Discussion
Didn't tell me much I didn't know from reading Autocar's report (although m-way refinement sounds impressive).
Pictures are interesting.
Vents behind the front wheels look to me like the car has been stabbed in the cheek with a fork.
Don't like the rear spoiler - would prefer a stealthy "Q-car" look.
But who cares with 414bhp and 405lb ft
John
Pictures are interesting.
Vents behind the front wheels look to me like the car has been stabbed in the cheek with a fork.
Don't like the rear spoiler - would prefer a stealthy "Q-car" look.
But who cares with 414bhp and 405lb ft

John
That write-up is worthy more of Auto Express than a serious car magazine, clearly written by someone who hasn't got a clue what the car is but is writing from press information and a short drive. Rubbish.
Particularly the old chestnut about the interiors being not up to scratch. Give me a f*cking break. Anyone after an Audi quality interior wouldn't give this a second look anyway, it's lazy journalism from someone who understands to little about what this car is about that they don't know what else to write about.
And recommending the auto-bloody-matic? WTF? Again, if someone wants a V8 auto waftmobile they'll buy a German or a Jag.
Having said that I still think it is one seriously ugly car. Which is a shame. But what a disappointment from CAR magazine.
Rant over
Particularly the old chestnut about the interiors being not up to scratch. Give me a f*cking break. Anyone after an Audi quality interior wouldn't give this a second look anyway, it's lazy journalism from someone who understands to little about what this car is about that they don't know what else to write about.
And recommending the auto-bloody-matic? WTF? Again, if someone wants a V8 auto waftmobile they'll buy a German or a Jag.
Having said that I still think it is one seriously ugly car. Which is a shame. But what a disappointment from CAR magazine.
Rant over

Have to agree in part with you about the styling, i was also very disappointed when i first saw it.
Thought they 'just' missed a great oportunity to do something really out there and cutting edge.
Having said that, i quite like the looks of the LWB Statesman/Caprice versions.
I feel Cadillac have done alot better in the looks department with the next CTS, much more to my liking.
I think if you were to put a VE next to a 2008 CTS, let alone the new CTS-V, the Holden would immediately look very dated.
But then again, please dont flame me, im just a grumpy old bugga.
2008 CTS.
I do agree with the article about the interior quality though.
IMHO its a step back in dash quality (not style) from the earlier models which had alot more softer feel materials.
To me, the VE's dash plastics look cheap, hard and less forgiving than a Taliban elder!
One thing they got wrong was saying the GTS is a lesser model.
Not so. In Australia the Clubsport R8 costs $62,890, the GTS $74,990.
Thought they 'just' missed a great oportunity to do something really out there and cutting edge.
Having said that, i quite like the looks of the LWB Statesman/Caprice versions.
I feel Cadillac have done alot better in the looks department with the next CTS, much more to my liking.
I think if you were to put a VE next to a 2008 CTS, let alone the new CTS-V, the Holden would immediately look very dated.
But then again, please dont flame me, im just a grumpy old bugga.
2008 CTS.
I do agree with the article about the interior quality though.
IMHO its a step back in dash quality (not style) from the earlier models which had alot more softer feel materials.
To me, the VE's dash plastics look cheap, hard and less forgiving than a Taliban elder!
One thing they got wrong was saying the GTS is a lesser model.
Not so. In Australia the Clubsport R8 costs $62,890, the GTS $74,990.
Edited by V-Car on Saturday 2nd June 06:00
o.versteer said:
That write-up is worthy more of Auto Express than a serious car magazine, clearly written by someone who hasn't got a clue what the car is but is writing from press information and a short drive. Rubbish.
Particularly the old chestnut about the interiors being not up to scratch. Give me a f*cking break. Anyone after an Audi quality interior wouldn't give this a second look anyway, it's lazy journalism from someone who understands to little about what this car is about that they don't know what else to write about.
well said thats exactly what i thoughtParticularly the old chestnut about the interiors being not up to scratch. Give me a f*cking break. Anyone after an Audi quality interior wouldn't give this a second look anyway, it's lazy journalism from someone who understands to little about what this car is about that they don't know what else to write about.
Well wait until you see it in person to judge for yourself.
I predict that Jeremy Clarkson will love the car, but bag the interior.
This is what Tom Ford said about the interior on TopGear Blogs.
www.topgear.com/blogs/drives/060-vauxhall-vxr8/
I predict that Jeremy Clarkson will love the car, but bag the interior.
This is what Tom Ford said about the interior on TopGear Blogs.
TomFord said:
There are a few clangers. The plastics quality is variable to say the least (this is where it starts to show what £35k really means compared to a BMW or Merc), but by far the most irritating bit is the handbrake. Set to fit flush with the centre console spars, the ratchet button is mounted on the topside of the lever making it just plain uncomfortable.
Add to that the fact that the moulding itself is sharp and clumsy and it beggars belief that something you touch every single time you get into the car is so nasty.
Add to that the fact that the moulding itself is sharp and clumsy and it beggars belief that something you touch every single time you get into the car is so nasty.
www.topgear.com/blogs/drives/060-vauxhall-vxr8/
Edited by V-Car on Monday 4th June 14:17
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