets. In manual mode, it won't shift up automatically when you hit the limiter while driver-commanded shifts are carried out quickly. It's also as fast as the manual, on paper, with Vauxhall claiming a 0-60mph time of 4.2sec for both versions, despite the automatic not having launch control. No doubt repeatability on that front would lie in favour of the automatic, once off the line, particularly in inclement conditions.
The paddles have a snappy, precise action, and the transmission is quite happy to engage fifth from as low as 30mph, allowing you to roam around on the LSA's stout seam of mid-range torque. A low neutral rev limiter kills some of the static entertainment, but we suspect most won't lose sleep over that particular point. It's predictably less efficient than the manual, too, but not by a noteworthy amount.
It's still an unquestionably fast car, especially when the blower's built up some boost and the V8's spun above 3500rpm, but frequently it doesn't feel as potent as the figures suggest. That is in part due to its weight and isolated cabin, but also due to the fact that it's comparatively quiet and gentle unless you stand on the throttle and wind the motor out, at which point you'll very quickly be well beyond the legal limits. Cruise around town and the GTS will softly burble along in relative anonymity, unlike, say, a raucous F-Type or C63.
You could argue that the automatic VXR8 would make a great luxury saloon, as a result, instead of an outright super-saloon, but it's one that'll struggle to better 17mpg in restrained everyday driving. Few will find that a tolerable proposition, especially when the likes of the BMW M3 - a car that will go from 0-60mph faster in the real world - can achieve almost 30mpg in conventional conditions.
Join the debate
LP in Brighton
Will anyone actually buy this car?
gigglebug
LP in Brighton wrote: I'm not
Are any cars with 577bhp cheap to insure and run?? Have you heard of anyone spending upwards of 60K on a car not being able to afford to insure it afterwards or put fuel in it? I haven't ever
Lewis Kingston
RE: Residual values
Afternoon LP in Brighton. I had a closer look at the residual values; the VXR8 is forecast to retain around 39% of its value after three years and 30,000 miles. Based on the list price, that means a loss of some £35k. The Mercedes-AMG C63, by comparison, should retain around 43%. It's slightly more expensive than the GTS, though, so you'll lose a similar £34k over the same period. The C63 would likely be easier to sell on, though. You might be surprised by the insurances costs, however; I ran a quote for one and it came back at a very reasonable £600.
Peter Cavellini
On Patrol....?! eh?
Peter Cavellini.
gigglebug
Peter Cavellini wrote: Too
To be fair Peter if you wanted the direct rival from Merc (E63S) you'd be paying over 80K and the M5 with competition pack is just under 80K so it's quite a big difference. It's never been as premium as the over cars in it's class this but it has always offered something a little different for a reasonable price tag. I'd be wanting the Merc myself but if that was out of range this would be a good alternative. Manual gearbox option would be enough for some
Lewis Kingston
RE: Manual gearbox
Afternoon gigglebug. I was fortunate enough to have a manual version as a long-term test car and, indeed, it was decent choice. The clutch was fairly hefty, which some might have found annoying in traffic, but the surplus of torque helped cut down on excess gearshifts. All it needed was a more vocal exhaust system. A great car, either way, and sorely missed. One of the few test cars I would have bought, if I had the money.
gigglebug
I got to experience one of
gazza5
far bigger than a m3
If I had th emoney I probably would take the merc e class - but is it worth 25 - 30k more? Also 8 year old VXR8 are still around 15k mark and have been for a while now - with nice ones going for 17k.
Citytiger
Sorry NO
Lewis Kingston
RE: XFR
Afternoon Citytiger. The XFR is a good shout, although somewhat down on power compared to the Vauxhall and £10k more expensive, new. The 543bhp S version would set you back an extra £24k, for comparison. Much to my surprise they don't hold their value as well as the VXR8 either, but then they are an older model - originally launched in 2009 and now superseded.
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