Tuesday 15th September 2020

Vauxhall VXR8 GTS | Spotted

This VXR8 matches a Panamera Turbo S for power and is a third of the price - also it has the 6.2-litre LSA

---

There's a first drive of the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S coming to PH very soon. We're sworn to secrecy on the specifics of the drive, though it is worth drawing attention to one detail: 630hp, the peak power figure for the new Turbo S. Which, given how fast the old Turbo was with just the 550hp, should indicate just how madly quick this new Panamera is.

Same goes for the 639hp AMG GT 63 S 4-door, the 625hp BMW M5 Competition and the 600hp Audi RS7. Any four-door saloon, even one that weighs as much as a small island, is seriously potent with 600hp or more. So what about the Vauxhall-badged one?

Hang on, you're thinking; there's no such thing as a 600hp four-door Vauxhall, Matthew. And that's correct: the VXR8 bowed out with a mere 585hp, the GTS-R doing a superb job of reminding the world just what would be lost (namely, a lot of fun) with the demise of Australian imports. This GTS, however, isn't quite standard, even if the paint somehow is.

Thanks to the work of Walkinshaw Performance (who else?), this particular VXR8 is now producing more than 630hp. That's achieved through nothing more than an air intake and a remap, showing how much headroom there is in the famed 6.2 LSA. There are internet tales of more than 700hp with nothing more than bolt on mods, so the power hungry should be well sated by the VXR8.

Moreover, if the old GTS-R was anything to go by, the car is more than capable of handling the performance. During a day's testing the VXR8 held its own on any kind of road (and Donington Park); capable, enjoyable and richly rewarding whatever the situation. The latest crop of super saloons would leave the Vauxhall behind even with the extra power, of course, but as a driving experience it's hard to pick much fault with, assuming you like the thought of managing that sort of power through a single driven axle and a six-speed manual gear box. It's a good car as well as being good fun, the VXR8, and you'd be amazed how seldom those two attributes combine.

If ever an advert spoke of enthusiast ownership, it's the one for this Vauxhall. Despite having only covered 12,000 miles since 2014, it's been serviced five times at Walkinshaw's. That's in addition to the seemingly flawless condition inside and out, the big comfy chairs apparently unsat in and the red crackle cover atop the V8 without a mark on it. The GTS could almost pass for brand new, were it not for that fact that orange, V8 saloons seem so silly nowadays that it could never ever have a 70-plate on.

The Vauxhall-badged Holdens were always good value in the UK, and that remained true for the GTS. Granted, the run-out GTS-R stretched that notion a bit with its £74k asking price (the standard GTS cost just £54,999 when it was launched) which means a price today of £42,500 is maybe not necessarily the drop you would expect, perhaps reflective of the car's rarity and status.

But let's not swerve round the point: this much power, used so little, for the price of a 340i is why a nation grew to love the power-mad Holdens over the course of a decade or so. As the world moves further from that slightly silly approach to the scalpel-sharp supersaloon, expect a dedicated band of followers to cling onto the thunder from down under. And if you haven't had the pleasure - trust us on this one - after about 10 minutes, it all makes sense. Probably more so in this GTS than any other.

---

SPECIFICATION | VAUXHALL VXR8 GTS

Engine: 6,162cc, supercharged V8
Transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 595@6,150rpm
Torque (lb ft): 546@3,850rpm
MPG: 18
CO2: 363g/km
Year registered: 2014
Recorded mileage: 12,550
Price new: £54,999
Yours for: £42,500

See the original advert here

[dvinell]

It's a fun and desirable car that sounds amazing and goes well once up to speed off the line, but at the time I was doing high mileages, and the fuel consumption would have bankrupted me.
The other issue is around rustproofing - I'm not sure how many salty winters these will survive compared to a C63 or E63.

