VAUXHALL has given the already-rapid VXR8 a big boost by bolting on a supercharger. That gives the company’s M5-basher an extra 140 horsepower – although it wasn’t obvious that the out-going model, with its enormous US-derived 6.2 litre V8, was deficient in that department.
The VXR8 gets an extra 140HP – as if there weren’t enough already
Other changes include a facelift, an improved interior and a new, third-generation Magnetic Ride Control system that allows drivers to dial in different suspension set-ups for different types of driving.
There’s a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes, and manual cars get a launch control system to get them off the line efficiently. The brakes get a big upgrade to deal with all that extra power too.
Generous equipment levels include Side Blind Zone Alert with Reverse Traffic Alert, Automatic Park Assist, Front and Rear Park Assist, Reversing Camera and Passive Entry/Push Button Start.
Vauxhall sources the VXR8 from its GM sister company Holden in Australia.
Currency shifts have worked against such imports in recent years, meaning the VXR8 is no longer quite the performance bargain previous VXR8s and its predecessor the Monaro were – but at £54,999 it still undercuts the BMW M5 and Mercedes E 63 AMG by about £20,000.
The old car was capable of accelerating from rest to 60 in 4.9 seconds on the way to an artificially limited 155 mph, but Vauxhall is still being a bit coy about how the new model will perform.
Expect sky-high CO2 and rock-bottom fuel consumption figures that will put the XRV8 out of reach for most tax-conscious business motorists – but at least drivers of everyday Astras and Insignias will be able to bask in the reflected glory of a BMW-beater that wears the same Vauxhall badge on its bonnet as their company cars.