The Vauxhall Monaro VXR is dead: long live the new Monaro VXR. Except this one's called the VXR8.
Yes, it's back. The VXR8 arrives on these shores in July, costing £34,995 and still housing that 6.0-litre V8. It'll also be the first VXR model available with an automatic gearbox.
However, the V8's been tweaked for more power, up from xxxbhp to 420bhp that propels it to 60mph in 4.9 seconds. Based on Australia’s Holden HSV Clubsport R8, the car's still practical, with four doors and space for all the family, a spacious boot, comfortable, long-legged cruising ability and luxuries such as climate control and leather trim.
But Vauxhall's keen to stress the the VXR8 hasn't gone soft. Driver aids such as the stability system and traction control can be turned off at the flick of a switch – ideal for track days. And the 365mm front disc brakes retard forward motion from 60mph to a standstill faster than a Lamborghini Murcielago or BMW M5, according to Vauxhall.
The auto box is a £1,400 option and slows the dash to 60 by half a second. Satnav and 20-inch wheels are also optional.
It's not the prettiest car in the world but it looks chunky enough. Welcome back...
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