[s m]

dvinell said:

It's a fun and desirable car that sounds amazing and goes well once up to speed off the line, but at the time I was doing high mileages, and the fuel consumption would have bankrupted me.
The other issue is around rustproofing - I'm not sure how many salty winters these will survive compared to a C63 or E63.

Yes, I’d have it rustproofed before using it on salty roads
A small price to pay if you want a super saloon with a manual box ( and don’t want a BMW )

[Court_S]

I quite like these. They make an incredible noise.

This one in orange looks good. Pretty much everyone I’ve seen has been red.

[dinkel]

Ollie!

[SturdyHSV]

It's a yes from me... obviously

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

That has got to be one of the ugliest cars around. Cracking engine, but that's about it IMO.

[cerb4.5lee]

6.2 V8...3 pedals and RWD...count me in.

[PomBstard]

Also used as unmarked Motorway Patrol cars in NSW. In that colour, too.

[DaveyBoyWonder]

Regardless of whether its got a 6.2l supercharged V8, is £42k for a 6 year old Vauxhall not OTT? I mean, given what else you could get for similar money at that age?

Quick browse of AT for 45k max: 2 year old M4, 2 year old Cayman, delivery mileage C43, 5 year old RS6, basically new Supra, 4 year old C63, various I8s, Maserati Granturismo, Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio, year old M2 with 1k miles on it........ basically hundreds of more desirable (to me) options than the VXR8.

[TypeRTim]

DaveyBoyWonder said:

Regardless of whether its got a 6.2l supercharged V8, is £42k for a 6 year old Vauxhall not OTT? I mean, given what else you could get for similar money at that age?

Quick browse of AT for 45k max: 2 year old M4, 2 year old Cayman, delivery mileage C43, 5 year old RS6, basically new Supra, 4 year old C63, various I8s, Maserati Granturismo, Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio, year old M2 with 1k miles on it........ basically hundreds of more desirable (to me) options than the VXR8.

You've massively missed the point mate. M4, lacking around about a Golf GTi in bhp, Cayman is lacking 2 cylinders (if it isn't a 718) a wedge of power and 2 seats, c43 you're missing around 300bhp 2 cylinders and a pedal, RS6...yawn.

Don't view it as a vauxhall. It's basically a 4 door Corvette Z06. To me, a hell of a lot more desirable than any car you listed above save possibly for the Maserati. To each their own though! Replace the vauxhall badges back to HSV badges and you're golden.

[anonymous-user]

dinkel said:

Ollie!

Ah yes, I remember that one. It was "quite quick" on the DSR!

[DaveyBoyWonder]

TypeRTim said:

You've massively missed the point mate. M4, lacking around about a Golf GTi in bhp, Cayman is lacking 2 cylinders (if it isn't a 718) a wedge of power and 2 seats, c43 you're missing around 300bhp 2 cylinders and a pedal, RS6...yawn.

Don't view it as a vauxhall. It's basically a 4 door Corvette Z06. To me, a hell of a lot more desirable than any car you listed above save possibly for the Maserati. To each their own though! Replace the vauxhall badges back to HSV badges and you're golden.

I did say, in my opinion. To me any of the cars I listed whilst maybe not being on my "dream car for £45k" list would all be much more desirable (to me) than a bright orange Vauxhall/Holden/etc that looks like its been designed by a testosterone fuelled Forza addict. I can see why the combination of 4 doors, big engine, lots of noise and the looks might appeal to some. Just does nothing for me, especially not for north of 42 grand!

[Augustus Windsock]

TypeRTim said:

DaveyBoyWonder said:

Regardless of whether its got a 6.2l supercharged V8, is £42k for a 6 year old Vauxhall not OTT? I mean, given what else you could get for similar money at that age?

Quick browse of AT for 45k max: 2 year old M4, 2 year old Cayman, delivery mileage C43, 5 year old RS6, basically new Supra, 4 year old C63, various I8s, Maserati Granturismo, Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio, year old M2 with 1k miles on it........ basically hundreds of more desirable (to me) options than the VXR8.

