We at Car Articles think it is a damn shame you don’t see more VXR8 cars on the road. Vauxhall’s big saloon with an even bigger engine has always been an unsung hero of mine as it is reasonably priced, especially for the performance you get.
So what does the new car bring to the table? How about the latest LSA 6.2 litre V8 engine powering the rears, 150bhp and 140lb ft of torque over the previous car (taking figures to a massive 576bhp and 545lb ft), a revised interior and exterior and even new tech including Brake Torque Vectoring and Forward Collision Alert.
The new VXR8’s Eaton supercharger has 4-lobe rotors, 9psi boost and 1.9 litres of air per revolution. Unlike a turbocharged car, the Eaton supercharger provides the VXR8 with stronger and more linear performance across its entire rev-range. Other LSA features include:
- Stand-alone water to air charge cooling system
- Separate transmission and differential cooling system
- Water to oil engine cooling system
- Bi-modal air-intake system
- High-flow exhaust manifolds and exhaust system with Bi-modal silencers
Delivering drive to the rear axle is the latest MG9 spec 6-speed manual transmission with oil cooler and twin-plate clutch (an optional 6-speed automatic transmission is also available).
To cater for the extra performance offered by the LSA engine, the VXR8 GTS is fitted with an all-new Brake Torque Vectoring technology. Brake Torque Vectoring helps reduce understeer by generating a ‘rotational moment’ in the rear axle while the car is under power. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system detects the understeer, applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel, preventing the front end from washing wide.
The VXR8 GTS also receives third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with three independent settings: Touring, Sport and Track. Hardware and software improvements combine to deliver greater body control, sharper handling and a significantly more pliant ride quality, compared with the outgoing model.
Wider tyres also offer drivers more grip. Continental 255/35 R20 (front) and 275/35 R20 (rear) were chosen as standard equipment, due to their exceptional performance in both wet and dry conditions.
To assist drivers in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems, a new Driver Preference Dial has been developed. Located behind the gear lever, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts settings to one of four modes: Touring, Sport, Performance and Track. The vehicle’s ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission only), and Bi-Modal Exhaust, as well as its Brake Torque Vectoring and new Electronic Power Steering, are then adjusted accordingly.
Head Up Display is standard and shows a raft of driver information on the windscreen, such as vehicle speed, engine temperature, and even G-forces!
With an on the road price of just £54,999 in the UK it allows owners the least expensive membership into the 500bhp+ club.
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