Vauxhall VXR8 GTS breaks cover!

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Britain’s popular Vauxhall VXR8 sports sedan has been replaced by a new version, the VXR8 GTS. 

The new VXR8 GTS seems set to offer yet another appealing value-for-money performance package from Britain’s GM brand.  The previous naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre LS3 engine has been ditched in favour of GM’s LSA engine (found in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Cadillac CTS-V), a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 576bhp and 545lb ft of torque.

The VXR8 GTS’s supercharger is an Eaton roots type with 4-lobe rotors, pumping out about 9psi of boost.  Other engine features include: a water-to-air intercooler, separate transmission and diff cooler, bi-modal air intake, high-flow exhaust manifolds with dual-mode mufflers, and a water to oil cooling system.

Performance figures have yet to be released for the new VXR8 GTS, however the previous LS3-engined VXR8 could get from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds, so it’s safe to assume that the new GTS could do that sprint in the high three- or low four-second range.  Transmission options are a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, all sending power to the rear wheels.

The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS will indeed be a British variant of GM Australia’s Holden HSV GEN-F GTS, whereas the soon-to-be-released Chevrolet SS is USA’s version of that car.  When it comes to the way the VXR8 GTS drives, its Brake Torque Vectoring system will brake the inside rear wheel and transfer power to the outside wheel to keep the car from understeering.  It also comes equipped with Continental tyres as standard, Magnetic Ride Control, and forged six-piston AP brake calipers clamping two-piece discs.

Standout exterior features include 20-inch forged alloy wheels, daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, quad exhaust outlets, and a rear spoiler with black accents. The car will come with several driver-aids such as Automatic Park Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert, a reverse camera, Head Up Display, as well as Forward Collision Alert.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Vauxhall is continuing to offer value-for-money performance with the VXR8 GTS with a price tag of £54,999, a lot cheaper than similarly-powered Mercedes Benz AMGs and BMW M products.