You've massively missed the point mate. M4, lacking around about a Golf GTi in bhp, Cayman is lacking 2 cylinders (if it isn't a 718) a wedge of power and 2 seats, c43 you're missing around 300bhp 2 cylinders and a pedal, RS6...yawn.

Don't view it as a vauxhall. It's basically a 4 door Corvette Z06. To me, a hell of a lot more desirable than any car you listed above save possibly for the Maserati. To each their own though! Replace the vauxhall badges back to HSV badges and you're golden.

I was thinking about it’s cost and how relatively low-key-rent’ the interior is compared to its Germanic rivals but your comment ‘It’s basically a 4 door Corvette Z06’ resonated with me and I realised how astute a comment that is
Still quite a bit of money to be fair but, yes, I would.

[TypeRTim]

DaveyBoyWonder said:

I did say, in my opinion. To me any of the cars I listed whilst maybe not being on my "dream car for £45k" list would all be much more desirable (to me) than a bright orange Vauxhall/Holden/etc that looks like its been designed by a testosterone fuelled Forza addict. I can see why the combination of 4 doors, big engine, lots of noise and the looks might appeal to some. Just does nothing for me, especially not for north of 42 grand!

Fair enough mate.

To me, v8, supercharger whine, 3 pedals and rwd are all dream daily specs. Had my eye on importing the 'tourer' version of these for a long time, but almost impossible to find a manual!

[Hamo86]

Been a few and every time they put a huge smile on my face. If the whine of the blower doesn’t put a smile on your face then you must be dead in the inside lol
Would love one of these in my garage but the price of em atm in Oz is just criminal especially for a manual so will be looking a second hand C63 in the next 6 months!!!!
Also give me the Maloo version too please

[big_rob_sydney]

TypeRTim said:

DaveyBoyWonder said:

Regardless of whether its got a 6.2l supercharged V8, is £42k for a 6 year old Vauxhall not OTT? I mean, given what else you could get for similar money at that age?

Quick browse of AT for 45k max: 2 year old M4, 2 year old Cayman, delivery mileage C43, 5 year old RS6, basically new Supra, 4 year old C63, various I8s, Maserati Granturismo, Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio, year old M2 with 1k miles on it........ basically hundreds of more desirable (to me) options than the VXR8.

You've massively missed the point mate. M4, lacking around about a Golf GTi in bhp, Cayman is lacking 2 cylinders (if it isn't a 718) a wedge of power and 2 seats, c43 you're missing around 300bhp 2 cylinders and a pedal, RS6...yawn.

Don't view it as a vauxhall. It's basically a 4 door Corvette Z06. To me, a hell of a lot more desirable than any car you listed above save possibly for the Maserati. To each their own though! Replace the vauxhall badges back to HSV badges and you're golden.

If all you're interested in is bhp, then I'm sure you could find more bhp for less money. But a car isn't just bhp. The drivetrain is agricultural, at best. Compare it with some other £42,000 cars, and this would seem like it was from the stone age. Why do you suppose so many DSG equipped cars are quicker in their performance stats (you know, in the real world of roads, as opposed to the pub bore top trumps bullst so many people lose themselves in...)?

You could easily have a 2017 Alfa QF, for similar money, gets around 27 mpg, and does 0-62 in 3.9 seconds. And that's before even getting a remap, which I'm reliably informed can take you from 510 bhp, up to around 600, with impressive gains across the performance metrics again. But why would you bother with that, when the standard Alfa is such a beautiful car to look at, and already goes well enough, is newer, and is arguably ever bit as good, if not better? Imo, it does everything better that I need out of a car, but that's just my criteria.

Hell, even a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance is not far off this price (asking £49k), or you could look at many, many Nissan GTR's, with Litchfield Stage 4 upgrades, that are faster and more powerful.

