The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R will mark history as being the last ever V8-engined VXR8 – and if you want one you will need to speak to your bank manager pretty fast, as only 15 will be available in the UK.
Easily the most powerful Vauxhall ever, the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine that currently sits in the GTS will be fine-tuned to give 587bhp (with a brake upgrade as well you will be pleased to hear).
Australia has a strong reputation for loving their muscle cars of course, but in October 2017 General Motors will sadly be closing the Adelaide based Holden factory. This is also the signal for the end of the VXR8 range, where it derives from the basic Holden Commodore. As the Commodore rolls of the production line, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) converts the car to become a VXR8.
The GTS-R will certainly go out with a bang, as while Vauxhall are yet to reveal full tech specs, we can expect the retuned V8 engine to provide a further boost to the 4.2 seconds the current vehicle takes to get from 0-62mph. it should be noted that the current vehicle is limited to 155mph and Vauxhall have yet to confirm whether this will continue for the VXR8 GTS-R. If Vauxhall unleash the full potential of the VXR8, we could be in for a real treat.
The rear-wheel drive GTS-R will utilise a 6-speed auto gearbox, while the updated brakes will have 410mm front discs and 6-piston calipers. On the outside, the go-to material for modern muscle cars, carbon-fibre, will feature along with forged alloy, diamond cut 20 inch wheels. There will also be a new grille, part carbon-fibre spoiler and 4-way diamond shaped exhaust tips. The interior gets covered in leather and Alcantara suede, the latter also covering the steering wheel.
While the UK has taken the VXR8 GTS-R to its heart, many may not be quite so aware that the 544bhp VXR8 Maloo manual pickup (which takes only a further 0.4 of a second to reach 0-62mph compared to the VXR8 GTS-R saloon) is also the most powerful pickup available in the UK. Sadly, this is likely to have its days numbered as well.
This will not signal the end of HSV itself though; as the branch will continue to provide V8 engined muscle cars to the enthusiastic Aussie public. With the end of the Commodore though, a new platform to develop any replacement for the VXR8 GTS-R will be required.
If you want to one of the lucky 15 owners, the VXR8 GTS-R will cost in the region of £74,500. If you want to settle for just seeing one of these fine classic V8 beasts, then get yourself a ticket to the Goodwood Festival of Speed for the end of June.
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