Vauxhall VXR8 GTS

2011 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS

After its hiatus a few years ago, the super saloon that was designed and engineered in Australia, the Vauxhall VXR8, is back and the latest VXR8 minor change came with a new name called VXR8 GTS. The Vauxhall VXR8 is the Great Britain version of Holden's HSV E-Series based on the Commodore sports sedan. Australia's HSV E-Series 3 Clubsport is sold as Great Britain's Vauxhall VXR8 GTS. The main disappointment is the pricing because of the currency rates. The pre-facelifted VXR8 used to be priced by about 35,105 British Pounds Sterling but because of the British Pound Sterling's weak currency rates against the Australian dollar, the new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS priced to an expensive 49,550 British Pounds Sterling but the optional automatic transmission adds 1,700 Pounds to the pricing. Despite the ultra expensive pricing, it's still much more affordable than the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, BMW M5, Cadillac CTS-V sedan, or even the Jaguar XFR.

In terms of design, the new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS looks abruptly impressive because of its new face that scares the competition away. This minor change sounds convincing and the interior is considered to be "premium amenity" in the eyes of a London getaway driver. The VXR8 GTS features Enhanced Driver Interface that allows the driver to check the VXR8 GTS's status such as lap times, performance stats, friction check, suspension check, body acceleration, tires, and so on. The EDI can also be added with the optional Side Blind Zone Alert for added safety on unexpected blind spots.

2011 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS interior

The VXR8 GTS is powered with the 6.2 LS3 V8 engine sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette C6 that releases a power output of 431PS/6000rpm, torque output of 550Nm/4600rpm and it comes with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS 6MT grade can accumulate 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds and fuel economy of 7.4km/L in a combined figure while the VXR8 GTS 6AT grade can achieve 0-100kph in 5 seconds and fuel economy of 7.3km/L in combined figure. The new VXR8 GTS comes with the all new Magnetic Ride Control suspension system that digitally controls the suspension system within various situations like for instance; the mountain passes or circuit corners. With various settings the VXR8 GTS is born to slice through different corners like you have never seen in a sports sedan. The fun feature on the VXR8 GTS 6MT grade is the launch control feature. If turned on, the VXR8 GTS starts from standstill to its full potential. This is great when you want to take the lead at the first lap.

The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is available in ten exterior colors ranging from Heron White, Sting Red, Hazard Yellow, Nitrate Silver, Phantom Black, Alto Grey, Voodoo, Karma, Sizzle, and Poison Ivy.

My comment:
Despite its heavy pricing because of the weak Pound Sterling against the OZ dollar, the minor change VXR8 seems to be getting a full respect to the VXR fans across the Great Britain. With the new name, VXR8 GTS, this high-performance super saloon picks it up where its pre-MC model left off after its two year hiatus to the Vauxhall lineup. Seems like the new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS wants to relieve the glory of being Britain's V8 super sedan which has the striking familiarity of the Lotus Carlton, a Vauxhall Carlton modified by Lotus. Come to think of it, this minor change is one heck of a masterpiece only a true Brit can ever salivated for it.

Photo: General Motors UK Limited