It all happened by accident. Oli S had spent some time with the Wortec VXR8 recently, and we wanted to try the standard car while the fantastic 600bhp version was fresh in the mind.
Fast forward a couple of weeks and I am sitting at my desk, awaiting delivery of ‘our’ standard ‘8. The call arrives: there is a bloke outside with the car.
According to my booking I am expecting a blue VXR8 to be parked outside, but this one is red? The delivery man (a fan of PH it turns out) shows me some minor scuffs on the alloy wheels - just to point out that they know the damage is there - and hands me the keys. 'Oh' he says, 'just one more thing - it's an automatic.'
What? I didn't expect that, certainly wasn't mentioned when Vauxhall agreed to loan us the car. Sure enough there is an automatic gearbox, and I sit inside at least hoping to see some paddles on the steering wheel. But no, it's just an automatic box with a tiptronic style option on the shifter. I am actually quite disappointed at this point, more than I should be - after all I have got the free use of a VXR8. So I start it up - and silence. Seems this car has the standard exhaust too, I am about to start stamping my feet.
In a huff, I go back to the office, tell RacingPete all about it, and he sniggers as all day I have been excited about its arrival.
Its strange how an automatic gearbox changes the way you drive. With a manual, I spend far too long getting my seat in the right position for the clutch pedal and to ensure a nice easy reach to the gearshift. In an auto you can't help but be a bit more relaxed and that’s what happened with this '8, I got comfortable, put it into drive and set off on the way home letting the £1400 gearbox do all the work.
The 6 speed gearbox changes smoothly enough in 'normal' mode and makes the car more of a powerful cruiser, rather than an out and out sports car. Press the 'sport' button and things liven up a little with the gearbox becoming happier to change down and hold the ratio a little longer. I didn't bother with the manual shifts much - it didn't really improve anything over leaving it in 'sport' and D when in normal traffic.
It likes to hunt for its gears though, dropping gears when you don't want it too, often one too many meaning it instantly changes back up again. If you want to have some fun with the car, or partake in a spot of oversteer, then manual selection is essential.
According to the manufacturer, the automatic gearbox improves economy. Take a look at the picture on the right. That was taken in slow moving traffic and was so astonishing we had to get a picture. The range did improve when out of traffic but it just goes to remind you that you are driving a 6.0 LS2 V8 with 417ps, and even with the automatic ‘box, that means 0-60 in 5 seconds - all with one arm on the armrest.
We all know the VXR8 is a great car, it oozes PH appeal and at the price it can't really be beaten. For that reason I feel guilty for not really appreciating the car, so for a second opinion I loaned it to a member of the Autocar team to try for one night. The next morning, they agreed that the gearbox makes the car more cruiser than bruiser - making you drive it completely differently to a manual version. You make fast but relaxed progress, whereas in the manual you feel like you are in an Australian touring car and want to drive it hard and fast wherever you go.
Great car the VXR8, that's not in question, and I enjoyed my time with it. However, if you want to have a fast GT choose the auto. If, like me, you enjoy driving, take the manual- with the £950 sports exhaust option box ticked too.
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