I just don't see the value in the car at all, and I havent even started on the quality control. I owned a Commodore in Australia for 7 years, and was so happy to be rid of it in the end. My mechanic actually cried when I told him I'd sold it.

[TypeRTim]

Augustus Windsock said:

I was thinking about it’s cost and how relatively low-key-rent’ the interior is compared to its Germanic rivals but your comment ‘It’s basically a 4 door Corvette Z06’ resonated with me and I realised how astute a comment that is
Still quite a bit of money to be fair but, yes, I would.

Everyone gets hung up on the badge first without actually appreciating the internals. I drove a c7 Grandsport and the engine alone had so much character it dominated the experience. That was the naturally aspirated version of the LS. The supercharged one must be bloody mental! Plus, these cars may not be set up for Nurburgring lap times or heavy circuit driving - but you don't take one of these things to the circuit often! They are big, characterful lumps with the same basic mechanical package as a Corvette.

If that isn't desirable...

[TypeRTim]

big_rob_sydney said:

If all you're interested in is bhp, then I'm sure you could find more bhp for less money. But a car isn't just bhp. The drivetrain is agricultural, at best. Compare it with some other £42,000 cars, and this would seem like it was from the stone age. Why do you suppose so many DSG equipped cars are quicker in their performance stats (you know, in the real world of roads, as opposed to the pub bore top trumps bullst so many people lose themselves in...)?

You could easily have a 2017 Alfa QF, for similar money, gets around 27 mpg, and does 0-62 in 3.9 seconds. And that's before even getting a remap, which I'm reliably informed can take you from 510 bhp, up to around 600, with impressive gains across the performance metrics again. But why would you bother with that, when the standard Alfa is such a beautiful car to look at, and already goes well enough, is newer, and is arguably ever bit as good, if not better? Imo, it does everything better that I need out of a car, but that's just my criteria.

Hell, even a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance is not far off this price (asking £49k), or you could look at many, many Nissan GTR's, with Litchfield Stage 4 upgrades, that are faster and more powerful.

I just don't see the value in the car at all, and I havent even started on the quality control. I owned a Commodore in Australia for 7 years, and was so happy to be rid of it in the end. My mechanic actually cried when I told him I'd sold it.

DSG cars are 'quicker' in the same pub bore top trumps BS that you used as a detractor, but on the road they are so much less involving unless you constantly have it in manual mode. Stage this and Stage that upgrades are also part of the pub bore top trumps that you are on about. These cars are about the character and how they make you feel when driving them, namely the massive smile you can't help but have on your face.

[Eazy71]

I can absolutely see the appeal. Here in Oz these are glorious relics of the old skool...in the UK they are gloriously mad! Even as a UK ex pat over here - I love them...not sure I’d like to tackle a northern England winter in one mind!!!

[J4CKO]

TypeRTim said:

DaveyBoyWonder said:

Regardless of whether its got a 6.2l supercharged V8, is £42k for a 6 year old Vauxhall not OTT? I mean, given what else you could get for similar money at that age?

Quick browse of AT for 45k max: 2 year old M4, 2 year old Cayman, delivery mileage C43, 5 year old RS6, basically new Supra, 4 year old C63, various I8s, Maserati Granturismo, Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio, year old M2 with 1k miles on it........ basically hundreds of more desirable (to me) options than the VXR8.

You've massively missed the point mate. M4, lacking around about a Golf GTi in bhp, Cayman is lacking 2 cylinders (if it isn't a 718) a wedge of power and 2 seats, c43 you're missing around 300bhp 2 cylinders and a pedal, RS6...yawn.

Don't view it as a vauxhall. It's basically a 4 door Corvette Z06. To me, a hell of a lot more desirable than any car you listed above save possibly for the Maserati. To each their own though! Replace the vauxhall badges back to HSV badges and you're golden.

Are these much quicker than an M4 despite the disparity in horsepower ? I know its not exactly the point but would be interesting to see how much there is in it.