RE: Driven: Vauxhall VXR8
Discussion
K50 DEL said:
and a manual box...... don't forget they've actually given it a manual.
It gets a ten for that reason alone.... that and the fact I think it's a cracking looking car though I'm not sure about the wheels in the last photo!
Well I can tell you the wheels look better in the flesh, having sat in that car last saturday. The plastic exhaust tips are another matter though on a £50k car WTF.It gets a ten for that reason alone.... that and the fact I think it's a cracking looking car though I'm not sure about the wheels in the last photo!
I'm not impressed with this road test, it just reinforces the stereotype that Australian performance cars don't really handle, that they are unpolished performers, all lairy oversteer and not much else. This is complete crap, you can drive one of these with a huge degree of precision, they are very rewarding to drive quickly and very capable. No excuses need to be made. End of.
shaun1275 said:
When the new Monaro was first released at home in was heralded as one of the most beautiful cars we'd ever produced (perhaps overstating the case a bit)...
Even back then I thought it was something of a Volvo C70 design ripoff, hard to say which has aged better - they both have their good and bad angles.A Monaro VXR WILL be on my drive as soon as I can afford it (or rather, as soon as I can nearly afford it enough it won't completely kill me 
). Absolutely amazing cars imo, perfect; big V8 up front, rear wheel drive, proper gearbox and not much else wrapped up in a big lazy car.
Never driven one so can't comment on these, wish they still did a V8, but... I much much prefer these to the VXR8's;
A Reader's Cars thread, Falcon G6E
). Absolutely amazing cars imo, perfect; big V8 up front, rear wheel drive, proper gearbox and not much else wrapped up in a big lazy car.Never driven one so can't comment on these, wish they still did a V8, but... I much much prefer these to the VXR8's;
A Reader's Cars thread, Falcon G6E
SleeperCell said:
Pity they dont offer the Senator spec look with the full power GTS engine. It would probably make a more sense considering that the most popular V8 sports saloons like the AMGs, BMW M5s and Audi RS models as well as the Jags are all fairly conservative looking machines. There must be a few people out there who'd love one of these but just can't stomach the retina searing ugliness that is the E2 series HSV GTS.
Actually Im lead to believe by the guys at Vauxhall that they will order whatever HSV model the customer wants. Ute, Estate and probably Senator. They are custom ordered, so dont let that stop you getting a senator! From VX: "We can also order other E3 models i.e., Clubsport, Wagon and Maloo vehicles on a sold order only basis"The Auto actually has better fuel economy as the ECU etc has more control over what gear you are in and managing torque and rpm etc. Aside from that, having driven the manual for a few years, its fun, but for a daily driver around London Id go with the A6 next time.
Edited by ringram on Wednesday 23 March 08:33
gumsie said:
peak1 said:
I beleive it is the Australian version of a redneck. White vest, mullet etc
Just as an FYI, or rather FMI. What is the english version called?Back on topic, I quite often drive an HSV GTS when I'm in Aus & it is a terrific car. If only the NSW police weren't so hot on speeding, as they have crazy low limits for the amount of distance that you need to cover......
Edited by schmalex on Wednesday 23 March 10:08
schmalex said:
gumsie said:
peak1 said:
I beleive it is the Australian version of a redneck. White vest, mullet etc
Just as an FYI, or rather FMI. What is the english version called?Back on topic, I quite often drive an HSV GTS when I'm in Aus & it is a terrific car. If only the NSW police weren't so hot on speeding, as they have crazy low limits for the amount of distance that you need to cover......
Edited by schmalex on Wednesday 23 March 10:08
Kawasicki said:
I'm not impressed with this road test, it just reinforces the stereotype that Australian performance cars don't really handle, that they are unpolished performers, all lairy oversteer and not much else. This is complete crap, you can drive one of these with a huge degree of precision, they are very rewarding to drive quickly and very capable. No excuses need to be made. End of.
agreed! been in monaro vxr and i can testify it handles well, but turn off the Tratction and you can powerslide it like a b
h! normal driving its fine, not as polished as a german but still good IMOI've still got an old Monaro. Its a 2006 MY with the bonnet nostrils and I just can't bring myself to sell it. I got it new, put bigger wheels and sticky tyres on it and used it as a daily drive for a couple of years, its still only got 40,000kms on the clock - its truly wonderful to cruise around in and an absolute steal at today's prices, I should use it more though:
I was lucky enough to win a Track Day at Rockingham, courtesy of VXR and PistonHeads, 2 years back.
Highlight of the day was driving the then-current VXR8, in the wet, under the tutilage of ex-BTCC driver Karl Jones (who was kind enough to commend me on my car control). Loved it.
I had a go in the Corsa, Astra and Insignia but kept going back to the VXR8. That was what I went there for and it didn't disappoint. My only criticism? The steering wheel felt a bit too chunky...
Highlight of the day was driving the then-current VXR8, in the wet, under the tutilage of ex-BTCC driver Karl Jones (who was kind enough to commend me on my car control). Loved it.
I had a go in the Corsa, Astra and Insignia but kept going back to the VXR8. That was what I went there for and it didn't disappoint. My only criticism? The steering wheel felt a bit too chunky...
I know something even bette than the sound of a 458 breaking my sleep. Woke up yesterday and this morning to the sounds of the F1 cars on practice around Albert Park - and I live 20 minutes away! Sorry to say weather looks like it will be a wash out on sunday it's getting wet and nippy here in Melbourne.
As for the car, I don't know of any Aussies who like the look either, but I'd still like to have a go in one.
As for the car, I don't know of any Aussies who like the look either, but I'd still like to have a go in one.
Smike said:
I reckon Merc would sell a few more C63s with a manual box
I really must say GM did us a big favour bringing these HSVs into the country - if you ever wanted a Chevy V8 and wanted RHD, there weren't many options short of importing from Oz or NZ. I have at last fulfilled my ambition with the Monaro VXR, though the supercharger did cause the insurance company to have palpitations.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff