Vauxhall to launch most powerful VXR8 to date | New Release - Car News Jun 2017

15:49 Friday 30 Jun 2017

Vauxhall are to unleash the most powerful production car in the marque’s 114-year history.

The 587bhp Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R will be released in the UK in limited numbers priced from £74,500.

As with previous VXR8 models, the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 monster is based on the Australian-built Holden Commodore. However, with parent company General Motors due to halt Holden production later this year, Vauxhall have tried to make this last-of-the-line VXR8 something special. The rear-wheel drive VXR8 GTS-R boasts the usual limited slip differential and torque vectoring system, but adds an upgraded braking system with six-piston, monoblock calipers and 410mm discs on the front wheels, and all-new 20-inch forged alloy rims.

The GTS-R also features unique styling, with a new front fascia, splitter, wings, carbon fibre vents, new-look rear diffuser, spoiler with carbon fibre upper, lower panel, LED tails lamps, and quad exhaust outlets with diamond-shaped exhaust tips. The ‘twin-nostril’ grille serves two functions, giving the VXR8 GTS-R an aggressive look while at the same time providing an air intake surface large enough to cool the behemoth of an engine. Inside, the diamond theme continues in the Alcantara and leather trim on the 8-way electrically-adjustable heated seats, while there is also an upgraded instrument panel with suede inserts, new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console, appliques and door trims.

Its re-mapped engine is fitted with a high-flow air filter to achieve a 19bhp hike in power over the previous most powerful VXR8. The VXR8 GTS-R is capable of 0-60mph in just 4.2 seconds, with a limited top speed of 155mph. Its Eaton supercharger has 4-lobe rotors, 9psi boost and 1.9 litres of air per revolution which, unlike a turbocharged car, provides the GTS-R with stronger and more linear performance across its entire rev-range. Other features of the powertrain 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, and a high-flow exhaust manifolds and exhaust system with Bi-modal silencers. The heavy-duty GM/2F 6-speed automatic transmission has Active Select Function and paddle shift with its own oil cooler to optimise its performance at higher operating temperatures, while a 6-speed manual transmission is also available as an option.

In addition to Brake Torque Vectoring technology is and Electronic Stability Control system, third-generation Magnetic Ride Control with three independent settings, hardware and software improvements, wider tyres for optimal grip, and a new Driver Preference Dial located behind the gear lever to help access the various electronic vehicle performance systems. Other new driver assistance features include Side Blind Zone Alert with Reverse Traffic Alert, Automatic Park Assist, Front and Rear Park Assist, Reversing Camera, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Passive Entry/Push Button Start. A Head Up Display projects information such as vehicle speed, engine temperature, and even G-forces onto the windscreen.

Just 15 examples of the VXR8 GTS-R will be available in the UK from selected Vauxhall retailers, with a 3-year 60,000-mile warranty included as standard.