CARBARN | Vauxhall VXR8 | The Vauxhall VXR8 is storming back with a vengeance, packing Heavily revised front-and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super -saloons. Priced at £ 49.500 and available to order now, the new Vauxhall VXR8 in top-spec form is now based on HSV E3 GTS model, just launched in Australia, the previous VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8.
The entry-level Vauxhall VXR8 Clubsport is still available at £ 45,000. Also making an appearance for the first time is Launch Control, the which helps drivers the make best use of the Vauxhall VXR8's huge torque during brisk acceleration without unnecessary wheelspin. Of course, no Vauxhall VXR8 would be complete without a large-capacity V8, and this latest version does not disappoint. The fourth generation 6.2-liter LS3 unit Produces 431PS and a massive 550nm of torque, enough to propel the Vauxhall VXR8 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. Drive is delivered to the rear axle via either a new MM10 six-speed manual gearbox with uprated LS7 clutch, or a six-speed auto 'box.
Inside, the new Vauxhall VXR8 has undergone a transformation. Full leather trim is standard in GTS models, and front occupants are cocooned in special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability. At the touch of the screen, drivers can access a variety of data Such as vehicle G-forces, power and torque and lap times - even the degree to the which Their Vauxhall VXR8 is drifting. Finally, Vauxhall is delighted to announce two new VXR8 variants That will join the saloon in the UK: the Maloo (pickup body) and the Sports Tourer (estate body). Both use the same running gear and platform as the Vauxhall VXR8 saloon, but drivers offer even more versatility combined with exceptional performance and handling. Anyone who's driven the previous generation Vauxhall VXR8 will know that it blends with exceptional body control the kind of pliant ride quality Becoming the which is so Important on British roads.
As before, the new Vauxhall VXR8's race-Bred chassis uses MacPherson struts / progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system adapts the which up to 1000 times a seconds to road conditions and driver inputs. Based on technology used in GM's current Corvette ZR1 supercar, and fitted as standard on GTS models, the MRC works by sending an electric current through damper units filled with 'soft' magnetic particles. Complementing the new Vauxhall VXR8's MRC is Launch Control, the which is engaged when drivers select the ESC's (Electronic Stability Control) Competition Mode.
Completing the chassis package are the largest brakes ever fitted to a Vauxhall. At the front, 365mm diameter ventilated and grooved discs take pride of place, race-Bred mated to four-piston callipers Providing exceptional stopping power. The result is the sort of performance you'd only get from large saloons costing considerably more than the Vauxhall VXR8 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. As before, the Vauxhall VXR8 is available with either a new six-speed manual gearbox with uprated MM10 LS7 clutch, or a six-speed auto transmission with selectable ratios, both of the which deliver drive to the rear wheels through a mechanical limited-slip differential . Designed with the enthusiast driver in mind, and adding something unique in this class, is the Vauxhall VXR8's new Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI). EDI constantly streams real-time vehicle and performance data to a touch-screen located on the upper center console.
